Application of propolis in agriculture

This work carried out a literary review of the different aspects related to the use of propolis in the management of plant crops and their advances in agriculture. Propolis is a product widely known for its therapeutic capacity. Due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, among other biological activities, its use has been studied in agriculture. Studies they show that the use of propolis via ethanolic propolis extract (EEP) provides beneficial effects on crops. These benefits are associated with the control of phytopathogens, postharvest preservation and conservation of fruits and vegetables and promotion of plant growth. There is evidence that benefits are the result of the propolis chemical composition that is especially rich in phenolic compounds and nutrients. In addition, the typical waxy property of propolis results in an efficient biofilm in plant tissues. There are still scarce reports showing that the use of EEP in crop management controls the presence of insects and reduces water stress in plants. Generally, studies are mainly focused on in vivo and greenhouse evaluations, requiring further research to elucidate the full potential of the use of propolis in crop management.

Hongos detectados en la entomofauna asociada a Espeletia pycnophylla / Fungi detected in insects associated to Espeletia pycnophylla

RESUMEN Algunas especies del género Espeletia sp. (Asteraceae) son afectados por hongos fitopatógenos e insectos en páramos de los Andes del Norte, amenazando su permanencia y la prestación de servicios que se les atribuye, como la regulación del ciclo hídrico. La escaza información sobre la afectación en el páramo de Paja Blanca (Nariño, Colombia), dificulta la comprensión de la dinámica del fenómeno y la formulación de estrategias de manejo. El objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar cambios en la composición de las comunidades de insectos asociados a E. pycnophylla durante el declive de las poblaciones de frailejones y evaluar si reflejan modificaciones en los hongos, asociados a dichos insectos. Para ello, se colectaron insectos en plantas de E. pycnophylla sanas y afectadas, a los que se aplicó índices ecológicos, para identificar posibles modificaciones en la diversidad y la composición; además, se aislaron e identificaron morfológica y molecularmente hongos, a partir de estructuras corporales de los insectos. Como resultado, se identificó una diversidad de insectos considerable y que no hay modificación en su composición de insectos entre los dos estados de frailejón analizados. Se logró aislar hongos, como Fusarium oxysporum, Botrytis sp., Epicoccum nigrum, Cladosporium sp., a partir de estructuras de los géneros de insectos Neomyopites sp., Diabrotica sp., Bradysia sp. y Dyscolus sp. Este estudio aporta información sobre la entomofauna presente en E. pycnopylla del páramo de Paja Blanca y hongos asociados a estructuras corporales, como el canal alimentario y aparato bucal de los insectos.

ABSTRACT Some species of the genus Espeletia sp. (Asteraceae) are affected by phytopathogenic fungi and insects in the paramos of the Northern Andes, threatening their permanence and the provision of services attributed to them such as the regulation of the water cycle. The scarce information about the impact on the Paja Blanca páramo (Nariño, Colombia) makes it difficult to understand the dynamics of the phenomenon and the formulation of management strategies. The goal of this research was to identify changes in the composition of the insect communities associated to E. pycnophylla during the decline of the frailejon populations and to evaluate if these reflect modifications in the fungi associated with those insects. For this, insects were collected in healthy and affected E. pycnophylla plants to which ecological indices were applied to identify possible changes in diversity and composition, Also fungi were isolated and identified morphologically and molecularly from body structures of insects. As result, a considerable diversity of insects was identified and no modification in their composition of insects between the two states of frailejón were found. It was possible to isolate fungi such as Fusarium oxysporum, Botrytis sp., Epicoccum nigrum, Cladosporium sp. from structures of the insect genera Neomyopites sp., Diabrotica sp., Bradysia sp. and Dyscolus sp. This study provides information about the entomofauna present in E. pycnopylla from the Paja Blanca páramo and fungi associated with body structures such as the alimentary canal and the oral system of insects.

Agronomic performance of cassava genotypes from the in vitro shoot tip culture submitted to clonal cleaning / Desempenho agronômico de genótipos de mandioca provenientes do cultivo in vitro de ápices caulinares submetidos à limpeza clonal

This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance of cassava genotypes from the in vitro shoot tip culture to eliminate the cassava frogskin disease for several root and aerial part characteristics. Cassava plants from accessions BGM0315, BGM0464 and BGM0841 infected with cassava frogskin disease were grown in a greenhouse after clonal cleaning. Cuttings from the three accessions were subjected to tetracycline concentrations (0, 5, 10 and 15 mg L-1) for three minutes, and then maintained in an acclimatized chamber (35 ± 1 °C and 16 hour photoperiod). Shoots were disinfected for excising shoot tips (0.2 mm and 0.4 mm) and inoculated in a culture medium containing the same concentrations of tetracycline used in the cuttings. After 60 days of cultivation, the explants were transferred to medium without antibiotic, 30 days later they were acclimatized for a period of 70 days for subsequent planting in the field. Seven months after planting, agronomical evaluation was held for root and aerial part characteristics. No influence of isolated shoot tip size was noticed on agronomic characteristics, while the addition of tetracycline in the culture medium, specifically at the concentrations of 5 mg L-1 and 15 mg L-1, was favorable to the development of the root system of plants in the field. The results revealed that the agronomic performance of cassava plants derived from in vitro cultivation are higher for the production of basic propagation material for the following production cycles, as well as root production for commercial use with subsequent generation of income.

Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o desempenho agronômico de genótipos de mandioca provenientes do cultivo in vitro de ápices caulinares para eliminação da doença couro de sapo (Cassava frogskin disease, CFSD), em relação a diversas características de raiz e da parte aérea. Para isso, foram utilizadas plantas de mandioca dos acessos BGM0315, BGM0464 e BGM0841 cultivadas em casa de vegetação após a limpeza clonal. Inicialmente, foram utilizadas manivas de plantas adultas infectadas com couro de sapo. Essas manivas foram submetidas a concentrações de tetraciclina (0, 5, 10 e 15 mg L-1) por 3 minutos. Posteriormente, foram mantidas em câmara climatizada (35 ± 1°C e fotoperíodo de 16 horas). Brotos foram desinfestados para excisão de ápices caulinares (0,2 mm e 0,4 mm) e inoculados em meio de cultura contendo as mesmas concentrações de tetraciclina empregadas nas manivas. Aos 60 dias de cultivo, os explantes foram transferidos para meio sem antibiótico, 30 dias após foram aclimatizadas por um período de 70 dias para posterior plantio em campo. Aos sete meses após o plantio realizou-se a avaliação agronômica para características de raiz e parte aérea. Não houve influência do tamanho do ápice caulinar isoladamente nas características agronômicas avaliadas, enquanto que a adição de tetraciclina no meio de cultura, especificamente nas concentrações de 5 e 15 mg L-1, foi favorável ao desenvolvimento do sistema radicular das plantas no campo. Os resultados evidenciaram que o desempenho agronômico de plantas de mandioca provenientes do cultivo in vitro são elevados para produção de material propagativo básico para os ciclos seguintes de produção, bem como para produção de raízes para uso comercial com consequente geração de renda.

Food Processing by Irradiation—–An effective technology for food safety and security.

Radiation processing of food involves controlled application of energy from ionizing radiations from radioisotopes (Cobalt-60 and Caesium-137), electron beam (≤10 MeV) or X-rays (≤5 MeV) in an irradiation chamber shielded by 1.5 - 1.8 m thick concrete walls. Food, either pre-packed or in-bulk, placed in suitable containers is sent into the chamber through an automatic conveyor. Major benefits achieved by radiation processing of food are inhibition of sprouting of tubers and bulbs, delay in ripening and senescence of fruits and vegetables, disinfestations of insect pests in agricultural commodities, destruction of microbes responsible for food spoilage, and elimination of food pathogens and parasites of public health importance. Irradiation produces very little chemical changes in food, and the changes are similar to those by other preservation methods like heat. The radiolytic products and free radicals produced are identical to those present in foods subjected to treatments such as cooking and canning. None of the changes known to occur have been found to be harmful. Radiation processing of food has been approved by various international statutory bodies and organizations to ensure ‘Food Security & Safety’, and overcome ‘Technical barrier to International Trade’ and currently is being practiced in more than 60 countries worldwide.

Nematodes associated with five fruit trees in the state of Amapá, Brazil / Nematoides associados a cinco fruteiras no estado do Amapá, Brasil

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to conduct a survey on nematodes associated with five cultivated fruit trees growing in the Agroforestry System (AFS) of the municipality of Oiapoque, Amapá, Brazil. Rhizosphere samples were collected from three points at the base of murici ( Byrsonima sp.), soursop ( Annona muricata ), cupuaçu ( Theobroma grandiflorum ), passion fruit ( Passiflora sp.) and peach palm ( Bactris gasipaes ) trees. Four species of phytonematodes were identified, namely Pratylenchus brachyurus, Helicotylenchus dihystera, Mesocriconema xenoplax and Rotylenchulus reniformis . The most prevalent and abundant species was R. reniformis , which was found in the rhizospheres of passion fruit, cupuaçu, soursop, and peach palm. The first record in Brazil of the nematode P. brachyurus , found in the roots of murici is reported here, and all of the nematode species identified here are the first records for fruit trees in the state of Amapá.

RESUMO: Este estudo teve como objetivo o levantamento de nematoides, associados a cinco fruteiras cultivadas em Sistema Agroflorestal (SAF), no município de Oiapoque, AP. Amostras da rizosfera foram coletadas em três pontos, na base de plantas de murici ( Byrsonima sp.), graviola ( Annona muricata ), cupuaçu ( Theobroma grandiflorum ), maracujá ( Passiflora sp.) e pupunha ( Bactris gasipaes ). Foram constatadas quatro espécies de fitonematoides: Pratylenchus brachyurus, Helicotylenchus dihystera, Mesocriconema xenoplax e Rotylenchulus reniformis . A espécie mais prevalente e abundante foi R . reniformis , encontrado na rizosfera de maracujá, cupuaçu, graviola e pupunha. Foi relatado o primeiro registro de P. brachyurus em raízes de muricizeiro no Brasil e todas as espécies encontradas configuram-se como primeiros registros de fitonematoides em fruteiras no estado do Amapá.

Caracterização de isolados de Xanthomonas sp. associados a sementes de arroz e diferenciação de estirpes de Xanthomonas oryzae / Isolates characterization of Xanthomonas sp. Associated with rice seed and differentiation of Xanthomonas oryzaestrains

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) e X. oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc), são os agentes causais do crestamento bacteriano da folha (CBF) e da estria bacteriana da folha (EBF), respectivamente, são pragas transmitidas por sementes e sofrem restrição no comércio internacional de arroz, por estarem ausentes em muitos países e possuírem potencial de comprometer seriamente a produção de arroz. Vinte e um isolados oriundos de sementes de arroz do Uruguai e Argentina, Gram negativos, oxidase positiva, com pigmentação amarela típica do gêneroXanthomonas e positivos no ELISA para Xoo, foram caracterizados para determinar a associação destes, com X. oryzae e seus patovares. Os isolados foram caracterizados por métodos bioquímicos, biológicos e quanto à sensibilidade a antibióticos. Análises de PCR e qPCR foram realizadas para a confirmação do gênero Xanthomonase identificação de Xoo e Xoc. A caracterização de 21 isolados de Xanthomonassp., positivos no ELISA para Xoo, mostrou variabilidade entre os isolados e distinção de Xo.

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) and X. oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc), causal agents of bacterial leaf blight (BLB) and bacterial leaf streak (BLS), respectively, are pests transmitted by seeds and suffer restriction on international rice trade, because are absent in many countries and have potential to compromise seriously rice production. Twenty-one isolates from rice seeds from Uruguay and Argentina, Gram negative, oxidase positive, with typical yellow pigmentation of genus Xanthomonas and positive in ELISA for Xoo, were characterized to determine their association with X. oryzepathovars. Isolates were characterized by biochemical, biological and antibiogram methods. PCR and qPCR analyzes were performed to confirm genus Xanthomonasand identification of Xoo and Xoc. Characterization of 21 Xanthomonassp. isolates positive on ELISA to Xoo, showed variability among isolates and distinction of Xo.

Insecticide activity of Beauveria bassiana and castor bean oil against Plutella xylostella under greenhouse / Atividade inseticida de Beauveria bassiana e óleo de mamona sobre Plutella xylostella em casa telada

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), one of the principal pests of brassicas, can reduce productivity and thus cause losses for brassica farmers. Alternative controls, such as biological agents and plant extracts, may be used to reduce insect populations, either alone or in conjunction with pest management programs. The objective was to evaluate the insecticidal activity of Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. and castor bean oil and mixtures of both components against the diamondback moth. To do so, we separately used castor bean oil (at 2% concentration), the isolate ESALQ-447 and a commercial formulation (Boveril® WP), and a mixture of castor bean oil with the isolate and the B. bassiana product formulation, totaling six treatments with a control. Assays were carried out under greenhouse with the respective treatments sprayed on cabbage plants infested with four second instar larvae of P. xylostella. The evaluated parameters were larval mortality and pupal and larval viability. All treatments reduced larval viability in relation to the control, however, only the ESALQ-447 isolate or a mixture of the isolate with castor bean oil reduced pupal viability, significantly reducing the pest population levels in the next generation. Castor bean oil mixed with B. bassiana, however, does not augment pest mortality.

A traça-das-crucíferas, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), uma das principais pragas das brássicas, pode ocasionar redução na produtividade e consequentemente prejuízos aos produtores rurais destas culturas. A busca por alternativas de controle, como o uso do controle biológico e extratos de plantas são métodos de redução populacional de insetos que podem ser usados isoladamente ou associados em programas de manejo fitossanitário. Dessa forma, o objetivo foi avaliar a atividade inseticida de Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill., do óleo de mamona e a associação destes, visando ao controle da traça-das-crucíferas. Para isso, foram utilizados isoladamente o óleo de mamona (na concentração de 2%), o isolado ESALQ-447 e um formulado comercial (Boveril® WP) e a mistura do óleo de mamona com o respectivo isolado e com o produto formulado de B. bassiana, totalizando assim seis tratamentos com a testemunha. Os ensaios foram realizados em casa telada, onde plantas de repolho infestadas com quatro larvas de segundo ínstar de P. xylostella foram pulverizadas com os respectivos tratamentos mencionados. Os parâmetros avaliados foram mortalidade larval, viabilidade larval e pupal. Todos os tratamentos reduziram a viabilidade larval em relação à testemunha, no entanto apenas o isolado ESALQ-447 ou a sua associação com o óleo de mamona reduziram a viabilidade pupal, diminuindo significativamente o nível populacional da praga na próxima geração. Contudo, o óleo de mamona misturado com B. bassiana não aumenta a mortalidade da praga.

Disseminação de insetos-praga por meio de embalagens à base de amido extrusado / Insect pests dissemination by extruded starch packages

Observou-se a viabilidade dos produtos à base de amido extrusado, que são usados como protetores de embalagens frágeis, como recurso alimentar para espécies-praga de grãos armazenados: Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens), Lasioderma serricorne (Fabr.), Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.), Sitophilus oryzae (L.), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera) e Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera). Cryptolestes ferrugineus, L. serricorne e T. castaneum foram encontrados nesses produtos, usando-os como alimento e abrigo. Sob experimentação, O. surinamensis, S. oryzae e P. interpunctella se desenvolveram, alimentando-se também desse recurso. Desta forma, registra-se a viabilidade dos flocos de amido extrusado como potencial veículo disseminador de pragas.

We observed the viability of extruded starch products used as impact protector for fragile packing as a food source of the following stored grains pests: Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens), Lasioderma serricorne (Fabr.), Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.), Sitophilus oryzae (L.), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera) and Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera). Cryptolestes ferrugineus, L. serricorne and T. castaneum were found in these products, which are used by them as shelter and food. Under experimentation, we observed the development of O. surinamensis, S. oryzae and P. interpunctella feeding on this food source. Thus, it is recorded the viability of such material to be a potential dispersal vehicle to spread insect pests.

Contribuição ao levantamento fitossanitário do Estado do Paraná

A previous report of plants diseases, observed at the Division of Plant Biology of the Instituto de Biologia e Pesquisas Tecnológicas - Paraná - Brasil, during the years 1946-1950.