Biodiversidade e abundância da ictiofauna associada ao cultivo orgânico de Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931)

The expansion of shrimp farming has caused a series of environmental impacts, often as a result of lack of planning and adequate management. Organic aquaculture has emerged as an alternative to conventional shrimp farming, and differently, aims at the economical, ecological and farming potential of other organisms, such as fishes, oysters and seaweeds. The present study aimed at evaluating the biological diversity and abundance of the ichthyofauna associated to Litopenaeus vannamei organic culture at PRIMAR farm (Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil). The sampling period consisted of four culture cycles (1, 2, 3, and 4) accomplished in four grow-out ponds (V1, V7, V2, and V4) in 2005. The first two culture cycles were carried out during the rainy season, and the last two cycles, during the dry season. Environmental (temperature, salinity, transparency, and rainfall), biodiversity (diversity and uniformity and abundance indexes) of the ichthyofauna, and shrimp productivity data were collected throughout these four culture cycles. The results obtained for the environmental variables showed that both salinity and transparency oscillated in a significant way (p < 0.001) between culture cycles. In relation to the abundance of the ichthyofauna, fifty four species associated to the organic culture of Litopenaeus vannamei were collected and identified at PRIMAR. For the biodiversity criterion, larger species richness (S = 46) and uniformity (E = 0.59 ± 0.16) were observed during cycles 3 and 4 than in cycles 1 and 2 (S = 41 and E = 0.15 ± 0.12). A positive and significant correlation was obtained for the transparency with diversity and uniformity of fish species between cycles 1 and 2 (wet season) and cycles 3 and 4 (dry season) (p < 0.017 - Shannon Index; p < 0.008 - Pielou Index, respectively). A correlation could not be established between shrimp productivity and fish biomass. However, fish biomass decreased from cycles 1 and 2 to cycles 3 and 4, concomitant with an increase in shrimp productivity, most probably due to a higher (from 58.0% to 71.0%) shrimp survival. Regarding the culture potential of the ichthyofauna, three species (Mugil curema, Mugil liza and Chaetodipterus faber) were identified as potential farming alternatives, either singly or in consortium with Litopenaeus vannamei. A fourth species (Centropomus undecimalis) was indicated as an alternative for single culture or in consortium with other fish species. In conclusion, the large diversity of estuarine fishes associated to Litopenaeus vannamei farming observed at PRIMAR clearly indicated the ecological feasibility for organic aquaculture in northeastern Brazil

Avaliação do potencial genotóxico e citotóxico associado a queima artesanal da castanha de caju no Município de João Câmara

The Brazil is the third largest producer of cashew nuts in the world. Despite the social and economic importance of the cashew nut, its production is still carried out artisanally. One of the main problems encountered in the cashew production chain are the conditions under which the roasting of the nut occurs to obtain the kernel from the shell. In the present study was conducted a biomonitoring of the genotoxic and cytotoxicity effects associated with the elements from the cashew nut roasting in João Câmara - RN, semi-arid region of Brazil. To assess the genotoxic was used the bioassay of micronucleus (MN) in Tradescantia pallida. In addition, it was performed a comparative between the Tradescantia pallida and KU-20 and other biomarkers of DNA damage, such as the nucleoplasmic bridges (NBP) and nuclear fragments (NF) were quantified. The levels of particulate matter (PM1.0, PM2.5, PM10) and black carbon (BC) were also measured and the inorganic chemical composition of the PM2.5 collected was determined using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry analysis and the assessment of the cytotoxicity by MTT assay and exclusion method by trypan blue. . For this purpose, were chosen: the Amarelão community where the roasting occurs and the Santa Luzia farm an area without influence of this process. The mean value of PM2.5 (Jan 2124.2 μg/m3; May 1022.2 μg/m3; Sep 1291.9 μg/m3) and BC (Jan 363.6 μg/m3; May 70.0 μg/m3; Sep 69.4 μg/m3) as well as the concentration of the elements Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Br and Pb obtained at Amarelão was significantly higher than at Santa Luzia farm. The genotoxicity tests with T. pallida indicated a significant increase in the number of MN, NBP and NF and it was found a negative correlation between the frequency of these biomarkers and the rainfall. The concentrations of 200 μg/mL and 400 μg/mL of PM2.5 were cytotoxic to MRC-5 cells. All together, the results indicated genotoxicity and citotoxicity for the community of Amarelão, and the high rates of PM2.5 considered a potential contributor to this effect, mainly by the high presence of transition metals, especially Fe, Ni, Cu, Cr and Zn, these elements have the potential to cause DNA damage. Other nuclear alterations, such as the NPBs and NFs may be used as effective biomarkers of DNA damage in tetrads of Tradescantia pallida. The results of this study enabled the identification of a serious occupational problem. Accordingly, preventative measures and better practices should be adopted to improve both the activity and the quality of life of the population. These measures are of fundamental importance for the sustainable development of this activity.

Caracterização batimétrica e fisicooceanográfica do canal de acesso ao porto de Cabedelo/PB: uma análise ambiental ao derrame de óleo

The State of Paraíba is one of the most dynamic states of Brazil, strategically located in the northeast, is notable for the excellent potential for integration of different transportation modes forming the states of Rio Grande do Norte, Pernambuco and Alagoas. The dynamic that occurs with port activity causes changes in the space where it is installed. And the elements of this space are always more than suffering direct or indirect influences as the flow in the port is expanded. Therefore, this region became subject to the accidental spillage of oil, because it presents a heavy traffic of ships of various sizes that can run aground or collide with oil causing accidental events. The study of geomorphological and sedimentological compositions of seafloor becomes important as more is known about the relationships between these parameters and associated fauna, and can identify their preferred habitats. The database background, acoustically collected along the proposed study area, is a wealth of information, which were duly examined, cataloged and made available. Such information can serve as an important tool, providing a geomorphological survey of the sedimentary area studied, and come to subsidize, in a flexible, future decision making. With the study area Port of Cabedelo, Paraíba - Brazil, this research aimed to evaluate the influence of the tidal surface and background in modeling the seabed, including the acquisition of information about the location of submerged rocky bodies and the depth of these bodies may turn out to be natural traps for the trapping of oil in case of leaks, and obtain the relationship between types of bed and the hydrodynamic conditions present in the region. In this context, for this study were collected bathymetric data (depth) and physical oceanographic (height of water column, water temperature, intensity and direction of currents, waves and turbidity), meteorological (rainfall, air temperature, humidity, winds and barometric pressure) of the access channel to the Port of Cabedelo / PB and its basin evolution (where the cruise ships dock), and includes tools of remote sensing (Landsat 7 ETM +, 2001), so that images and the results are integrated into Geographic Information Systems and used in the elaboration of measures aimed at environmental protection areas under the influence of this scale facilities, serving as a grant to prepare a contingency plan in case of oil spills in the region. The main findings highlight the techniques of using hydroacoustic data acquisition together bathymetric surveys of high and low frequency. From there, five were prepared in bathymetric pattern of Directorate of Hydrography and Navigation - DHN, with the depth in meters, on a scale of 1:2500 (Channel and Basin Evolution of Access to Port of Cabedelo), where there is a large extent possible beachrocks that hinder the movement of vessels in the port area, which can cause collisions, running aground and leaking oil. From the scatter diagram of the vectors of currents, it can be seen as the tidal stream and undergoes a channeling effect caused by the bidirectional effect of the tide (ebb and flood) in the basin of the Port of Cabedelo evolution in NW-direction SE and the highest speed of the currents occurs at low tide. The characterization weather for the period from 28/02 to 04/07/2010 values was within the expected average for the region of study. The multidisciplinary integration of products (digital maps and remote sensing images), proved to be efficient for the characterization of underwater geomorphological study area, reaching the aim to discriminate and enhance submerged structures, previously not visible in the images

Influência da profundidade e dos parâmetros ambientais sobre o desenvolvimento de Gracilaria birdiae (Rhodophyta, Gracilariales) em viveiro de camarão

This study evaluates the influence of depth and environmental parameters on the development of Gracilaria birdiae Plastino & Oliveira (Gracilariaceae Rhodophyta) in an organic shrimp pound (Litopenaeus vannamei) under euthrophical conditions. PVC structures (module) witch four ropes laden with 150 g of macroalgae each, were kept during 35 days at three different depths (surface, 10 and 20 cm depth). Wet biomass weighing and environmental parameters (temperature, salinity, turbidity, pH, transparence, precipitation, evaporation, insolation, accumulated solar radiation, nitrite, nitrate, ammonium and orthophosphate) were measured weekly. At all three proposed depths, the macroalgae displayed a higher biomass at the end of experiment than at the initial inoculations. The module kept at a 10 cm depth presented the greatest average biomass (186,3), followed by that kept at 20 cm (180,4 g) and the surface module (169,9 g). Biomass variations showed algae to suffer the direct effects of depths. Biomass loss was associated with the factors that influence light penetration, such as sediment deposits above the thallus, rate of evaporation and precipitation. The smallest loses occurred in the algae kept on surface (0,16%), followed by the algae kept at 20 cm (0,20%) and 10 cm (0,22%). The specific growth rate (SGR) of G. birdiae showed no significant difference between the three depths nor the sample periods. Nevertheless, the modules kept at 10 and 20 cm depths presented similar growth evolution, both growing 0,38%·per day-1, while the module kept on surface had an average SGR of 0,36%·day-1. The models related to growth rate demonstrated temperature, salinity, pH, orthophosphate, ammonium, precipitation and turbidity as the principal environmental parameters influencing the development of G. birdiae

Ecologia alimentar e reprodutiva da piaba-do-rabo-amarelo, Astyanax cf. lacustris (Reinhardt, 1874) (Osteichthyes: Characidae) na Lagoa do Piató, Assu, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil

The feeding habits and biological aspects of the reproductive cycle of two-spot astyanax, Astyanax cf. lacustris (Reinhardt, 1874) were investigated. Fish samples were captured on a monthly basis, using gillnets of 4 cm mesh size, from the Piató Lake, Assu, Rio Grande do Norte, during the period of September, 2006 to August, 2007. Physico-chemical parameters, such as, temperature, electrical conductivity and dissolved oxygen of the lake were registered. The monthly values of rainfall also were obtained. The 360 individuals captured, were measured, weighed, dissected, and stomach weight and the stage of gonadal maturity were registered. The stomach contents analyses were carried out based on volumetric method, points, frequency of occurrence and applying the Index of Relative Importance. The degrees of repletion of the stomachs were determined besides the Index of Repletion relating to feeding activity variations and frequency of ingestion with limnological parameters and rainfall. The food items identified were separated into distinct groups according to their origin. Sex ratio and Gonadosomatic Relation of females were verified to determine the spawning period and fecundity. The physico-chemical parameters presented the following annual mean values: temperature = 28.8ºC, electrical conductivity = 992.5 µS.cm-1; dissolved oxygen = 4.9 mg.L-1 during the study period. The annual mean of the rainfall was 63.5 mm. The results indicate that this species present an omnivorous feeding habit with a tendency towards insectivory, with an increase in feeding activity during the dry season. The aquatic oxygen to interfere very importance in the feeding activity than the others factors physico-chemicals of water and rainfall. There was a predominance of females, with a sex proportion of 1M:7F. The macroscopic characteristics of the ovaries and testicles revealed four stages of gonadal development: immature, maturing, mature and spent. A temporal variation was observed for the gonadal development of males and females. There was reproductive activity through out the year, with peaks in the months of February, April and June to correspond with the rain of precipitation of the region. The mean fecundity was 7.681 mature oocytes, varying from 4.476 to 12.036, with mean of 7.681. There was positive relation between fecundity and body mass. Condition Factor is not an efficient indicator of the reproductive period of this species. The species A. cf. lacustris is an opportunist and is well adapted to the conditions of the semi-arid Caatinga Biome

Estádios larvais e ocorrência sazonal de imaturos de Psaroniocompsa incrustata (Lutz,1910)(Diptera:Smimuliidae) no Rio Pium, município de Nísia Floesta, RN

The larval instars, seasonal occurrence and environmental factors influence on Psaroniocompsa incrustata (Lutz, 1910) (Diptera: Simuliidae) immature were studied according to its physical and chemical aspects of breeding water. Four collects were made at vegetal substrate from margin, middle and floating on the Pium river, city of Nísia Floresta, state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil at dry and wet season. Some of larval characters were used to determinate the larval instars number like lateral length of cephalic capsulae, antennae and the distance among cephalic apodema, as well as pH, water temperature, width, depth, stream velocity, discharge and pluviometric precipitation were used for physical factors. Seven larval instars were determined for this P. incrustata community being the lateral length of cephalic capsulae as the best structure with this meaning propose. The seasonality immature abundance of this species were found in dry season and a positive correlation with pH, stream velocity and precipitation

Biodiversidade e abundância da ictiofauna associada ao cultivo orgânico de Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931)

The expansion of shrimp farming has caused a series of environmental impacts, often as a result of lack of planning and adequate management. Organic aquaculture has emerged as an alternative to conventional shrimp farming, and differently, aims at the economical, ecological and farming potential of other organisms, such as fishes, oysters and seaweeds. The present study aimed at evaluating the biological diversity and abundance of the ichthyofauna associated to Litopenaeus vannamei organic culture at PRIMAR farm (Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil). The sampling period consisted of four culture cycles (1, 2, 3, and 4) accomplished in four grow-out ponds (V1, V7, V2, and V4) in 2005. The first two culture cycles were carried out during the rainy season, and the last two cycles, during the dry season. Environmental (temperature, salinity, transparency, and rainfall), biodiversity (diversity and uniformity and abundance indexes) of the ichthyofauna, and shrimp productivity data were collected throughout these four culture cycles. The results obtained for the environmental variables showed that both salinity and transparency oscillated in a significant way (p < 0.001) between culture cycles. In relation to the abundance of the ichthyofauna, fifty four species associated to the organic culture of Litopenaeus vannamei were collected and identified at PRIMAR. For the biodiversity criterion, larger species richness (S = 46) and uniformity (E = 0.59 ± 0.16) were observed during cycles 3 and 4 than in cycles 1 and 2 (S = 41 and E = 0.15 ± 0.12). A positive and significant correlation was obtained for the transparency with diversity and uniformity of fish species between cycles 1 and 2 (wet season) and cycles 3 and 4 (dry season) (p < 0.017 - Shannon Index; p < 0.008 - Pielou Index, respectively). A correlation could not be established between shrimp productivity and fish biomass. However, fish biomass decreased from cycles 1 and 2 to cycles 3 and 4, concomitant with an increase in shrimp productivity, most probably due to a higher (from 58.0% to 71.0%) shrimp survival. Regarding the culture potential of the ichthyofauna, three species (Mugil curema, Mugil liza and Chaetodipterus faber) were identified as potential farming alternatives, either singly or in consortium with Litopenaeus vannamei. A fourth species (Centropomus undecimalis) was indicated as an alternative for single culture or in consortium with other fish species. In conclusion, the large diversity of estuarine fishes associated to Litopenaeus vannamei farming observed at PRIMAR clearly indicated the ecological feasibility for organic aquaculture in northeastern Brazil

Biologia alimentar e morfohistologia do tubo digestório do mussum, synbranchus marmoratus, bloch (osteichthyes: synbranchidae) no açude Marechal Dutra Gargalheiras , localizado no semi-árido brasileiro

Food habits and morpho-histology of the digestive tract of marbled swamp eel, Synbranchus marmoratus (Block, 1917) were investigated. The fish samples were captured during August, 2007 to July, 2008 in the Marechal Dutra reservoir, Acari, Rio Grande do Norte. The rain fall data was obtained from EMPARN. The fish captured, were measured, weighed, dissected, eviscerated and individual stomach weights were registered. The stomach contents analyses were carried out based on volumetric method, points, frequency of occurrence and applying the Index of Relative Importance. The degrees of repletion of the stomachs were determined besides the Index of Repletion relating to feeding activity variations and frequency of ingestion during the rainy and dry seasons. The rainfall varied from 0 mm a 335 mm with a mean value of 71.62 mm. Highest rainfall of 335.5 mm was registered in March, 2008 and August to December was the dry period. During the dry period the study species presented high degrees of repletion of the stomachs, with a peak value in the month of September (mean = 4.54; ± SD = 0.56). The minimum mean value of = 3.99 ± SD = 0.25 was registered in the month of May during the rainy period. The stomach contents of S. marmoratus registered show that this fish prefers animals, 78.22% of crustaceans 2.85% of mollusks, 3.25% of fish, 1.4% of insects and 13.5% of semi-digested organic matter, thus characterizing the study species as a carnivore with a preference for crustaceans. The morpho-histological aspects of the digestive tract of S. marmoratus indicate that the mouth is terminal adapted to open widely, thin lips with taste buds, small villiform teeth forming a single series on maxillas, four pairs of branchial arches with short and widely spaced branchial rays. The oesophagus is short and cylindrical with a small diameter. The oesophagus wall is thick with mucas surface and internal parallel folds. The stomach is retilinical in form, presenting cardiac, caecal and pyloric portions. The caecal portion is long and is intermediary in position between the cardiac and pyloric portions. The cardiac portion of the stomach is short and cylindrical formed of simple epithelial cylindrical mucus cells. The caecal portion is long with narrow walls, a big cavity and smaller folds which give rise to gastric glands. The phyloric portion has no glands and primary or secondary mucas folds. The morphohistological aspects of the digestive tract of S. marmoratus indicate its adaptation to a carnivorous feeding habit

Estimation of climatological water deficit in an experimental watershed in the brazilian cerrado.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to estimate the probability of climatological water deficit in an experimental watershed in the Cerrado biome, located in the central plateau of Brazil. For that, it was used a time series of 31 years (1982?2012). The probable climatological water deficit was calculated by the difference between rainfall and probable reference evapotranspiration, on a decennial scale. The reference evapotranspiration (ET0) was estimated by the standard FAO-56 Penman-Monteith method. To estimate water deficit, it was used gamma distribution, time series of rainfall and reference evapotranspiration. The adherence of the estimated probabilities to the observed data was verified by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov nonparametric test, with significance level (a-0.05), which presented a good adjustment to the distribution models. It was observed a climatological water deficit, in greater or lesser intensity, between the annual decennials 2 and 32.

Aproveitamento de nitrogênio por plantas de milho em resposta à adubação nitrogenada a base de zeólita enriquecida com uréia.

Novas tecnologias têm sido testadas para aumentar a eficiência do uso de fertilizantes nitrogenados pelas culturas, como é o caso do uso dos fertilizantes de liberação lenta. Pesquisas recentes mostram que o uso das zeólitas em associação a uréia nas adubações, pode aumentar a eficiência agronômica do N em algumas culturas. Visando avaliar o aproveitamento do nitrogênio por plantas de milho em função da aplicação de fertilizantes nitrogenados de liberação lenta a base de zeólita enriquecida com uréia, um experimento foi conduzido em um Latossolo Amarelo distrófico, textura muito argilosa, em Paragominas-PA. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso, em parcelas subdivididas, com oito tratamentos e quatro repetições, correspondentes a duas fontes de N (uréia comum e zeólita enriquecida com uréia), nas parcelas, e quatro níveis de N (0, 50%, 100% e 150% da dose recomendada para a cultura do milho), nas subparcelas. A aplicação de zeólita enriquecida com uréia não difere da uréia convencional no aproveitamento de N pelas plantas de milho, em condições de elevada precipitação pluviométrica. A aumento da dose N aplicada no solo promove aumento nos teores e quantidades acumuladas do nutriente nas folhas, colmo e grãos

Ciclagem de nutrientes através da liteira em floresta, capoeira e consórcios com plantas perenes.

A circulação de nutrientes no complexo planta-liteira-solo depende não somente do ecossistema em si, mas, também, dos fatores externos a ele. Um desses fatores é a precipitação pluviométrica, a qual possui forte influencia sobre o desenvolvimento das plantar, com consequências na deposição de material vegetal e na ciclagem dos nutrientes. Espera-se que haja diferenças em termos de ciclagem de nutrientes, quando se tratado ecossistemas naturais e agroecossistemas. O presente trabalho foi desenvolvido no Município de Capitão Poço, microrregião Guajarina, situada no Nordeste do Estado do Pará, tendo como objetivo a comparação do estoque de liteira em ecossistemas naturais (floresta primaria e capoeira) e agroecossistemas, e avaliar a contribuição dos referidos estoques no armazenamento dos nutrientes ao longo do ano. Os resultados obtidos indicam diferenças entre os sistemas estudados que se devem, principalmente. a velocidade de decomposição da liteira no period° mais seco do ano. Conclui-se que o N esta mais presente na liteira da floresta, enquanto o P e o Mg estão na de consorcio de castanheira-do-brasil com cacaueiro. A considerável variação nos estoques de liteiras dos ambientes estudados ao longo do ano acarreta flutuações nas quantidades de nutrientes armazenados.

Aspectos fenológicos do jucá - Libidibia ferrea Martius ex Tul. (Fabaceae).

Libidibia ferrea pertence à familia Fabaceae, nativa da Mata Atlântica. Suas propriedades medicinais compreendem tratamento de feridas, contusões, antidiarréicos, anticatarrais e cicatrizantes. Os estudos sobre a fenologia oferecem meios de conhecimento para o entendimento sobre seu ciclo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o período de frutificação e floração do jucá, e sua interação com a precipitação pluviométrica, com o intuito de identificar a época mais indicada para a coleta e utilização das folhas. Para as observações fenológicas, foram selecionados 7 indivíduos de jucá. As avaliações foram realizadas diariamente, pela manhã, durante o período de janeiro de 2012 a dezembro de 2015. As maiores médias de números de dias de floração ocorreram nos meses de janeiro, abril, maio e junho, respectivamente com 10,5; 10,8; 12,5 e 12,5 coincidindo com o período chuvoso. Quanto à frutificação, a maior média de números de dias ocorreu no mês de setembro, com 13,5 dias, coincidindo com o período de menor precipitação pluviométrica. As menores médias de números de dias de frutificação foram registradas nos meses de abril e junho, com 0,8 e 3 dias, respectivamente. Os meses indicados para coleta e uso das folhas são os que apresentaram as menores médias de dias das fenofases.

Aspectos fenológicos da quina - Quassia amara L. (Simaroubaceae).

Quassia amara L. é um arbusto pertencente à família Simaroubaceae, conhecida popularmente como Quina, sendo originária da América Tropical, principalmente do norte do Brasil. É utilizada na medicina popular, possuindo ações em afecções sanguíneas, dermatológicas, dores em geral, febre, malária, adstringente, diarréia, cólicas e congestões hepáticas. Possui ainda, propriedades farmacológicas como antileucêmicas e anticarcinogênicas. O comportamento fenológico dessa espécie, tratando-se de sua floração e frutificação, conduz estudos para utilização da planta como elemento para produção de derivados e uso medicinais. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o período de floração e frutificação da Quina de janeiro de 2012 a dezembro de 2015, objetivando identificar o melhor período para coleta e utilização das folhas. Os valores de precipitação pluviométrica foram fornecidos pelo Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET), utilizando-se a média acumulada mensal de precipitação. Para as observações fenológicas, foram selecionados 10 indivíduos de Quina (Quassia amara L). Ocorreu floração e frutificação durante todos os meses do ano. Os meses que obtiveram maiores médias foram abril, outubro e setembro com 22; 16,2 e 15 dias, respectivamente. As fenofases foram influenciadas pela precipitação pluviométrica.

Avaliação fenológica da espécie Pilocarpus microphyllus Stapf ex Wardleworth. (Rutaceae).

O jaborandi (Pilocarpus microphyllus Stapf ex Wardleworth) pertence à família Rutaceae. É considerado o jaborandi verdadeiro por possuir maiores teores de pilocarpina em suas folhas e por isso é o mais intensamente coletado. Estudos sobre fenologia abordam os diferentes eventos biológicos repetitivos que ocorrem durante o ciclo de vida das plantas, como o florescimento e a frutificação. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o período de floração e frutificação de um acesso de P. microphyllus, pertencentes ao Banco Ativo de Germoplasma da Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, cultivado em dois ambientes, a pleno sol e à sombra. Foram registrados diariamente, no período de janeiro de 2012 a dezembro de 2015, os dados de floração e frutificação. Os dados coletados foram anotados em fichas de campo e tabulados em planilhas do Excel. Os valores de precipitação pluviométrica foram fornecidos pelo Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET). Para os dois ambientes, o acesso Merk apresentou as menores médias de número de dias de floração no mês de novembro, com 5,8 dias, coincidindo com o menor índice de precipitação pluviométrica. O acesso Merk cultivado a pleno sol apresentou maiores médias de número de dias de frutificação nos meses de março e abril com 21,2 e 18,8 dias, respectivamente, sendo que o ápice de frutificação coincidiu com o índice de precipitação elevado. Existe diferença na fenologia do acesso Merk entre os ambientes estudados

Aspectos fenológicos de açoita-cavalo - Luehea divaricata Mart. (Tiliaceae).

A espécie Luehea divaricata Mart. (Tiliaceae), conhecida popularmente como açoita-cavalo é arbórea e pode chegar até 30 m de altura. A ocorrência de açoita-cavalo vai desde o sul da Bahia até o Rio Grande do Sul. Essa espécie possui diversas utilidades, como para construção de cadeiras, hélices de avião, caixotaria, móveis, molduras, construções internas e compensadas. Também é amplamente utilizada por comunidades tradicionais para fins medicinais. Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar as fenofases de frutificação e floração do açoita-cavalo e verificar se há relação destas com a precipitação pluviométrica, com o objetivo de determinar quais os meses indicados para coleta de folhas e propagação da espécie. Foram selecionados 8 indivíduos de açoita-cavalo para as inferências fenológicas. Os valores de precipitação pluviométrica foram fornecidos pelo Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET), utilizando-se a média acumulada mensal para o período de janeiro de 2012 a dezembro de 2015. Os meses com maiores médias de dias contendo fenofases foram outubro e novembro com 20,2 e 14,5 dias de floração e frutificação, respectivamente. O mês que obteve as menores médias foi julho com 5,2 dias de floração e 4,5 de frutificação. A precipitação pluviométrica influenciou na ocorrência de floração e frutificação. Julho é o mês mais indicado para coleta de folhas e os meses de outubro e novembro para coleta de sementes para propagação da espécie.