The effect of chicken manure tea and vermicompost on some quantitative and qualitative parameters of seedling and mature greenhouse cucumber

Nowadays, to produce healthy foods, application of compost and other organic fertilizers has received more attentionas a suitable alternative for utilization of chemical fertilizers. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of chickenmanure tea and vermicompost application on some quantitative and qualitative traits in seedling and mature greenhousecucumber (Cucumis sativus cv. Extreme), in a research greenhouse in Iran’s Tehran Province. The experiment was factorialin a randomized completely block design with four replications. Treatments were control (without any fertilizer), controlwith chemical fertilizer (20-20-20), vermicompost in two levels (20 and 30%), and chicken manure tea (25, 50, and 75%).Results showed that increasing the amount of chicken manure tea (up to 50%) significantly increased shoot length, stemdiameter, true leaf length and width, shoot fresh and dry weights, and chlorophyll content, days until flowering, yield(40, 65, and 90 days after culturing), marketable fruit ratio to second degree fruit, and total fruit weight of cucumber. Byenhancement in content of chicken manure tea (75%) all traits showed the same result as treatment with chemical fertiliz

Microorganismos eficientes y vermicompost lixiviado aumentan la producción de pepino / Efficient microorganism and lixiviate vermicompost applications increase the cucumber production

RESUMEN Los principales problemas de la producción de pepino, residen mayormente en la escasez de fertilizantes minerales, afectaciones climatológicas y limitado uso de los biofertilizantes, por lo cual, es importante buscar alternativas eficientes que aumenten la productividad, la racionalidad y la sustentabilidad. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la utilización individualizada y asociada de los biofertilizantes microorganismos eficientes y vermicompost lixiviado en el incremento agroproductivo del pepino. El trabajo fue desarrollado en la unidad productiva "El Estadio", Sancti Spíritus, Cuba, entre enero a abril de 2015 y fue utilizado el cultivar Su Yi Sung de pepino. Los tratamientos aplicados fueron un control, inoculación al suelo y aplicaciones foliares de Microorganismos eficientes y vermicompost lixiviado, a 100 y 200mL L-1 y la inoculación al suelo, con Microorganismos eficientes, a 100mL L-1 y aplicaciones foliares con vermicompost lixiviado, a 100mL L-1. Las variables evaluadas fueron el número de hojas, de flores femeninas y de frutos por planta, longitud de frutos (cm), masa de los frutos (g) y el rendimiento (kg m-2). Los resultados mostraron que la aplicación individual y combinada de los biofertilizantes tuvieron un efecto bioestimulante en la producción de pepino y la aplicación de microorganismos eficientes a 100mL L-1 y la combinación con vermicompost lixiviado a 100mL L-1 constituyen una alternativa en la productividad del cultivo, especialmente, porque aumentaron el número de hojas, flores femeninas, frutos, masa y longitud de los frutos e incrementaron el rendimiento en 42% con relación al tratamiento control.

ABSTRACT The main problems of cucumber production reside fundamentally by the mineral fertilizer's shortage, climatic affectation and limited use of biofertilizers, which is important to looking for efficient alternatives that increase productivity, rationality and sustainability. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of individualized and associated use of biofertilizers efficient microorganisms and lixiviate vermicompost on the agro-productive increase of cucumber. The work was developed in the productive unit "El Estadio", Sancti Spíritus, Cuba, between January to April 2015 and Su Yi Sung cultivar of cucumber was used. The treatments used were a control (no application), soil inoculation and foliar applications with efficient microorganisms and lixiviate vermicompost at 100 and 200mL L-1, and soil inoculation with efficient microorganisms at 100mL L-1 and foliar applications with lixiviate vermicompost at 100mL L-1. The following variables were observed: number of leaves, female flowers and fruits per plant, length of fruits (cm), mass of fruits (g) and yield (kg m-2). The results showed that the individual and combined application of biofertilizers had a biostimulants effect on cucumber production. The efficient microorganism's application at 100mL L-1 and the combination with lixiviate vermicompost to 100mL L-1 constituting a sustainable alternative in the cucumber productivity, especially because they increased the number of leaves, female flowers, fruits, mass and length of fruits and increasing the yield by 42 % compared to control treatment.

In vitro Antifungal Activity of Plant Extracts, Hydrolates and Essential Oils of Some Medicinal Plants and Control of Cucumber Anthracnose

Aims: This study is aimed to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity effect of the crude aqueous extract (CAE), hydrolate (HY) and essential oil (EO) of Corymbia citriodora, Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon flexuosus and Curcuma longa against the phytopathogenic fungi Alternaria steviae, Botryosphaeria dothidea, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Sclerotium rolfsii, and assess, in situ, the effectiveness of CAE of medicinal plants in reducing the severity of the cucumber anthracnose. Methodology: The EOs and HYs were obtained by hydrodistillation. The CAEs were prepared by the turbolysis method. Mycelial growth of the fungi was measured daily, by the diametrically opposite method. In the in vivo test, the CAEs were sprayed on the cotyledon leaves of healthy cucumber plants with three days after were inoculated with C. lagenarium. The severity of assessment of the disease was based on a scale of notes. Results: The medicinal plants studied showed antifungal activity against all or almost all pathogens. In general, treatment with CAE and HY of C. longa revealed the highest inhibition against the fungi tested. With the exception of the EO of C. longa, the other EOs showed total inhibition against all the fungi and in all the concentrations tested. Compared to control, in in vivo assays CAE of C. citratus presents a potential for control of cucumber anthracnose reducing the severity of the disease. Conclusion: The medicinal plants studied produce compounds associated with antimicrobial activity.

Influence of physiological and health quality on the vigor of cucumber seeds / Influência da qualidade fisiológica e sanitária no vigor de sementes de pepino

The physiological performance of seeds is related to their physiological quality and seed vigor, while their health quality may interfere with germination and early seedling establishment in the field due to the interaction of microorganisms associated with seeds. The study aimed to evaluate the physiological performance and health quality of cucumber seeds and to verify the relationship between these attributes. The physiological quality of cucumber seeds was evaluated by standard germination tests, first count of germination, controlled deterioration test, electrical conductivity test, seedling emergence, emergence speed index, and traditional accelerated aging and aging modified with saline for 48, 72, and 96 h. The health quality of cucumber seed lots was evaluated by blotter test. Stratification of cucumber seed lots by seedling emergence was similar to seedling emergence by controlled deterioration test, first count of germination, and electrical conductivity results. The cucumber seed lots evaluated showed high germination rates; however, lots 1 and 3 had a better performance in vigor tests than lots 2 and 4. Fungi detected in the blotter test were Alternaria sp., Aspergillus sp., Cladosporium sp., and Penicillium sp. Seed lots 2 and 4 had low vigor evaluated by seedling emergence and controlled deterioration, and showed a higher incidence of Penicillium sp. in the evaluation of health quality of seeds. The incidence of Penicillium sp. may negatively affect the vigor of cucumber seeds evaluated by seedling emergence and by controlled deterioration test.(AU)

O desempenho fisiológico de sementes diz respeito à sua qualidade fisiológica e vigor, enquanto a qualidade sanitária pode interferir na germinação e estabelecimento inicial de plântulas no campo devido à interação dos micro-organismos associados às sementes. O trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o desempenho fisiológico e a qualidade sanitária de sementes de pepino e verificar a relação entre esses atributos. A qualidade fisiológica de sementes de pepino foi avaliada pelos testes de germinação, primeira contagem de germinação, deterioração controlada, condutividade elétrica, emergência de plântulas, índice de velocidade de emergência e envelhecimento acelerado tradicional e modificado com solução salina por 48, 72 e 96 horas. A qualidade sanitária das sementes foi avaliada pelo método do papel-filtro. A estratificação de lotes de sementes de pepino ocorreu de maneira similar à emergência de plântulas pelos testes de deterioração controlada, primeira contagem da germinação e condutividade elétrica. Os lotes de sementes de pepino avaliados apresentaram alto percentual de germinação; no entanto, os lotes 1 e 3 apresentaram melhor desempenho nos testes de vigor que os lotes 2 e 4. Os fungos detectados no teste do papel-filtro foram Alternaria sp., Aspergillus sp., Cladosporium sp. e Penicillium sp. Os lotes 2 e 4 de menor vigor avaliados pelos testes de emergência de plântulas e de deterioração controlada foram os mesmos que apresentaram maior incidência de Penicillium sp. na avaliação da qualidade sanitária das sementes. A incidência de Penicillium sp. pode influenciar negativamente o vigor de sementes de pepino avaliado pela emergência de plântulas pelo teste de deterioração controlada.(AU)

Sunlight transmitted by colored shade nets on photosynthesis and yield of cucumber / Luz solar transmitida por malhas coloridas sobre fotossíntese e rendimento de pepino

ABSTRACT: Black shading nets are widely used in the protected cultivation of vegetables as a technique for controlling light and temperature, while the colored shading nets, with special optical properties to improve the use of solar radiation, appeared recently in the agricultural plastics market. Light quality transmitted by gray, aluminized, pearl, blue, red and black (control) nets with 30% shade was evaluated, as well as its effects on photosynthetic properties and fruits production of cucumber plants. Treatments (shade nets) were established under a randomized complete block design with four repetitions. The red net transmitted 23.7 and 40.3% more photosynthetic photon flux density (400 to 700nm) and red light (600 to 700nm) and the blue net transmitted 36% more blue light (400 to 500nm) in comparison with the respective transmissions of black net. All nets increased the photosynthetic responses: transpiration, stomatal conductance and CO2 assimilation, observed in plants grown under black net. Leaf greenness (41.6 SPAD units) and foliar area (90dm2) increased 22.8 and 38.9% with the red net, while the dry weight of leaf (52.5g) increased 21.9% with pearl net. Pearl, red, aluminized and blue nets showed to be viable alternatives because the production of fruit increased in 71, 48, 46 and 46%, respectively, in comparison with the conventional black net (52t ha-1).

RESUMO: As malhas de sombreamento preto são amplamente utilizadas no cultivo protegido de hortaliças como uma técnica para controlar a luz e a temperatura; enquanto as malhas de sombreamento coloridas, com propriedades ópticas especiais para melhorar o uso da radiação solar, apareceram recentemente no mercado de plásticos agrícolas. A qualidade de luz transmitida por malhas cinza, aluminizada, pérola, azul, vermelha e preta (controle) com 30% de sombreamento foi avaliada, assim como seus efeitos nas propriedades fotossintéticas e na produção de frutos de plantas de pepino. Os tratamentos (malhas de sombreamento) foram estabelecidos sob o desenho de blocos completos casualizados, com quatro repetições. A malha vermelha transmitiu 23,7 e 40,3% mais densidade de fluxo de fótons fotossintéticos (400 a 700nm) e luz vermelha (600 a 700nm) e a malha azul transmitiu 36% mais luz azul (400 a 500nm) em comparação com as respectivas transmissões de malha preta. Todas as malhas aumentaram as respostas fotossintéticas: transpiração, condutância estomática e assimilação de CO2, observadas em plantas cultivadas sob malha preta. O verde da folha (41,6 unidades SPAD) e a área foliar (90dm2) aumentaram 22,8 e 38,9% com a malha vermelha, enquanto o peso seco da folha (52,5g) aumentou 21,9% com a malha pérola. As malhas pérola, vermelha, aluminizada e azul mostraram-se como alternativas viáveis, pois a produção de frutos aumentou em 71, 48, 46 e 46%, respectivamente, em comparação à malha convencional preta (52t ha-1).

Irrigation water consumption modelling of a soilless cucumber crop under specific greenhouse conditions in a humid tropical climate / Modelação de consumo de água de irrigação de pepino sem solo em condições específicas de uma casa de vegetação em um clima tropical húmido

ABSTRACT: The irrigation water consumption of a soilless cucumber crop under greenhouse conditions in a humid tropical climate has been evaluated in this paper in order to improve the irrigation water and fertilizers management in these specific conditions. For this purpose, a field experiment was conducted. Two trials were carried out during the years 2011 and 2014 in an experimental farm located in Vinces (Ecuador). In each trial, the complete growing cycle of a cucumber crop grown under a greenhouse was evaluated. Crop development was monitored and a good fit to a sigmoidal Gompertz type growth function was reported. The daily water uptake of the crop was measured and related to the most relevant indoor climate variables. Two different combination methods, namely the Penman-Monteith equation and the Baille equation, were applied. However, the results obtained with these combination methods were not satisfactory due to the poor correlation between the climatic variables, especially the incoming radiation, and the crop's water uptake (WU). On contrary, a good correlation was reported between the crop's water uptake and the leaf area index (LAI), especially in the initial crop stages. However, when the crop is fully developed, the WU stabilizes and becomes independent from the LAI. A preliminary model to simulate the water uptake of the crop was adjusted using the data obtained in the first experiment and then validated with the data of the second experiment.

RESUMO: Com o objetivo de melhorar a gestão da água de irrigação e fertilizantes em condições específicas, foi avaliado, neste trabalho, o consumo de água de irrigação de pepinos cultivados sem solo em casa de vegetação. Para avaliar este efeito, conduziu-se um experimento de campo. O trabalho de pesquisa foi composto de dois ensaios realizados durante os anos de 2011 e 2014 em Vinces (Equador), onde predomina o clima tropical. Em cada ensaio, avaliou-se o ciclo de crescimento completo da cultura do pepino cultivada em estufa.O desenvolvimento da cultura foi monitorado e um bom ajuste para a função de crescimento tipo sigmoidal Gompertz foi encontrado. A absorção de água diária da cultura foi medida e relacionada às variáveis climáticas mais relevantes. Com o objetivo de modelar o consumo de água das culturas, dois métodos de combinação diferentes, isto é, a equação de Penman-Monteith e a equação Baille, foram aplicadas. No entanto, os resultados obtidos com estes métodos de combinação não foram satisfatórios devido a fraca correlação entre as variáveis climáticas, especialmente, a radiação incidente e absorção de água pela cultura (WU). Por outro lado, foi encontrada uma boa correlação entre a captação de água da cultura e o índice de área foliar (LAI), especialmente, nos estágios iniciais da cultura. No entanto, quando a cultura está completamente desenvolvida, o WU estabiliza e torna-se independente do LAI. Um modelo preliminar para simular a absorção de água da cultura foi ajustado e utilizado e, os dados obtidos do primeiro experimento foram comparados com os dados do segundo.

Exogenous glutathione reduces the damage induced by cadmium in cucumber seedlings / Glutationa exógena reduz o dano induzido por cadmio em plantulas de pepino

Cadmium (Cd) toxicity is a worldwide problem for crop production. The present work used hydroponic experiments to investigate the ameliorating effects and physiological mechanisms of glutathione (GSH) mitigation of Cd toxicity in cucumber seedlings. The results revealed that Cd was mainly accumulated in roots of cucumber, 100 µM GSH pretreatment in 50 µM Cd solution significantly recovered Cd-induced growth inhibition, improved photosynthetic and chlorophyll fluorescence performance. Moreover, external GSH obviously depressed hydroxyl free radical (·OH) and malondialdehyde accumulation, increased the total antioxidant capacity in cucumber exposed to Cd. Results indicated that pre-treatment of GSH can alleviate Cd toxicity by reducing Cd uptake and ROS accumulation, reduce the negative consequences of oxidative stress caused by Cd toxicity, moreover protect photosynthetic machinery from damaging, balance nutrients and antioxidants in cucumber.

A toxicidade do Cádmio (Cd) é um problema mundial para a produção de plantas olerícolas. O presente trabalho com o uso experimentos hidropônicos objetivou investigar a atenuação dos efeitos do cádmio por meio de mecanismos envolvendo a glutationa (GSH) e redução da toxicidade em plântulas de pepino submetidas ao Cd. OS resultados revelaram que o Cd acumulou principalmente nas raízes do pepino, Na dose de 100 µM GSH-50 esta reduziu a concentração em µM Cd na solução ea mesma melhora a ou reduz a inibição do crescimento ,bem como melhora o desempenho e a fluorescência clorofílica. Além disso, obviamente, radical Livre hidroxila GSH externa ·OH) aumenta a acumulação do malondialdeído e aumento da capacidade antioxidante total no pepino expostos ao Cd. OS resultados indicaram que o pré -tratamento de GSH pode reduzir a toxicidade, reduzindo a captação Cd e acumulação ROS , reduzir os efeitos negativos do stress oxidativo reduzindo a sua toxicidade, além de proteger o equilíbrio da disponibilidade de nutrientes e antioxidantes.

Rapid micropropagation of Cucumis sativus var. Dastgerdi (Iranian cultivar) by Node Culture Technique.

Tissue culture can be used in developing an efficient method for production of valuable and enduring indigenous cultivars. A short-term protocol for plantlet proliferation by using nodal segments was developed for Cucumis sativus, local cultivar from Isfahan; known as Dastgerdi as a tolerant cultivar to the root-knot nematode. Nodal explants were cultured on MS medium containing various concentrations of KIN (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5mg.l-1) in combination with IBA (0, 0.025 and 0.5mg.l-1). The best response for proliferation rate (100%), mean number of nodes per plantlet (6.01) and percentage of rooted In vitro propagated shoots were observed on medium supplemented by KIN (1.5mg.l-1) after about 3-4 weeks. The maximum length (5.43cm) of micro-shoots obtained on MS medium with KIN (1mg.l-l) + IBA (0.025mg.l-1).

Dinámica de impregnación al vacío en apio (Apium graveolens L) y pepino (Cucumis sativus L) / Vacuum impregnation dynamic on celery (Apium graveolens L) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus L)

Objetivo. Evaluar la respuesta a la impregnación al vacio (IV) en apio y pepino, con soluciones isotónicas de NaCl. Materiales y métodos. Se determinaron variables de impregnación en troncos de apio y rodajas de pepino (3 posiciones diferentes a lo largo de su estructura), considerando, fracción y deformación volumétrica en la etapa de vacío (X1 y g1) y atmosférica (X y g), y la porosidad disponible (Ee) al proceso IV. Resultados. El apio y pepino no presentaron diferencias estadísticas por efecto de la posición. En las etapas de proceso se obtuvieron para el apio y el pepino valores de X1 (-14.32 ± 2.75 y -5.51±1.76%, g1 (-0.587±0.69 y -0.079±0.99%), X(13.49±2.32 y 6.72±2.72%), g (-1.40±1.042% y -2.33±1.26%) y Ee (15.73±2.31 y 9.35±2.57%), respectivamente. Estos resultados indicaron una salida de líquido nativo (X1<0) y una ligera contracción volumétrica de las estructuras (g y g1<0), lo cual se evidenció microestructuralmente. Conclusiones. La respuesta a la IV en apio y pepino, permite identificar estas matrices alimentarias, como aptas para la incorporación de componentes que le proporcionen un valor agregado a estos productos.

Economic analysis of cucumber and lettuce intercropping under greenhouse in the winter-spring

The economical analysis complements the evaluation of the intercrop systems efficiency, considering besides the physical production of crops, the price of products according to their quality classification and time of the year. Intercropping systems of lettuce and cucumber in two plant populations under greenhouse were economically evaluated in winter-spring, in Jaboticabal City, São Paulo State, Brazil. The total operating cost (TOC) of cucumber and lettuce as sole crop and intercropping were estimated, as well as gross revenue (GR) and operating profit (OP). The labor for the crops was the component with greater participation in the TOC of crops in intercropping and single crop. Greater GR and OP were observed in intercrops established by transplanting lettuce and cucumbers on the same day. Considering the operating profit and the land efficient ratio, it is recommended the intercropping of lettuce transplanted until 10 days after the transplanting (DAT) of cucumber with two rows per plot, and at 0 DAT of cucumber grown with a row plot.

A análise econômica complementa a avaliação da eficiência dos cultivos consorciados, considerando além da produção física das culturas, o preço dos produtos segundo sua classificação qualitativa e época do ano. Avaliou-se economicamente consórcios de alface crespa e pepino, em duas populações de plantas, no inverno-primavera, em casa de vegetação, em Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil. Foram calculados o custo operacional total (COT), a receita bruta (RB) e o lucro operacional (LO) das culturas do pepino e alface em monocultura e em consórcio. A mão-de-obra foi a componente com maior participação no COT das culturas em consórcio e monocultura. Maiores RB e LO foram observadas nos cultivos consorciados estabelecidos com o transplante da alface e do pepino no mesmo dia, independente da densidade populacional. Considerando-se o lucro operacional e o índice de uso eficiente da área, recomenda-se o cultivo consorciado com transplante da alface até 10 dias após o transplante (DAT) do pepino, com duas linhas, e ao 0 DAT do pepino cultivado com uma linha no canteiro.

Detecção e influência de Fusarium spp. na qualidade fisiológica de sementes de pepino / Detection and influence of Fusarium spp. in physiological quality of cucumber seeds

Este trabalho teve por objetivo isolar, identificar e selecionar isolado(s) de Fusarium spp. em sementes de pepino e verificar a sua influência na qualidade fisiológica. Foram utilizados três sublotes e os tratamentos consistiram em: testemunha absoluta; BDA + manitol - 0,8Mpa; BDA; BDA + manitol - 0,8Mpa + fungo; e BDA + fungo. A qualidade fisiológica foi avaliada através de testes em laboratório e casa de vegetação. Cinco isolados de Fusarium verticillioides foram identificados e a sua transmissão através das sementes para plantas não foi possível afirmar. A técnica da restrição hídrica foi eficiente para proporcionar infecção das sementes, sabendo que e o fungo influencia negativamente na qualidade fisiológica das sementes de pepino da cultivar Caipira.

This research had the objective of isolate, identifying and select isolates (s) of Fusarium spp. in cucumber seeds and checking the influence of this (these) isolate(s) on the physiological quality. Three batches were used and treatments utilized consisted in: absolute witness; PDA + mannitol - 0.8Mpa; PDA pure; PDA + mannitol - 0.8Mpa + fungi; and PDA + fungi. The physiological quality was assessed by tests carried out in laboratory and greenhouse. Five isolates off Fusarium verticillioides were isolated and it was not possible to affirm its transmission through seed. The hydric restriction technique was efficient to provide the infection of cucumber seeds, since this fungus affected the physiological quality of cucumber seeds of this cultivar.

Effect of a phosphonium salt grafted on polymers on cucumber germination and initial growth

The aims of this study were the synthesis, characterization and the testing of vinyldiphenylphosphonium salt phytotoxicity. Phytotoxicity of the synthesised salt was tested on Cucumis sativus L. seed germination and early seedling growth, at five different concentrations, using a standardized toxicity test. Endpoints included the determination of some seedling parameters: root and shoot length, root and shoot biomass, root and shoot dry weight ratio and final germination percentage. The vinyldiphenylphosphonium salt showed moderate to strong root length and root biomass inhibition, which increases progressively with the increasd of the concentration level.

Genome-wide identification and phylogenetic analysis of the ERF gene family in cucumbers

Members of the ERF transcription-factor family participate in a number of biological processes, viz., responses to hormones, adaptation to biotic and abiotic stress, metabolism regulation, beneficial symbiotic interactions, cell differentiation and developmental processes. So far, no tissue-expression profile of any cucumber ERF protein has been reported in detail. Recent completion of the cucumber full-genome sequence has come to facilitate, not only genome-wide analysis of ERF family members in cucumbers themselves, but also a comparative analysis with those in Arabidopsis and rice. In this study, 103 hypothetical ERF family genes in the cucumber genome were identified, phylogenetic analysis indicating their classification into 10 groups, designated I to X. Motif analysis further indicated that most of the conserved motifs outside the AP2/ERF domain, are selectively distributed among the specific clades in the phylogenetic tree. From chromosomal localization and genome distribution analysis, it appears that tandem-duplication may have contributed to CsERF gene expansion. Intron/exon structure analysis indicated that a few CsERFs still conserved the former intron-position patterns existent in the common ancestor of monocots and eudicots. Expression analysis revealed the widespread distribution of the cucumber ERF gene family within plant tissues, thereby implying the probability of their performing various roles therein. Furthermore, members of some groups presented mutually similar expression patterns that might be related to their phylogenetic groups.

Efeito de extrato bruto e óleo essencial de Achillea millefolium em desenvolvimento in vitro de Corynespora cassiicola e proteção de pepino à mancha de corinespora / Effect of crude extract and essential oil of Achillea millefolium L. on the in vitro development of Corynespora cassiicola and protection of cucumber against corinespora leaf spot

Medidas de controle de doenças por meio do uso de extratos e óleos essenciais vêm sendo investigadas como alternativa aos fungicidas convencionais. Este trabalho objetivou estudar o efeito antimicrobiano de extratos brutos aquosos e óleo essencial de Achillea millefolium no crescimento micelial (CM), na esporulação e na germinação de conídios de Corynespora cassiicola bem como a atividade de peroxidase em plantas de pepino. Para isto, o extrato bruto aquoso (EBA) (1; 5; 10; 20 e 25%) foi incorporado ao meio de cultura BDA (batata-dextrose-ágar) e o óleo essencial (OE) (20, 40, 60, 100 e 200 mL) foi distribuído sobre a superfície do meio de cultura. Disco de micélio foi repicado para os diferentes meios e o crescimento micelial avaliado, diariamente, por 7 dias. Para os ensaios in vivo, plantas de pepino foram pulverizadas com EBAs nas concentrações 1, 10 e 25%, Saccharomyces cereviseae 20% e água, aos quatro e dois dias antes e concomitantemente à inoculação com C. cassiicola. Foi avaliada a severidade da doença e a atividade da enzima peroxidase. Para EBA, não houve inibição do crescimento micelial, da germinação e da esporulação em todas as concentrações testadas. Entretanto, nos tratamentos com OE, houve inibição de até 63% do crescimento micelial. Na esporulação e germinação, a inibição foi de 100% e 98%, respectivamente, na alíquota de 200 ?L para OE. No controle da doença, o tratamento mais efetivo foi EBA a 25% quando realizado concomitante à inoculação. No intervalo de tempo avaliado, não se constatou atividade da enzima peroxidase.

The control of diseases by using crude extracts (CE) and essential oils (EO) are being investigated as an alternative to conventional fungicides. The objective of this work was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of aqueous extracts and essential oil of Achillea millefolium on mycelial growth, sporolution and spores germination of Corynespora cassiicola, as well as peroxidase activity in cucumber plants. For this, crude extract (1; 5; 10; 20 and 25%) was incorporated into potato dextrose agar medium (PDA), and essential oil (20, 40, 60, 100 and 200 mL) was distributed over the surface of the PDA. The mycelial growth was measured daily for 7 days. In the in vivo test, cucumber plants were sprayed with crude extracts at concentrations 1; 10 and 25%, and Saccharomyces cereviseae 20% (control), 4 and 2 days before and the same time as inoculation with C. cassiicola. The severity of disease and peroxidase activity were evaluated. For crude extract, neither mycelial growth nor spore germination and sporulation was inhibited at any of the tested concentrations. In the treatments with essential oil there was inhibition up to 63% of the mycelial growth. In the sporulation and spores germination the inhibition was 100% and 98%, respectively, for 200uL of EO. In the control of the disease the mosteffective treatment was the crude extract 25% when carried out at the same time as the inoculation. In the evaluated period, no peroxidase activity was found.

Sampling plan for Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on cucumber / Plano de amostragem para Tripes (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) em pepino

Este trabalho determina a melhor técnica, unidade amostral e o número de amostras para compor um plano de amostragem para os tripes Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom) e Thrips palmi (Karny) em pepino. A eficácia de três técnicas de amostragem: batida de folhas em bandeja plástica branca, contagem direta de insetos na face inferior das folhas e coleta de folhas em sacola plástica foi comparada em nove cultivos comerciais de pepino, empregando três unidades amostrais (uma folha de ramo localizado nos terços apical, mediano e basal do dossel da planta). Baseado na variância relativa e precisão econômica dos melhores sistemas amostrais (melhores técnicas e unidades amostrais), calculou-se o número de amostras para a composição do plano de amostragem convencional. O sistema mais adequado para a amostragem de F. schultzei em pepino foi a contagem direta de insetos em folha do terço apical do espaldeiramento. Para tanto, deve-se amostrar uma folha por planta em 38 plantas/lavoura. Para a amostragem de T. palmi, o melhor sistema foi a batida de folha do terço apical do espaldeiramento em bandeja plástica. Na amostragem conjunta das duas espécies, o sistema mais adequado foi a contagem direta dos insetos em folha do terço apical do espaldeiramento. Nesse caso, amostra-se uma folha por planta, em 35 plantas/lavoura. Estes resultados facilitam a tomada de decisão no manejo de tripes em pepino, agregando os benefícios da decisão correta para adoção ou não de práticas de redução populacional.

This work determines the best technique, sampling unit and the number of samples to compose a sampling plan for Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom) and Thrips palmi (Karny) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on cucumber. The efficacy of three sampling techniques: leaf beating on a plastic tray, direct counting of insects on the lower leaf surface, and whole leaf collection in bags were compared in nine commercial cucumber crops using three sampling units (a leaf from a branch located in the apical, median or basal third of the canopy). The number of samples was determined based on the relative variance and the economic precision for the best technique and sampling unit. The direct counting of insects on the apical third of the plant canopy was the best sampling technique for F. schultzei based on one leaf surveyed per plant using 38 plants per field. The best sampling technique for T. palmi was the leaf beating on a tray using one leaf of the apical third per plant and 35 plants per field. When joining both species, the best sampling system was the direct counting on the apical third, and it requires sampling one leaf per plant using at least 35 plants per field. These results facilitate the decision-making for the management of thrips on cucumber and aggregate the benefits of the correct decision for the adoption of strategies for population reduction.

Atividade inseticida de meliáceas sobre Diabrotica speciosa (Col., Chrysomelidae) / Insecticidal activity of meliaceous plants on Diabrotica speciosa (Col., Chrysomelidae)

Diabrotica speciosa é um inseto-praga polífago e seu controle demanda um elevado número de aplicações de inseticidas. O uso de extratos de plantas da família Meliaceae, com atividade inseticida, surge como uma alternativa promissora de controle. Neste trabalho, a ação de extratos aquosos de frutos verdes, de pecíolos com caule, de folíolos e de casca de Melia azedarach var azedarach (cinamomo) a 10 por cento (p/v) e do NIM-I-GO a 10mL L-1 (produto comercial de óleo de nim emulsionado) foi avaliada no controle de insetos adultos de D. speciosa em cultivos de pepino (Cucumis sativus) e de feijão-de-vagem (Phaseolus vulgaris) em estufa plástica. Foi utilizado o inseticida DECIS 25CE a 0,3mL L-1 como padrão. Foi realizada também a avaliação da estatura de plantas, após o início da colheita, e da produção. Extratos de frutos verdes, de folíolos e de pecíolos com caule de cinamomo são promissores no controle de D. speciosa, em cultivos de pepino, e apenas de frutos verdes no de feijão-de-vagem, representando alternativas de controle desses crisomelídeos. O uso desses extratos não resultou em alteração significativa na estatura e na produção das plantas, ao serem comparadas com a testemunha.

Diabrotica speciosa is a polyphagous insect-pest and its control demands a great deal of insecticides applications. The use of extracts from Meliaceae family plants, with insecticidal activity, appears as a promising control alternative. The present work aimed to evaluate the control action of aqueous extract from Melia azedarach var. azedarach (chinaberry) - unripe fruits, petioles with stalk, leaflets and barks - at 10 percent (p/v) each one, compared with NIM-I-GO at 10mL L-1 (emulsified commercial oil of neem) and DECIS 25CE at 0.3mL L-1, as a standard treatment, over adult insects of D. speciosa on cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and string beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivated in greenhouse. It was evaluated as well the height of plants, after the beginning of the harvest, and the production. Extracts of unripe fruits, leaflets and petioles with stalk of chinaberry are flattering in the control of D. speciosa in cultures of cucumber, and only unripe fruits in string beans. Therefore, these extracts can be used as alternatives in control of this chrysomelid. The use of these extracts did not result in significant change in stature and the production of the plants, when compared with the control.

Viabilidade econômica do cultivo da alface crespa em monocultura e em consórcio com pepino / Economic viability of the crisphead lettuce culture in monoculture and intercropping with cucumber

O cultivo protegido, entre outras vantagens, possibilita diminuir a sazonalidade na oferta e melhorar a qualidade das hortaliças. No entanto, constitui-se em tecnologia de elevado custo, que pode ser atenuado com o aumento na eficiência do uso da área protegida, proporcionado pelo cultivo consorciado. O trabalho foi realizado em casa de vegetação, na Unesp, Jaboticabal, SP, no período de agosto e novembro de 2005, e objetivou-se verificar o custo operacional total (COT) e a rentabilidade líquida da alface crespa 'Verônica' (Lactuca sativa L.) em monocultura e consorciada com pepino japonês 'Hokushin' (Cucumis sativus L.), em ambiente protegido. Os principais itens de custos estimados foram os referentes à operações, insumos e materiais. Para a alface crespa em monocultura e em consórcio, o COT foi de R$ 696,37 e R$ 295,06/614,4 m², e as produtividades de 890,78 e 822,53 kg/614,4 m², respectivamente em monocultura e em consórcio e as receitas brutas obtidas foram de R$ 489,93 e R$ 452,39/614,4 m². Em cultivo protegido, a monocultura de alface teve prejuízo de R$206,44/614,4 m², enquanto, em consórcio com pepino, a cultura da alface crespa 'Verônica' teve lucro operacional de R$ 157,33/614,4 m².

The protected culture, among other advantages, made possible to diminish the seasoning in offers and to improve the quality of vegetables. However, one consists in technology of high cost, that it may be attenuated with the increase in the efficiency of the use of the protected area, proportionated for the intercropping. The experiment was carried out at greenhouse at UNESP, Jaboticabal-SP, in the period of August and November of 2005, with the aim of evaluating the operational cost (COT) and the profitability of the crisphead lettuce "Verônica" (Lactuca sativa L.) in monoculture and in intercropping with the Japanese cucumber "Hokushin" (Cucumis sativus L.), in protected environment. The main cost items analyzed were the operational cost, the agricultural amendments and the materials cost. For the crisphead lettuce in monoculture and in intercropping, the COT was R$ 696,37 and R$ 295,06/614,4 m² respectively and the productivity was 822.53 and 890.78 kg/614,4 m². In monoculture and in intercropping the gross incomes were R$ 489,93 and R$ 452,39/614,4 m² respectively. It was verified a loss of R$ 206,44/614,4 m² in the crisphead lettuce monoculture and an operational profit of R$ 157,33/614,4 m² in protected environment when in intercropping with cucumber.

Presence of multiple acid phosphatases activity in seedlings of cucumber, radish and rocket salad

Acid phosphatases (3.1.3.2) are a group of enzymes widely distributed in nature, which catalyze the hydrolysis of a variety of phosphate esters in the pH range of 4-6. We confirmed the presence of acid phosphatases in seedlings of cucumber (Cucumis sativus), radish (Raphanus sativus) and rocket salad (Eruca vesicaria) under different assay conditions using a rapid and simple preparation. The results showed that the optimum pH and temperature used for all species were close to 5.5 and 35°C, respectively. The enzyme was inhibited by molybdate, fluoride, azide, levamisole, orthovanadate, Zn2+ and Cu2+. Suramin had no effect on enzyme activity. The acid phosphatase from cucumber, radish and rocket salad hydrolyzed a wide variety of phosphate esters and the highest activity was observed with PPi, ATP and GTP. These results demonstrate that the enzyme investigated in this study is different from well known ester phosphate cleaving plant enzymes (apyrase and inorganic pyrophosphatases) and this preparation could be a useful tool to future toxicological studies and to study initially all isoforms of acid phosphatase.

As fosfatases ácidas (3.1.3.2) são um grupo de enzimas amplamente distribuídas na natureza, as quais catalisam a hidrólise de uma variedade de ésteres de fosfato com uma variação de pH entre quatro e seis. Foi confirmada a presença de fosfatases ácidas em plântulas de pepino (Cucumis sativus), rabanete (Raphanus sativus) e rúcula (Eruca vesicaria) sob diferentes condições de ensaio usando uma preparação rápida e simples. Os resultados mostraram que o pH e a temperatura ótimos para todas as espécies foram 5,5 e 35°C, respectivamente. A enzima foi inibida por molibdato, fluoreto, azida, levamisole, ortovanadato, Zn2+ e Cu2+. O inibidor suramim não afetou a atividade enzimática. As fosfatases ácidas de pepino, rabanete e rúcula hidrolisaram uma ampla variedade de ésteres de fosfato e a maior atividade foi observada com PPi, ATP e GTP para pepino e rabanete e PPi, frutose-6-fosfato e GTP para rúcula. Esses resultados demonstraram que a enzima investigada neste estudo é diferente das conhecidas enzimas de plantas que clivam ésteres de fosfato (apirase e pirofosfatases inorgânicas). Desse modo, esta preparação pode ser uma ferramenta útil para futuros estudos toxicológicos e para se estudar inicialmente todas as isoformas das fosfatases ácidas.

Presença dos gêneros Trichoderma e Fusarium em solo rizosférico e não rizosférico cultivado com tomateiro e pepineiro, em horta e estufa / Presence of the genus Trichoderma and Fusarium in rhizosphere and bulk soil cultivated with tomato and cucumber, in vegetable garden and greenhouse

Para a elaboração adequada de programas de biocontrole de patógenos de solo, é necessário conhecer a distribuição de patógenos e antagonistas nesse ambiente. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a presença dos gêneros Trichoderma e Fusarium em solo rizosférico e não-rizosférico, cultivado com tomateiro e pepineiro, em horta e estufa, e identificar os isolados de Fusarium spp. patogênicos às culturas. Para isso, em horta e estufa, foram realizadas 40 amostragens de solo rizosférico (tomateiro e pepineiro) e 20 de solo não-rizosférico. As suspensões dos solos foram diluídas, incubadas em meio BDA e os fungos identificados. Posteriormente, foi realizado o teste de patogenicidade para o tomateiro e o pepineiro, com os isolados de Fusarium spp. obtidos dos solos coletados. Em estufa, para o tomateiro e para o pepineiro, o número de pontos de amostragem com a presença de Trichoderma spp. em solo rizosférico foi significativamente maior (95 e 45 por cento, respectivamente) do que em solo não-rizosférico (10 por cento). Neste ambiente, ocorreu diferença na presença de Trichoderma spp. e Fusarium spp., sendo encontrados, respectivamente, em 10 e 55 por cento dos pontos de amostragem. No teste de patogenicidade, cinco isolados de Fusarium oxysporum do tomateiro e seis do pepineiro foram patogênicos às respectivas culturas. Em estufa, Trichoderma spp. ocorre com maior freqüência na rizosfera, enquanto Fusarium spp. está distribuído no solo, e a maioria dos isolados de Fusarium spp. não é patogênica ao tomateiro nem ao pepineiro.

For the adequate elaboration of biocontrol programs of soil borne pathogens, it is necessary to understand the distribution of pathogens and antagonists in this environment. This research was aimed at studing the presence of the fungi Trichoderma and Fusarium in rhizosphere and bulk soil, cultivated with tomato and cucumber, in vegetable garden and greenhouse, and to quantify the isolates of Fusarium spp. pathogenic to the crops. For that, in a vegetable garden and a greenhouse, 40 samples of rhizosphere (cucumber and tomato) and 20 of bulk soil were taken,. The soil suspensions were diluted and plated in PDA media and the fungi identified. After that, the test of pathogenicity of the isolates for tomato and cucumber found in the samples, was performed. For tomato and cucumber, in greenhouse, the number of sampling points with the presence of Trichoderma spp. in the rhizosphere (95 e 45 percent, respectively) was significantly greater than in the bulk soil (10 percent). In the bulk soil, the presence of Trichoderma spp. and Fusarium spp. differed significantly, being found, respectively, in 10 and 55 percent of the sampling points. In the pathogenicity test, 5 isolates of Fusarium oxysporum of tomato and 6 of cucumber were pathogenic to the respective crops. In greenhouse, Trichoderma spp. occurs more frequently in the rhizosphere, whereas Fusarium spp. is distributed in the soil and the majority of the Fusarium spp. isolates are neither pathogenic to tomato nor to cucumber.

Development of SNP Marker and CAPS Marker Linked to ACC Synthase Gene in Different Sexual Phenotypes of Cucumber / 生物化学与生物物理进展

Ethylene regulates sex expression in cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L.). ACC synthase is a key factor during the ethylene biosynthesis. Pairs of PCR primers were synthesized corresponding to the conserved sequences of ACC synthase gene family. The 1 188 bp DNA fragment of ACC synthase gene (CS-ACS2) was amplified from genomic DNA of 8 different sexual phenotypes of cucumber respectively (GenBank accession number is DQ115884～DQ115886 and DQ115875～DQ115879). 8 SNPs have been identified by sequences analysis between 3 monoecious lines and 5 subgynoecious lines and gynoecious lines, which including 4 A←→G and 4 T←→C transition. Of these 8 SNPs, one locus is in intron and 7 loci in exons. Of the 7 SNPs located in exons, 3 SNPs are non-coding SNPs and 4 SNPs are coding SNPs (cSNPs) of which 3 induced changes of encoding amino acid of ACC synthase. The results of SNPs from subgynoecious lines and gynoecious lines suggest that single nucleotide mutation events of CS-ACS2 might be correlated with the development of subgynoecious lines and gynoecious lines in cucumber. Furthermore, CAPS marker C-MT705 was developed for identifying elite subgynoecious cultivar MT-705, which could be valuable in cucumber breeding. Besides, the SNPs and CAPS markers obtained in the study enriched molecular markers of cucumber.