Influence of spatial variability of soil chemical attributes on the nutritional status and growth of the rubber tree

The productive potential of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is dependent on its genetic composition, in addition to edaphoclimatic factors and management practices. However, as soil properties are not homogenous, knowing the spatial variability of soil attributes would be important to increase productivity and reduce production costs. In this context, the objective of this study was to determine the spatial variability of chemical attributes of the soil and its influence on the nutritional status and growth of rubber tree clones. Clones FX 3864, FDR 5788, CDC 312, and RRIM 600 were planted at Jaturnaíba Farm, in the municipality of Silva Jardim, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The sampling sites were distributed at a spacing of 20 × 20 m on the northern and southern sides of the relief. The chemical attributes of the soil (pH, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, P, Al3+, H+Al, sum of bases, cation exchange capacity, and base saturation) were evaluated at a depth of 0­20 cm in the different clone plantations. Additionally, the N, P, K, Ca, and Mg content as well as trunk circumference and total plant height, were also evaluated. Geostatistics was used to determine the spatial variability of the soil and clone attributes, while Ordinary Kriging was used to draw variability maps of the variables. A difference in the distribution of the variables, which was dependent on the slope of the relief, was detected through the maps. The southern side presented better conditions as some degradation was observed on the northern side. Certain soil characteristics influenced the distribution of the attributes of the planted clones; for example, the low concentration of Ca2+ in the soil caused Ca deficiency in the FX clone on the southern slope, indicating that liming did not supply enough nutrients for this clone. Our results showed that the variability in soil attributes influenced the nutritional status and growth of the rubber tree clones, indicating that variability maps can guide the planting and management of the rubber tree, providing more efficient management.

Evaluation of tissue in repair with natural latex and / or hyaluronic acid in surgical bone defects

Abstract This study evaluated the bone repair in surgical defects of rats treated with hyaluronic acid (HA) associated or not with Hevea brasiliensis fraction protein (F-1). Bone defect were created in 15 albino Wistar rats divided into 3 groups (n=5): Control group (1) - blood clot; HA group (2) - 0.5% hyaluronic acid; HAF1 group (3) - 0.1% F-1 protein fraction dissolved in 0.5% hyaluronic acid. After 4 weeks, the animals were euthanized and the bone repair was evaluated through histomorphometric analysis, zymography and immunohistochemistry. The neoformed bone area did not show a significant difference (p = 0.757), but there was a tendency for bone trabeculation to increase in the groups HA and HAF1. For immunohistochemically analysis, there was a difference in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) labeling (p = 0.023), being higher in the groups HA and HAF1 than the control group. No significant difference in bone sialoprotein (BSP) (p = 0.681), osteocalcin (p = 0.954), however, significant difference in platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD-31) (p = 0.040), with HAF1 group being significantly lower than the control. For zymographic analysis, there was no significant difference for metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) (p = 0.068), but there was a tendency to increase MMP-2 in the HA group. Despite the influence on angiogenic factors and the apparent tendency for greater trabeculation in the HA and HAF1 groups, there was no significant difference in the area of ​​newly formed bone tissue in the analyzed period.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou o reparo ósseo em defeitos cirúrgicos de ratos tratados com ácido hialurônico (AH) associado ou não à fração proteica de Hevea brasiliensis (F-1). Foram criados defeitos ósseos em 15 ratos albinos Wistar divididos em 3 grupos (n = 5): Grupo controle (1) - coágulo sanguíneo; Grupo HA (2) - ácido hialurônico 0,5%; Grupo HAF1 (3) - fração proteica F-1 0,1% dissolvida em ácido hialurônico a 0,5%. Após 4 semanas, os animais foram submetidos à eutanásia e o reparo ósseo avaliado por meio de análise histomorfométrica, zimografia e imunohistoquímica. A área óssea neoformada não apresentou diferença significativa (p = 0,757), mas houve tendência de aumento da trabeculação óssea nos grupos HA e HAF1. Para a análise imunoistoquímica, houve diferença na marcação do fator de crescimento endotelial vascular (VEGF) (p = 0,023), sendo maior nos grupos HA e HAF1 do que no grupo controle. Nenhuma diferença significativa na sialoproteína óssea (BSP) (p = 0,681), osteocalcina (p = 0,954), no entanto, diferenças significativas foram encontradas para a molécula de adesão de células endoteliais plaquetárias-1 (CD-31) (p = 0,040), com o grupo HAF1 sendo significativamente inferior ao controle. Para a análise zimográfica, não houve diferença significativa para metaloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) (p = 0,068), mas houve tendência de aumento da MMP-2 no grupo HA. Apesar da influência sobre os fatores angiogênicos e da aparente tendência de maior trabeculação nos grupos HA e HAF1, não houve diferença significativa na área de tecido ósseo neoformado no período analisado.

Zinc - rooting cofactor in rubber tree mini-cuttings / Zinco - cofator de enraizamento em miniestacas de seringueira

The rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Müell. Arg.) is a species of significant economic interest in the natural rubber industry in Brazil and the world. This species presents recalcitrance to rooting, and its cuttings are difficult to propagate. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the pre-conditioning of rubber tree mini-cuttings with zinc on the improvement of the adventitious rooting of rootstocks. Mini-cuttings were standardized with 45 mm length and submitted to preconditioning by immersion of the mini-cutting base in solutions containing 0.00; 0.04; 0.08; 0.16; 0.32 and 0.64 mg L-1 of Zn, for 24 hours. The experimental design was randomized blocks with six treatments and four replicates of 10 mini-cuttings. The rubber tree mini-cuttings were placed in a fitotron-type growth chamber, at 25 °C, with 12-hour photoperiod, 5,000 K intensity, and 95% of relative air humidity, for 60 days. The survival rate, number of buds, percentage of mini-cuttings that had leaf abscission, the percentage of mini-cuttings with callogenesis in the root meristem, the percentage of rooted mini-cuttings, the number of primary roots and root length were evaluated. The highest values of survival rate, the number of buds, the number of primary roots, the percentage of mini-cuttings with callogenesis in the root meristem, the percentage of rooted mini-cuttings and root length were observed with 0.16 to 0.26 Mg L-1 of Zn. The use of zinc in the mini-cuttings of rubber tree reduces linearly the percentage of mini-cuttings that had leaf abscission and the formation of callogenesis in the root meristem.

A seringueira (Hevea brasiliensis Müell. Arg.) é uma espécie de importância econômica para a indústria da borracha natural do Brasil e do mundo. Esta espécie apresenta recalcitrância ao enraizamento e suas estacas são difíceis de se propagar. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar o efeito do pré-condicionamento de miniestacas de seringueira com zinco na melhoria do enraizamento adventício de porta-enxertos. As miniestacas foram padronizadas com 45 mm de comprimento e submetidas ao pré-condicionamento por imersão da miniestaca em soluções contendo 0.00; 0,04; 0,08; 0,16; 0,32 e 0,64 mg L-1 de Zn, por 24 horas. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com seis tratamentos e quatro repetições de 10 miniestacas. As miniestacas de seringueira foram colocadas em câmara de crescimento tipo fitotron, a 25 °C, com fotoperíodo de 12 horas, intensidade de 5.000 K e umidade relativa do ar de 95% por 60 dias. Foram avaliadas a taxa de sobrevivência, o número de gemas, a porcentagem de miniestacas que apresentaram abscisão foliar, o percentual de miniestacas com calogênese no meristema radicular, o percentual de miniestacas enraizadas, o número de raízes primárias e o comprimento das raízes. Os maiores valores de taxa de sobrevivência, o número de gemas, o número de raízes primárias, a porcentagem de miniestacas com calogênese no meristema radicular, o percentual de miniestacas enraizadas e o comprimento radicular foram verificados com 0,16 a 0,26 Mg L-1 de Zn. O uso de zinco nas miniestacas de seringueira reduz linearmente a porcentagem de miniestacas que tiveram abscisão foliar e a formação de calogênese no meristema radicular

Initial development and sample dimensioning of rubber tree clones / Desenvolvimento inicial e dimensionamento amostral em clones de seringueira

The current success of rubber cultivation is related to the use of clones adapted to different edaphoclimatic regions. Hence, it is important to evaluate variables that are correlated with yield. However, a common problem is choosing the plot dimensions where these variables will be measured. In view of the above, the objective of this work was to evaluate the initial development of two rubber tree clones and to determine the ideal sample unit size to characterize trunk circumference, tree height and bark thickness. The variables circumference at breast height (CBH), total height (Ht) and bark thickness (BT) were measured in seven plots of 680.4 m², in addition to determining the plot size to satisfactorily sample each of the variables measured in each clone, 52 months after planting. At 52 months, clone RRIM 937 showed better development than RRIM600 in relation to the analyzed variables. The ideal sample unit size is different for the variables in the following order: trunk circumference> total height> bark thickness. The measurement of plots with 15 trees is adequate to represent the variability of the analyzed variables, considering the acceptable error of 10%.

O sucesso atual do cultivo de seringueira está relacionado ao uso de clones adaptados a diferentes regiões edafoclimáticas. Portanto, é importante avaliar as variáveis que estão correlacionadas com o rendimento. No entanto, um problema comum é escolher as dimensões da área onde essas variáveis serão medidas. Este trabalho foi conduzido com objetivo de avaliar o desenvolvimento inicial de dois clones de seringueira e determinar o tamanho da amostra ideal para caracterizar a circunferência do tronco, altura da árvore e espessura da casca. As variáveis circunferência na altura do peito (CBH), altura total (Ht) e espessura da casca (BT) foram medidas em sete parcelas de 680,4 m² e foi estabelecido o tamanho da parcela para amostrar satisfatoriamente cada uma das variáveis medidas em cada clone, 52 meses após o plantio. Aos 52 meses, o clone RRIM 937 apresentou melhor desenvolvimento do que RRIM600 em relação às variáveis analisadas. O tamanho ideal da unidade de amostra é diferente para as variáveis na seguinte ordem: circunferência do tronco > altura total > espessura da casca. A medida de parcelas com 15 árvores é adequada para representar a variabilidade das variáveis analisadas, considerando o erro aceitável de 10%.

Protein from Hevea brasiliensis "Hev b 13" latex attenuates systemic inflammatory response and lung lesions in rats with sepsis / Proteína do latex de Hevea brasiliensis "Hev b 13" atenua resposta inflamatória sistêmica e lesão pulmonar de ratos com sepse

Abstract Sepsis induces a severe systemic inflammatory response that may result in multiple organ dysfunction and death. Studies using a protein derived from natural Hevea brasiliensis (rubber tree) latex, denominated Hev b 13, have demonstrated important anti-inflammatory effects, but no data have been published regarding its effects on sepsis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Hev b 13 on the inflammatory response and lung lesions of septal rats. Male Wistar rats were submitted to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), randomized into groups and treated with subcutaneously administered doses of 0.5/2.0/3.0 mg/Kg of Hev b 13. Next, animals were subdivided into three different points in time (1, 6 and 24 hours after treatments) for collection of blood samples and euthanasia accompanied by organ removal. Total and differential leukocyte counts, cytokine dosage and histological assessment were analyzed. Treatment with Hev b 13 resulted in a significant decline in total and differential leukocytes as well as suppression of TNF-α and IL-6 production, associated with the increase in IL-10 and IL-4 in plasma and lung tissue. Moreover, it reduced morphological and pathological changes found in the lungs, including neutrophil infiltration, edema and alveolar thickening. The present study concluded that Hev b 13 exerts anti-inflammatory effects and attenuates lung lesions in septal rats, showing potential for clinical application.

Resumo Sepse induz uma resposta inflamatória sistêmica grave podendo resultar em disfunção de múltiplos órgãos e morte. Pesquisas utilizando uma proteína derivada do látex natural de Hevea brasiliensis (seringueira), denominada Hev b 13 tem demonstrado importantes efeitos anti-inflamatórios, mas nenhum dado foi publicado dos seus efeitos na sepse. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos da Hev b 13 na resposta inflamatória e na lesão pulmonar de ratos com sepse. Ratos machos da linhagem Wistar foram submetidos a ligação e perfuração do ceco (LPC), randomizados em grupos e tratados com as doses 0,5/2,0/3,0 mg/Kg de Hev b 13 subcutâneo. Após subdividiu-se os animais em três pontos diferentes de tempo (1, 6 e 24 horas após os tratamentos) para coleta de amostras sanguíneas e eutanásia com remoção dos órgãos. Contagem total e diferencial de leucócitos, dosagem de citocinas e avaliação histológica foram analisadas. O tratamento com a Hev b 13 resultou em diminuição significativa de leucócitos totais e diferenciais bem como suprimiu a produção de TNF-α e IL-6, associado ao aumento de IL-10 e IL-4 no plasma e tecido pulmonar. Além disso, reduziu as alterações morfológicas e patológicas encontradas nos pulmões, incluindo infiltrado de neutrófilos, edema e espessamento alveolar. Este estudo concluiu que a Hev b 13 tem efeitos anti-inflamatórios e atenua lesões pulmonares em ratos com sepse, apresentando potencialidades para aplicabilidade clínica.

El camino del caucho / The way of the rubber

Resumen Las investigaciones de Markham, primero, y luego de Spruce, llevadas a cabo en medio de múltiples peligros, internándose en selvas espesas, vadeando salvajes ríos y enfrentando nativos muchas veces hostiles, permitieron conocer el ciclo de vida del árbol del caucho para el traslado de sus semillas, su aclimatación en Asia y cultivo a nivel industrial. Indudablemente ellos fueron los héroes de esta epopeya al hacer esta investigación venturosa, pero los sabios son modestos y callados, de manera que la gloria se la llevó un empresario decidido y de pocos escrúpulos cual Wickham. En cuanto a Brasil, como buena nación latinoamericana, pecó de ingenuidad, improvisación y negligencia, dejándose arrebatar una inimaginable fortuna: el monopolio del caucho. Creemos que las múltiples aplicaciones médicas del caucho, haciendo menos dolorosos los exámenes y procedimientos, pudieran ser de interés para nuestros colegas.

Investigations first by Markham, and then by Spruce, performed in the middle of multiple risks, in the deep of dense jungle, through the wild rivers and facing up natives many times hostile, brought the knowledge of the life cycle of Hevea brasiliensis, the rubber's tree, necessary for take its seeds to Asia, its adaptation to this continent and its culture at industrial level. Undoubtedly these men were the heroes of this history, but they were wise, modest and quite people, so the glory was for an entrepreneur decided and of scare scruples, like Wickham. And Brazil, as a good Latin American nation, sinned of naivety, improvidence and negligence, allowing itself the lost of an unimaginable fortune: the monopoly of the rubber. Because the many applications of rubber in medical practice, the history of this tree may interest our colleagues.

Evaluation of Rubber Tree Clones Under Different Tapping Systems in Northwestern Paraná State, Brazil

ABSTRACT This study evaluates the potential of rubber tree clones (Hevea spp.) under four tapping systems for the Northwestern region of the State of Paraná with the objective of enhance genetic diversification and increase natural rubber production in this new and promising region for rubber tree cultivation by selecting the better combination of clone and tapping system. The experiment was installed at Guanabara Farm, municipality of Paranapoema, Paraná State, in a split-plot randomized complete blocks experimental design with three replications. In the plots 12 clones were tested, namely RRIM 600 (control), IRCA 18, IRCA 111, IRCA 130, PB 235, PB 252, PB 260, PB 330, IAC 15, IAC 35, IAC 41 and RO 38. The subplot treatments consisted of four tapping systems: 1) ½ S d/4 ET 2.5%, 2) ½ S d/4, 3) ½ S d/7 ET 2.5% and 4) ½ S d/7. Dry rubber production was evaluated over a period of two years. Due to the higher productivity the clones IRCA 130, IRCA 111, IRCA 18, IAC 35, IAC 41, IAC 15, PB 260 and PB 235 are suggested to be planted at a proportion of 5% to 10% of the total area in commercial plantings for more detailed evaluation. Because of their significantly lower productivity, the clones PB 330, PB 252 and RO 38 should not be recommended, as well as the tapping system S d/7 ½ without stimulation.

Protein from Hevea brasiliensis Hev b 13 latex attenuates systemic inflammatory response and lung lesions in rats with sepsis

Abstract Sepsis induces a severe systemic inflammatory response that may result in multiple organ dysfunction and death. Studies using a protein derived from natural Hevea brasiliensis (rubber tree) latex, denominated Hev b 13, have demonstrated important anti-inflammatory effects, but no data have been published regarding its effects on sepsis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Hev b 13 on the inflammatory response and lung lesions of septal rats. Male Wistar rats were submitted to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), randomized into groups and treated with subcutaneously administered doses of 0.5/2.0/3.0 mg/Kg of Hev b 13. Next, animals were subdivided into three different points in time (1, 6 and 24 hours after treatments) for collection of blood samples and euthanasia accompanied by organ removal. Total and differential leukocyte counts, cytokine dosage and histological assessment were analyzed. Treatment with Hev b 13 resulted in a significant decline in total and differential leukocytes as well as suppression of TNF- and IL-6 production, associated with the increase in IL-10 and IL-4 in plasma and lung tissue. Moreover, it reduced morphological and pathological changes found in the lungs, including neutrophil infiltration, edema and alveolar thickening. The present study concluded that Hev b 13 exerts anti-inflammatory effects and attenuates lung lesions in septal rats, showing potential for clinical application.

Resumo Sepse induz uma resposta inflamatória sistêmica grave podendo resultar em disfunção de múltiplos órgãos e morte. Pesquisas utilizando uma proteína derivada do látex natural de Hevea brasiliensis (seringueira), denominada Hev b 13 tem demonstrado importantes efeitos anti-inflamatórios, mas nenhum dado foi publicado dos seus efeitos na sepse. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos da Hev b 13 na resposta inflamatória e na lesão pulmonar de ratos com sepse. Ratos machos da linhagem Wistar foram submetidos a ligação e perfuração do ceco (LPC), randomizados em grupos e tratados com as doses 0,5/2,0/3,0 mg/Kg de Hev b 13 subcutâneo. Após subdividiu-se os animais em três pontos diferentes de tempo (1, 6 e 24 horas após os tratamentos) para coleta de amostras sanguíneas e eutanásia com remoção dos órgãos. Contagem total e diferencial de leucócitos, dosagem de citocinas e avaliação histológica foram analisadas. O tratamento com a Hev b 13 resultou em diminuição significativa de leucócitos totais e diferenciais bem como suprimiu a produção de TNF- e IL-6, associado ao aumento de IL-10 e IL-4 no plasma e tecido pulmonar. Além disso, reduziu as alterações morfológicas e patológicas encontradas nos pulmões, incluindo infiltrado de neutrófilos, edema e espessamento alveolar. Este estudo concluiu que a Hev b 13 tem efeitos anti-inflamatórios e atenua lesões pulmonares em ratos com sepse, apresentando potencialidades para aplicabilidade clínica.

Novel sustained-release of Stryphnodendron obovatum leaves extract using natural rubber latex as carrier

Natural rubber latex biomembranes (NRL), obtained from rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex A. Juss.) Mull. Arg., have been used as sustained drug release of drugs and plant extracts with medicinal properties. The Stryphnodendron obovatum Bench (Fabaceae), popularly known as "barbatimão" has anti-inflammatory and healing properties already described in literature. Thus, the aim of this work were to study the release behavior of the hydroethanolic extract from the leaves of S. obovatum loaded in the NRL by ultraviolet­visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS). The release followed a biexponential pattern and the mechanism of release was Super Case II (n > 1). FTIR analyses did not show reaction between NRL and extract, only intermolecular interaction. From SEM was possible to observe the extract at the surface, responsible for the initial fast release, which the concentrations at 5.0 mg/mL released 2.4% and at 0.1 mg/mL released 96.8%; both reached the plateau in 7 days.

Casearia sylvestris Swartz Extract Release Using Natural Rubber Latex Biomembranes as Carrier.

The Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) from Hevea brasiliensis has shown promise in biomedical applications due to its low cost, easy handling, mechanical properties and biocompatibility, being used for bone regeneration and wound healing due to its natural stimulus to angiogenesis. The aim of this work was to incorporate Casearia sylvestris Sw. extract in NRL biomembranes and study its release behavior. The complex membraneextract has as object of study a new approach of using C. sylvestris extract in the treatment of wounds, for possessing antiseptic activity, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The C. sylvestris species (Salicaceae), popularly known as "guaçatonga", presents great distribution and is used in folk medicine as antiulcer, wound healing, anti- snake venom, properties which have been proven and related to clerodane diterpenes (casearins A-X). The release rate of C. sylvestris compounds from extract-membrane complex was monitored and analyzed using the method of optical spectroscopy (UV-VIS). The release varied with temperature ranging from 14 to 33 days, releasing more than 90%, with an interesting and promising biomedical application, such as wound healing and burns.

Variación temporal a Microcyclus ulei en los clones de caucho FX 3864 y FX 4098 en condiciones controladas / Temporal variation to Microcyclus ulei in rubber tree clones FX 3864 and FX 4098 under controlled conditions

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la variación temporal de los principales componentes fisiológicos asociados a la reacción de dos clones (FX 3864 y FX 4098) de Hevea brasiliensis a Microcyclus ulei en condiciones controladas. Las inoculaciones se realizaron en cámara húmeda a 23 ºC, una humedad relativa superior al 90% y un fotoperíodo de 12 h. Con un modelo de medidas repetidas en el tiempo y mediante correlaciones se analizaron cuatro variables: severidad de ataque (SA), intensidad de esporulación conidial (IE), tamaño de lesión (TL) y frecuencia de infección (FI). M. ulei generó síntomas en los dos clones a los 4 días después de la inoculación. Los signos de la enfermedad (IE= 3) se manifestaron a los 8 días en el clon FX 3864 y a los 12 días en el clon FX 098. FX 3864 presentó la mayor susceptibilidad a M. ulei (mayor severidad y una esporulación alta, IE= 4). En general, se observó una influencia del tiempo en la reacción de cada clon para las variables SA, IE y TL. Altas correlaciones significativas se encontraron entre SA y las variables IE, TL y FI, excepto en el día 12 para IE. Este estudio permite concluir que en condiciones controladas la intensidad y la frecuencia de los síntomas así como el grado de esporulación producidos por M. ulei cambian significativamente a través del tiempo y esta variación está influenciada a su vez por el nivel de susceptibilidad a M. ulei presentado por cada clon de H. brasiliensis.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of temporal variation on the main physiological components associated with the reaction to Microcyclus ulei of two rubber tree clones of Hevea brasiliensis under controlled conditions. Inoculations were performed in a moist chamber at 23 °C, a relative humidity higher than 90% and a photoperiod of 12 h. The variables severity of attack (SA), conidial sporulation intensity (IE), lesion size (TL) and infection frequency (IF) were analyzed with a repeated over time measurements model and also with correlations. M. ulei produced symptoms (SA, TL, FI) in both rubber tree clones 4 days after inoculation. Signs of the disease (IE = 3) appeared in the FX 3864 at day 8th and in the FX 4098 at day 12th. FX 3864 presented higher susceptibility to M. ulei (greater severity and high sporulation, with IE = 4). In general, the time influenced the reaction of each clone, especially in the variables SA, IE and TL. High significant correlations were found between SA and the variables IE, TL and FI, except on day 12 for IE. It was concluded that intensity and frequency of symptoms and the degree of sporulation produced by M. ulei change significantly over time under controlled conditions and this variation is influenced also by the level of susceptibility to M. ulei showed by each clone of H. brasiliensis.

Liberação de componentes do extrato de Casearia sylvestris Swartz empregando membranas de látex natural como suporte / Analysis of Casearia sylvestris Swartz extract release from natural rubber latex membranes

A membrana de látex natural (NRL - Natural Rubber Latex), manipulada a partir do látex extraído da seringueira Hevea brasiliensis, tem apresentado grande potencial de aplicação no campo da biomedicina e dos biomateriais. Graças a sua biocompatibilidade e baixa taxa de rejeição, ela tem sido utilizada para próteses e enxertos, atuando como estimulante da angiogênese, adesão celular e barreira física a agentes infecciosos. Além dessas aplicações, as membranas são utilizadas como matriz de sistemas de liberação para avaliar o comportamento da liberação de fármacos e extratos de origem vegetal que apresentam propriedades medicinais. O sistema extrato-membrana tem como objeto de estudo uma nova abordagem dessas substâncias no tratamento de feridas visando à cicatrização e regeneração do tecido envolvido. Casearia sylvestris, conhecida popularmente como guaçatonga, pertence à família Salicaceae, conhecida na medicina popular pelos seus efeitos antiulcerogênicos, cicatrizantes, antiofídicos, anti-inflamatórios e antissépticos, propriedades já comprovadas por estudos. Trabalhos recentes demonstraram que a liberação controlada de fármacos e extratos utilizando membranas de látex natural é uma alternativa interessante e promissora para aplicações biomédicas. Assim, o objetivo deste projeto foi estudar a liberação do extrato de Casearia sylvestris incorporado à membrana de látex em soluções com diferentes valores de pH, com o propósito de estudar seu comportamento e sua liberação de forma controlada. A taxa de liberação do extrato do sistema extrato-membrana foi monitorada e analisada utilizando-se o método de espectroscopia ótica (UV). O pH básico age desestabilizando a membrana indicando que o polímero possui a habilidade de proteger o extrato de ser liberado em valores de pH ácidos, direcionando sua aplicação para o sítio de melhor absorção. Além disso, a liberação segue uma função bi-exponencial...

Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) membrane, made from latex extracted from the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis, has shown great potential for use in the biomedicine and biomaterials area. Thanks to its biocompatibility and low rejection rate, it has been used for implants and grafts, acting as a stimulant of angiogenesis and cell adhesion and as a barrier against infectious agents. Besides these applications, the membranes are used as model release systems, to assess the release behavior of drugs and plant extracts that exhibit medicinal properties. The extract-membrane system represents a new approach to studying these substances, as aids to wound healing and tissue regeneration. Casearia sylvestris, popularly known as guaçatonga, belongs to the family Salicaceae, known in popular medicine for its anti-ulcerogenic, wound healing, anti-ophidian, antiinflammatory and antiseptic properties, all of which are proven by scientific studies. Recent studies have also shown that the controlled release of drugs and extracts from natural latex membranes is an interesting and promising process for biomedical applications. The objective of this project was thus to study the release of Casearia sylvestris extract incorporated into natural rubber membranes. The main concern was to study and optimize the controlled release of the extract at various pHs. The rate of release was monitored and analyzed by the method of optical spectroscopy (UV). Basic pHacts to destabilize the membrane, indicating that the polymer has the ability to protect the extract from being released at acidic pH values. The controlled release follows a bi-exponential function...

Primer reporte de susceptibilidad del clon de caucho natural FX-3864 a Microcyclus ulei en la altillanura colombiana / First report of susceptibility of natural rubber clone FX-3864 a Microcyclus ulei en la altillanuera colombiana

El mal suramericano de las hojas (SALB), enfermedad endémica del caucho (Hevea brasiliensis), es causado por Microcyclus ulei (forma imperfecta Fusicladium macrosporum) y constituye el principal limitante del cultivo en América, área donde el microorganismo patógeno es endémico. En forma semejante al de otros cultivos agrícolas, el manejo de esta enfermedad está condicionado a la disponibilidad de resistencia genética en el hospedero. En razón de su productividad y condición de resistencia genética, el clon FX 3864 ha sido ampliamente plantado en zonas con diferente potencialidad epidémica a la incidencia del SALB en Colombia, particularmente las denominadas de “no escape” a la enfermedad. Durante el 2010, plantaciones con el clon FX 3864 en fase productiva presentaron síntomas de SALB en zonas de escape ubicadas en la altillanura colombiana (departamento del Meta). En parcelas trampa ubicadas en áreas aledañas a los cultivos se estableció que la severidad promedio de la enfermedad alcanzó niveles de 5,78% en este clon. Verificada la causalidad de la enfermedad mediante observaciones al microscopio se procedió a confirmar el origen del material sobre el cual se desarrollaban las lesiones, utilizando marcadores moleculares (4 microsatélites específicos). Los resultados de la prueba permitieron confirmar la susceptibilidad del hasta hace poco resistente clon FX 3864 al SALB en Colombia. Se sugiere tomar en consideración la nueva condición de este clon y, en concordancia, reorientar los programas de fomento del cultivo advirtiendo a los agricultores sobre los riesgos potenciales de ocurrencia de la enfermedad en las nuevas áreas programadas.

South American Leaf Blight (SALB), caused by Microcyclus ulei (anamorph Fusicladium macrosporum), is an endemic major disease of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) in America. As well as in other crop systems, its management on rubber plantations relies on plant genetic resistance availability, among other means. FX 3864 is a rubber tree clone widely planted in Colombia due to its production capability and disease resistance. During 2010 SALB symptoms developed in commercial crops at the Meta region of Colombia. Crop traps located nearby the plantations showed mean disease severity levels of 5.78%. Once the causal organism was microscopically confirmed as responsible for the diseased tissue, their origin was characterized by molecular means using 4 microsatellites specific to the rubber tree. The procedure confirmed that FX 3864 was the clone of origin of the leaf tissue. SALB occurring over FX 3864 implies the need to redirect crop disease management measures to be followed on the new development areas of rubber cultivation, warning growers about potential hazards of disease incidence.

Distribuição espacial de Tenuipalpus heveae Baker (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) na cultura da seringueira / Spatial distribution of Tenuipalpus heveae Baker (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) on rubber tree plantations

The objective of this work was to study the spatial distribution of Tenuipalpus heveae Baker in rubber tree plantations. The experimental area was located in Marinópolis, State of São Paulo, and corresponded to a total of 1,000 plants (clone RRIM 600) divided in 100 plots of ten plants each. A total of 16 samplings were conducted, approximately once every 10 days, between December 2007 and June 2008. On each date, samples were taken from two plants per plot, each sample corresponding to the top 30 cm of a branch randomly taken from the median region of the canopy of each plant. The number of T. heveae was evaluated on three leaflets randomly taken from each sample, using a 20x power pocket magnifying glass. The number of mites was evaluated in two areas of 1 cm² delimited on the lower surface of each leaflet, being one along the midrib and the other along a lateral vein. The calculated dispersion indexes were: variance/mean relationship (I), index of Morisita (I´), coefficient of Green (Cx) and k exponent of negative binomial distribution. Tenuipalpus heveae showed aggregate distribution. The negative binomial distribution model was the most appropriate to represent the spatial distribution of the mite in the rubber tree plantation.

Atividade predatória de Euseius citrifolius Denmark & Muma (Acari: Phytoseiidae) sobre Tenuipalpus heveae Baker (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) / Predatory activity of Euseius citrifolius Denmark & Muma (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on Tenuipalpus heveae Baker (Acari: Tenuipalpidae)

O ácaro-plano-vermelho-da-seringueira, Tenuipalpus heveae Baker é uma importante praga de Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex. Adr. de Juss.) Müell. Arg. Entre os ácaros predadores, Euseius citrifolius Denmark & Muma tem sido frequentemente registrado nessa cultura. Este trabalho teve por objetivo determinar a atividade predatória de E. citrifolius sobre as fases de ovo, larva, ninfa e adulto de T. heveae. Os experimentos foram realizados em placas de Petri de 9 cm de diâmetro, contendo uma camada de algodão umedecido e sobre ela um disco de folha de seringueira de 2,5 cm de diâmetro, obtido de folhas naturalmente infestadas no campo. Em cada disco foram deixados vinte espécimes da fase biológica de T. heveae a ser testada, eliminando-se o restante com um estilete. Cada placa recebeu um exemplar do predador (larva, ninfa ou fêmea), proveniente de uma criação de laboratório. Para cada fase de E. citrifolius testada, foram considerados quatro tratamentos (fases de T. heveae) e vinte repetições em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado. As avaliações foram realizadas após 24 horas para larvas e ninfas do predador e após 24, 48 e 72 horas para as fêmeas. Larvas e ninfas de E. citrifolius tiveram preferência por larvas de T. heveae, seguida por ninfas, ovos e adultos. Em 72 horas, cada fêmea do predador consumiu 15,0 larvas, 14,5 ninfas, 7,4 adultos ou 2,2 ovos de T. heveae. Assim, pode-se concluir que o ácaro-plano-vermelho é uma presa aceita por E. citrifolius, que apresenta preferência pelas fases de larva e ninfa.

The rubber tree red false spider mite, Tenuipalpus heveae Baker, is an important pest of Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex. Adr. de Juss.) Müell. Arg. The phytoseiid mite Euseius citrifolius Dennmark & Muma has frequently been recorded on rubber tree crops. The objective of this work was to determine the predatory activity of E. citrifolius on the different life stages (egg, larva, nymph and adult) of T. heveae. The experiments were carried out in Petri dishes (9-cm diameter) containing a layer of wet cotton inside, onto which a disk of rubber tree leaf (2.5-cm diameter) was laid. The disks were taken from naturally infested leaves. Twenty specimens in the life stage that was to be tested were left on the disk and the others were eliminated; a predator life stage (larva, nymph or female) was obtained from a laboratory stock colony and put into each dish. For each tested life stage of E. citrifolius, 4 treatments (T. heveae life stages) and 20 replications were considered in a randomized block design. The observations were made after 24 hours for larvae and nymphs of the predator, and after 24, 48 and 72 hours for the females. E. citrifolius larvae and nymphs had a higher preference for T. heveae larvae followed by nymphs, eggs and adults. Within 72 hours, each predator female consumed 15.0 larvae, 14.5 nymphs, 7.4 adults or 2.2 eggs of T. heveae. It is concluded that E. citrifolius can feed on red false spider mites, the larva and nymph being the preferred stages.

Biological cycle of Tenuipalpus heveae Baker (Acari, Tenuipalpidae) on leaflets of three rubber tree clones / Ciclo de vida de Tenuipalpus heveae Baker (Acari, Tenuipalpidae) em folíolos de três clones de seringueira

Life cycle of Tenuipalpus heveae Baker (Acari, Tenuipalpidae) on leaflets from three rubber tree clones. The biological cycle of Tenuipalpus heveae Baker, 1945 (Tenuipalpidae), a potential rubber tree pest mite, was studied by the observation of individuals reared on leaflets of the clones GT 1, PB 235 and RRIM 600, in controlled environmental conditions. Three daily observations were done of 60 eggs on leaflets from each clone in order to verify the development of immature stages and the female oviposition. The fertility life table was constructed based in the collected data. Mites reared on PB 235 had faster rate of development, requiring less time in days, to double its population in number (TD), and had the highest values for egg production, female longevity, net reproductive rate (Ro), intrinsic rate of natural increase (r m) and finite rate of increase (λ). Lower reproductive values and the longest time necessary to reach adult stage were recorded for the mites on GT 1. In all studied clones, the deutonymphal phase had the highest viability, while the larval phase had the lowest, highlighted by the survivorship curve that indicated high mortality during this life stage. The clone PB 235 allowed the most suitable conditions for the development of T. heveae, followed by RRIM 600, while GT 1 was the less suitable substratum to rear this mite species.

O ciclo de vida de Tenuipalpus heveae Baker, 1945 (Tenuipalpidae), um potencial ácaro-praga da seringueira, foi estudado a partir de indivíduos criados sobre folíolos destacados dos clones GT 1, PB 235 e RRIM 600, em condições controladas. Três observações diárias foram realizadas, acompanhando-se o desenvolvimento de 60 ovos e de sua prole em folíolos de cada um dos clones, para verificação da oviposição das fêmeas e dos estágios de desenvolvimento. A partir dos dados obtidos, foi elaborada uma tabela de vida de fertilidade. Os ácaros criados sobre folíolos de PB 235 apresentaram rápido ciclo biológico, com menor tempo gasto, em dias, para duplicar sua população (TD) e os maiores valores para a produção de ovos, longevidade de fêmeas, taxa líquida de reprodução (Ro), taxa intrínseca de crescimento populacional (r m) e taxa finita de crescimento populacional (λ). Em GT 1 foram observados valores inferiores e o maior tempo de desenvolvimento necessαrio para atingir a fase adulta. Em todos os clones estudados a fase de maior viabilidade foi a deutoninfal, enquanto a menor, a larval, como evidenciado tambιm pelas curvas de sobrevivência, que indicaram maior mortalidade nesse estágio juvenil. O clone PB 235 possibilitou melhor desenvolvimento para T. heveae, seguido por RRIM 600, enquanto que GT 1 foi o menos favorável ao desenvolvimento dessa espécie.

Caracteristicas anatômicas da casca e produção de látex em plantas de seringueira não enxertadas / Anatomic bark characteristics and latex production in non-grafted rubber trees

As estruturas envolvidas na produção de látex na seringueira são os laticíferos articulados. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever aspectos anatômicos da casca em seringueiras não enxertadas com quatro, seis e oito anos, visando à seleção de materiais promissores. O material analisado foi obtido através do corte da casca à altura aproximada de 1,50 m do solo, chegando até o xilema da planta. Os cortes transversais foram preparados de acordo com as técnicas usuais de microtécnica vegetal. Os resultados permitem concluir, que a utilização de caracteres anatômicos (diâmetro das células), da espessura da casca e do diâmetro do caule, visando à seleção dos materiais de pés-francos com idades diferentes, apresentaram uma correlação significativa com a produção de látex.

The structures involved in latex production in rubber trees are articulated laticifers. The objective of this study was to describe anatomical aspects of the bark in four, six and eight year old non-grafted rubber plants, with the view of selecting materials of high yield potential. The analyzed material was obtained from bark cut around 1.50 m from the soil up to the xylem of the plant. The transversal cuts were prepared according to standard plant microtechniques. Based on the results, we can conclude that the use of anatomical characteristics (cell diameter), bark thickness and shoot diameter for selecting material from rootstocks plus non-grafted plants of different ages, showed a significant correlation with latex production.

Genetic divergence of rubber tree estimated by multivariate techniques and microsatellite markers

Genetic diversity of 60 Hevea genotypes, consisting of Asiatic, Amazonian, African and IAC clones, and pertaining to the genetic breeding program of the Agronomic Institute (IAC), Brazil, was estimated. Analyses were based on phenotypic multivariate parameters and microsatellites. Five agronomic descriptors were employed in multivariate procedures, such as Standard Euclidian Distance, Tocher clustering and principal component analysis. Genetic variability among the genotypes was estimated with 68 selected polymorphic SSRs, by way of Modified Rogers Genetic Distance and UPGMA clustering. Structure software in a Bayesian approach was used in discriminating among groups. Genetic diversity was estimated through Nei's statistics. The genotypes were clustered into 12 groups according to the Tocher method, while the molecular analysis identified six groups. In the phenotypic and microsatellite analyses, the Amazonian and IAC genotypes were distributed in several groups, whereas the Asiatic were in only a few. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.05 to 0.96. Both high total diversity (H T' = 0.58) and high gene differentiation (Gst' = 0.61) were observed, and indicated high genetic variation among the 60 genotypes, which may be useful for breeding programs. The analyzed agronomic parameters and SSRs markers were effective in assessing genetic diversity among Hevea genotypes, besides proving to be useful for characterizing genetic variability.

Efecto de la incculación con hongos formadores e micorrizas arbusculares sobree plántulas de caucho / Effects Of Inoculation With Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi On Rubber Seedlings

Hongos formadores de micorrizas arbusculares (HFMA) obtenidos a partir de suelos caucheros se multiplicaron en plantas de Lolium sp., con 73% de colonización radical luego de cuatro meses. Se obtuvieron siete morfotipos de HFMA, con los cuales se inocularon dos grupos de plántulas de Hevea brasiliensis: 1) producidas in vivo a partir de semilla; 2) producidas in vitro por rescate de embrión, para determinar efectos sobre mortalidad, crecimiento, micorrización y contenido de fósforo foliar. Los niveles de colonización por HFMA para las plántulas obtenidas in vitro e in vivo fueron de 12,6% y de 44,7%, respectivamente. La biomasa media total acumulada por las plántulas producidas in vitro fue de 0,41 y de 1,40 g por las procedentes del material in vivo, en comparación con los controles no inoculados, los cuales acumularon 0,37 y 0,40 g , respectivamente. El tratamiento con HFMA disminuyó la mortalidad en las plántulas obtenidas in vitro, aunque no tuvo un efecto significativo sobre el contenido de fósforo foliar. La respuesta del crecimiento de las plántulas inoculadas fue diferente dependiendo del origen del material vegetal y del tipo de inóculo (nativo o no nativo). La simbiosis entre HFMA y H. brasiliensis se desarrolló en condiciones controladas de crecimiento, aunque su avance dependió del estado de desarrollo de la plántula. No obstante, influyó en el crecimiento y en la disminución de la mortalidad de las plántulas, lo que abre la posibilidad de utilizarla como alternativa de inoculación en las fases tempranas de obtención del material vegetal.

Hevea brasiliensis rubber plants were inoculated with native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) during their greenhouse acclimatization. The AMF were multiplied for 4 months associated with Lolium sp. plants having 73% root colonization. Seven morphotypes were obtained. Two different groups of H. brasiliensis plants were inoculated with these morphotypes to determine AMF effect on mortality rate, growth, mycorrhization and leaf P content: those produced in vivo by seed germination and those produced in vitro by micropropagation. Plantlets produced in vitro returned 12.6% AMF colonization and 0.41 g accumulated dry biomass, whereas seedlings produced in vivo had 44.7% and 1.40 g , respectively, compared to control plants with no AMF inoculation which accumulated 0.37 g (in vitro) and 0.40 g (in vivo). AMF inoculation reduced the plants’ mortality rate regarding in vitro produced material; however, it did not influence foliar P content. Inoculated plants’ growth response was different, depending on plant material and the kind of inoculum used (native or foreign). Symbiosis developed between AMF and H. brasiliensis in controlled growth conditions although its advance was limited by the plants’ growth stage. Nevertheless, such association influenced inoculated plants’ biomass accumulation and decreased their mortality rate and could be used as an alternative treatment during the earliest stages of H. brasiliensis plantlet production.

Progênies de seringueira com potencial para conferir resistência a ácaros (Calacarus heveae Feres e Tenuipalpus heveae Baker) / Rubber tree progenies with potential to confer resistance to the mite (Calacarus heveae Feres e Tenuipalpus heveae Baker)

Os ácaros Calacarus heveae Feres e Tenuipalpus heveae Baker são pragas importantes da cultura da seringueira. Dentre as opções de controle dessas pragas, o uso de material vegetal resistente pode ser uma boa estratégia. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo identificar progênies de seringueira com potencial para conferir resistência a essas duas espécies de ácaros, em uma área de progênies de polinização aberta, com comprovada variabilidade genética, para uso em programas de melhoramento. Os experimentos foram realizados em três períodos consecutivos, 2002/2003, 2003/2004 e 2004/2005, com avaliação de 33 progênies. A cada dois meses, de dezembro a junho do ano seguinte, foram coletados quatro ramos de cada planta, para contagem dos ácaros em laboratório. O nível de desfolhamento observado nas plantas foi avaliado com o uso de uma escala de notas de 0 (ausência de desfolhamento) a 4 (acima de 75 por cento). Das 33 progênies de seringueira testadas, oito apresentaram resistência por não preferência e/ou antibiose ou então por tolerância a pelo menos uma das espécies e deverão ser multiplicadas para futuras avaliações.

The mites Calacarus heveae Feres e Tenuipalpus heveae Baker are important rubber tree pests. Among the control options, the resistant genetic material use can be a good strategy. The objective of this work was to identify rubber tree progenies with possibility of to confer resistance to these species in an area of open-pollinated progenies, with confirmed genetic variability, for use in genetic improvement program. The experiments were carried out in three consecutive periods, 2002/2003, 2003/2004 and 2004/2005 with evaluation of 33 progenies. Every two months, of December to June of the next year, were collected four branches of each plant for mites counting in laboratory. The defoliation levels observed were evaluated with a note scale of 0 (without defoliation) to 4 (above 75 percent). Eight progenies showed non preference and/or antibiosis resistance or tolerance to at least one species and should be multiplied for new evaluations in the future.