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Abstract The objective of this work was to characterize the phenology and the viticultural performance of advanced selections of grapevines resistant to fungal diseases obtained by the Julius Kühn Institute, Institute for Grapevine Breeding Geilweilerhof. The experiment was conducted in three different grape-growing regions of Santa Catarina State, Brazil, in the municipalities of Videira (840 m), São Joaquim (1110 m) and Curitibanos (1000 m) during the seasons of 2018/2019 and 2019/2020. The advanced selections evaluated were the reds Gf.2004-043-0010 (Gf.10), Gf.2004-043-0013 (Gf.13), Gf.2004-043-0021(Gf.21) and the white Gf.2004-043-0004 (Gf.04). We found that pyramided loci Rpv1+Rpv3.1 and Run1+Ren3 were present, which confer resistance to downy mildew and powdery mildew, respectively. The phenological stages events evaluated were budbreak, full bloom, veraison and maturity. The productive variables evaluated were fertility index, number of clusters, cluster weight and yield. Technological maturity parameters were soluble solids, total acidity and pH. To understand the relationship between the variables and whether these relationships changed depending on the cultivation environment the Multi-Trait Genotype–Ideotype Distance Index was used to rank the genotypes based on the analyzed traits. For most selections, the budbreak occurred in the second half of September; full bloom occurred from late October to mid-November; the veraison occurred between the end of December and mid-January; and maturity occurred between the end of January and February. The earliest budbreak occurred in the vineyard located at the highest altitude (1110 m - São Joaquim), while the earliest full bloom, veraison and maturity occurred in the lowest altitude vineyard (840 m – Videira). All selections produced grapes with adequate concentrations of pH and total acidity to produce quality wines. Except for Gf.13, all selections produced grapes with levels of soluble solids suitable to produce quality wines. Based on the Multi-Trait Genotype–Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI) the selections Gf.13 and Gf.10 are the most promising genotypes for the Videira region (840 m) and Gf.10 is the most promising genotype for the regions of higher altitude, 1000 m and 1110 m.

The term new genomic techniques (NGTs) is an umbrella term used to describe a variety of techniques that can alter the genetic material of an organism and that have emerged or have been developed since 2001, when the existing genetically modified organism (GMO) legislation was adopted. The analytical framework used to detect GMOs in Europe is an established single harmonized procedure that is mandatory for the authorization of GM food and feed, thus generating a reliable, transparent, and effective labeling scheme for GMO products. However, NGT products can challenge the implementation and enforcement of the current regulatory system in the EU, relating in particular to the detection of NGT products that contain no foreign genetic material. Consequently, the current detection methods might fail to meet the minimum performance requirements. Although existing detection methods may be able to detect and quantify even small alterations in the genome, this does not necessarily confirm the distinction between products resulting from NGTs subject to the GMO legislation and other products. Therefore, this study provides a stepwise approach for the in silico prediction of PCR systems’ specificity by testing a bioinformatics pipeline for amplicon and primer set searches in current genomic databases. In addition, it also empirically tested the PCR system evaluated during the in silico analysis. Two mutant genotypes produced by CRISPR-Cas9 in Arabidopsis thaliana were used as a case study. Overall, our results demonstrate that the single PCR system developed for identifying a nucleotide insertion in the grf1-3 genotype has multiple matches in the databases, which do not enable the discrimination of this mutated event. Empirical assays further support this demonstration. In contrast, the second mutated genotype, grf8-61, which contains a -3 bp deletion, did not yield any matches in the sequence variant database. However, the primer sequences were not efficient during the empirical assay. Our approach represents a first step in decision making for analytical methods for NGT detection, identification, and quantification in light of the European labeling regulations.

CRISPR/Cas9-based ribonucleoprotein (RNP)-mediated system has the property of minimizing the effects related to the unwanted introduction of vector DNA and random integration of recombinant DNA. Here, we describe a platform based on the direct delivery of Cas9 RNPs to soybean protoplasts for genetic screens in knockout gene-edited soybean lines without the transfection of DNA vectors. The platform is based on the isolation of soybean protoplasts and delivery of Cas RNP complex. To empirically test our platform, we have chosen a model gene from the soybean genetic toolbox. We have used five different guide RNA (gRNA) sequences that targeted the constitutive pathogen response 5 (CPR5) gene associated with the growth of trichomes in soybean. In addition, efficient protoplast transformation, concentration, and ratio of Cas9 and gRNAs were optimized for soybean for the first time. Targeted mutagenesis insertion and deletion frequency and sequences were analyzed using both Sanger and targeted deep sequencing strategies. We were able to identify different mutation patterns within insertions and deletions (InDels) between + 5 nt and –30 bp and mutation frequency ranging from 4.2 to 18.1% in the GmCPR5 locus. Our results showed that DNA-free delivery of Cas9 complexes to protoplasts is a useful approach to perform early-stage genetic screens and anticipated analysis of Cas9 activity in soybeans.

The aim of the present study was to determine the behavior of physicochemical characteristics of feijoa fruits of seven genotypes grown in two locations of Santa Catarina. The evaluation was made using the following: (i) 2011/12, 2014/15 and 2015/16 harvests of genotypes 85, 101, 223, 458 and 509, cultivated in Fraiburgo (Papuã community); and (ii) 2014/15 and 2015/16 harvests of genotypes 28.12 and 527, in Água Doce (Vista Alegre community). Diameter (cm), length (cm) and weight (g) of the fruit, peel (g) and pulp (g) weight, peel thickness (mm), and total soluble solids (Brix grade) were evaluated. An analysis of variance, comparisons between means using Tukey’s test (p < 0.05), and Pearson correlation coefficients (p < 0.05) were computed for the variables of feijoa fruits. In Água Doce, genotype 527 had the largest diameter and weight of the fruit (88.7 g). In Fraiburgo, genotype 85 had the highest fruit weight (94.9 g) and genotype 509 had the highest pulp yield (37.5%). Not all genotypes with higher fruit weight exhibited higher pulp yield, confirming that the skin thickness and fruit size variables are directly related to yield. The variation in total soluble solids values was due to the environment and genotype effects.

The glyphosate-based herbicides (HBG) contain in addition to the active ingrediente (glyphosate), other substances such as surfactants and adjuvants. This article aimed to presente a literature review on risks to human, animal and ecosysten health associated with exposure to HGB. It is hoped that the content can be useful for improving public practices and policies related to nthose pesticides. To carry out this reserach, the databases available at institutional portals were consulted. Although applied on plants, the product is taken away from the site of application, by wind, water, by harvesting pollen, grains, roots, leaves and fruits. Because they are systemic in the plant, they reach bees' hives, at the consumer's plate or even in rivers, lakes and oceans. In contact with other organisms than plants, HBG causes diverse effects, such as cell death, reproductive disorders, cancer, malformations, among others.

ABSTRACT: The present study aimed to evaluate the developmental phases of feijoa fruits associated with infestation by Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and the nonpreference of fruit flies for ripe fruits of feijoa. Two tests were carried out. In the first trial, we evaluated the association between the developmental stages of feijoa fruits and infestation by A. fraterculus. To accomplish this, fruits at five different stages of development, from green to ripe, were examined from the Alcântara cultivar. In the second trial, we evaluated the nonpreference of A. fraterculus for ripe fruits of Alcântara, Helena, Mattos and access 2316 cultivars. Physicochemical analyses were performed on the fruits of both trials. In the second test, analyses of polyphenol index and tannin concentration were also performed. Feijoa fruits in stage I are the likely targets of attack by A. fraterculus. The fruits of Alcântara cultivar from stage II, with 39 mm of transversal diameter and soluble solids, presented four puparium / fruit. The fruits of Alcântara and access 2316 cultivars showed greater and lesser infestation, respectively. The fruits of access 2316 also showed a higher concentration of tannins compared to the three commercial cultivars tested, which may have conferred the greatest protection against infestation by A. fraterculus. Feijoa fruits from Alcântara and Mattos cultivars showed high susceptibility to infestation by A. fraterculus, requiring management practices to guarantee commercial production.

Este trabalho teve por objetivo apresentar indicadores técnicos e econômicos para o manejo sustentado do palmiteiro (Euterpe edulis M.) no Estado de Santa Catarina, a partir de uma unidade demonstrativa de manejo implantada na Floresta Nacional de Ibirama, SC – Flona de Ibirama, SC.

Abstract Plinia phitrantha and P. cauliflora are Myrtaceae species with recognized horticultural and pharmacological potential. Nevertheless, studies on molecular genetics and the evolution of these species are absent in the literature. In this study, we report the complete plastid genome sequence of these species and an analysis of structural and evolutive features of the plastid genome within the tribe Myrteae. The two plastid genomes present the conserved quadripartite structure and are similar to already reported plastid genomes of Myrteae species concerning the size, number, and order of the genes. A total of 69-70 SSR loci, 353 single nucleotide polymorphisms, and 574 indels were identified in P. phitrantha and P. caulifora. Observed evolutive features of the plastid genomes support the development of programs for the conservation and breeding of Plinia. The phylogenomic analysis based on the complete plastid genome sequence of 15 Myrteae species presented a robust phylogenetic signal and evolutive traits of the tribe. Ten hotspots of nucleotide diversity were identified, evidence of purifying selection was observed in 27 genes, and relative conservation of the plastid genomes was confirmed for Myrteae. Altogether, the outcomes of the present study provide support for planning conservation, breeding, and biotechnological programs for Plinia species.

Core Ideas Feijoa fruit combine unique flavor and medicinal properties. The Brazilian feijoa collection exhibit high variability in fruit traits. Years was the major effect to all fruit trait phenotype in south of Brazil. The aim of the present work was to physicochemically characterize the fruits of accessions of feijoa [Acca sellowiana (O. Berg.) Burret] active germplasm bank (BAG), located in São Joaquim, Brazil. The identification of accessions with desirable fruit traits will facilitate species breeding and cultivation. During seven harvests (2004–2017), 10 fruits per plant of 229 accessions were evaluated for fruit diameter, length and weight, skin and pulp weight, skin thickness, pH, titratable acidity, and soluble solids content, in addition to the qualitative descriptors insertion of sepals, fruit shape, sheen of skin, vacuum, color of skin and pulp, and texture and roughness of the skin. Descriptive statistics, correlations, and a multivariate analysis were applied to better understand the nature and magnitude of the variables. The mean +1SD was used to identify the best accessions for breeding purposes. Active germplasm bank accessions revealed significant phenotypic diversity for the physicochemical characteristics of the fruits, and the year effect represented the largest contribution to the variance for all evaluated characteristics, except fruit length. The characteristics total fruit weight, fruit diameter, and skin thickness are strongly related to pulp yield (%). There is high phenotypic diversity in accessions of feijoa conserved in the São Joaquim BAG, which will allow different traits of this species to be genetically improved.

O artigo contém uma análise das autorizações para a comercialização e o consumo de agrotóxicos no país na última década, bem como os seus efeitos na saúde humana e no meio ambiente. No período entre 2010 e 2018, a quantidade de agrotóxicos comercializados no Brasil aumentou mais do que o dobro do que cresceu a área cultivada no país. A permissividade da gestão de agrotóxicos no Brasil é ilustrada pelo fato de que, do total de ingredientes ativos químicos com registro no país em julho de 2020, 121 (30%) não tinham uso permitido na União Europeia (EU). A razão da proibição do uso na EU dos produtos autorizados no Brasil, no período referido, está associada aos efeitos adversos a humanos e a outros organismos resultantes da exposição aos ingredientes químicos de agrotóxicos, já descritos na literatura científica. Soja, milho, algodão e cana-de-açúcar constam entre as culturas que tiveram o maior número de novos agrotóxicos com uso autorizado no Brasil entre janeiro de 2019 e junho de 2020. Outra falta de rigor na gestão de agrotóxicos é ilustrada pela deriva, que causa danos agudos e crônicos a terceiros. Adicionalmente, a fragilidade da norma brasileira refere-se ao estabelecimento de um valor de dose, abaixo da qual eles seriam seguros. Contudo, resultados experimentais de estudos mostraram, por exemplo, que os agrotóxicos à base de glifosato, melation e piriproxifem causaram a morte de embriões de peixes em apenas 24 horas de exposição, independentemente da concentração utilizada, desafiando assim a hipótese de que existe dose segura para a exposição a tais produtos. Dessa forma, é urgente não só aumentar o rigor científico dos estudos sobre o tema, mas também promover a participação pública nas tomadas de decisão, garantindo o acesso a todas as informações contidas nos dossiês que acompanham as solicitações de registro e de autorização dos agrotóxicos.

O reconhecimento sobre os benefícios que as abelhas oferecem para a manutenção da vida não está sendo revertido em ações efetivas para conservação desses polinizadores. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste artigo é apresentar e discutir os impactos de três importantes características do sistema agrícola industrial, que vem causando danos às abelhas no Brasil: desmatamento, uso de agrotóxicos e cultivo em larga escala de variedades transgênicas. Os danos agudos têm sido frequentemente relatados, tanto em estudos científicos quanto pela imprensa, diante de eventos de mortalidade em massa. Igualmente relevante, os danos crônicos informam sobre enfraquecimento e mortalidade de colmeias, sem apresentar uma causa única ou conclusiva. Estudos têm evidenciado que herbicidas, fungicidas e plantas transgênicas, mesmo considerados inócuos às abelhas, promovem alterações fisiológicas e comportamentais nesses insetos. Porém grande parte deles não indicam os reais prejuízos às colmeias, que só podem ser observados em estudos de longo prazo, realizados a campo. Isso também revela uma falha grave nas avaliações de riscos de agrotóxicos e transgênicos sobre organismos não alvo, que consideram válidos testes feitos em indivíduos isolados de organismos que naturalmente vivem em colônias, como é o caso das abelhas eussociais. Resultados obtidos para um grupo de indivíduos em laboratório, que não necessariamente refletem o efeito na colmeia, são muito comuns. Contudo, resultados de ensaios que consideram a complexidade de interações entre castas e diferentes gerações desses insetos, são muito escassos. Assim constata-se que o princípio da precaução foi sumariamente ignorado em detrimento aos lucros financeiros que se concentram para poucos, enquanto os prejuízos ambientais e à saúde são repartidos entre todos. Desse modo, apresentamos e discutimos os efeitos danosos de três das principais práticas utilizadas no âmbito do agronegócio brasileiro, que afetam de diferentes modos a saúde e sobrevivência das abelhas, assim como os serviços por elas prestados.

Profiling technologies, such as proteomics, allow the simultaneous measurement and comparison of thousands of plant components without prior knowledge of their identity. The combination of these non-targeted methods facilitates a more comprehensive approach than targeted methods and thus provides additional opportunities to identify genotypic changes resulting from genetic modification, including new allergens or toxins. The purpose of this study was to investigate unintended changes in GM Bt maize grown in South Africa. In the present study, we used bi-dimensional gel electrophoresis based on fluorescence staining, coupled with mass spectrometry in order to compare the proteome of the field-grown transgenic hybrid (MON810) and its near-isogenic counterpart. Proteomic data showed that energy metabolism and redox homeostasis were unequally modulated in GM Bt and non-GM maize variety samples. In addition, a potential allergenic protein—pathogenesis related protein −1 has been identified in our sample set. Our data shows that the GM variety is not substantially equivalent to its non-transgenic near-isogenic variety and further studies should be conducted in order to address the biological relevance and the potential risks of such changes. These finding highlight the suitability of unbiased profiling approaches to complement current GMO risk assessment practices worldwide.

ABSTRACT: Family farmers preserve the tradition of cultivating maize landrace varieties because these plants have characteristics that hybrids lack. The greatest challenge in conserving in situ on-farm genetic diversity is avoiding gene flow and genetic introgression of transgenes to landrace varieties. Thus, farmers are obliged to change sowing times to guarantee temporal isolation since most farms are small, making spatial isolation impossible. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the behavior of maize landrace varieties submitted to different sowing times and densities in an agroecological system. The test was conducted in sub-sub-divided plots, where the main plot was represented by the sowing time, the sub-plot by the genotype, and the sub-sub-plot by the density, with three replications, for two consecutive years. The results demonstrate the effect of sowing time and density on the characteristics evaluated. In western Santa Catarina, the best time to sow seeds of maize landrace varieties in an agroecological system is in September, which is when the varieties expressed the greatest potential at densities from 45,000 to 50,000 pl.ha-1 , but it will not avoid transgene contamination.

Dando continuidade ao seu programa de melhoramento da goiabeira serrana (Acca selowiana), uma das fruteiras nativas mais promissoras do Sul do Brasil em termos comerciais, a Epagri está lançando duas novas cultivares, SCS 414-Mattos e SCS 415-Nonante, que têm por objetivo estender e melhorar o fluxo de oferta de goiabas serranas ao mercado. O pico de colheita da cultivar Mattos encaixa-se entre o da ‘Alcântara’ e da ‘Helena’, lançadas em 2007, enquanto ‘Nonante’ começa a amadurecer cerca de 20 dias após o início da colheita da ‘Helena’, estendendo o período de colheita da goiaba serrana até a segunda semana de maio. A cultivar Mattos resulta da seleção e propagação vegetativa de um dos 200 acessos silvestres do banco de germoplasma e destacou-se pelo tamanho, aparência e qualidade do fruto, enquanto ‘Nonante’ resulta de um cruzamento entre dois acessos coletados em quintais de Santa Catarina, e se destacou pela constância de produção, rusticidade e sabor de seus frutos, além de ser autocompatível.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to identify the minimum base temperature (Tb) and the maximum base temperature (TB) to predict the thermal time for six phenological stages of feijoa (Acca sellowiana) accessions. During ten noncontinuous harvests (2004 to 2017), 247 feijoa accessions, maintained in the Feijoa Active Germplasm Bank, in São Joaquim, in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, had their data recorded for: initial sprouting (IS), initial flowering (IF), end of flowering (EF), beginning of harvest (BH), and end of harvest (EH). Tb and TB were estimated by the Arnold’s method of least variability, and the TT requirements were obtained by Ometto’s method. Tb at 7.76°C and TB at 17.0°C were necessary when feijoa plants started growing (IS stage) just after winter; and Tb at 10.6°C and TB at 19.5°C were the calculated values from IS until BH. The budding stage of the accessions began in the mid-September (50.6%); flowering occurred predominantly in November (90%); and harvest began in March and lasted until May. About 176 days, with 1,014.4 growing degree-days, are necessary to complete the productive cycle from IS until BH. The early, intermediary, and late fruit-ripening accessions show different thermal time requirements.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da poda nos cultivares comerciais de goiabeira-serrana “Alcântara” e “Nonante” nas safras 2016/17 e 2017/18. Os tratamentos foram sem poda de frutificação (SP) e com poda de frutificação (CP), com três repetições por cultivar. Foram avaliadas as características de planta como: o diâmetro do caule, o diâmetro de copa, a altura de planta, índice de área foliar, o número total de frutos por planta e a frutificação efetiva. Também o diâmetro, comprimento e peso total do fruto, rendimento de polpa (%), sólidos solúveis totais, acidez titulável e pH. A poda influenciou o diâmetro, o comprimento e o peso dos frutos nos dois cultivares. Na média, o peso foi 73,1 e 65,9 g para o cv Nonante, 83,5 e 76,9 g no cv Alcântara, nas safras 2016/17 e 2017/18 respectivamente. Demonstrando, assim, a importância da poda de frutificação para a qualidade e produtividade dos frutos de goiabeira-serrana.

O objetvo deste trabalho foi caracterizar morfológica e molecularmente os acessos de arroz do banco de germoplasma da Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária e Extensão Rural de Santa Catarina (Epagri) por meio de 30 descritores morfológicos e 111 marcadores AFLP. A caracterização morfológica indicou que há ampla diversidade genétca entre os acessos, e muitas característcas agronomicamente interessantes foram identfcadas para utlização no melhoramento genétco desse cereal. A análise de agrupamento da caracterização morfológica revelou maior divergência entre os grandes grupos, enquanto a caracterização molecular foi muito efciente na detecção da variabilidade entre os acessos. A análise com marcadores moleculares mostrou 40% de variabilidade genétca entre os acessos. Também foi evidenciado o estreitamento da base genétca dos cultvares recomendados para o sul do Brasil. No entanto, algumas linhagens e o cultvar SCS114 Andosan têm ampla divergência genétca na comparação com os demais cultvares. A organização do banco de germoplasma e a riqueza de informações a respeito da diversidade nele contda serão importantes para facilitar e aumentar o uso dos acessos do banco de germoplasma no melhoramento genétco de arroz e no seu intercâmbio.

Abstract Background While some genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are created to produce new double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA), in others, such molecules may occur as an unintended effect of the genetic engineering process. Furthermore, GMOs might produce naturally occurring dsRNA molecules in higher or lower quantities than its non-transgenic counterpart. This study is the first to use high-throughput technology to characterize the miRNome of commercialized GM maize events and to investigate potential alterations in miRNA regulatory networks. Results Thirteen different conserved miRNAs were found to be dys-regulated in GM samples. The insecticide Bt GM variety had the most distinct miRNome. These miRNAs target a range of endogenous transcripts, such as transcription factors and nucleic acid binding domains, which play key molecular functions in basic genetic regulation. In addition, we have identified 20 potential novel miRNAs with target transcripts involved in lipid metabolism in maize. isomiRs were also found in 96 conserved miRNAs sequences, as well as potential transgenic miRNA sequences, which both can be a source of potential off-target effects in the plant genome. We have also provided information on technical limitations and when to carry on additional in vivo experimental testing. Conclusions These findings do not reveal hazards per se but show that robust and reproducible miRNA profiling technique can strengthen the assessment of risk by detecting any new intended and unintended dsRNA molecules, regardless of the outcome, at any stage of GMO development.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to use a marker-assisted selection for pyramiding the resistance loci Rpv1 and Rpv3.1 in grapevine (Vitis vinifera), and to evaluate their conferred resistance against Brazilian downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) isolates. A progeny of 23 plants, segregating for the two resistance loci, was obtained by the cross between the Gf 2000-305-122 and Gf.Ga-52-42 genotypes. The progeny was genotyped with four microsatellite markers and phenotyped for resistance to P. viticola using a bioassay with leaf discs. Six plants containing the Rpv1 and Rpv3.1 pyramided loci were identified by the molecular analysis. Plants harboring the Rpv1 + Rpv3.1, Rpv3.1, and Rpv1 loci showed 12.8, 30.0, and 33.1 sporangiophores per leaf disc, respectively. Plants with no resistance loci showed a dense sporulation. The phenotypic analysis of the expression of the two pyramided loci was only confirmed for four plants that showed the highest resistance level, i.e., mean value of 1.8 sporangiophores. A high-throughput method for pyramiding the Rpv1 and Rpv3.1 loci was developed, which confirmed the increased resistance to P. viticola. The selected elite genetic material shows a high resistance to downy mildew and elevated enological potential for grapevine breeding in Brazil.

While some genetically modified (GM) plants have been targeted to confer tolerance to abiotic stressors, transgenes are impacted by abiotic stressors, causing adverse effects on plant physiology and yield. However, routine safety analyses do not assess the response of GM plants under different environmental stress conditions. In the context of climate change, the combination of abiotic stressors is a reality in agroecosystems. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the metabolic cost by assessing the proteomic profiles of GM soybean varieties under glyphosate spraying and water deficit conditions compared to their non-transgenic conventional counterparts. We found evidence of cumulative adverse effects that resulted in the reduction of enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, along with the expression of amino acids and nitrogen metabolic enzymes. Ribosomal metabolism was significantly enriched, particularly the protein families associated with ribosomal complexes L5 and L18. The interaction network map showed that the affected module representing the ribosome pathway interacts strongly with other important proteins, such as the chloro-plastic gamma ATP synthase subunit. Combined, these findings provide clear evidence for increasing the metabolic costs of GM soybean plants in response to the accumulation of stress factors. First, alterations in the ribosome pathway indicate that the GM plant itself carries a metabolic burden associated with the biosynthesis of proteins as effects of genetic transformation. GM plants also showed an imbalance in energy demand and production under controlled conditions, which was increased under drought conditions. Identifying the consequences of altered metabolism related to the interaction between plant transgene stress responses allows us to understand the possible effects on the ecology and evolution of plants in the medium and long term and the potential interactions with other organisms when these organisms are released in the environment.

Escobedia grandiflora (L.f.) Kuntze is a wild hemiparasitic plant with orange roots. Little is known about the development of initial parasitism with the host, despite the significant value of roots for Central and South American communities. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize post-seminal structure and development of E. grandiflora in Pennisetum purpureum host. To analyze the structure and development of E. grandiflora, seedlings, stems and roots samples were processed and examined under light, confocal and scanning electron microscopy. Escobedia grandiflora seeds are composed of seed coat, perisperm, and embryo. Emergence of the radicle began eleven days after imbibition. Seedlings showed a root hair collar encircling the axis at the root-hypocotyl junction with elongation of internal cortical cells. Seedlings formed haustoria and successfully reached of the host roots 22 days following root emergence. In the root many starch grains were observed, albeit more scarce in the hypocotyl. After 43 days of root emergence, the seedling stage was finished with the formation of the definitive leaves, and star of the plant stage. After 64 days, root ramification, amount of starch, and orange pigmentation increased with formation of haustoria. The developmental pattern of E. grandiflora plants was slow, but the roots grew faster than the stem. Escobedia grandiflora seeds were not endospermic and have limited nutritional value. After root emergence, the young seedling must develop roots and starch storage towards to haustorium formation and attachment to host roots.

A goiabeira-serrana [Acca sellowiana (O. Berg.) Burret] é uma espécie nativa do Sul do Brasil e do Nordeste do Uruguai. O conhecimento da área foliar é importante para o manejo das plantas, em estudos de fisiologia e para a estimativa de danos fitossanitários. Os modelos matemáticos utilizados para a estimativa da área foliar da goiabeira-serrana não consideram as diferenças entre os formatos das folhas de cada cultivar. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar, ajustar e validar modelos matemáticos para a estimativa da área foliar de quatro cultivares brasileiras de goiabeira-serrana. Foram realizadas duas coletas de folhas, a primeira para o estabelecimento dos modelos matemáticos e a segunda para a validação e estimativa da área foliar. As folhas das cultivares SCS411 – ‘Alcântara’, SCS412 – ‘Helena’, SCS414 – ‘Mattos’ e SCS415 – ‘Nonante’ foram coletadas do Banco Ativo de Germoplasma (BAG) da Epagri, em São Joaquim/SC, Brasil. Foram mensurados: a área foliar (AF), o comprimento (C), a largura (L) e o índice de forma das folhas, sendo os dados analisados com o uso dos modelos de regressão linear e quadrático. A estimativa da área foliar a partir das equações propostas apresenta elevada precisão e simplicidade de execução. A equação y=0,7345x+0,0298, onde x refere-se ao produto do comprimento pela largura da folha (L*C), apresentou os melhores resultados de ajustes nos modelos testados.

Biodiversidade, tanto a palavra como o conceito se tornaram, nas últimas décadas, difusos no imaginário coletivo e na literatura acadêmica. No entanto, ainda que a percepção da variedade de formas de vida esteja presente em todos os grupos humanos, desde a pré-história, o conceito de biodiversidade é bastante recente. Foi concebido por Walter G. Rosen, do National Research Council / National Academy of Sciences (NRC/NAS), em 1985, durante a organização do National Forum on BioDiversity (Fórum Nacional sobre BioDiversidade), evento realizado na capital norte-americana, Washington, de 21 a 24 de setembro de 1986, sob os auspícios da NAS e do Smithsonian Institute (Franco 2013, Wilson 1997)...

RESUMO Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a viabilidade e o vigor das sementes de dois genótipos de Acca sellowiana sob diferentes condições e tempos de armazenamento. As sementes foram obtidas a partir de duas plantas (G1 e G2) localizadas em quintais da área urbana de Vacaria-RS. O experimento foi realizado em esquema trifatorial (2 x 3 x 2), sendo duas condições de armazenamento (temperatura ambiente: 20-25ºC; e refrigerado: 4-8ºC), três períodos de armazenamento (zero, um e dois anos), e dois genótipos (G1 e G2), conduzidos em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições de 50 sementes. As sementes foram postas para germinar sobre papel absorvente umedecido em caixas tipo “gerbox”, mantidas em câmara de crescimento com temperatura de 25 ± 2 °C e fotoperíodo de 16 h. Avaliaram-se o índice de velocidade de germinação, a porcentagem de germinação e o tempo médio de germinação, por meio da contagem de sementes germinadas a cada dois dias, por 44 dias após o início da germinação. Os genótipos apresentaram desempenhos significativamente diferentes na taxa germinativa e no vigor das sementes. Quando armazenadas em temperatura ambiente, as sementes perderam o poder germinativo drasticamente no primeiro ano e completamente no segundo ano. Conclui-se que é possível manter 80% de poder germinativo das sementes de Acca sellowiana por dois anos em armazenamento refrigerado (4 a 8 ºC).

A agrobiodiversidade é a parcela da biodiversidade constituída por um conjunto de organismos e ecossistemas que apresentam fortes relações com os seres humanos, podendo ser domesticados, semidomesticados, cultivados ou manejados pelo homem. Essa diversidade, conservada há séculos pelo uso (conservação in situ ou conservação on farm) pelos pequenos agricultores em todas as regiões do planeta, encontra-se ameaçada. De um lado, a agricultura industrial ou química através de suas práticas, ricas em insumos químicos, provoca muitas externalidades negativas, até recentemente pouco consideradas. De outro lado, as mudanças climáticas, igualmente, produzem efeitos adversos à diversidade genética. No entanto, as preocupações com a produção de alimentos de alta qualidade biológica em sistemas agrícolas sustentáveis remontam ainda o início do século XX. Dentre os vários sistemas agrícolas sustentáveis ou alternativos, a agroecologia apresenta vários atributos favoráveis: não faz uso de insumos químicos, é sustentável em todas as suas dimensões, faz uso de grande diversidade genética no cultivo, é socioeconômico-associada, estimula as relações de vizinhança e produz alimentos com alta qualidade biológica e nutricional. No âmbito da agroecologia e não da agricultura industrial ou química, há inúmeras oportunidades para a C&T desenvolver pesquisas participativas, contextualizadas, que podem empoderar tanto a agricultura familiar quanto as comunidades tradicionais no aperfeiçoamento dos processos e princípios agroecológicos utilizados. Assim, muitas das externalidades negativas atualmente inadmissíveis poderiam ser evitadas.

Woolly apple aphid (WAA; Eriosoma lanigerum Hausm.) is a major insect pest that has significant economic impact on apple growers worldwide. Modern breeding technologies rely on several molecular tools to help breeders select genetic determinants for traits of interest. Consequently, there is a need for specific markers linked to the genes of interest. Apple scions and rootstocks have an additional barrier to the introduction of pest resistance genes due to the presence of self-incompatibility S-RNase alleles. The genetic characterization and early identification of these alleles can amplify the contribution of a breeding program to the selection of resistant genitors that are as compatible as possible. In this study, we identified the Er1 gene involved in the resistance to WAA in Malus prunifolia var. ringo, also known as ‘Maruba Kaido’ rootstock, and we analyzed the inheritance pattern of the WAA resistance Er1 gene in a segregant population derived from Malus pumila ‘M.9’ and ‘Maruba Kaido’ rootstocks. The self-incompatibility of S-RNase alleles S6S26 of ‘Maruba Kaido’ were also identified along with their inheritance pattern. We also confirmed the identification of the S1S3 alleles in the ‘M.9’ rootstock. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize WAA resistance and RNase S-alleles in ‘Maruba Kaido’. Furthermore, we discuss the potential use of the genetic markers for these genes and their potential impact on apple breeding programs.

Resumo – A goiabeira-serrana, em virtude de seu sabor único e características de adaptabilidade às condições edafoclimáticas do estado de Santa Catarina (Brasil), tem sido alvo de pesquisas em diferentes áreas. Porém, mesmo frente ao seu potencial, no Brasil há poucos plantios em escala comercial. Nesse contexto, existem iniciativas que têm por objetivo avançar no conhecimento sobre a espécie, em especial no desenvolvimento e seleção de genótipos geneticamente melhorados. Diante desse cenário, o objetivo desse documento é descrever as estratégias de melhoramento genético para goiabeira-serrana desenvolvidas no estado de Santa Catarina. Abstract – Goiabeira-serrana (Acca sellowiana), has an unique flavor and characteristics of adaptability to soil and climatic conditions of Santa Catarina State (Brazil) what has raised different areas of research. However, even considering the potential of this species there is just a few orchards on a commercial scale in Brazil. In this context, initiatives have been designed to advance the knowledge about the species, in particular with regard to breeding. In this scenario, the manuscript aims to describe the genetic improvement strategies for Acca sellowiana developed in the State of Santa Catarina.

Some genetically modified (GM) plants have transgenes that confer tolerance to abiotic stressors. Meanwhile, other transgenes may interact with abiotic stressors, causing pleiotropic effects that will affect the plant physiology. Thus, physiological alteration might have an impact on the product safety. However, routine risk assessment (RA) analyses do not evaluate the response of GM plants exposed to different environmental conditions. Therefore, we here present a proteome profile of herbicide-tolerant maize, including the levels of phytohormones and related compounds, compared to its near-isogenic non-GM variety under drought and herbicide stresses. Twenty differentially abundant proteins were detected between GM and non-GM hybrids under different water deficiency conditions and herbicide sprays. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that most of these proteins are assigned to energetic/carbohydrate metabolic processes. Among phytohormones and related compounds, different levels of ABA, CA, JA, MeJA and SA were detected in the maize varieties and stress conditions analysed. In pathway and proteome analyses, environment was found to be the major source of variation followed by the genetic transformation factor. Nonetheless, differences were detected in the levels of JA, MeJA and CA and in the abundance of 11 proteins when comparing the GM plant and its non-GM near-isogenic variety under the same environmental conditions. Thus, these findings do support molecular studies in GM plants Risk Assessment analyses.

The feijoa (Acca sellowiana), also known as feijoa, is a native fruit species of the Brazilian southern highlands and northern Uruguay. In Brazil, the species is nature from Biome Pampa and Atlantic Forest in the latter vegetation type in the Araucaria Forest. The feijoa was introduced in other countries outside their natural area of occurrence. The objective of this study is to analyze the process of introduction and use of feijoa inside and outside of their natural range. Part of the Environmental History to study the relationships of men and women with the environment in this way, the study of the domestication of feijoa fits in this context. Even though Brazil is the main area of natural occurrence of feijoa, still imports of fruits produced in Colombia, which is the largest exporter of fruit. In Brazil, the species has recently has excelled in terms of research and use. The fruit already well known and used outside of Brazil, is gaining momentum in the national scene, enabling the maintenance of a native species and helping in the conservation of the forest to which it belongs. Keywords: Feijo; Domestication of Plants; Uses of Natural Resources.

The genetic knowledge of the germplasm is crucial to the plant breeding in order to develop new varieties. This study was carried out to evaluate the genetic similarity of 40 rice cultivars developed in Southern Brazil with the use of two tolls: genealogy and AFLP markers. The genealogy approach showed that 90% of the cultivars were developed from only six parents, revealing a narrow genetic basis among these cultivars. A little genetic diversity among them was confirmed by AFLP markers, since 111 polymorphic markers identified 87% similarity among them. The genetic similarity among the cultivars released by Epagri in Santa Catarina state was lower, compared to that among the cultivars released by others public institutions, Embrapa and Irga. This study has demonstrated that rice cultivars developed in Southern Brazil have narrow genetic base, which suggests high genetic vulnerability risk.

Forty-seven Japanese plum (Prunus salicina) cultivars were genotyped with eight microsatellite markers, aiming at obtaining the DNA fingerprinting profiling, distinguishing and characterizing a representative set of Japanese plum cultivars. The eight SSR loci amplified 104 alleles (8 to 21 alleles per locus, mean 13). Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) ranged from 0.680 to 0.886 (mean 0.803). The observed heterozigozity (Ho) ranged from 0.529 to 0.915 (mean 0.770). Probability of Identity (I) of each locus ranged from 0.019 to 0.113 (mean 0.054). The combined Probability of Identity was 2.66 x 1011, and the Power of Exclusion of the eight loci was 99.99976%. 57 out of 104 alleles showed frequency lower than 0.05. These low allele frequencies contributed to raise the distinguishability of plum cultivars. These results will contribute, as excellent descriptors, to select parental for crossings, to perform early identification of segregating clones with potential to be cultivars, and to protect the cultivars.

Plant breeding efficiency relies mainly on genetic diversity and selection to release new cultivars. This study aimed to identify landraces with favorable characteristics that can be used as parents of segregating populations in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) breeding programs. Firstly, ten bean genotypes were selected because they showed promising agronomic performance, and the following seven adaptive traits of four commercial bean cultivars were evaluated: i) plant height; ii) diameter of the stem; iii) height of the insertion of the first pod; iv) pod number per plant; v) grain number per pod; vi) weight of a thousand grains and vii) grain yield. The accessions BAF 07, BAF 44, and BAF 45 are promising in terms of increasing plant height, and accession BAF 01, in terms of reducing plant height. The accession BAF 07 was also the most promising in terms of a plant ideotype that combines higher plant height, maximum height of the insertion of the first pod, and increment in grain yield. Moreover, the selection can be made between and within accessions, because genetic variability is also present within landraces.

This study aimed to analyze the Brazilian legislation on genetically modified organisms - GMOs (or GM). The standards were identified in databases and Sicon LEXML, both available at the Senate. We found 25 standards, mostly written by the executive branch under President Lula. The main topics discussed were planting, monitoring, marketing and labeling of GMOs. It is concluded that the legislative process in Brazil is mostly based on provisional measures which were designed to allow the marketing of GM soy planted illegally in the country until 2003. The Brazilian requirements regarding labeling resemble the European ones, but much still needs to be done to improve strategies for monitoring compliance. Relevant standards in Brazil were not identified by the databases used.

Este estudo teve o objetivo de analisar o debate sobre os alimentos geneticamente modificados no Congresso Nacional. Para tanto, como objeto de estudo, recorreu-se aos discursos dos senadores e deputados no período de janeiro de 2003 a dezembro de 2008, disponíveis nos sites do Senado Federal e da Câmara dos Deputados. Tais discursos foram metodologicamente trabalhados pela técnica de Análise de Conteúdo, modalidade análise temática, que busca os núcleos de sentidos dos textos. Como principais resultados, observa-se que questões como a ausência de bases científi cas para tomada de decisões, as competências da CTNBio, os interesses econômicos na adoção dos transgênicos e a junção dos debates sobre células-tronco e Organismos Geneticamente Modificados (OGMs) numa mesma lei são temas recorrentes nos discursos. Conclui-se que tal tema gera, entre os parlamentares, polêmica semelhante àquela identificada na população em geral, incluindo a comunidade científica, o que contribui para a permanência de um alto grau de incerteza quanto à utilização dos OGMs. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This study aimed to analyze the debate over genetically modifi ed foods in Senate and House of Representatives. Therefore, as an object of study, we used the speeches of Senators and Representatives from January 2003 to December 2008, available on the websites of the Senate and House of Representatives. Such speeches were methodologically worked for Content Analysis technique, form thematic analysis, which seeks the cores senses of texts. As main results, issues like the lack of scientifi c basis for decision-making, prerogatives of CTNBio, the economic interests in the adoption of transgenic products and the joint debate on stem cells and GM in the same law, were recurring themes in the discourses. We conclude that this issue generates, among parliamentarians, controversy similar to that identifi ed in the general population, including the scientifi c community, which contributes to the persistence of a high degree of uncertainty about the use of GMOs.

Pineapple guava (Acca sellowiana) is a native species from south Brazil and northeast Uruguay, and due to the unique flavor of its fruits, it is an income-generating alternative to small farmers. Knowledge on genetic diversity is an important tool for genetic improvement and conservation. Aiming to increase the knowledge with regarde to the species genetic diversity, fi ve natural populations of A. sellowiana were analyzed through microsatellites markers developed from Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden x E. urophylla S.T. Blake complex. Using 10 pairs of selected markers, 122 plants were characterized. The mean values for expected and observed heterozigosity were 0.42 and 0.47, respectively. The fˆ estimates did not differ from zero to four out of the five populations evaluated, suggesting a small inbreeding effect. In addition, private alleles and high genetic divergence was observed. the average genetic divergence among the populations was st Fˆ = 0,13 e st Rˆ = 0,14, mostly due to the incidenceof rare or exclusive alleles among some populations.

A goiabeira serra Acca sellowiana é uma espécie nativa do sul do Brasil e nordestete do Uruguai e devido ao sabor único de seus frutos apresenta-se como alternativa de renda para pequenos agricultores. O conhecimento da diversidade genética se constitui em uma importante ferramenta para o melhoramento genético e conservação. Com intuito de ampliar o conhecimento a respeito da diversidade genética da espécie, foi caracterizada a diversidade genética de cinco populações naturais de A. sellowiana, com o uso de iniciadores microssatélites desenvolvidos para o complexo Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden x E. urophylla S.T. Blake. Com a utilização de 10 pares de iniciadores selecionados, 122 plantas foram caracterizadas. Os valores médios para heterozigosidade esperada e observada foram de 0,42 e 0,47, respectivamente. Os valores estimados para não diferiram de zero para quatro das cinco populações avaliadas, sugerindo baixo efeito de endogamia. Adicionalmente, foi observada incidência de alelos raros e divergência genética, sugerindo que estratégias de conservação considerem a manutenção de diferentes populações com objetivo de conservar a espécie.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o número de anteras por flor, grãos de pólen por antera e capacidade germinativa do pólen de diferentes cultivares de macieiras. O trabalho foi executado no Laboratório de Fisiologia do Desenvolvimento e Genética Vegetal da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, e as coletas a campo foram realizadas na Epagri/Estação Experimental de Caçador-SC, em outubro de 2005. Foram utilizadas as seguintes cultivares comerciais de macieira desenvolvidas no Brasil: Primícia, Princesa, Fred Hough, Catarina, Baronesa, Lisgala, Suprema, Condessa, Daiane, Duquesa, Imperatriz e Joaquina. As cultivares de macieira Condessa, Princesa, Eva, Duquesa, Imperatriz, Gala, Fred Hough, Daiane, Baronesa e Suprema produzem pólen em quantidade suficiente e com boa capacidade germinativa. A cv. Condessa, embora apresente alta capacidade germinativa de pólen, produz menos anteras e grãos de pólen por antera que as demais. A cv. Princesa é a que apresenta o melhor perfil como polinizadora, por conjugar número de anteras/flor, número de grãos de pólen/antera e capacidade germinativa do pólen mais satisfatórios.The objective of this study was to evaluate the number of anthers per flower, the number of pollen grains per anther and the pollen germination capacity of different cultivars of apple trees. The study was performed at the Physiology and Plant Genetics Laboratory of Federal University of Santa Catarina. The field collecting were performed at Epagri / Caçador Experimental Station, in Santa Catarina State during October, 2005. It was used the following apple cultivars developed in Brazil: Primícia, Princesa, Fred Hough, Catarina, Baronesa, Lisgala, Suprema, Condessa, Daiane, Duquesa, Imperatriz and Joaquina. It was concluded that the apple cultivars Condessa, Princesa, Eva, Duquesa, Imperatriz, Gala, Fred Hough, Daiane, Baronesa and Suprema produce pollen grains of satisfactory quantity and of good germination capacity. The cv. Condessa, although having high pollen germination capacity, produces less anthers and less pollen grains per anther than the others. Princesa is the cultivar of best pattern as pollinizer, once it combines number of anthers/flower, number of pollen grains/anther and pollen germination capacity in a better satisfactory level.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desenvolvimento do tubo polínico em cruzamentos entre cultivares brasileiras de macieira. Realizou-se a polinização dirigida entre cultivares com mesma época de floração (34 cruzamentos). As polinizações foram realizadas em três estigmas de cada uma das dez flores emasculadas por cruzamento. O crescimento dos tubos polínicos foi avaliado por meio da técnica da fluorescência, em flores coletadas 120 horas após a polinização. Na grande maioria das polinizações cruzadas, houve alta percentagem de tubos polínicos que cresceram até o ovário. O acompanhamento do crescimento do tubo polínico pela técnica de fluorescência permite separar cruzamentos compatíveis ou parcialmente compatíveis dos incompatíveis.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os componentes da variância fenotípica para o caráter rendimento de grãos a fim de gerar informações que auxiliem o melhoramento de plantas e verificar a sensibilidade genotípica entre genótipos de feijão do grupo preto. Para tanto, foi avaliado o caráter rendimento de grãos de 12 genótipos de feijão em 10 ambientes do Estado de Santa Catarina, por meio do método REML/BLUP. A decomposição dos componentes da variância fenotípica permitiu ampliar as inferências sobre os resultados obtidos para o caráter rendimento de grãos além daquelas tradicionalmente utilizadas na avaliação de linhagens. O genótipo BRS Campeiro foi o que apresentou maior média de rendimento de grãos e ainda o que obteve o maior valor predito, podendo ser indicado para todos ambientes avaliados. Nos ambientes 1 (2004/Canoinhas), 2 (2005/Canoinhas), 9 (2004/Ponte Serrada) e 10 (2005/Ponte Serrada), o valor de rendimento de grãos, em todos os genótipos avaliados, foi acima da média geral. Os genótipos CHP 9858, CHP 9859, CHP 9954 e CHP 9965 revelaram uma adaptabilidade específica ao ambiente 6 (2005/Ituporanga).This study aimed to evaluate the phenotypic variance components for grain yield characters on the sense to be useful for breeding programs, and verify the genetic sensibilility among genotypes of black beans group. The grain yield character was evaluated in twelve black beans genotypes in ten environments of the Santa Catarina Estate through the REML / BLUP method. With the phenotypic variance components decomposition it was possible to provide additional information than traidicionally utilized in line evaluations for grain yield character. The highest grain yield average and the highest predicted value was obtain at genotype BRS Campeiro, which may be suitable for all evaluated environments. In the environments 1 (2004/Canoinhas), 2 (2005/Canoinhas), 9 (2004/Ponte Serrada) e 10 (2005/Ponte Serrada) higher grain yield has been obtained above general mean in all evaluated genotypes. The genotypes CHP 9858, CHP 9859, CHP 9954 and CHP 9965 presented specific adaptability to environment 6 (2005/Ituporanga).

Identifica e analisa criticamente a produção científica brasileira, no campo da saúde pública, sobre os organismos geneticamente modificados, no que concerne à (in)segurança alimentar. Para tanto, realizou-se uma revisão bibliográfica nos portais do Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO) e da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (Capes). Dos 716 trabalhos encontrados, apenas oito abordam a segurança alimentar dos transgênicos, através, principalmente, da exposição aos riscos e das incertezas desses produtos para a saúde e o meio ambiente. A principal conclusão do estudo refere-se ao fato de que os oito trabalhos analisados discursam, não sobre a segurança, mas sobre a insegurança dos alimentos geneticamente modificados.Based on a bibliographic review, the article identifies and offers a critical analysis of scientific production by the public health field in Brazil on genetically modified organisms and food (in)security. Of the 716 articles found on the portals of the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and the Coordinating Agency for the Development of Higher Education (Capes), only 8 address the food security of transgenic products, primarily in terms of risk exposure and the uncertainties about how these products impact health and the environment. The main conclusion involves the fact that the eight analyzed articles do not speak to the question of the security but rather the insecurity of genetically modified foods.

Em Santa Catarina, foi observado aumento da cobertura florestal nas últimas décadas, o que vem construindo uma paisagem florestal retalhada por um grande mosaico de fragmentos de vários estádios sucessionais. Neste trabalho, buscou-se avaliar o dinamismo do processo sucessional de dois diferentes estádios sucessionais. Em área florestal de 40 ha localizada no Município de São Pedro de Alcântara, SC, abandonada pelo uso agropecuário em meados de 1970, foram estabelecidas aleatoriamente parcelas permanentes (50 x 50 m), duas em estádio florestal secundário médio (SM) e quatro em estádio secundário avançado (SA). As avaliações anuais durante o período de 1994 a 2000 de todas as plantas arbóreas com DAP >5 cm revelaram que no SM os valores da densidade de plantas, residentes, recrutadas, mortas e ramificadas foram superiores em relação aos no SA. No entanto, a riqueza de espécies, área basal e distribuição diamétrica foram superiores no SA. Botanicamente, foram observadas com muita clareza as espécies e as famílias dominantes de cada estádio e igualmente o dinamismo sucessional desse grupo de espécies, aumento explosivo e posterior declínio e substituição, evidenciando-se perfeitamente a funcionalidade dos grupos ecológicos nessa tipologia florestal. Por fim, destacou-se que a densidade de plantas ramificadas é notadamente superior em estádios florestais secundários iniciais, embora as taxas de incremento corrente anual fossem similares. As avaliações florísticas mostraram, ainda, que as florestas no litoral catarinense se encontravam em dinâmica sucessional, em que espécies climáxicas vêm substituindo paulatinamente o grupo de espécies pioneiras, elevando a diversidade de espécies e a biomassa florestal.In Santa Catarina State, the forested area of the Atlantic Forest increased in the last decade, forming a landscape which is characterized by a mosaic of fragments of distinct successional stages. This work aimed to evaluate the successional process dynamics of two successional stages in the secondary Atlantic forest. This study was carried out in a secondary forest remnant near São Pedro de Alcântara-SC (area of 40 ha), abandoned since 1970. Permanent plots (50 x 50 m) were established randomly, two in a secondary medium growth (SM) and four in a secondary old growth (SA) forest stages. The annual evaluations from 1994 to 2000 on all trees with DBH >5 cm revealed that while the SM stage exhibited superior values for density, recruited, dead and branched plants, the SA stage exhibited superior values for species richness, basal area and diametric class. Botanically, the dominant species and families in each stage were clearly observed, as well as the succession dynamics of this species group, explosive increase and posterior decrease and substitution, perfectly demonstrating the functionality of the ecological groups of this forest typology. Finally, the density of the plants branched was found to be superior at the initial secondary forest stages, although the rates of annual current increase were similar. The floristic evaluations also showed that the forests in the Santa Catarina coast were in a succession dynamics, where pioneer species have been gradually replaced by climax species, increasing species diversity and forest biomass.

Las plantas transgénicas, en general, cargan genes de resistencia a antibióticos y secuencias que favorecen la transferencia de genes y la inestabilidad. Además es imprevisible el sitio de inserción del transgene, los efectos colaterales y los efectos a los organismos no blancos o en la cadena alimentaria. Tampoco es posible controlar la expresión de los transgenes insertados o la diseminación de los transgenes. Estas características requieren estudios de base científica para la toma de decisión. Los proponentes de la tecnología prefieren utilizar el criterio de equivalencia substancial, que no tiene base científica como será argumentado en este artículo, pero que está siendo aceptado por las agencias reguladoras. Los pocos estudios presentados por los interesados, en general son de calidad muy baja y por eso, difícilmente serían publicados en revistas de prestigio. Ejemplos de estos estudios son aquí discutidos como el bajo número de repeticiones y la corta duración de los ensayos. Así, la sociedad no tiene conocimiento de lo que pasa durante la fase de análisis y aprobación de transgénicos para uso comercial. Estudios de investigadores independientes ya indican daños a salud humana y al medio ambiente. Parte de estos estudios son presentados y discutidos en este artículo. Finalmente, frente a la falta de evaluaciones de riesgo de base científica, se sugiere el empleo del principio precautorio.

The purpose of this study was to suggest a division of the State of Santa Catarina in macro-environments forexperimentation and bean production. Data of the traits grain yield and plant cycle were evaluated in 10 common beangenotypes grown in nine environments. The data were submitted to the Student-Newman Keuls test, to detect differencesbetween environments, and the Best Linear Unbiased Prediction, to predict the environmental values. The results showed: (a)differences between the regions of Santa Catarina for the traits grain yield and plant cycle, which had a significant positivecorrelation of 0.26 (b) Based on the genotypes and environments studied the state can be divided in two macro-environments(MA1 and MA2) and four micro-environments (MI1, MI2, MI3 and MI4). The state of Santa Catarina may be roughly dividedin at least two macro-environments for the recommendation of new cultivars.

Dentre todas as fruteiras de clima temperado, a macieira é a que mais atenção tem recebido no sentido de se obterem porta-enxertos com características de boa adaptação, resistência ou sanidade. O desenvolvimento de um método eficiente para caracterizar genótipos com tolerância ao alumínio é o primeiro passo para a realização de estudos de mecanismos genéticos envolvidos na herança desse caráter. Assim, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a tolerância ao alumínio dos porta-enxertos de macieira M.9 e Marubakaido em cinco concentrações (0; 50;150; 250 e 350 µM L-1) em solução nutritiva. As estacas de Marubakaido, na concentração intermediária de alumínio apresentaram menor crescimento radicular e aéreo. O M.9 mostrou menor crescimento radicular nas concentrações de 250 e 350 mM de alumínio. As características de crescimento avaliadas permitiram discriminar o porta-enxerto Marubakaido como mais tolerante que o M.9, e a concentração de 350 µM L-1 é a mais eficiente para a discriminação da tolerância ao alumínio aos 15 dias de cultivo em solução nutritiva.Among all of the temperate fruit trees, the apple tree is the one that has attracted more attention when it comes to obtaining rootstocks with characteristics of good adaptation, resistance or sanity. The development of an efficient method to characterize genotypes with tolerance to the aluminum is the first step for the accomplishment of genetic mechanisms studies involved in the inheritance of this character. Thus, the present work aimed to evaluate the tolerance to aluminum of the apple tree rootstocks M.9 and Marubakaido in five concentrations (0, 50, 150, 250 and 350 µM L-1) in nutritious solution. The cuttings of Marubakaido, in the intermediate concentration of aluminum presented smaller root and aerial growth. M.9 showed smaller root growth in the concentrations of 250 and 350 µM of aluminum. The evaluated growth characteristics permitted to identify the apple rootstock Marubakaido as more tolerant than the M.9, and the concentration of 350 µM L-1 is the most efficient to identify the tolerance to aluminum in the 15 days of cultivation in nutritious solution. It is expected that later, this data can be used in works of individuals' selection in segregated populations accomplished in crossings with these two apple rootstocks.

O maracujazeiro-doce, Passiflora alata Curtis, é uma planta frutífera que vem despertando interesse econômico principalmente para o consumo in natura. Contudo, precisam ser superados alguns entraves tecnológicos em relação ao seu cultivo, tais como a ausência de cultivares que apresentem frutos com alto rendimento de polpa, resistência mecânica e elevado teor de sólidos solúveis totais. Nesse sentido, este trabalho teve por objetivo estimar a herdabilidade (h²) e o ganho genético esperado com a seleção, para os caracteres peso do fruto, peso da polpa, espessura da casca, sólidos solúveis totais e rendimento de polpa em maracujazeiro-doce, por meio da avaliação de 36 cruzamentos envolvendo seis genitores femininos e seis masculinos. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram uma ampla variação na magnitude dos valores da h² entre os cruzamentos e a predominância de efeitos gênicos de aditividade no controle genético dos caracteres. Assim, é necessário levar em consideração o grande efeito do fator cruzamento na estimativa da h², bem como a realização da seleção direta na maioria das progênies avaliadas em razão de que os efeitos aditivos predominaram no controle da maioria dos caracteres estudados.The sweet passion fruit, Passiflora alata Curtis, is a fruit tree that has been gaining economic importance because their fruits can be consumed in natura due to its unique flavor. However, some technologic obstacles need to be overcome in order to allow plantation in large scale, such as the absence of cultivars producing fruits with high pulp output, mechanic resistance in its skin, and high levels of soluble solids. In this context, this work was carried out to estimate the inheritability (h²) and the genetic gain as expected selection response for the traits: weigh of the fruit, weight of the pulp, thickness of the skin, Brix degree and pulp output. To achieve the goals, it was used F1 progenies from 36 crosses involving six females and six males' half sib genotypes. The results showed a broad variation in the h² values across crosses and the predominance of the additive gene effects in the genetic control of the evaluated traits. Therefore, it its necessary to take into account the substantial effect of the cross factor in the h² estimative and the direct selection in the majority of the progenies because the additive gene effects are predominant in the majority of the studied traits.

O Passiflora alata Curtis é uma planta frutífera que vem despertando interesse econômico por suas características ornamentais, medicinais, organolépticas e nutricionais. Contudo, precisam ser superados alguns entraves tecnológicos em relação ao seu cultivo, tais como a ausência de cultivares que apresentem frutos com alto rendimento de polpa, casca fina e alto grau Brix. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se analisar as bases genéticas dos caracteres do fruto do maracujazeiro doce, avaliando-se sua capacidade combinatória. Para isso, foi utilizado um cruzamento dialelo parcial, envolvendo 36 F1s e os 12 genitores. Foram estimadas a Capacidade Geral de Combinação - CGC e a Capacidade específica de Combinação - CEC para os caracteres peso do fruto, peso da polpa, espessura da casca, grau Brix e rendimento de polpa. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas para CGC nos caracteres: peso do fruto, peso da polpa e grau Brix. Em relação à CEC, não se encontraram diferenças estatisticamente significativas, para todos os caracteres analisados, o que demonstra haver a predominância de variabilidade para efeitos gênicos aditivos, devendo-se, por isso, fazer seleção para caracteres com maior herdabilidade. Dos genitores, destacaram-se a mãe 2, a mãe 6 e o pai 5, por exibirem a melhor média do ranking, sendo plantas promissoras para possíveis cruzamentos dirigidos, visando à obtenção de progênies superiores para os caracteres avaliados.The Passiflora alata Curtis is a fruit plant with increasing economical interest because its esthetic, medicinal, organoleptics and nutritional characteristics. However, some technological problems need to be overcome concerning its utilization, such as the absence of cultivar presenting fruits with high pulp revenue, fine skin and high Brix degree. This research was aimed at to analyzing the genetic basis of the fruit characteristics of the sweet passion fruit plant, by evaluating the combining ability. To achieve the goals, it was used a partial diallel, involving 36 F1s and the 12 parental. It was estimated the General Combining Ability - GCA and the Specific Combining Ability - SCA for weigh of the fruit, weight of the pulp, thickness of the skin, Brix degree and pulp revenue. There were not found statistically significant differences in GCA values weight of the fruit, weight of the pulp and Brix degree. The SCA values also did not show statistically significant differences for all the characteristics analyzed, which show that the variability is predominately due to addictive gene effects. One should, for this reason, do selection for characteristics with larger inheritance. Among the genitors evaluated, mother 2, mother 6 and father 5 were outstanding, because they exhibited the best ranking average, being promising plants for future crosses in order to obtain superior progenies for agronomic traits.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar capacidades de combinação por meio de análise multivariada de genótipos de maracujazeiro-doce, de modo a orientar as melhores combinações para cruzamentos. Foram cruzados 12 genótipos, 6 genitores femininos e 6 genitores masculinos, na forma de dialelo parcial, e as populações segregantes foram conduzidas em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições sem a inclusão dos genitores. Os caracteres aferidos foram: peso do fruto, peso da polpa, espessura da casca, teor de sólidos solúveis totais e rendimento de polpa. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise de variância, análise dialélica parcial e análise de variância multivariada dialélica. Posteriormente, foi utilizado o índice de seleção da distância ao ideótipo para seleção dos genitores. Os melhores genitores femininos foram M4 e M2 e os masculinos foram P5 e P6 e as melhores combinações de genitores são M4 x P6 e M2 x P2. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram que a utilização conjunta da análise dialélica e análise multivariada pode ser útil a programas de melhoramento genético, em especial na orientação das melhores combinações para cruzamentos, quando o objetivo é obter ganho genético em vários caracteres simultaneamente.The objective of this work was to estimate the combined ability of sweet passionfruit by multivariate analysis to support breeding. Twelve genotypes, six female parents and six male parents, in a partial diallel were utilized to develop 36 F1 progenies, stablished in the field in randomized blocks with four replicates, without the parents. Weight of the fruit, weight of the pulp, epicarp thickness, total soluble solids content, and pulp production were evaluated. Data were submitted to analysis of variance, partial diallel analysis, and multivariate diallel variance analysis. Afterwards, the selection index of distance to the ideotype for selection of the parents was utilized. The better female and male parental were M4 and M2 and P5 and P6, respectively, and the better crosses were M4 x P6 and M2 x P2. The results provided evidence that the utilization of diallel and multivariate analysis at the same time can be useful to the breeding programs, in particular by guiding the selection of the best combinations for future crosses to further increase the genetic gain in various traits simultaneously.

Acca sellowiana (Myrtaceae) é uma frutífera nativa da região Sul do Brasil e nordeste do Uruguai, que vem despertando grande interesse devido ao alto potencial organoléptico de seus frutos. Neste trabalho, teve-se como objetivo a caracterização do tipo de sistema de incompatibilidade atuante em A. sellowiana, através da avaliação do desenvolvimento dos tubos polínicos. Utilizaram-se dois acessos: 458, sendo autocompatível, e 101, auto-incompatível. A maior porcentagem de germinação de grãos de pólen foi observada no acesso 101, com 68,8% de grãos de pólen germinados. Não foram observadas diferenças no crescimento dos tubos polínicos em pistilos autopolinizados ou de polinização cruzada, em ambos os acessos. O crescimento completo do tubo polínico até o ovário ocorreu em pistilos coletados 96 horas após a polinização, independentemente do tratamento aplicado. Sugere-se a ocorrência de auto-esterilidade ou auto-incompatibilidade tardia ou pós-zigótica, considerando que o abortamento dos frutos de A. sellowiana é uniforme e ocorre num prazo curto, por volta de 20 a 30 dias após a fertilização das flores.Acca sellowiana (Myrtaceae) is a native fruit species from the South Brazil and northeast Uruguay which is attracting great interest due to the high organoleptic potential of its fruits. In this study we aimed to characterize the type of incompatibility system which occurs in A. sellowiana, through the evaluation of the polinic tube development. Two accesses were used: being 458 self-compatible and 101 self- incompatible. The highest percentage of pollen grains germination, 68,8%, was observed in the access 101. It was not observed differences in the growth of the polinic tubes between self-pollinated pistils and cross-pollinated ones in both accesses. The complete growth of the polinic tube until reaching the ovary occurred only in pistils collected 96 hours after the polinization, independent of the treatment. The data suggests the occurrence of self-sterility, or a delayed or post-zygotic self-incompatibility in the species, considering that the abortion of A. sellowiana fruits is uniform and occurs in a short period of time, around 20 to 30 days, after the fertilization of the flowers.

The Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) O. Kuntze, also named the "paraná pine" (‘pinheiro-do-Paraná’ in Portuguese), is a native conifer species naturally occurring in the Brazilian Tropical Atlantic Forest which in Brazil is mostly limited to the southern Brazilian states of Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. Chloroplast DNA markers (cpDNA) are useful in populational genetic studies because of their low substitution rate and the uniparental transmission. The conservation of cpDNA genes between species has allowed the design of consensus chloroplast primers that have had a great impact on population genetics and phylogenetic studies. In this study we used the polymerase chain reaction technique combined with restriction enzyme fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) to characterize the genetic diversity of the chloroplast genome in nine natural A. angustifolia populations. Among the 141 trees surveyed we found 12 different cpDNA haplotypes and demonstrated that A. angustifolia has high levels of total diversity (hT = 0.612) and an average within-population diversity (hS) of 0.441, suggesting the presence of high within-population variation. The estimated genetic divergence could be helpful in designing breeding programs and species conservation strategies, although additional studies with a larger number of populations and trees is essential for a better understanding of gene flow and the inheritance of major Araucaria angustifolia traits.