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ABSTRACT: This study was conducted with the aim of analyzing the implications of removing the parameters from the mathematical model on the results of path analysis, with oats grown in different years and agricultural scenarios (with and without fungicide). For this, two field trials were conducted in southern Brazil, in five years of growth. The experimental design used in trial I (with fungicide application) was randomized complete blocks (RCB), in a 22 × 4 bifactorial arrangement, characterized by twenty-two oat cultivars and four fungicide applications. For trial II (without fungicide application) the RCB design was used, and the treatments were characterized by twenty-two oat cultivars, with three replications. The traits measured were panicle length, panicle mass, number of spikelets, number of grains, grain mass, and grain yield. For each year, data group, and scenario, the correlation coefficients between the explanatory variables and grain yield were calculated. The diagnosis of multicollinearity indicated violation of the statistical assumption, so it was necessary to proceed with a path analysis under multicollinearity (ridge). The removal of parameters from the mathematical model caused changes in the linear relationships between the oat yield traits, with the maintenance of the linear correlation coefficients in 3.30% and 20% of the situations, for the scenarios with and without fungicide application, respectively. Regarding the path coefficients, it was observed that the direct effects were maintained in 3.30% and 30% and indirect effects in 7.33% and 24.67% of the situations, for the scenarios with and without fungicide application, respectively.

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi investigar a ocorrência de enterobactérias em passeriformes do gênero Sporophila, provenientes do tráfico ilegal de animais, e analisar sua resistência antimicrobiana. Um total de 35 aves, aparentemente saudáveis e provenientes de criações ilegais, foram encaminhadas ao Laboratório de Estudos Ornitológicos da Universidade Estadual do Ceará (Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil) por órgãos ambientais. Amostras obtidas a partir de suabes cloacais foram coletadas de cada ave e submetidas a processamento microbiológico tradicional, utilizando técnicas padrão de cultivo e identificação bacteriana. O teste de sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos foi avaliado pelo método de disco de difusão. Das amostras examinadas, 23 (65,7%) apresentaram a presença de enterobactérias, sendo Escherichia coli (28,6%) e Serratia liquefaciens (25,7%) as mais frequentes. A resistência antimicrobiana referente aos isolados totais foi observada com mais frequência em relação à ciprofloxacina (28,1%), seguida por tetraciclina (25,0%) e enrofloxacina (18,8%). Especificamente em relação à Serratia liquefaciens, a taxa de resistência foi a mais altas, atingindo 66,6% dos isolados. Com base nos resultados obtidos, podemos concluir que as amostras cloacais das aves apresentaram isolamento de diversos membros da ordem Enterobacteriales, sendo E. coli e S. liquefaciens as mais frequentes. Também foi observada a ocorrência de resistência antimicrobiana a diversos fármacos utilizados, assim como casos de multiresistência, o que mostra que esse problema está presente em pássaros silvestres oriundo de manutenções ilegais. Isso ressalta a necessidade de considerar a presença de bactérias resistentes a antimicrobianos em programas de soltura, visando evitar a dispersão desses microrganismos no meio ambiente.

ABSTRACT: Plant selection conducted in commercial orchards is mainly based on plant features. This study characterizes and selects acerola tree genotypes with promising features for cultivation in the Gurguéia Valley region, Piauí. Twenty-five genotypes were used, consisting of 15 clones (CL 03, CL 08, CL 09, CL 12, CL 13, CL 14, CL 20, CL 23, CL 26, CL 27, CL 30, CL 31, CL 33, CL 36, and CL 38) and 10 cultivars (BRS 235, BRS 236, BRS 237, BRS 238, BRS 366, Sertaneja, Costa Rita, Morena, Tropicana, and Junko). The experiment was set up in a randomized block design with three blocks and three plants per experimental unit in 4 m x 3 m spacing. A total of 40% of the genotypes evaluated showed an umbrella shape, 36% showed a semi-open shape, and 24% showed an open shape. Clones 09, 14, and 12 presented the highest cultivation potential in the region, with monthly production of 5.01, 4.30, and 3.70 kg plant-¹ per year and productivity of 4.16, 3.59, and 3. 08-ton ha-¹, respectively. Clone 27, cultivars BRS 236 and BRS 235, and clone 14 were the earliest genotypes, requiring 1,503.3, 1,535.6, 1,686.6, and 1,686.6 DD; respectively, to complete their cycle. Clones 09 and 14 stood out from the others and are potentially promising for cultivation in the Gurgueia Valley region.

Specialty crops enhance food security, biodiversity, and economic resilience, relying on high-quality seeds. However, there is a gap in understanding how to enhance seed quality under specific conditions. This study addresses this gap by proposing that optimizing harvesting and drying can improve specialty crop seed quality. A literature review spanning 2000–2023 was conducted, followed by a meta-analysis to measure effect sizes. From an initial pool of 1589 documents, 45 met the criteria for further analysis. The results indicated that harvesting seeds at intermediate times significantly increased the logarithmic response ratio (LRR), with LRRs of 1.7 for germination and 2 for seedling count compared with early harvesting. Regarding drying methods, no significant differences were found between artificial and natural methods. However, optimal drying temperatures (30–60 °C) were identified, ensuring adequate moisture levels (10–20%) for a germination percentage of 50–100%. The variability in these findings was attributed to the twelve diverse species analyzed. Although the results supported the study’s hypothesis, limited and inconsistent data prevented the determination of optimal conditions for each species, indicating a need for further research. Despite these limitations, the study provides insights into optimizing harvesting and drying to enhance seed quality in specialty crops, contributing to emerging science in this domain.

ABSTRACT: Vale do Ribeira is one of the largest banana producing regions in Brazil. However, information on soil fertility and nutrient status that could limit fruit production remains scarce. Thus, the present study diagnosed the most limiting nutrient parameters for the Nanica and Prata banana cultivars, in Vale do Ribeira, São Paulo State, based on soil and leaf chemical analyses. The data assessed included samples from commercial plantations in the municipalities of Eldorado, Cajati, Jacupiranga, Pariquera-açú, Registro and Sete Barras, between 2012 and 2020. The results of soil (pH, V, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) and leaf chemical analyses (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) were interpreted according to literature values and their maximums, minimums, means, coefficients of variation (CV), and confidence intervals (CI) were calculated at P < 0.05. Parameter classes were assessed according to their frequency distribution. A large part of the samples exhibited pH and V values similar to those recommended for banana plants. Although, average soil nutrient concentrations were considered high, soil K, Mg and S levels did not provide adequate banana plant nutrition, since these nutrients were deficient in the plants.

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of adding agro-industrial by-products (soybean hulls and cornprocessing residue) and bacterial inoculant to Tifton 85 forage at ensiling on nutritional quality and bacterial colonization of resulting silages. The design was completely randomized in a 3 × 2 factorial scheme, with 6 treatments and 4 replicates. Treatments were: Tifton 85 forage; Tifton 85 + soybean hulls; Tifton 85 + corn-processing residue; Tifton 85 + bacterial inoculant; Tifton 85 + soybean hulls + inoculant; and Tifton 85 + corn-processing residue + inoculant. Inclusion of by-products increased dry matter and organic matter percentages of silages, while addition of soybean hulls improved crude protein concentration in silage. Total digestible nutrients in silages containing by-products were higher than in straight Tifton 85 silage. In addition, addition of by-products increased in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibilities of resulting silages. Most treatments showed aerobic stability up to 144 hours after exposure to air, except for Tifton 85 + corn-processing residue without inoculant, which became unstable by 120 hours of exposure. Addition of by-products at ensiling of Tifton 85 forage appears beneficial but there seems little benefit in adding bacterial inoculant. More studies on a larger scale are needed to confirm these preliminary results, while feeding studies would determine any improvement in animal performance when fed silage containing by-products.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on 50 Dutch broiler farms. Of 145 persons living and/or working on these farms, eight tested positive for MRSA (5.5%). Investigation of 250 pooled throat samples of broilers and 755 dust samples resulted in four farms where MRSA-positive samples were present (8.0%). All isolates belonged to the CC398 complex. Living and/or working on a MRSA-positive farm was a risk for MRSA carriage; 66.7% of people on positive farms were MRSA positive vs. 1.5% on negative farms (P<0.0001). Due to the low number of positive farms and persons, and high similarity in farm management, it was impossible to draw statistically valid conclusions on other risk factors. For broiler farming, both farm and human MRSA prevalence seem much lower than for pig or veal farming. However, MRSA carriage in people living and/or working on broiler farms is higher compared to the general human population in The Netherlands (5.5% vs. <0.1%). As broiler husbandry systems are not unique to The Netherlands, this might imply that people in contact with live broilers are at risk for MRSA carriage worldwide.

In the recent years, multiple ways of interaction between the fields of nanotechnology and biology have been opened, mainly in the biomedical research, with the development of tools for diagnosis and controlled delivery of substances. (1,2) On the other hand, in the field of plant biology, the interaction between both disciplines has been less frequent. Most of the published work on this field has focus in the environmental impact of nanoparticles on crop growth and development; (3,4) and also on the bio production of nanoparticles using plant extracts (reviewed in (5) , as an example see also (6,7,8)). Much less attention has taken other possible aspects of the interrelationship between nanotechnology and plant biology, such as the development of nanodevices for controlled delivery of drugs or different kind of substances, (9,10) in a similar way to that already developed in the medical research., (© 2010 Landes Bioscience)

This review presents a critical and comprehensive documentation and analysis of the developments in agricultural, environmental, molecular, and physiological studies related to Azospirillum cells, and to Azospirillum interactions with plants, based solely on information published between 1997 and 2003. It was designed as an update of previous reviews (Bashan and Levanony 1990; Bashan and Holguin 1997a), with a similar scope of interest. Apart from an update and critical analysis of the current knowledge, this review focuses on the central issues of Azospirillum research today, such as, (i) physiological and molecular studies as a general model for rhizosphere bacteria; (ii) co-inoculation with other microorganisms; (iii) hormonal studies and re-consideration of the nitrogen contribution by the bacteria under specific environmental conditions; (iv) proposed Azospirillum as a non-specific plant-growth-promoting bacterium; (v) re-introduction of the "Additive Hypothesis," which suggests involvement of multiple mechanisms employed by the bacteria to affect plant growth; (vi) comment on the less researched areas, such as inoculant and pesticide research; and (vii) proposes possible avenues for the exploitation of this bacterium in environmental areas other than agriculture.

The off-season period for açaí palm production cause social and economic problems that affect producers and consumers. Two species are used for açaí pulp production, Euterpe oleracea and E. precatoria. These species have some distinct characteristics, including the harvest period. The cultivation of açaí palm is expanding in the metropolitan region of Manaus, state of Amazonas, AM, and there are no studies on the harvest period of these species under cultivated conditions in this region. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reproductive phenophases of the açaí palm E. oleracea and E. precatoria grown in the metropolitan region of Manaus, state of Amazonas and to check the harvest period of these species in this region. The reproductive phenophases were evaluated during 24 consecutive months in 20 plants of each species. E. oleracea emitted a greater number of inflorescences from January to July (76%), during the rainy season, and presented a greater number of mature bunches (56%) from October to December, at the end of the dry season. E. precatoria emitted the highest number of inflorescences (70%) from July to November, during the dry season, and the highest proportion of mature bunches (49%) was observed between May and July, at the end of the rainy season. The species presented different harvest periods, so the cultivation of both can contribute to reducing the off-season period of açaí fruit production in the metropolitan region of Manaus, AM.

Knowing the body parts affected in accidents at work is important to support managers and professionals in the sectors of work safety in the adoption of measures to promote health and prevent accidents. This study identifies the body parts affected in a work accident registered at the Reference Center for Occupational Health (CEREST) ​​in Sobral, Ceará, Brazil. It is a cross-sectional study, carried out from the database of the Reference Center for Occupational Health in Sobral, Ceará, Brazil. Data were collected between March 2015 and February 2016, from notifications of occupational accidents from the National System of Notifiable Diseases (SINAN), referring to the period from 2009 to 2013, totaling 2,438 occurrences. There was accidents involving the hands (37.6%), upper limbs (15.4%), lower limbs (13.0%) and feet (10.9%) were the most frequent. Were observed a greater number of victims of occupational accidents among men (90.7%) in the age group of 20 to 59 years (85.6%). There is, in fact, a predominance of body parts involved in occupational accidents in the population, with emphasis on the hand, upper limb, lower limb and foot (p = 0.0001). The study showed workers' health promotion strategies should be encouraged in the workplace, as well as the guarantee of access and the correct use of personal protective equipment, for the prevention of risks, injuries and diseases, considering that accidents cause expenses for the State and losses for the victims.

The aim of this work was to identify efficient vigor tests for differentiating the seed lots, forecasting seedling emergence in the field and assessing the physiological quality of Panicum maximum seeds. 12 seed lots from the cultivar Tanzania and 11 seed lots from the cultivar Massai were evaluated for water content, germination, first count and germination speed index, emergence and first emergence count of seedlings in sand, root length and shoot length, analysis of SVIS® images (seedling length, vigor and uniformity index) and seedling emergence in the field. The work was conducted in a completely randomized design for tests performed in the laboratory and in randomized blocks for tests in the field. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and the means compared by Scott Knott's test at 5% probability and statistical multivariate clustering analysis and principal components analysis. The shoot and root length tests are efficient for the evaluation of the physiological potential of P. maximum cv. Massai, while the seedling length, vigor index and growth uniformity index tests using image analysis, seedling emergence in sand and first seedling emergence count in sand are efficient in assessing the physiological potential of seeds of P. maximum cv. Tanzania, and providing information similar to that of seedling emergence in the field.

The objective of this study was to evaluate pH, ammoniacal nitrogen, and aerobic stability of silage of Tifton 85 grass silage with two dry matter contents at different silos opening times. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a subdivided plots scheme, in which the silages constituted the plots and aerobic exposure times the subplots, with four replications. To verify the aerobic stability of the silages, the temperature and pH were analyzed at seven hours after the silos were opened (1, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 hours). The pH reached adequate levels for conservation only after 90 days of fermentation for the silages with and without pre-drying in the sun. Ammoniacal nitrogen remained below the recommended limits in both silages. As for the silage temperature, no loss of aerobic stability was observed. However, the observed pH revealed a break instability after 72 hours when the silos were opened at 28 days, with no changes for the remaining silage periods. It is possible to obtain suitable silages from Tifton 85 with or without pre-warming in the sun, however, a minimum fermentation period of 90 days should be adopted. The studied silages presented high aerobic stability, but when kept silage for only 28 days, they should be consumed by the animals within 48 hours after the supply.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a reprodução de Meloidogyne javanica, Rotylenchulus reniformis e Pratylenchus brachyurus em raízes das cultivares de sorgo sacarino ‘BRS 506’, ‘BRS 508’, ‘BRS 509’ e ‘BRS 511’ em três experimentos conduzidos em casa de vegetação. As cultivares de sorgo foram semeadas em vasos de polietileno de 3 L, preenchidos com substrato desinfestado, composto da mistura de solo e areia (2:1). Doze dias após a emergência, cada planta foi inoculada com populações puras de M. javanica, R. reniformis ou P. brachyurus, nos respectivos experimentos. Os padrões de susceptibilidade foram soja ‘BRS 360RR’ para M. javanica, algodão ‘BRS Cedro’ para R. reniformis e milho ‘BRS 1010’ para P. brachyurus. Crotalária (Crotalaria spectabilis) foi utilizada como padrão de resistência em todos os experimentos. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos inteiramente casualizados com oito repetições. Aos 60 (M. javanica e R. reniformis) e 90 (P. brachyurus) dias após a inoculação, os nematoides foram extraídos das raízes e estimados os fatores de reprodução (FR) e o número de nematoides por grama de raiz (NGR) das cultivares de sorgo. Com base nas variáveis avaliadas, as cultivares de sorgo sacarino ‘BRS 506’, ‘BRS 508’, ‘BRS 509’ e ‘BRS 511’ podem ser consideradas resistentes a R reniformis e M. javanica, e suscetíveis a P. brachyurus.

The physiological quality of seeds is influenced by the climatic factors of production fields. The identification of the best conditions of P. maximum cv. Mombasa production fields allows the improvement of the seed sector. The aim of this work was to identify which climatic conditions of production fields can affect the physiological quality of P. maximum cv. Mombasa seeds. Nineteen plots from states of São Paulo (six from municipalities of Auriflama and three from Guzolândia) and Goiás (eight from Quirinópolis and two from Serranópolis), were collected by soil sweeping. The following parameters were evaluated: water content, germination rate, first germination count and germination rate index, seedling emergence in sand and field. Completely randomized design was used for all variables, with the exception of seedling emergence in field, since this variable required block design. Means were compared by the Scott-Knott test, at 5% probability. For the identification of the influence of climatic conditions on the physiological quality of seeds, multivariate statistical analysis was applied through Group and Principal Component Analysis. Production fields of Panicum maximum cv. Mombasa seeds presenting maximum temperatures above 32 ºC at flowering and natural fall stages produce seeds of low physiological quality. Production fields in which precipitation and high temperatures occur during natural fall and harvest of P. maximum cv. Mombasa seeds are not favorable to the production of seeds with high physiological quality.

The purpose of seed conditioning process is to separate seeds and their associated structures into different fractions and retain only good and healthy seeds. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects the stages of seed conditioning have on the sanitary quality of marandu grass seeds. The seeds were sampled before and during the seed conditioning process, i.e., after exiting the air-screen cleaner and sieves (seeds discharged from the top, middle and bottom sieves), the first gravity separator (seeds drifting around the table, upper and intermediate discharge) and second gravity separator (upper, intermediate and lower discharge). The sanitary analysis was performed using the filter paper method with and without surface disinfestation of the seeds, which were incubated at 20±2°C, with a photoperiod of 12 hours for seven days. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, in a 2x6 factorial scheme (surface disinfestation x stages of the seed conditioning process) and ten replications. The data was submitted to analysis of variance, using the F test and, when significant, the means of the treatments were compared using the Tukey test at 5% probability. It was concluded that it is not possible to improve the sanitary quality of marandú grass seeds through the seed conditioning process.

acaranda copaia (Aubl.) D. Don é uma árvore pioneira distribuída por toda Amazônia brasileira e merece atenção por ser de rápido crescimento e indicada para compor plantios destinados à regeneração de matas e capoeiras. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar parâmetros genéticos para caracteres de germinação de sementes em J. copaiae indicar matrizes superiores para a produção de mudas. Foram coletadas sementes de 24 matrizes de J. copaia presentes no fragmento florestal urbano do campus da Universidade Federal do Amazonas em Manaus, AM. O experimento foi desenvolvido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em cinco repetições de 20 sementes, totalizando 100 sementes por matriz. Todas as progênies foram avaliadas diariamente durante 60 dias em ambientes com temperaturas de 25 e 28 ºC. Foram realizadas análises de variância individual e conjunta e estimados parâmetros genéticos e ganho de seleção a partir de diferentes estratégias para os caracteres: Teste de Germinação, Primeira Contagem de Germinação, Índice de Velocidade de Germinação, Coeficiente de Velocidade de Germinação e Tempo Médio de Germinação. As progênies de J. copaia apresentaram variabilidade genética significativa para todos os caracteres de germinação avaliados em ambientes de 25 e 28 ºC. A obtenção de altos valores de herdabilidade (> 70%), assim como a presença de alta correlação genética no sentido favorável a seleção, entre todos os caracteres, indicaram condições ideais para a seleção. As matrizes 1, 2, 4, 6, 7 e 21 foram identificadas como superiores na maioria dos índices de seleção empregados, sendo indicadas para programas de conservação e produção de mudas na espécie.

Forage turnip (Raphanus sativus L. var. oleiferus Metzg.) progeny with seeds of higher physiological quality are of importance for farmers and seed producing companies. The objective of this work was to identify tests to be used in laboratories for the selection of turnip progeny having seeds of higher germination, vigor, seedling emergence in the field, and storage potential. Seeds of 100 turnip progeny of paternal half-sibs were evaluated as to water content, 1,000-seed mass, first count of the standard germination test, accelerated aging, and seedling emergence in the field. The seeds were subjected to storage for 12 months in unifoliate paper bags kept under room conditions and then evaluated by means of the standard germination test, first count of the standard germination test, and water content. The data were examined as to variance and genetic and phenotypic correlations, heritability, coefficients of genetic variation, and selection gain. The standard germination test, first count of germination, and the accelerated aging test can be used to select forage turnip progeny for seed physiological quality and storage potential. None of the tests used were efficient at selecting progeny with high field emergence.

Seeds presents variable germination performance at different temperatures and substrates, which are basic components of germination test. Within this context, this work aimed to adapt the methodology for the seeds germination’s test of P. sativum subsp. arvense. The experiment required four portions of seeds, five temperature degrees (15, 20, 25, 20-30 and 15-25 °C), and two substrata (roll of paper and in sand). Seeds evaluation considered the following: moisture degree and germination test. The effect of seed portion, substrata and temperature in germination was assessed on a daily basis. It was calculated the rate of germination, of anormal plants, of dormant and dead seeds, and of speed of germination index; initial, final and average times, and synchrony. The experimental design consisted of random blocks with four replications, while conjoint analysis was the statistical procedure adopted. The germination test for forage pea seeds should be conducted at the constant temperature 20 °C in roll of paper substrate with the first count and final count on the 4th and 7th day, respectively.

Brazil is the largest world producer, consumer and exporter of forage grass seeds. Urochloa decumbens Stapf. species is the second in importance in the Brazilian market of seeds of tropical forage grasses. Seeds are harvested by the soil sweeping method and, in addition to other impurities, harvested lots can present weed seeds, which makes seeds unfeasible for commercialization. The aim of the present study was to evaluate differences in the physical quality and viability of Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk seeds produced in different production fields. Fifteen U. decumbens seed lots from the State of São Paulo (1 lot in the municipality of Cássia dos Coqueiros and 3 lots in the municipality of Santo Antônio da Alegria), Minas Gerais (2 lots in the municipality of Tupaciguara, 2 lots in the municipality of Unaí, 2 lots in the municipality of Chapada Gaúcha and 3 lots in the municipality of Monte Santo de Minas), Goiás (1 lot in the municipality of Jataí) and Mato Grosso (1 lot in the municipality of Primavera do Leste) were evaluated by means of the following parameters: water content, viability by tetrazolium test, purity, determination of other seeds by number and weight of one thousand seeds. A completely randomized design was used, and when significant, the means of treatments were compared by the Scott Knott test at 5% probability. The fields of the different regions produce U. decumbens seeds with high variability in physical quality. U. decumbens seeds with the highest physical quality and viability were produced in Cassia dos Coqueiros - SP.

This research was performed aiming to describe the origin and the distribution of the celiac artery in 30 Saffron finches (Sicalis flaveola), through the completion of their circulatory system with an aqueous solution of colored latex, followed by fixation in formol for later dissection of the collateral branches. The celiac artery originated from the descending branch of the aorta, representing its first visceral branch, and was directed to the right antimere of the coelomic cavity. After issuance of the proventricular dorsal artery and the splenic artery, the celiac bifurcated in left and right branches: In all observed finches the left branch originated the proventricular ventral artery, from its left side, and the gastroduodenal and ventral gastric arteries from its right side, in order to continue as the left gastric artery characterizing it as a terminal branch; from its right side, the right branch issued, as first collateral, the right hepatic artery in all observed birds, to originate, from its opposite side, the right gastric and ileal, immediately continuing as pancreaticoduodenal, its terminal branch. From this study, we concluded that the Saffron finch follows the same pattern regarding the origin and distribution of the celiac artery proposed for birds of the genus Gallus, Anas, Columba, Crax, Mitu, and Amazona. Keywords: celiac artery; distribution; origin; Saffron finch; Sicalis flaveola.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of a diet containing canthaxanthin and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) on the production and reproductive performances of Cobb 500 broiler breeders aged 53 to 61 weeks. The study included 36,000 Cobb 500 female and 3,600 male broiler breeders aging 51 weeks. The birds were housed in three poultry houses divided into four plots, totaling 12 experimental units each containing 3,000 females and 300 males. The birds received the following treatments: control diet (without the studied additives) or the control diet with the addition of 60mg kg-1feed of 25-(OH)-D3 and canthaxanthin feed (6mg of canthaxanthin and 2,760,000IU of 25-(OH)-D3 per kg of feed) per the supplier's recommendations. The experimental design used was a randomized complete block design with two treatments and six replicates. The results were subjected to analysis of variance followed by the F-test. The treatments had no effect on egg production, usability of eggs and number of incubatable eggs per bird housed. The inclusion of canthaxanthin and 25-(OH)-D3 in the diet reduced embryonic mortality while increasing egg yolk pigmentation, hatching percentage, and number of viable chicks produced per bird. Therefore, the use of 60mg kg-1of 25-(OH)-D3 plus canthaxanthin is recommended in the diet of Cobb 500 broiler breeders aging 53 to 61 weeks to improve important reproductive traits that have great economic impacts on poultry farms

ABSTRACT: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of carbohydrate supplementation on the propagation of the orchid Cattleya schilleriana. The 120-d-old seedlings were subcultured in fructose-, glucose-, or sucrose-supplemented (0, 15, 30, and 45g L-1) ½ MS culture medium (half-strength macronutrient concentrations), using a completely random design with four repetitions per treatment. After 120d of treatment, root number and length, leaf number and length, and fresh weight were evaluated, and seedling survival was evaluated after 75d of acclimatization in a greenhouse. The in vitro growth data were submitted to regression analysis, whereas the percentage survival data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test. Both in vitro growth and ex vitro survival were lowest when the plantlets were grown in the absence of a carbohydrate source and highest (>90% survival) when supplemented with glucose. According to our findings, the addition of either glucose (30g L-1) or sucrose (30g L-1) is recommended for mass propagation of C. schilleriana.

The incidence of fungi in seeds depends on the sanitary and climatic conditions in which the seeds were produced. So, the objective of this study was to identify the fungi present in commercial lots of Brachiaria brizantha cv. 'Marandu' and'Xaraés' seeds harvested in different areas in Brazil. Seeds from ten lots of each cultivar, produced in the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Goiás, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Bahia were evaluated as to moisture content, germination and sanity. The experiment was conducted according to a completely random design with eight replications of 50 seeds for each lot. In both cultivars, the seeds were found to be infected with Aspergillus sp., Chaetomium sp., Curvularia sp., Fusarium sp., and Helminthosporium sp; the highest incidences were those of Chaetomium  sp. and Fusarium sp. Seeds of the 'Marandu' cultivar were the only ones showing the presence of Phoma sp. and Pyricularia grisea and those of the 'Xaraés' cultivar with Colletotrichum sp. and Nigrospora sp. The incidence of Fusarium sp., Aspergillus and Nigrospora sp. reduces 'Xaraés' seeds germination whereas it does not interfere in the 'Marandu' seeds germination. The presence of the fungus Pyricularia grisea is for the first time reported in tropical forage grass seeds produced in the Southeast and Northeast regions of Brazil.

This study aimed to associate two concepts of seed vigor testing, the aging and seedling growth using image analysis, providing a feasible and time-saving way to evaluate maize seed vigor in large scale. For this purpose, five seed lots with different vigor levels from two single hybrids were used. The seeds were characterized by moisture content, germination, seedling emergence, seedling emergence speed index, accelerated aging and cold tests. The treatments were composed by varying the accelerated aging periods (0, 24, 48, 72 and 96h) and seedling growth periods (48 and 72h), before submitting the seedlings to image analysis for seedling root length measurement. Considering the results obtained, the adaptation of accelerated aging test by reducing the aging duration from 96h to 48h, and the replacement of the germination test by seedling root length measurement using image analysis could be considered a potential tool for maize seed vigor assessment. The treatments composed of 48h of seed aging followed by seedlings root length measurements using image analysis provided reliable data, compared to traditional vigor tests and it could be considered an efficient and timesaving approach, associating two different concepts of seed vigor analysis.

Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. All. is a medicinal plant of the Caatinga biome, in brazilian northeast. This region is characterized by prolonged dry periods but little is known about the plants mechanisms to tolerate low water availability during their initial phase of growth and establishment seedling. The objective of this project was to evaluate morphological and anatomic characteristics of M. urundeuva seedlings submitted to different water levels in the soil. In a first experiment, the diaspores were sown in trays containing soil taken from the place of occurrence of the species. The substratum was moistened with water to reach 10 to 60% of the soil water retention capacity, with 5% intervals. In a second experiment, the diaspores were sown in the substratum kept at 60% of its water retention capacity for 15 days for the total seedling emergence since this is the most favorable condition for the species as identified during the first phase of this experiment. After that period, plant watering was suspended and the seedling kept in substrata at 60, 30, 25, 20, 15, and 10% of their water holding capacity for an additional period of 10 days, both experiments performed in protected environment. The increasing reduction in water availability led to a reduction in the number of leaves, the leaf area and leaflet thickness, the number of stomata in the leaf and in the cotyledon, the root length and the diameter of the central root. Characteristics such as the stem length, length, width and thickness of the cotyledon were not modified by the hydric stress.

In a quality control program, seed vigor evaluation is of fundamental importance for the success of the program. The objective of this project was to evaluate the efficiency of several vigor tests to evaluate the physiological quality of Brachiaria brizantha cv. 'BRS Piatã' seed lots and to preview seedling emergence in the field. Ten grass seed lots of the B. brizantha cv. 'BRS Piatã' were evaluated by the following tests: germination, first count of germination, accelerated aging (43 °C/48 hours), cold test (seeds rolled in paper towel), seed water content before and after accelerated aging, electrical conductivity (50 and 75 mL, 25 °C and readings made 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours after beginning the test), speed of germination index, and seedling emergence in sand substratum in the laboratory (26 ± 3 °C) and daily seedling counts between the 7th and the 21th day after sowing. The treatment replications were distributed in the laboratory according to a completely random design with four replications. Seedling emergence in the field data were analyzed according to a randomized complete block design. Treatment means were compared by the Scott Knott test, at the 5% level of probability. The tests for germination and first germination count, seedling emergence and first emergence count in the sand, and accelerated aging are useful to assess the vigor of seed batches of the piatã grass, and provide similar evidence to the seedling emergence in the field.

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1980509815725Seed storage under controlled environmental conditions represents one of the most important lines of research to be applied on short-lived forest species as Handroanthus. The present research aimed to identify the most suitable seed storage conditions and longevity behavior of Handroanthus umbellatus seeds subject to the following storage treatments: packaging permeable paper bags under a no-controlled laboratory temperature and humidity (control) and multiwall semipermeable bag at temperatures of -18 ºC, 1 ºC and 25 ºC. Seeds were dried to 6.3% of water content. Stored seeds were evaluated every three months until 24 months for water content, germination percentage and vigor utilizing first counting test. Seeds of T. umbellata are orthodox, with low longevity under natural conditions, once they remain viable for less than 5 months. The best conditions of seed preservation of these species were obtained by storage at -18° C in multiwall bags. Under these conditions physiological seed quality remains unchanged for a 24-month period.

Populações de cenoura com sementes de maior qualidade fisiológica e potencial de armazenamento são de interesse para as empresas de sementes e horticultores. Assim, verificou-se a eficiência de alguns testes para a seleção de populações de cenoura com maior vigor e longevidade das sementes. Sementes de 50 progênies de meio-irmãos de cenoura tipo Brasília foram avaliadas quanto à massa de cem sementes, primeira contagem de germinação, germinação, dormência, envelhecimento acelerado com água e com solução saturada de NaCl. As sementes foram armazenadas com teor de água de 6,1±0,3% em embalagem hermética nas temperaturas de 15 e 25oC por 12 meses e a germinação foi avaliada trimestralmente. Os dados experimentais foram avaliados quanto à variância e correlações fenotípicas, genotípicas e ambientais; herdabilidade; coeficiente de variação genética e ganho por seleção. A seleção baseada na massa não deve ser utilizada, pois aumentaria a ocorrência de dormência nas sementes da geração seguinte. Os testes da primeira contagem, de germinação e de envelhecimento acelerado com água ou solução salina saturada podem ser utilizados para selecionar populações de cenoura com sementes de maior vigor e longevidade. O ganho genético estimado com a seleção para a germinação após 12 meses de armazenamento a 25°C foi de 14%.

Devido à expansão da cultura do nabo-forrageiro para regiões com temperaturas mais elevadas, torna-se de importância o desenvolvimento de cultivares adaptadas a altas temperaturas. Neste trabalho, o objetivo foi selecionar testes de avaliação da qualidade fisiológica de sementes nabo-forrageiro que estimam caracteres genéticos, visando a selecionar genótipos adaptados a condições de alta temperatura. Para isso, sementes de 100 progênies de meio-irmãos de nabo-forrageiro foram submetidas a teste de germinação e vigor (primeira contagem de germinação, classificação do vigor de plântulas, teste de envelhecimento acelerado, germinação e teste da primeira contagem a altas temperaturas), bem como emergência de plântulas em campo. O teste de primeira contagem, germinação, envelhecimento acelerado, primeira contagem e germinação em alta temperatura (20-35°C) são recomendados para delinear estratégias de seleção de populações de nabo-forrageiro adaptados à germinação e emergência de plântulas em campo, em condições de altas temperaturas.

Seed storage under controlled environmental conditions represents one of the most important lines of research to be applied on short-lived forest species as Handroanthus . The present research aimed to identify the most suitable seed storage conditions and longevity behavior of Handroanthus umbellatus seeds subject to the following storage treatments: packaging permeable paper bags under a no-controlled laboratory temperature and humidity (control) and multiwall semipermeable bag at temperatures of -18 ºC, 1 ºC and 25 ºC. Seeds were dried to 6.3% of water content. Stored seeds were evaluated every three months until 24 months for water content, germination percentage and vigor utilizing first counting test. Seeds of T. umbellata are orthodox, with low longevity under natural conditions, once they remain viable for less than 5 months. The best conditions of seed preservation of these species were obtained by storage at -18° C in multiwall bags. Under these conditions physiological seed quality remains unchanged for a 24-month period.

Este trabalho objetivou determinar o turnover do carbono no Pectoralis major, quilha, tíbia e fígado de frangos de corte em seus diferentes períodos de crescimento, utilizando a técnica dos isótopos estáveis. Foram utilizados 216 pintos de corte, machos, Cobb. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado e consistiu de sete tratamentos com dias de substituição das dietas distintos: 0; 7; 14; 21; 28; 35; 42 dias de idade. Para mensurar o turnover do carbono nos tecidos em determinado intervalo de tempo, foi utilizado o modelo sigmoidal de regressão de Boltzmann ou função exponencial do tempo. Os valores de meias-vidas foram: 2,5; 2,8; 2,9; 4,9; 5,1; 5,5 e 6,0 dias para músculo peitoral; 2,7; 2,9; 3,1; 4,6; 5,3; 4,1 e 8,0 dias para quilha; 4,4; 3,6; 5,4; 5,8; 4,3; 5,2 e 6,3 dias para tíbia e 1,3; 1,9; 1,4; 1,5; 1,9; 1,7 e 2,1 dias para fígado, nos tratamentos T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 e T7, respectivamente. Pode-se concluir que a tíbia possui metabolismo lento e pode indicar o sinal isotópico das dietas iniciais da criação dos frangos de corte; e o fígado, metabolismo rápido, indicado para refletir a dieta próxima da fase de avaliação.

Combretum leprosum Mart. is a tree species native of the Caatinga, used in the restoration of degraded areas and in folk medicine. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the germination and vigor of the seeds subjecting them to different pre-germinative treatments, temperatures and substrates. In the first experi- ment, we tested the pre-germinative treatments: mechanical scarification with sandpaper, chemical scarification with H2SO4 for 1, 5, 10 and 20 minutes, immersion in water at 80 oC and imbibition in distilled water for 24 hours, beyond of the control. In the second experiment, after treatment of imbibition in water for 24 hours, the experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial 5 x 4 (five substrates: into paper, sand, coconut fiber, vermiculite and paper towel organized in the form of rolls; and four temperatures: 25, 30, 35 and 20-30 oC). The following parameters were evalueted: seed moisture content, germination, germination speed index, first germination count and seedling length and dry matter weight. The seeds of Combretum leprosum have not coat dormancy. However, pre-germinative treatments of mechanical scarification with sandpaper and imbibi- tion in water for 24 hours allows better expression of seeds vigor. The paper towel and the temperatures of 25, 30 and 20-30 oC provide adequate conditions for evaluating the germination of Combretum leprosum seeds.

A diversidade genética é um fator fundamental nos programas de melhoramento e seleção de plantas, dessa forma, o objetivo no trabalho foi avaliar genótipos de Archontophoenix cunninghamiana quanto à emergência e crescimento inicial das plântulas, no sentido de orientar a seleção de plantas matrizes. Os frutos maduros foram colhidos em dez plantas matrizes em Monte Alegre do Sul - SP, nos quais se avaliaram o peso e as dimensões e, nas sementes, também o peso e as dimensões, além do teor de água, emergência, índice de velocidade de emergência, diâmetro e comprimento da parte aérea e massa seca de plântulas. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado e a comparação entre médias foi realizada pelo teste de Tukey (PGenetic diversity is a key factor in studies of plant breeding, thus the objective of this study was to evaluate genotypes of Archontophoenix cunninghamiana for germination and seed vigor in order to guide the selection of elite plants. Mature fruits were harvested from ten plants headquarters in Monte Alegre do Sul-SP, in which was assessed the weight and size. In seeds, these parameters were also evaluated in addition to water content, germination and vigor through the index of emergency speed, seedlings diameter and shoot length and dry weight of seedlings. The experimental design was completely randomized and the comparison between means was performed by Tukey test (P

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/198050987565Rapid and uniform germination of seeds followed by prompt emergence are highly desirable characteristics for the production of seedlings. The aim of this study was to identify sowing positions and types of substrate most likely to the seed germination process and growth of seedlings of Schizolobium parahyba (Vell.) Blake. To germinate the seeds, they were placed in the following positions in relation to the bottom of the furrow in the substrate: hilum uppermost, hilum at the bottom, supported on one side, seed on edge with its sides parallel to the walls of the bag. Three substrates were used: commercial plantmax substrate (control), pine sawdust and sand. The substrates were fully randomized in a 4 x 3 factorial design (four seed positions and three substrates), with four replications of 20 seeds. The parameters evaluated were: the percentage of emergence, the after emergence seedling deaths, the first-count test, the emergence speed index, and the seedling aerial part length. It was concluded that all the seed positions in pine sawdust sowing offer the more favorable conditions for the germination process and seedling growth of Schizolobium parahyba.

Bone tissue has different models of vascularization, cellular distribution, mineralization and remodeling among mammals species. A variety of dietary habits associated with the mode of locomotion and habitat required from bats the establishment of different flying styles and some skeletal adaptations. This study aimed at examining the microscopic characteristics of mature bone tissue of Glossophaga soricina (Phyllostomidae, Chiroptera). Twelve animals of both genders were used, in which the right humerus were dissected, weighed, decalcified and submitted to routine histological processing. Semi-serial cuts of 5 micrometers were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H.E.), picrosirius red and silver nitrate 50%. The histological preparations were subjected to histological and histomorphometric analysis. Lacunae density was significantly higher in humerus of females when compared to males (33.96 x 27.80, p = 0.02). Microscopic analysis indicated the presence of parallel collagen fibers distributed in the bone matrix. Lacunes presented various shapes and canaliculi are well distributed and individualized. Few Havers systems and canals were observed. The mature bone tissue of the humerus Glossophaga soricina share microscopic features with other mammals, however, differences in the structural organization are peculiar to this species.

This study aimed to assess the effects of sugarcane straw soil cover on Brachiaria plantaginea, Panicum maximum and Digitaria nuda seedlings emergence. The experiment was carried out in a soil classified as Red Nitosol. Seven different amounts of sugarcane straw soil cover were assessed (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 ha-1). SP83-2847 variety straw was used. The experiment was arranged in a randomized blocks design, with four replications. Each experimental unit contained three species, which were allocated in the center of each plot, sown at 1 cm depth in a demarcated area. Different amounts of straw were distributed in this area. The sowing rate was used in order to obtain 1200 plant m-2. Two phases comprised the study. In the first phase, weeds emerged in sugarcane straw cover soil were assessed at 9, 12, 19, 34 and 43 days after sowing (DAS) and the second phase assessed plant emergence after straw removal, at 89, 130, 175, 196, 217 and 234 DAS. Seedlings that had over 1 cm shoot and were visible in all assessments were considered emerged. Soil cover sugarcane straw amount influenced the different species germination dynamics. In the first phase, species differential response was observed regarding used straw amount. In the second phase, after straw removal, there was higher germination for B. plantaginea and D. nuda, while P. maximum showed lower emergency, regardless of the used straw amount.

Tocos de árvores desbastadas de Tectona grandis apresentam rebrota intensa que compete com as árvores remanescentes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia da aplicação isolada ou combinada de diferentes concentrações dos herbicidas picloram e triclopyr, associados ou não à aplicação de danos físicos, no controle dessas brotações. Em um povoamento com quatro anos de idade, os tocos foram tratados imediatamente após o desbaste. Em outro povoamento com seis anos, foram tratadas as brotações presentes nos tocos desbastados no ano anterior. Foi registrada a porcentagem de tocos mortos, o número de brotações por toco e as respectivas alturas. No primeiro ensaio, a aplicação combinada de picloram a 0,48% com triclopyr a 0,96%, associada a 20 rachas com machado matou todos os tocos. No segundo ensaio, a maior eficácia, 21,7%, foi registrada com roçada prévia das brotações e a aplicação de picloram a 0,96%. Após o desbaste, a aplicação isolada de picloram ou combinada com triclopyr associada ou não aos danos físicos é eficiente para controlar os brotos de teca. A aplicação nas rebrotas de tocos desbastados no ano anterior apresenta alguma eficiência, mas com menor percentual de tocos mortos em relação à aplicação após o desbaste.The stumps of thinning trees of Tectona grandis L.f. present intense sprouts that compete with the remaining trees. The efficacy of the control of sprouts with the herbicides picloram and triclopyr, associated or no it applications of physical damages, were evaluated. Immediately after thinning, in plantation with four years old, the stumps were treated, and in other plantation, with age of six, the sprouts of stumps thinned in the previous year, were treated. The percentage of died stumps, the number of sprouts by stump and the respective heights were registered. In the first trial, the combined application of picloram at 0.48% with triclopyr at 0.96%, associated a 20 cracks with axe killed all stumps. In the second trial, the best efficacy, 21.7%, was obtained with the previous mowing of sprouts and application of picloram at 0.96%. After thinning, the isolated application of picloram or combined with triclopyr, associates or not a physical damage is efficient to control sprouts of teak. The application in the sprouts of stumps thinned in the last year present any efficiency, with least percentage of dead stumps in relation to application after thinning.

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/198050985735A germinação rápida e uniforme das sementes, seguida por pronta emergência das plântulas, são características altamente desejáveis na formação de mudas. Estudos com a finalidade de viabilizar a utilização de resíduos orgânicos como o lodo de esgoto e a casca de pinus na cadeia produtiva representam uma demanda atual. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar condições de sombreamento e substrato favoráveis ao processo de germinação das sementes e crescimento de plântulas de Acacia mangium e Acacia mearnsii. Após a superação da dormência, por imersão em água quente, as sementes foram semeadas em três tipos de substratos: substrato comercial Plantmax florestal (testemunha), casca de pinus e mistura de casca de pinus com biossólido (1:1). Os tubetes foram colocados em viveiro, sob duas condições de sombreamento: 50% e 30%, e a pleno sol (0%), como testemunha. Os parâmetros avaliados foram: velocidade e porcentagem de germinação (diariamente, até 30 dias) e comprimento da parte aérea de plântulas (semanalmente, de 75 a 150 dias). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com os tratamentos dispostos em um fatorial 3 x 3, os resultados foram submetidos à análise de regressão e teste T. Maiores porcentagens de germinação foram obtidas na semeadura de Acacia mangium em casca de pinus sob 30% de sombreamento, e substrato comercial sob 30 e 50% de sombreamento e para Acacia mearnsii em casca de pinus sob 50% de sombreamento, ou substrato comercial a pleno sol. Para ambas as espécies, as plântulas cresceram mais rapidamente e atingiram maior tamanho final no substrato casca de pinus com biossólido e em qualquer condição de sombreamento (30 e 50 %) e a pleno sol, antecipando a produção de mudas.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a adição de concentrações de carvão ativado em meio de cultura ½ MS (com metade da concentração dos macronutrientes) sob dois espectros luminosos para a obtenção de plântulas in vitro de Cattleya loddigesii. Plântulas com aproximadamente 90 dias foram subcultivadas em oito tratamentos, nos quais foi testada a adição ao meio de cultura ½ MS com carvão ativado (0; 0,5; 1,0 e 2,0g L-1) e combinados sob espectro de luz branca e luz vermelha. Após 180 dias da germinação, foram mensurados dados biométricos (raiz e parte aérea), massa fresca e teores de pigmentos fotossintéticos. Em plântulas aclimatizadas em casa de vegetação, foram avaliadas a taxa de sobrevivência após 120 dias. As concentrações de clorofila total, clorofila a e carotenoides foram maiores nos tratamentos sob luz branca, enquanto a luz vermelha influenciou significativamente maior clorofila b, plântulas com menos raízes e de menor comprimento e elevada mortalidade ex vitro. A adição de 2,0g L-1 de carvão ativado ao meio de cultura e o uso de luz branca proporcionaram maior eficiência de desenvolvimento tanto para as culturas in vitro quanto para a sobrevivência ex vitro das plantas.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of activated charcoal in ½ MS (half concentration of macronutrients) culture medium under two light spectra on the in vitro growth of Cattleya loddigesii seedlings. Plantlets with approximately 90 days were subcultured under eight treatments, consisting of different active charcoal concentrations (0; 0.5; 1.0 and 2.0g L-1) in ½ MS medium combined with white and red light spectra. After 180 days of germination, biometric data, fresh weight, and the level of photosynthetic pigments were evaluated. Plantlets acclimatized in a greenhouse were evaluated for survival after 120 days. Total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a, and carotenoid concentrations were higher in treatments under white light, while red light promoted greater chlorophyll b, plantlets with fewer and shorter roots, and high ex vitro mortality. The addition of 2.0g L-1 of active charcoal to the culture medium and the use of white light provided greater development efficiency both on in vitro culture and ex vitro plant survival.

Sapindus saponaria L. é uma árvore de grande porte distribuída especialmente na região Amazônica, sendo de grande importância para o reflorestamento de áreas degradadas, na construção civil e confecção de brinquedos. O objetivo dessa pesquisa foi testar tratamentos pré-germinativos para superar a dormência e avaliar o efeito da temperatura e do substrato na germinação das sementes de S. saponaria. O experimento foi conduzido em ambiente protegido e no Laboratório de Análise de Sementes (LAS) da Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Dois ensaios foram desenvolvidos, sendo no primeiro testados os seguintes tratamentos: imersão das sementes em ácido sulfúrico (H2SO4) por 0, 15, 30, 45 e 60 minutos, analisando-se as variáveis: emergência e índice de velocidade de emergência, comprimento e massa seca de plântulas. No segundo ensaio foi avaliado o efeito das temperaturas (25, 20-30, 30 e 35°C) e substratos (areia, vermiculita e pó-de-coco) na germinação e no vigor das sementes. Pelos resultados constata-se que a imersão das sementes de S. saponaria em ácido sulfúrico por 60 minutos é suficiente para superar a dormência acelerando e uniformizando a emergência das plântulas. A melhor condição para executar o teste de germinação é empregando temperatura constante de 30°C ou alternada de 20-30°C em substrato vermiculita ou apenas 30°C combinado com o substrato areia.Sapindus saponaria L. is a large tree distributed especially in the Amazon region is of great importance for the reforestation of degraded areas, construction and manufacture of toys. The aim of this study was to test pre-germination treatments to overcome dormancy and to evaluate the effect of temperature and substrate on seed germination of S. saponaria. The experiment was conducted in a protected ambient and the Seed Analysis Laboratory (SAL), Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Two tests were developed, and tested first in the following treatments: seeds immersion in sulfuric acid (H2SO4) for 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes, analyzing the variables: emergence and emergence speed index, length and dry mass of seedlings. In the second test, was evaluated the effect of temperatures (25, 20-30, 30 and 35°C) and substrates (sand, vermiculite and coconut dust) on the germination and seed vigor. From the results it appears that the immersion of seeds of S. saponaria in sulfuric acid for 60 minutes is sufficient to overcome dormancy accelerating and standardizing the seedling emergency. The best conditions for testing germination using constant temperature of 30°C or alternating 20-30°C in vermiculite or only 30°C combined with the sand.

Este estudo analisou a estrutura do componente arbóreo de uma mata ciliar, no município de Jaguari, RS. A amostragem foi realizada em 15 parcelas de 10mx10m instaladas ao longo da mata ciliar de um afluente do rio Jaguari. Nessas parcelas, foram identificados e medidos os indivíduos com diâmetro à altura do peito (DAP) maior ou igual a 5cm. Podocarpus lambertii, Sebastiania commersoniana e Lithrea molleoides foram as espécies mais representativas da mata ciliar. A distribuição diamétrica do componente arbóreo e das espécies lenhosas de maior valor de importância (VI) seguiu o padrão comum a florestas inequiânias, com tendência à forma de "J" invertido, e revelou uma estrutura não balanceada, indicando que não há equilíbrio entre as taxas de mortalidade e recrutamento de indivíduos. A estrutura vertical e as espécies de maior VI apresentaram tendência à distribuição normal, com a maioria dos indivíduos posicionada nas classes intermediárias de altura.This study analyzed the tree component structure of a riparian seasonal decidual forest, in Jaguari, RS. Data was collected in 15 10mx10m-plots randomly assigned along the riparian forest of a Jaguari river tributary. In these plots trees showing DBH equal or above 5cm were identified and measured. Podocarpus lambertii, Sebastiania commersoniana and Lithrea molleoides were the most representative species of the riparian forest. The tree diameter distribution in general and for the species with the higher importance value index showed the inverted "J" trend, typical of uneven-aged forests, and unbalanced structure resulting from different mortality and recruitment rates. The vertical and height species structure showing the highest importance value tended to normal distribution, with most of the individuals positioned in or close to the average height class.

As altas produtividades na cultura do milho têm sido alcançadas em função de vários fatores técnicos, sendo o controle de pragas um dos mais importantes. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a persistência de agrotóxicos utilizados na cultura do milho ao parasitoide Trichogramma pretiosum. Foram avaliadas as persistências de sete inseticidas e três fungicidas, os quais foram diluídos separadamente em 200L de água e pulverizados sobre folhas de videira. Essas folhas foram levadas ao laboratório e utilizadas dentro de gaiolas aos 3, 10, 17, 24 e 31 dias, onde permaneceram confinados os adultos do parasitoide para contaminação. A mortalidade dos adultos de T. pretiosum foi mensurada indiretamente em função do menor número de ovos parasitados do hospedeiro alternativo Anagasta kuehniella. Os resultados foram comparados com o tratamento testemunha e os agrotóxicos classificados conforme categorização da IOBC. Foram utilizadas quatro repetições para cada tratamento. Os fungicidas Opera, Priori Xtra e Folicur 200 EC foram de vida curta (classe 1). Os inseticidas Match EC e Sumithion 500 CE foram de vida curta (classe 1); Lorsban 480 BR e Safety foram moderadamente persistentes (classe 3) e Engeo Pleno, Karate Zeon 50 CS e Tracer foram persistentes (classe 4) aos adultos de T. pretiosum.The high yields in corn have been achieved due to various technical factors, being the pest control one of the most important. In this way, the objective was to evaluate the persistence of the pesticides used in corn field to the parasitoid Trichogramma pretiosum. It was evaluated the persistence of seven insecticides and three fungicides, which were separately diluted to 200L of water and sprayed on the vine leaves. These leaves were taken to the laboratory and used into cages at 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 days, where remained confined the adults of the parasitoids to contamination. The adult mortality of T. pretiosum was measured according to the lower number of parasitized eggs of alternative host Anagasta kuehniella. The results were compared with the witness treatment and pesticides classified according to IOBC categorization. Four replicates for each treatment were used. The fungicides Opera, Priori Xtra and Folicur 200 EC were short life (class 1). The insecticides Match EC and Sumithion 500 CE were short life (class 1); Lorsban 480 BR and Safety were moderately persistent (class 3), and Engeo Pleno, Karate Zeon 50 CS and Tracer were persistent (class 4) to adults of T. pretiosum.

Rapid and uniform germination of seeds followed by prompt emergence are highly desirablecharacteristics for the production of seedlings. The aim of this study was to identify sowing positions and types of substrate most likely to the seed germination process and growth of seedlings of Schizolobium parahyba (Vell.) S.F. Blake. To germinate the seeds, they were placed in the following positions in relation to thebottom of the furrow in the substrate: hilum uppermost, hilum at the bottom, supported on one side, seed on edge with its sides parallel to the walls of the bag. Three substrates were used: commercial plantmax substrate (control), pine sawdust and sand. The substrates were fully randomized in a 4 x 3 factorial design (four seed positions and three substrates), with four replications of 20 seeds. The parameters evaluated were: the percentage ofemergence, the after emergence seedling deaths, the first-count test, the emergence speed index, and the seedling aerial part length. It was concluded that all the seed positions in pine sawdust sowing offer the more favorable conditions for the germination process and seedling growth of Schizolobium parahyba.

In the production of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) seeds is recommended the cultivation in locations of low temperatures to permit the emission of floral stalk. The study aimed to verify the effect of vernalization on floral induction, production and quality of parsley seeds. Ten plants of three cultivars (Caipira, Chacareira and Lisa Grande Portuguesa (O. Enke)) grown in pots for six months were submitted to vernalization at 5 °C for 0, 15, 30 and 45 days. After treatment, the plants were transferred to greenhouse and evaluated for period and flowering percentage, seed yield per plant and seed quality. The seed quality was evaluated by weight of a thousand seeds, germination (percentages of normal and abnormal seedlings, dormant and dead seeds), first count of germination, accelerated aging, dormancy after accelerated aging, seedling emergence in the field and seed water content before and after accelerated aging. It was concluded that the vernalization does not promotes floral induction and production of parsley seeds. For Lisa Grande Portuguesa (O. Enke) cultivar, the vernalization of the plant for 30 days enables the production of seed with high germination and vigor. Parsley seeds dormancy can be caused by plants vernalization periods between 30 and 45 days depending on the cultivar, followed by the exposure of the seeds to the conditions of high temperature and relative humidity of the air (41 °C/100%, UR/72 h).

This study aimed to evaluate the stress response, in female dogs after social isolation and undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Eighteen adult, healthy female dogs were distributed in two treatments groups: TP (n=9), placebo was administered and TC (n = 9), was administered Matricaria chamomilla CH12. Both treatments were administered during 15 days before the surgery and maintained for 24 hours postoperative. Behaviors were evaluated during social isolation. Serum cortisol concentration was evaluated before placebo or Matricaria chamomilla treatments administration (M0), 15 days after treatments dministration (M1), immediately after the surgery (M2) and 24 hours postoperative (M3). There was significant difference in the serum cortisol concentration between the groups immediately after the surgery (M1), with higher values in TP. It was conclude that the treatment with Matricaria chamomilla CH12 prevented the post surgical stress, maintaining stable the serum cortisol concentration.

The reproductive behavior of fresh water Anostracan has not been massively studied by the carcinology specialized literature, regarding especially the Dendrocephalus brasiliensis Pesta, 1921, about which there are abundant studies only on the geographical distribution of that Anostracan. The objective of this research was to investigate the reproductive behavior of this Anostracan in different periods (dry and rainy). For this, mature individuals of both sexes were used. They were collected in four ponds of the Fish Farming Station of Paulo Afonso (FFSPA), by monthly capture in each pond, within the period from December 2004 to November 2005. The reproduction type was observed by placing some females in aquariums with males and placing the other ones individually, starting from the nauplii phase, where they stayed for 15 days (reproductive age). The individuals' sexual proportion was calculated by the relative frequencies of males and of females, every month, for the whole collection period. At 10 days cysts production is possible and the number of produced cysts is related to the size of the female. The ratio male:female in the studied period was of 1 male to 1.07 female. The proportion male:female was 51.75% female to 48.25% male along the year. The observation of the reproductive behavior showed the reproduction is sexed.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the use of vermiculite as a substrate for the germination test of ‘barbatimão’ seeds and to establish what would be the best granulometry and the best moisture intensity to germinate ‘barbatimão’ seeds. Four replications of 50 seeds were previously scarified with H2SO4 for 60 minutes. Afterwards, the following germination substrates were evaluated: paper rolls moistened with water equivalent to 2.5 times the weight of the dry paper (control); micron, super thin, thin and average sized vermiculite moistened with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 times the weight of the dry paper. The germination temperature was 30°C. The percentage of normal seedlings was obtained seven days after sowing (first count) and, then, weekly (up to 28 days). Average time and relative distribution of germination were calculated. It was concluded that the germination of ‘barbatimão’ seeds can be carried out with either fine vermiculite moistened with water equivalent to 2.0 times the weight of the dry paper or average sized substrate moistened with water equivalent to 0.5 to 2.0 times the weight of dry paper. These treatments resulted in higher and faster germination (21 days), similarly to the paper roll method.

A qualidade da semente na produção agrícola é um dos principais fatores a ser considerado na implantação da cultura, de forma que se torna importante a obtenção de informações sobre a germinação e o vigor das sementes, além da necessidade de avaliá-los. Dentro desse contexto, este trabalho teve como objetivo adequar a metodologia do teste de condutividade elétrica para a avaliação da qualidade fisiológica de sementes de Pisum sativum subsp. arvense. Para tanto, foram utilizados dez lotes de sementes da cultivar IAPAR 83, empregando-se períodos de condicionamento de 8, 16, 20, 24 e 28 horas, combinados às temperaturas de 20 e 25°C e volumes de 75 e 250mL de água. Além destes, foram conduzidos os testes de germinação, primeira contagem de germinação e emergência de plântulas. Para ambas as avaliações, foram utilizadas quatro repetições de 50 sementes. Os testes de vigor, assim como o teste de germinação foram sensíveis para avaliar a qualidade das sementes dos diferentes lotes estudados, porém houve variações na ordenação deles quanto ao vigor. O volume de água, o tempo e a temperatura de embebição influenciaram os valores de condutividade elétrica. Concluiu-se que o teste de condutividade elétrica utilizando 250mL de água, na temperatura de 25°C por 24 horas é promissor para a diferenciação de lotes de sementes de P. sativum subsp. arvense.Seed quality in agricultural production is a major factor to be considered in the deployment of a crop, so it becomes important to obtain information about seed vigor and germination and. This study had the objective to adjust the methodology of the electrical conductivity test to evaluate the physiological quality of Pisum sativum subsp. arvense seeds. Ten lots of the cultivar 'IAPAR 83' were studied to establish the methodology for the electrical conductivity test. It was studied germination, first count of germination and seedling emergence in greenhouse. For the electrical conductivity test, different temperatures (20°C and 25°C), water volumes (75mL and 250mL) and imbibition periods (8, 16, 20, 24 and 28 hours) were evaluated. For both evaluations, four replications of 50 seeds were used. The vigor and germination tests were sensitive to evaluate the quality of seeds from different studied lots, although there were variations in the ordering of the lots with respect to their vigor. The water volume, time and soaking temperature influenced the electrical conductivity values. It was concluded that the electrical conductivity test is sensitive to differentiate seed lots of forage pea whenever conducted with 250mL of water under 25°C for 24 hours.

Dentro de um programa de controle de qualidade, a avaliação do vigor de sementes é fundamental e necessária para o sucesso da produção. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência de diferentes testes de vigor na avaliação da qualidade fisiológica de sementes de triticale (X. triticosecale Wittmack), buscando a diferenciação de lotes. Cinco lotes da cultivar 'IPR 111' foram submetidos ao teste de germinação, primeira contagem, teste de frio, condutividade elétrica (50 sementes 50mL-1 de água; 25°C 24h-1), lixiviação de potássio (50 sementes 75mL-1 de água; 25°C 3h-1), envelhecimento acelerado (43°C 48h-1) e teor de água. O teste de condutividade elétrica e lixiviação de potássio são eficientes na diferenciação do vigor de lotes de sementes de triticale.In a program of seed quality assurance, the evaluation of seed vigor is fundamental and necessary to the global production process outcome. The objective of this experiment was to verify the efficiency of different vigor tests for evaluation of triticale seeds (X. triticosecale Wittmack) seeking the lots differentiation. Five lots of triticale seeds (cv. IPR 111) were submitted to the following evaluations: germination, first counting of germination test, cold test, electrical conductivity test (50 seeds into 50ml of water, at 25°C for 24 hours), accelerated aging test (43°C 48h-1) in distilled water (100% RH), and also seed water content. The test of electrical conductivity and potassium leaching was efficient to distinguish vigor of triticale.