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ABSTRACT: Brucellosis is a chronic contagious infectious zoonosis that affects the reproductive system of animals, causing economic and health losses. This study diagnosed Brucella spp. in commercial kennels, comparing PCR positivity in different biological samples (blood, semen, and vaginal secretion), as well as correlating these findings with reproductive indices. Hence, we analyzed dogs from kennels in the neighboring cities of Cuiabá and Várzea Grande/MT, Brazil. The reproductive histories of the animals were obtained and blood samples were collected from all animals (n=35); in addition, semen samples were collected from males (n=9) and vaginal swabs were collected from females (n=24) to perform polymerase chain reactions (PCR) for brucellosis. The findings indicated that vaginal swab PCR is an effective test to identify Brucella spp. For males, there were more positive results when testing blood samples, possibly because the male animals were at the beginning stage of infection.

Several strategies have been proposed recently to reduce the accumulated harmful circumstances of intensive conventional farming practices. The adoption of conservation soil tillage and organic fertilization techniques could contribute to achieving this goal. The study was conducted over a three-year trial to assess the effects of soil tillage practices (plough; subsoil; spading) and fertilization management (inorganic vs. organic) on durum wheat growth dynamics and productivity in a Mediterranean environment. The chlorophyll concentration (CC) was evaluated using an MC-100 chlorophyll meter, and Green Area (GA) was extracted from red-green-blue (RGB) digital images acquired with a commercially available digital camera. These non-destructive low-cost methods were used to examine crop status and its reactions to climate conditions over three consecutive growing seasons in the field. A positive strong linear relationship between both CC and GA against grain yield in each growing season was identified. The study highlights that CC and GA methods are valuable tools to assess crop development under Mediterranean conditions. The results indicated that the applied conservation tillage systems, such as subsoil tillage and using the spading machine, along with organic fertilization with compost, are valuable choices in the Mediterranean basin for sustainable and higher crop production (13%) compared to the conventional traditional system.

Nowadays, agricultural production systems are facing serious challenges mainly related to the climate changing, the world population growing and environmental pollution that are threatening the survival of the natural resources [...]

Intensive agronomic practices such as deep and repeated tillage and applying high mineral fertilization rates to improve crop yields have gradually determined soil resource degradation. A study was carried out over a two-year period (2015 and 2016) to assess effects of tillage (plough; subsoil; and spading) and fertilization (mineral vs. organic) on soil health relative to carbon and nitrogen dynamics in potato crop in the Mediterranean environment. Microbial indices could be successfully used as tool for assessing soil health in terms of predictors and indicators of carbon sequestration and nitrogen availability. The microbial quotients, calculated as percentage of the microbial-C to total organic C (Cmic:Corg), was significantly higher in subsoiling than in plowing and spading soil tillage, and higher in 2016 (3.19%) than 2015 (1.72%). The activity of enzymes involved in C cycle was significantly higher in subsoiling and spading than in plowing, while acid phosphatase was positively affected by spading and arylsulfatase increased with plowing. The whole enzyme activity expressed as synthetic enzymatic index (SEI) was positively affected by subsoiling and plowing in 2015 (4254) compared to spading tillage (3934). A general decrease in soil enzyme activity in 2016 than 2015 was observed. The subsoiling in potato crop favored the immobilization of carbon and nitrogen during the wet spring–summer period. Conversely, the plowing favored the mineralization process when the spring–summer period became more dried.

The intensive use of mineral (M) fertilizers may cause harm the environment via leaching or greenhouse gas emissions, destroy soil fertility as a consequence of loss of soil organic matter, and, due to their high price, they are economically unviable for producers. It is widely accepted that organic (O) fertilizers may deal with pressing challenges facing modern agriculture, even if farmers need to improve their knowledge for applying in fertilization programs. A meta-analysis approach has been adopted to evaluate the effects on soil organic carbon (SOC) and crop yield of O fertilizers, applied alone or in combination with mineral fertilizers (MO) under conventional (CT), reduced (RT), and no-tillage (NT) regimes. The analysis was performed in different climatic conditions, soil properties, crop species, and irrigation management. Organic fertilizers have a positive influence in increasing SOC compared with M (on average 12.9%), even if high values were observed under NT (20.6%). The results highlighted the need for flexible and environment-specific systems when considering organic fertilization subjected to different tillage regimes. Similarly, MO application showed a better crop yield response in CT and RT under coarse soils when compared with M fertilizer applied alone (on average 13.4 and 12.7%, respectively), while in medium-textured soils, CT and RT yielded better than NT under O fertilizers (9.5 and 11.2 vs. 2.5%, respectively). Among the crop species, legumes performed better when O fertilizers were adopted than M fertilizers (on average 15.2%), while among the other crop species, few differences were detected among the fertilization programs. Under irrigated systems, RT and NT led to higher productivity than CT, especially under MO treatments (on average 9.2 vs. 3.4%, respectively). The results highlighted the importance of the environmental and agronomical factors and how their understanding could affect the impact of these conservation farming practices on crop productivity to improve the sustainability of the farming system in a specific region.

The Southwestern region of Antioquia has been characterized for being at the forefront of coffee production in Colombia, with a high diversity in production systems. The research was intended to characterize and typify 13 coffee production systems (Coffea arabica L.) in Andes Municipality (Antioquia) under several types of management. The methodology included the qualitative characterization of aspects such as socio-demography, environment, economics, and agriculture, followed by a classification. Statistical multiple-correspondence analyses were conducted and the cluster method was applied. Results on the evaluation of sizes show that concerning the socio-demographic dimension 100% coffee growers own the land, completed primary school, hold a property area between three and four hectares, and have over 20 years of experience in the field; with respect to the environmental dimension, 100% coffee growers have traditional benefits and their coffee is sundried, and between 46% and 69% of them used chemical fertilizers. In relation to the economic aspect, 77% of coffee growers market through unions and experience high production costs with no profit. Finally, concerning the agricultural aspect 100% of coffee growers prepare their soil with minimum farm work and purchase the seeds; 85% of them engage workforce; and 46% of them own low-quality soils and biodiversity. Typification showed that 47% of coffee growers resort to conventional systems (use of chemical products); 38% of them use Transition I systems (Rationalization of Synthetic Supplies); and only 15% of them use Transition II systems (Use of Organic Supplies).

Se determinó la bioconcentración del insecticida clorpirifos en plantas de pasto Cenchrus clandestinus cultivadas hidropónicamente, el pesticida fue aplicado en la solución de cultivo, se realizó el seguimiento de la concentración del pesticida en los tejidos del follaje y de la raíz, durante 72 h de exposición a la solución nutritiva con 96, 192 y 288 mg L-1 de clorpirifos. Los muestreos en tejidos se realizaron a las 4, 24, 48 y 72 h. Para la extracción del clorpirifos del follaje y raíz del pasto se empleó el método MI 48640 con una sensibilidad de 0,01 ppm y la cuantificación se realizó por cromatografía de gases. Durante el estudio se evidenció que el clorpirifos se transporta a través del sistema vascular de plantas de C. clandestinus en cultivo hidropónico, desde la raíz hasta el follaje. Además, se evidenció bioacumulación creciente en los tejidos de raíz y follaje. La bioacumulación del clorpirifos fue mayor en la raíz 39,4 µg g-1 que en el follaje 1,1 µg g-1. Por lo anterior, la utilización de este insecticida en los sistemas ganaderos de trópico alto representa un riesgo para los bovinos y para los demás integrantes de la cadena alimenticia láctea.

En las partes más altas de las montañas andinas, entre los límites superior de bosques e inferior de zonas nivales, se encuentran los páramos; en Colombia se localizan en las cordilleras Occidental, Central y Oriental, y en la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta; abarcan gran extensión del país y tienen máxima representatividad en el departamento de Boyacá, en donde abastecen acueductos municipales y veredales. Dadas las características geológicas, climáticas y edáficas de los páramos, se han desarrollado en ellos la extracción minera (principalmente carbón) y actividades agropecuarias (principalmente papa y pastoreo de vacunos y ovinos) sobre 3.000 msnm; pero las ventajas ofrecidas por este medio natural para desarrollar estas actividades contrastan con su susceptibilidad al deterioro y la vulnerabilidad edáfica. La aplicación de agroquímicos y la ampliación de la frontera agropecuaria son actividades que alteran negativamente el ecosistema de páramo, impactan los recursos naturales, la biodiversidad y las fuentes hídricas; pero el enfoque agrícola actual del país no permite analizar las relaciones socio-económicas existentes entre la población, ni las necesidades, ni, mucho menos, las potencialidades de los campesinos asentados allí. Ante esta problemática se pretende, bajo un enfoque de sistemas ya partir del diagnóstico socioeconómico y ambiental y de la comprensión de la realidad campesina, vincular, mediante estrategias de sensibilización, a la comunidad para que participe activamente en la evaluación de la salud del suelo y del cultivo y en la identificación y reconocimiento de la biodiversidad existente, así como de la capacidad de resiliencia del agroecosistema. Todo esto teniendo como principio la agroecología, en la búsqueda de una alternativa socialmente viable y ambientalmente sostenible en este ecosistema de especial protección.

Os efeitos hemodinâmicos da anestesia total intravenosa com propofol ou propofol associado à lidocaína foram estudados em 12 cães. No grupo P (n=6), os animais receberam bolus de 6mg kg-1 de propofol e infusão contínua de 1,25mg kg-1 min-1. No grupo PL (n=6), os animais receberam bolus de 6mg kg-1 de propofol e 1,5mg kg-1 de lidocaína, seguido de infusão de 1,0mg kg-1 min-1 e 0,25mg kg-1 min-1, dos mesmos fármacos, respectivamente. Os animais foram instrumentados para mensuração das variáveis hemodinâmicas e do índice bispectral (BIS), aos 75, 90, 105 e 120 minutos de anestesia. Foram observados valores menores de índice cardíaco, índice sistólico, pressões arteriais sistólica, diastólica e média no grupo P do que no grupo PL (P

Ecological intensification, based on agricultural practices that promote ecosystem services, has been recently proposed to match crop yield and environmental concerns. Two-year experiments were conducted in a Mediterranean environment. The treatments were: (i) four intensification levels (common vetch (CV), ryegrass (RG), bare soil without Nitrogen (N) fertilization (Control-N0) and with 100 kg ha−1 of N fertilization (Control-N100) applied during pepper cultivation), and(ii) two soil tillage [soil tillage at 15 cm and 30 cm of soil depth (ST-15 and ST-30, respectively)]. The field experiment was disposed in a randomized block design with three replications. Cover crop, soil samples, and pepper samples were collected for analysis. Soil available nitrogen increased after soil tillage, especially in CV, which showed the highest fruit yield. The reduced soil N availability in RG decreased fruit yield and N uptake. The agro-physiological efficiency of pepper was similar in common vetch and Control-N100, while it was low in ryegrass. However, the adoption of RG increased the soil organic matter more than both control treatments, which, in turn, caused a depletion of soil organic matter. Moreover, reduced tillage practices for green manuring that both cover crops arepreferable to reduce external inputs in terms of fuel saving and farming operations.

Intensive agriculture practices often results in decomposition of organic matter, thus causing soil CO2 emissions. Agro-ecological service crop could be profitably cultivated to improve soil characteristics and reduce CO2 emissions under Mediterranean environment. Two-year field trials were conducted in central Italy. The treatments were three agro-ecological service crops (hairy vetch, oat, and oilseed rape) and a no-service cover. Plant development, soil characteristics, and CO2 emissions were measured. Oat and oilseed rape showed a rapid growth, while hairy vetch started to grow rapidly only after the cold period. Soil CO2 emissions trend was similar among the agro-ecological service crops and tended to decrease during the cold period, then gradually increased until April when warm temperatures were observed. The high soil CO2 emissions and respiration index observed in hairy vetch probably stimulated mineral nutrients, especially nitrogen, to become more available in the soil compared to oat and oilseed rape throughout the decomposition of soil organic matter. These results confirmed that the cultivation of agro-ecological service crops, especially hairy vetch, could represent a suitable strategy for enhancing carbon sequestration and lead to a mitigation of CO2 emissions during the fallow period and could thus contribute to the climate change mitigation.

Agricultural practices greatly influence the bioavailability of heavy metals. Arsenic (As) is a heavy metal identified as a concern due to its potential impact on human health. Two-year field experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of cropping system on As accumulation in tomato, sweet pepper and zucchini. The treatments were: (i) conventional system based on common practices of the area; and (ii) alternative systems based on cultivation of hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.) in no-tillage before vegetable crops. Randomized block design with three replications was adopted. Soil and plant samples (fruits, leaves, stems and roots) were collected at crop harvesting. Plant samples were weighed and analyzed to evaluate As content. Soil chemical analyses were performed to evaluate the total organic carbon and nitrogen content. The As accumulation observed in plant samples of tomato, sweet pepper and zucchini resulted always low in the alternative system, except in fruits where As accumulation was similar between the systems. The increase of soil organic matter observed in alternative system probably caused a reduction of As accumulation into crop tissues. Therefore, hairy vetch cultivation in no-tillage could be a suitable strategy to reduce the As uptake of vegetable crops in geogenic contaminated soils.

The biosorption process, characterized by the use of biomass for removing metals from aqueous solutions, is an attractive technology using inactive and dead biomasses to remove heavy metals from aqueous solutions in the absence of metabolic activity necessary for intracellular accumulation. The desorption process, which concentrates the metal previously absorbed for possible reuse, is also important. The desorption of copper (Cu) (II) associated with the biomass of Cladosporium cladosporioides (Fres) de Vries was evaluated following the biosorption process (adsorption). Specifically, four eluents were used (all at a concentration 0.1 mol L-1), sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetate disodium and calcium chloride, as well as the recovery of Cu (II) desorbed as copper sulfate. After 120 h, 97 % of Cu in solution had been adsorbed. C. cladosporioides can efficiently adsorb Cu (II). Further, 0.1 mol L-1 sulfuric acid was viable and the most efficient for the desorption of the absorbed metal, while ensuring viability of C. cladosporioides after desorption, which is important for the reuse of the biomass in cycles of sorption-desorption.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do contato direto e da fração volátildo óleo de café verde, testado nas concentrações de 500, 1.000, 1.500 e 2.000 µL L-1, sobre o crescimento micelial e a esporulação dos fungos Penicillium roqueforti e Rhizopus stolonifer. O óleo essencial de cravo-da-índia na concentração de 800 µL L-1 foi utilizado para comparação. Nas concentrações de 1.500 e 2.000 µL L-1, o óleo de café verde em contato direto proporcionou redução da esporulação do fungo R. stolonifer , sendo estatisticamente semelhante ao óleo de cravo-da-índia. Na fração volátil do óleo de café verde, observou-se redução significativa da esporulação de P. roqueforti e R. stolonifer na concentração de 2.000 µL L-1. O óleo de café verde, em contato direto ou por volatilização, reduziu significativamente o crescimento micelial e a esporulação de ambos os fungos em comparação com a testemunha.

The improvement of techniques of biological control and the use of metabolites produced by microorganisms to obtain products that can be applied in various fields, is getting stronger in face of the undeniable advantages in relation to the models currently in adopted. This review, besides general considerations about the principles and the application of measures of biological control and usage of metabolites produced by microorganisms as sustainable alternatives for the agrochemical segment, among others, reports theexperience lived by the author and the institutions to which she is associated, concerning identification, characterization and development of a biological fungicide resulting from the encapsulation of the fungus Cladosporium cladosporioides (Fres.) de Vries, after proving its bioprotecting action on the quality of the coffee. The possibility of using microorganisms as a source of metabolites obtained from biological extracts, with applications in various fields, is also presented and discussed.O aprimoramento das técnicas de controle biológico e o aproveitamento de metabólitos produzidos por microrganismos para obtenção de produtos aplicáveis em várias áreas do conhecimento humano, vem se fortalecendo diante de inegáveis vantagens em relação aos modelos hoje adotados. A presente revisão, além de considerações gerais sobre princípios e aplicações de medidas de controle biológico e de aproveitamento de metabólitos produzidos por microrganismos como alternativas de sustentabilidade para o segmento de agroquímicos entre outros, relata a experiência vivenciada pela autora e instituições às quais encontra-se associada com relação à identificação, caracterização e desenvolvimento de um fungicida biológico resultante do encapsulamento do fungo Cladosporium cladosporioides (Fres.) de Vries, após a comprovação de sua ação bioprotetora sobre a qualidade do café. A possibilidade da utilização de microrganismos como fonte de metabólitos obtidos de extratos biológicos, com aplicações em vários setores do conhecimento, também é apresentada e discutida.

This study aimed to examine the sensory characteristics of the grains of 21 cultivars of Coffea arabica L. and Coffea canephora Pierre from the essays of genetic improvement of EPAMIG, located in Patrocínio Municipality, Minas Gerais State, where they were collected through cloths stripping method and washed. Subsequently to dry (11 to 12% moisture b.u.), we obtained the coffee designated as “natural”. The evaluated varieties were: Acaiá Cerrado MG 1474; Bourbon Vermelho DATERRA; Catiguá MG 1; Catiguá MG 2; Catuaí Amarelo IAC 62; Catuaí Vermelho IAC 15; H 419-3-1-4-2; H 419- 6-2 -5-2; H 419-6-2-5-3; H 419-6-2-7-3 Vermelho; H 493-1-2-10; H 514-7-10-1 Vermelho; H 514-7-10-6; H 515-4-2-2; H 518-3-6-1; Icatú Amarelo IAC 3282; MundoNovo 379-19; Mundo Novo IAC 376-4; Rubi MG 1192; Sacramento MG 1 and Topázio MG 1190, from 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 seasons. The cultivars according to the first principal component with notes above 80 points, regarded as superior drink according to attributes with the highest scores (flavor, sweetness, balance, acidity, clean drink, andaspect) were: Catiguá MG2, Rubi MG 1192, 514-7-10-6 H, H 419-3-1-4-2, H 419-6-2-5-2, 493-1-2-10 H, H 514-7-10-1 Vermelho, Catiguá MG1, Sacramento MG1, 419-6-2-5-3 H, H 515-9-2-2 and Catuaí Amarelo IAC 62.O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar as características sensoriais dos grãos de 21 cultivares de (Coffea arabica L.) provenientes do ensaio de melhoramento genético da Epamig, Fazenda Experimental dePatrocínio, Estado de Minas Gerais. Posteriormente à secagem (11 a 12% de umidade b.u.), obteve-se o café designado como natural. Os frutos avaliados correspondiam às cultivares e progênies Acaiá Cerrado MG 1474; Bourbon Vermelho DATERRA; Catiguá MG 1; Catiguá MG 2; Catuaí Amarelo IAC 62; Catuaí Vermelho IAC 15; H 419-3-1-4-2; H 419-6-2-5-2; H 419-6-2-5-3; H 419-6-2-7-3 Vermelho; H 493-1-2-10; H 514-7-10-1 Vermelho; H 514-7-10-6; H 515-4-2-2; H 518-3-6-1; Icatu Amarelo IAC 3282; Mundo Novo 379-19; Mundo Novo IAC 376-4; Rubi MG 1192; Sacramento MG 1; Topázio MG 1190, das safras 2005/2006 e 2006/2007. As cultivares, em ordem decrescente segundo a primeira componente principal com notas acima de 80 pontos, portanto consideradas como de bebida superior de acordo com os atributos com os maiores escores (sabor, doçura, balanço, acidez, bebida limpa e aspecto), foram: Catiguá MG2, Rubi MG 1192, H 514-7-10-6, H 419-3-1-4-2, H 419-6-2-5-2, H 493-1-2-10, H 514-7-10-1 Vermelho, Catiguá MG1, Sacramento MG1, H 419-6-2-5-3, H 515-9-2-2 e Catuaí Amarelo IAC 62.

Objetivou-se, na presente pesquisa, avaliar a atividade antifúngica in vitro de alho, gengibre, orégano, cravo, canela e tomilho sobre a inibição e o desenvolvimento de Aspergillus ochraceus, Penicillium roqueforti, Rhizopus stolonifer, desenvolvidos em pães artesanais. Para cada planta foram preparados extratos alcólicos (EA10%, EA20% e EA25%), extrato aquoso (EAQ10%), extrator alcoólico puro (EAP) e testemunha sem extrato e álcool. Para alho, gengibre, orégano incluiu-se o extrato alcoólico da planta fresca (EAF 10%). Os experimentos foram instalados no Laboratório de Fitopatologia do EcoCentro/EPAMIG, Lavras, MG e no Laboratório de Fitopatologia do Incaper/CRDS-CS, em Domingos Martins, ES. Os tratamentos foram aplicados sobre os fungos inoculados em placas de petri, em meio BDA. Calcularam-se médias do Índice de Velocidade de Crescimento Micelial (IVCM) e esporulação. Os EA de plantas desidratadas a 10%, 20% e 25% inibiram totalmente o crescimento micelial dos fungos estudados, com exceção do EA 25% de alho sobre o Penicillium roqueforti e o EA 25% de gengibre sobre o desenvolvimento do Aspergillus ochraceus que não se diferenciaram da testemunha. O EA de alho teve um efeito não inibitório sobre P. roqueforti. Os EA, EAF e EAP apresentaram menor esporulação em relação à testemunha, exceto com gengibre e cravo sobre a esporulação do R. stolonifer e o EAQ apresentou um efeito semelhante ao da testemunha.This research was carried out to evaluate the in vitro anti-fungus activity of alcoholic extracts of garlic, ginger, oregano, clove, cinnamon, and thyme on the inhibition and development of Aspergillus ochraceus, Penicillium roqueforti, and Rhizopus stolonifer, which develop in homemade breads. For each commercial seasoning, alcoholic extracts (AE) were prepared (AE10%, AE20% and AE25%) as well as aqueous extract (AQE) at 10%, pure alcoholic extract (PAE), and control without extract and alcohol. For garlic, ginger and oregano, a fresh plant alcoholic extract (FAE10%) was included. The experiments were installed at Plant Pathology Laboratories, EcoCentro/EPAMIG, MG and at Incaper/CRDS-CS in Domingos Martins, ES. The treatments were applied to the fungi inoculated on Petri dishes, on BDA medium. Mycelial Index Growth Speed (MIGS) and sporulation were calculated. All of the AE from dehydrated plants (10%, 20%, and 25%) showed significant inhibitory effect on the mycelial growth and fungus sporulation, and an unstable performance was observed when the AE seasoning concentration was 0%. The control presented higher MIGS and sporulation. Garlic AE25% on Penicillium roqueforti and ginger AE25% on Aspergillus ochraceus did not differ from the control. Garlic AE did not present an inhibitory effect on P. roqueforti. The AE, FAE and PAE presented lower sporulation in relation to the control, exception made to ginger and clove on the sporulation of R. stolonifer, and the AQE showed an effect similar to the control.

O café (Coffea arabica L.) é um importante produto de exportação brasileira, por fazer parte do hábito alimentar da população de diversos países. Sua produção vem passando por transformações tecnológicas que têm como objetivo agregar valores qualitativos ao produto destinado tanto para mercado interno como externo. A exportação do café e de produtos alimentícios deve se adequar aos programas de qualidade estabelecidos por acordos políticos internacionais. Assim sendo, objetivou-se, nesse estudo, verificar a influência do método de preparo via úmida com tipos distintos de secagens, na obtenção do café cereja descascado, sobre a composição, físico-química e química do café. Houve influência da forma, preparo e tipo de secagem sobre as principais características estudadas. O café cereja descascado apresentou diferenças nos principais indicadores químicos físico-químicos e com uma superioridade para esse método de preparo com secagem exclusiva no terreiro, em diversos aspectos. Houve redução na condutividade elétrica, lixiviação de potássio e aumento da atividade da polifenoloxidase.Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) is an important Brazilian export product, being part of the eating habit in several countries. Its production has experienced technological transformations, with the aim at adding quality values to the product destined to internal as well as to external market. The export of coffee and food products must adjust to the quality programs established by international political agreements. In this context, this work was carried out to verify the influence of the wet processing using different drying types on the obtentainment of the husked coffee cherry on the chemical and physicochemical composition of the coffee. There was influence of the preparation and the drying type methods on the main studied characteristics. The peeled red cherry coffee presented differences in the main chemical and physicochemical indicators, with a superiority in the preparation method with exclusive drying on the patio, in several aspects. Reduction in the electric conductivity and potassium leaching was observed as well as increase in the polyphenoloxidase activity.

O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar os custos operacionais da colheita mecanizada do cafeeiro em duas passadas da colhedora. O trabalho foi desenvolvido na Fazenda Capetinga, Município de Boa Esperança, MG. Os experimentos foram realizados com duas passadas da colhedora, definidas de acordo com o índice de ocorrência de grãos verdes na planta. Na primeira passada, com média de 30% de grãos verdes, a velocidade foi fixada em torno de 0,45 m s-1, tendo-se variado as vibrações em 10,83, 12,50, 14,17 e 15 Hz (tratamentos T1, T2, T3 e T4, respectivamente). Na segunda passada, realizada sobre as mesmas parcelas da primeira passada, com média de 10% de grãos verdes, a vibração foi fixada em 16,67 Hz, tendo-se variado as velocidades em 0,60, 0,72, 0,29 e 0,45 m s-1 (tratamentos T1, T2, T3 e T4, respectivamente). Utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições, em parcelas aleatórias com 40 plantas por linha, em média. Para a análise dos custos de colheita, comparou-se a colheita mecanizada com a manual. A redução do custo total da colheita mecanizada é de 62,36% em relação à colheita manual, colhendo com a velocidade operacional de 0,45 m s-1 nas duas passadas.The objective of this work was to evaluate the operational costs of mechanized harvest of coffee in two passes of the harvester. The work was carried out in the Capetinga Farm, Boa Esperança City, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The experiments were made with two passes of the harvester, defined according to the green grain index. In the first pass, with average of 30% green grains, velocity was fixed around 0.45 m s-1, and vibration varied at 10.85, 12.50 14.17 and 15 Hz (treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4). In the second pass, carried out in the same plots of the first pass, with average of 10% green grains, vibration was fixed in 16.67 Hz, and velocity varied at 0.60, 0.72, 0.29 and 0.45 m s-1 (treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4). It was utilized a completely randomized design with four replications, in plots with 40 plants per line, in average. For the analysis of harvest costs, the mechanized harvest was compared with the manual one. The total cost reduction of the mechanized harvest is 62.36% in relation to the manual harvest, with the operational speed 0.45 m s-1 in the two passes.

A incidência de ocratoxina A foi estudada em café mistura, bóia e varrição secas em três tipos de terreiro: terra, cimento e asfalto. Foram analisadas 238 amostras coletadas em 11 municípios da região sul do Estado de Minas Gerais, sendo 35 bóia, 97 - mistura e 106 varrição. Das amostras analisadas, em 40% não foi detectada a presença de ocratoxina A, em 31%, foram detectadas a presença de ocratoxina A em níveis que variaram de 0,1 a 5,0 µg/Kg de café. Estes resultados demonstram que 169 amostras (71%) analisadas estariam dentro dos limites em estudo da Legislação Européia que regulamenta a concentração máxima de ocratoxina A em grãos de café torrado. As espécies de Aspergillus identificadas como produtoras de ocratoxina A foram Aspergillus ochraceus, A. sclerotiorum e A. sulphureus. Os níveis de contaminação de ocratoxina A em grãos de café foram maiores na fração varrição e nas frações bóia e mistura, secas em terreiro de terra. Os resultados deste estudo concluem que o terreiro de terra aumenta o risco de contaminação com ocratoxina A em grãos de café. A fração varrição devido aos riscos de exposição a ocratoxina A, deve ser reduzida através da adoção de boas práticas agrícolas e não ser utilizada para fins de consumo humano e animal.The ochratoxin incidence was studied in coffee it mixes, it "bóia" and "varrição" dry in three yard types: earth, cement and asphalt. 238 samples were analyzed collected in 11 municipal districts of the south of Minas Gerais state, being 35 "bóia", 97 - it mixes and 106 varrição. Of the analyzed samples, in 40% the ochratoxin A presence it was not detected, in 74 samples, 31%, ochratoxin A presence were detected the in levels that varied from 0,1 to 5,0 µg/Kg of coffee beans. These results demonstrate that in 169 samples (71%) analyzed they would be inside of the limits in study of the European Legislation that regulates the maximum concentration of ochratoxin A in coffee beans toasted. The species of identified Aspergillus as producing of ochratoxin A were Aspergillus ochraceus, A. sclerotiorum and A. sulphureus. The ochratoxin A concentration levels in coffee beans was larger in the fraction varrição and in the fractions bóia and it mixes, droughts in earth yard. The results of this study conclude that the earth yard increases the risk of contamination with ochratoxin A in coffee beans. The fraction varrição due to the exhibition risks the ochratoxin A, it should be reduced through the adoption of good agricultural practices and not to be used for ends of human and animal consumption.

Com presente trabalho, objetivou-se investigar a alimentação de alunos em idade escolar, de quatro escolas da rede estadual e particular da cidade de Lavras,MG, supostamente contaminada com micotoxinas O universo amostral constou de escolares de 1ª e 2ª séries do ensino fundamental, totalizando 197 alunos. A avaliação do consumo alimentar dos escolares foi efetuada utilizando-se dois tipos de inquéritos dietéticos: o recordatório de 24 horas e o questionário de freqüência alimentar (QFA). De posse dos dados referentes do recordatório de 24 horas e o QFA, promoveu-se uma seleção entre os alimentos citados, caracterizando-os como alimentos com maior potencial de risco com relação à contaminação com micotoxinas. As análises descritivas da população de escolares indicaram uma população com boa distribuição amostral em função do sexo com 45,2% (meninos) e 54,8% (meninas). Não foi observada uma relação entre o grau de escolaridade das mães e o padrão alimentar dos escolares, uma vez que 60,9% das mães apresentaram um nível de escolaridade correspondente ao 1º grau do ensino fundamental. Dos alimentos selecionados no grupo de risco de contaminação de micotoxinas, observou-se que 49,7% das crianças entrevistadas apresentaram uma ingestão superior a 72,6% do seu valor calórico total (VCT) obtido de alimentos desse grupo embora tenham sido observadas dissimilaridades entre as escolas com relação aos alimentos ingeridos. As análises do consumo energético individual apresentaram uma ingestão de alimentos de risco acima de 72,5%, sendo 41,5% representados na Escola A, 61% na Escola B, 33,3% na Escola C e 64,7% na Escola D. Conclui-se, nesta pesquisa, que a população apresenta um perfil de alta ingestão de alimentos considerados de risco para micotoxinas, existindo a necessidade de adequação da dieta, visando reduzir a exposição a esse risco.The present work was intended to investigate the feeding of students at school age from four state and private network schools of the town of Lavras, MG, supposedly contaminated with mycotoxins . The sample universe comprised elementary school 1st and 2nd grade students amounting to 197 students. The evaluation of the students' consumption was performed by utilizing two sorts of dietary inquires: the 24-hour recordatory and the feeding frequency questionnaire (FFQ). In possession of the data concerning the 24-hour recordatory and the FFQ, promoted a selection among the quoted foods, characterizing them as foods with greater potential of risk as regards the contamination with mycotoxins. The descriptive analyses of the population of students at school indicated a population with a good sample distribution as related with sex with 45.2% ( boys) and 54.8% (girls). No relationship between degree of education of the mothers and the feeding standard of the students correspondent to the 1st degree of elementary teaching. Out of the feeds selected in the group of mycotoxin contamination risk, it was found that 49.7% of the children interviewed presented a intake superior to 72.6% of its total caloric value (TCV) obtained from feeds of that group although they have been observed dissimilarities among the schools with relation to the feeds ingested. The analyses of the individual energy consumption presented a risk intake of foods above 72.5%, 41.5% being stood for at School A, 61% at School B, 33.3% at School C and 64.7% at School D. It follows, in this research, that the population presents a profile of high intake of foods considered of risk for mycotoxins, existing the need of adequacy of the diet, aiming to reduce the exposition to that risk.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho um melhor ajuste do controle da ferrugem do cafeeiro (Coffea arabica L.) durante a fa-se de pré-colheita e verificar os seus efeitos sobre a produção e preservação do enfolhamento. O trabalho foi desenvolvido em uma lavoura da cultivar Acaiá Cerrado MG 1474, com seis anos de idade, no espaçamento adensado de 2,0 x 0,6 m, na qual foram testados fungicidas preventivos à base de cobre (oxicloreto de cobre e sulfato de cobre) aplicados isoladamente e associados ao sistêmico epoxiconazole; também foi utilizado o produto sistêmico aplicado isoladamente. Os cúpricos aplicados preventivamente, isoladamente ou associados ao epoxiconazole foram eficientes no controle da ferrugem, quando a incidência da doença era baixa, preservando o enfolhamento e proporcionando boa produtividade.This study was carried out to evaluate methods of rust control, during pre-harvesting phase, and to verify plant yield and leaves retention. Coffee cultivar used was a 6-year-old Acaiá MG 1474, with 2.0 x 0.6 meters row spacing. Copper oxichloride and copper sulphate were applied alone and associated to the systemic fungicide epoxiconazole to be tested as preventive. Copper based fungicides applied preventively or associated to the systemic epoxiconazole were efficient to rust control when applied at low disease incidences, resulting in coffee leaf preservation and adequate yield.

The effect of ten powdered spice plants was evaluated at the concentration of 1, 2, 3 and 4% to observe the mycelial growth and sporulation of Aspergillus niger and Eurotium repens. The spices were added to the culture media PDA and CYA20S. Clove completely inhibited the mycelial growth of the tested fungi. The other spices: cinnamon, garlic, thyme, mint, anis, oregano and onion were, in a decreasing order, promising antifungals. Bay leaf and basil did not show a pronounced fungistatic effect. The antitoxigenic potential of the spices was tested against one aflatoxin-producing strain of AspergiIIus flavus. The spices were tested at the same concentrations previously mentioned and were added to the culture medium YES, appropriate for the production of those metabolites. Clove completely inhibited the mycelial growth of Aspergillus flavus. Cinnamon and anis totally inhibited the production of Bl and B2 aflatoxin. Both bay leaf and basil inhibited the synthesis of aflatoxin starting from the concentration of 2%. The other spices did not have a pronounced antiaflatoxigenic effect.O efeito de dez plantas condimentares em pó foi avaliado nas concentrações de 1, 2, 3 e 4%, para observar o desenvolvimento micelial e esporulação de Aspergillus niger e Eurotium repens. Os condimentos foram adicionados aos meios de cultura BDA e CYA 20S. O cravo inibiu completamente o desenvolvimento micelial dos fungos testados. Os outros condimentos: canela, alho, tomilho, menta, erva-doce, orégano e cebola foram, em ordem decrescente, antifúngicos promissores. Louro e manjericão não apresentaram um efeito fungistático pronunciado. O potencial antitoxigênico dos condimentos foi testado contra uma cepa de Aspergillus flavus, produtora de aflatoxina. Os condimentos foram testados nas mesmas concentrações previamente mencionadas e foram adicionados ao meio de cultura YES, apropriado para a produção daqueles metabólitos. O cravo inibiu completamente o desenvolvimento micelial do Aspergillus flavus. A canela e erva-doce inibiram totalmente a produção de aflatoxina B1 e B2. Louro e manjericão inibiram a síntese de aflatoxina a partir da concentração de 2%. Os outros condimentos não apresentaram um efeito antiaflatoxigênico pronunciado.

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito "in vitro" de óleos essenciais dos condimentos alho (Allium sativum L.), canela (Cinnamomum burnannil Meissn), cravo-da-índia (Caryophillus aromaticus L.) e tomilho (Thymus vulgaris L.), que foram adicionados aos meios de cultura (BDA E CYA20S). Os óleos foram extraídos pela técnica de arraste a vapor e testados nas concentrações de 500; 1000; 1500 e 2000 mg/mL, exceto o cravo, que foi testado nas concentrações de 200; 400; 600 e 800 mg/mL. Como culturas-teste, foram utilizados os fungos Rhizopus sp.; Penicillium spp.; Eurotium repens e Aspergillus niger, isolados de pães envelhecidos. O óleo essencial da canela inibiu completamente o desenvolvimento dos fungos testados. Os óleos de tomilho e alho tiveram o mesmo efeito nas concentrações mais altas. O cravo inibiu o desenvolvimento dos fungos Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus sp. e Eurotium repens com a concentração de 600 mg/mL e do fungo Penicillium spp. com a de 800 mg/mL.The objective of this work was to evaluate the "in vitro" effect of essential oils of garlic (Allium sativum L.), cinnamon (Cinnmomum burnannil Meissn), clove (Caryophillus aromaticus L.) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) condiments that were added to culture media (PDA and CYA 20S). The essential oils were extracted by utilizing the vapor "dragging" technique and tested in the concentrations of 500; 1000; 1500 and 2000 mg/mL, exept clove, which was tested in concentrations of 200, 400, 600 and 800 mg/mL. The fungi Rhizopus sp., Penicillium spp., Eurotium repens and Aspergillus niger, isolated of breads discarded for consumption. The cinnamon essential oil inhibited completely the tested fungi development. The thyme and garlic oils presented a pronounced effect at the higher concentrations. The essencial oil of clove inhibited the growth of Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus sp. and Eurotium repens at concetrations above 600 mg/mL and of Penicillium above 800 mg/mL.

Buscando esclarecimento a respeito da inibição ou estímulo na produção de ocratoxina A (OTA) e no crescimento dos fungos ocratoxigênicos por fungos que também ocorrem naturalmente associados aos grãos de café, com o presente estudo avaliou-se o efeito inibitório do fungo Aspergillus niger var. niger EcoCentro 1181-01(“inibidor”) e seu filtrado, sobre o crescimento de isolados de Aspergillus da seção Circumdati e produção de ocratoxina A. O isolado atoxigênico do fungo “inibidor”, selecionado como possível antagonista para espécies toxigênicas do gênero Aspergillus da seção Circumdati, apresentou um efeito positivo inibidor sobre os índices de velocidade de crescimento micelial em relação aos demais isolados testados. A ação antagonista do fungo “inibidor” associado a grãos de café pode ser um dos fatores responsáveis pelos níveis reduzidos de OTA detectados nas amostras analisadas.The present study evaluated the inhibitory effect of the fungus Aspergillus niger var. niger EcoCentro 1181T-01 (inhibitor) and its filtrate on the growth of an Aspergillus isolate of the section Circumdati and ochratoxin A (OTA) production. An atoxigenic isolate of the inhibitor fungus screened as possible antagonist for toxigenic species of the genus Aspergillus, section Circumdati,showed a positive inhibitory effect upon mycelial growth velocity indices comparing with the isolates tested. The antagonistic action of the inhibitor fungus associated with coffee beans may be one of the factors responsible for the reduced levels of OTA detected in the samples analyzed.

O presente trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de testar os diferentes esquemas de controle químico da ferrugem do cafeeiro disponíveis, durante o período de 1994 a 1996 em São Sebastião do Paraíso, MG. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por esquemas preventivos, baseados em fungicidas cúpricos (oxicloreto de cobre e óxido cuproso), curativos, baseados em fungicidas sistêmicos (grupo dos triazois) e mistos (associação de esquemas curativos e preventivos). As datas de aplicação foram previamente fixadas. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que: a) a aplicação de esquemas de controle por meio de datas pré-fixadas tem permitido a elevação da ferrugem ao final do seu ciclo; b) o fungicida triadimenol 1,5%, associado ao inseticida dissulfoton 7,5%, granulado, aplicado ao solo no mês de dezembro, na dosagem de 40 kg/ha do produto comercial, foi o único tratamento que manteve baixos índices de ferrugem durante o ciclo da doença; c) os tratamentos aplicados por meio do sistema radicular, triadimenol e cyproconazole, foram beneficiados pela associação com o inseticida dissulfoton.The present work was developed to test different available coffee rust chemical control schemes during the period of 1994 to 1996, at São Sebastião do Paraíso, MG, Brazil. The treatments were performed by preventive schemes, based on copper fungides (copper oxycloride and copper oxide) curative ones based in systemic fungicides (triazol chemical group) and mixed ones (association of curatives and preventive schemes). The application periods were previously fixed. The result obtained showed that: a) the coffee rust control measures applied at previously periods have permited the increase of disease levels at the end of its cycle; b) the systemic fungicide triadimenol 1,5%, associated with the insecticide disulfoton 7,5%, granulate formulation, applied to the soil in December at 40 kg/ha of the commercial product was the only treatment that has maintened low levels of coffee rust during the disease cycle, and c) the effect of treatments applied to the soil, triadimenol and cyproconazole, was improved by the association with the insecticide disulfoton, enhancing the coffee rust control.

This study aimed to examine the sensory characteristics of the grains of 21 cultivars of Coffea arabica L. and Coffea canephora Pierre from the essays of genetic improvement of EPAMIG, located in Patrocínio Municipality, Minas Gerais State, where they were collected through cloths stripping method and washed. Subsequently to dry (11 to 12% moisture b.u.), we obtained the coffee designated as “natural”. The evaluated varieties were: Acaiá Cerrado MG 1474; Bourbon Vermelho DATERRA; Catiguá MG 1; Catiguá MG 2; Catuaí Amarelo IAC 62; Catuaí Vermelho IAC 15; H 419-3-1-4-2; H 419-6-2 -5-2; H 419-6-2-5-3; H 419-6-2-7-3 Vermelho; H 493-1-2-10; H 514-7-10-1 Vermelho; H 514-7-10-6; H 515-4-2-2; H 518-3-6-1; Icatú Amarelo IAC 3282; Mundo Novo 379-19; Mundo Novo IAC 376-4; Rubi MG 1192; Sacramento MG 1 and Topázio MG 1190, from 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 seasons. The cultivars according to the first principal component with notes above 80 points, regarded as superior drink according to attributes with the highest scores (flavor, sweetness, balance, acidity, clean drink, and aspect) were: Catiguá MG2, Rubi MG 1192, 514-7-10-6 H, H 419-3-1-4-2, H 419-6-2-5-2, 493-1-2-10 H, H 514-7-10-1 Vermelho, Catiguá MG1, Sacramento MG1, 419-6-2-5-3 H, H 515-9-2-2 and Catuaí Amarelo IAC 62.

ABSTRACT The Brazilian coffee industry is undergoing a great transformation in order to serve a consumer market that is becoming increasingly demanding with regard to quality. Considering the multiple determinants of the final quality of the product, one must consider factors that are involved in steps from the pre-harvest stage to storage. The execution of the different stages according to good-practice programmes has repercussions on microbiological, physical and chemical characteristics, which in turn affect the quality of the final product with regard to sensorial properties and safety. There has been research progress in the improvement of quality evaluation techniques that minimize the subjective effects of traditional classification. It is also observed that socio-environmental aspects of coffee production, while not the subject of this review, have broadened the concept of quality since an increasing number of consumers are interested in aspects regarding agricultural sustainability in addition to strictly sensorial aspects.

A imobilização celular representa uma alternativa para a condução de bioprocessos. As células ficam retidas em matrizes e podem ser utilizadas por longos períodos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi testar uma nova metodologia de imobilização de fungos com custo reduzido, avaliar a viabilidade e segurança dos fungos submetidos ao novo método de encapsulamento e determinar a temperatura ideal para armazenar os fungos imobilizados. Os micélios dos fungos Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium cladosporioidese Penicillium solitum foram misturados com 15 g de arroz triturado e 3 g de alginato de sódio, que gotejava em uma solução de cloreto de cálcio a 0,25 M para a formação dos grânulos. Após a secagem em estufa a 26ºC, os grânulos foram armazenados em temperaturas ambiente, geladeira e freezer. Os plaqueamentos foram realizados a cada 15 dias em meio de cultura. As avaliações do tamanho das colônias e esporulação foram realizadas 7, 14 e 21 dias após o plaqueamento, durante 195 dias para A. niger, 225 dias para C. cladosporioides e 210 dias para P. solitum. A temperatura de armazenamento não afetou o desenvolvimento micelial de A. nigere P. solitum. Porém, a esporulação foi reduzida para os grânulos armazenados no freezer. O desenvolvimento micelial de C. cladosporioides foi influenciado pela temperatura. Os grânulos conservados em temperatura ambiente tiveram menor viabilidade. Na análise de microscopia eletrônica de varredura, observou-se que a imobilização é um método seguro no qual o micélio fúngico permanece no interior do grânulo, facilitando o transporte, o armazenamento e a aplicação de micro-organismos.

ABSTRACT: The objective of the current research was to assess seroconversion in dogs immunized with Leishmune® and Leish Tec® vaccines using rapid chromatographic immunoassay DPP® (Dual Path Platform) (DPP CVL) and enzyme immunoassay (EIE) up to one year after the vaccination protocol. The study sample comprised 28 dogs divided into two groups, each group immunized with an anti-CVL vaccine and clinically monitored for one year through clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. 22 (78.5%) dog were monitored. During the evaluation time (T1-30 days, T2-6 months, and T3-1 year after vaccination) the results for all dogs were negative for CVL, except for one animal vaccinated with Leish tec® that seroconverted in the DPP CVL test at T2. Subsequent examinations of this dog were negative. Our results showed that in a non-endemic area, even at different evaluation times, dogs vaccinated against CVL with Leishmune® or Leish tec® did not seroconvert in the serological protocol used by the Brazilian Ministry of Health (DPP/EIE).