Efficiency of exogenous zinc sulfate application reduced fruit drop and improved antioxidant activity of 'Kinnow' mandarin fruit / A eficiência da aplicação de sulfato de zinco exógeno reduziu a queda da fruta e melhorou a atividade antioxidante da tangerina 'Kinnow'

'Kinnow' mandarin (Citrus nobilis L.× Citrus deliciosa T.) is an important marketable fruit of the world. It is mainstay of citrus industry in Pakistan, having great export potential. But out of total production of the country only 10% of the produce meets the international quality standard for export. Pre-harvest fruit drop and poor fruit quality could be associated with various issues including the plant nutrition. Most of the farmers do not pay attention to the supply of micro nutrients which are already deficient in the soil. Furthermore, their mobility within plants is also a question. Zinc (Zn) is amongst those micronutrients which affect the quality and postharvest life of the fruit and its deficiency in Pakistani soils is already reported by many researchers. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the influence of pre-harvest applications of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4; 0, 0.4%, 0.6% or 0.8%) on pre-harvest fruit drop, yield and fruit quality of ‘Kinnow’ mandarin at harvest. The treatments were applied during the month of October i.e. 4 months prior to harvest. The applied Zn sprays had significant effect on yield and quality of the "Kinnow" fruit. Amongst different foliar applications of ZnSO4applied four months before harvest, 0.6% ZnSO4 significantly reduced pre-harvest fruit drop (10.08%) as compared to untreated control trees (46.45%). Similarly, the maximum number of fruits harvested per tree (627), fruit weight (192.9 g), juice percentage (42.2%), total soluble solids (9.5 °Brix), ascorbic acid content (35.5 mg 100 g-¹) and sugar contents (17.4) were also found significantly higher with 0.6% ZnSO4 treatment as compared to rest of treatments and control. Foliar application of 0.6% ZnSO4 also significantly improved total antioxidants (TAO) and total phenolic contents (TPC) in fruit. In conclusion, foliar [...].

A tangerina 'Kinnow' (Citrus nobilis L. × Citrus deliciosa T.) é uma importante fruta comercializável do mundo. É o esteio da indústria cítrica no Paquistão, com grande potencial de exportação. Mas, da produção total do país, apenas 10% da produção atendem o padrão internacional de qualidade para exportação. A queda da fruta antes da colheita e a baixa qualidade da fruta podem estar associadas a vários problemas, incluindo a nutrição da planta. A maioria dos agricultores não se preocupa com o fornecimento de micronutrientes que já são deficientes no solo. Além disso, sua mobilidade dentro das plantas também é uma questão. O zinco (Zn) está entre os micronutrientes que afetam a qualidade e a vida pós-colheita da fruta, e sua deficiência em solos paquistaneses já é relatada por diversos pesquisadores. Portanto, este estudo foi realizado para avaliar a influência da aplicação pré-colheita de sulfato de zinco (ZnSO4; 0, 0,4%, 0,6% ou 0,8%) na queda dos frutos na pré-colheita, produtividade e qualidade dos frutos da tangerina 'Kinnow' em colheita. Os tratamentos foram aplicados durante o mês de outubro, ou seja, 4 meses antes da colheita. As pulverizações de Zn aplicadas tiveram efeito significativo no rendimento e na qualidade da fruta 'Kinnow'. Entre as diferentes aplicações foliares de ZnSO4 efetuadas quatro meses antes da colheita, 0,6% de ZnSO4 reduziu significativamente a queda de frutos antes da colheita (10,08%) em comparação com as árvores de controle não tratadas (46,45%). Da mesma forma, número máximo de frutos colhidos por árvore (627), peso do fruto (192,9 g), porcentagem de suco (42,2%), sólidos solúveis totais (9,5 ° Brix), teor de ácido ascórbico (35,5 mg / 100 g-¹) e os teores de açúcar (17,4) também foram significativamente maiores com o tratamento com 0,6% de ZnSO4 em comparação com o restante dos tratamentos e o controle. A aplicação foliar de 0,6% de ZnSO4 também melhorou significativamente os [...].

Faunistic analyses of fruit fly species (Diptera: Tephritidae) in orchards surrounded by Atlantic Forest fragments in the metropolitan region of Curitiba, Paraná state, Brazil / Análise faunística de moscas-das-frutas (Diptera: Tephritidae) em pomares rodeados por fragmentos da Mata Atlântica na região metropolitana de Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil

Abstract The objective of this trial was to characterize the assemblage structure of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) by determining the diversity and faunal indices. Fruit flies were collected for ten years between 2003 and 2015 in six municipalities of the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba, Paraná. The orchards were divided into three crop protection strategies: organic, conventional, and integrated pest management. The characteristic of each community was determined using the Shannon-Wiener, Margalef, and Pielou's indexes. The frequency, constancy, and dominance indexes were also determined. Biological material was analyzed using the explanatory variables: site, crop, plant protection strategy, and susceptibility period. A total of 8,089 fruit flies were collected, of which 4,681 were females. The species Anastrepha daciformis Bezzi, A. dissimilis Stone, A. distincta Greene and A. pickeli Lima were recorded for the first time in Paraná State, the occurrence of three other species was recorded for the first time in the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba (A. montei Lima, A. obliqua Macquart, and A. sororcula Zucchi), in addition A. fraterculus (Wiedemann), A. grandis (Macquart) and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). A. fraterculus accounted for 98.5% of the collected species. Only A. fraterculus and A. sororcula were found in fruits. Fruit flies occurred predominantly in peach trees cultivated under organic conditions. The Shannon index indicated that the municipality of Cerro Azul had the highest diversity and richness whereas apple orchards had the lowest diversity. Crops cultivated under organic conditions exhibited the highest diversity whereas those cultivated under conventional conditions had the highest evenness index. The largest specimens number was collected during the period of crop susceptibility.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar agrupamento de espécies de moscas-das-frutas (Diptera: Tephritidae) pela determinação da diversidade e dos índices faunísticos. As moscas-das-frutas foram coletadas por dez anos entre 2003 e 2015 em seis municípios da Região Metropolitana de Curitiba, no Paraná. Os pomares foram divididos em três estratégias de proteção de culturas: orgânica, convencional e integrada. A característica de cada comunidade foi determinada usando os índices de Shannon-Wiener, Margalef e Pielou. Os índices de freqüência, constância e dominância também foram determinados. O material biológico foi analisado utilizando as variáveis explicativas: local, cultura, estratégia de proteção e período de susceptibilidade. Foram coletadas 8.089 moscas-das-frutas, sendo 4.681 fêmeas. As espécies Anastrepha daciformis Bezzi, A. dissimilis Stone, A. distincta Greene e A. pickeli Lima foram registradas pela primeira vez no Estado do Paraná, e pela primeira vez, na Região Metropolitana de Curitiba, as espécies A. montei Lima, A. obliqua Macquart e A. sororcula Zucchi), além de A. fraterculus (Wiedemann), A. grandis (Macquart) e Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). A. fraterculus foi responsável por 98,5% das espécies coletadas. Apenas A. fraterculus e A. sororcula foram encontrados em frutos. As moscas-das-frutas ocorreram predominantemente em pessegueiros cultivados sob condições orgânicas. O índice de Shannon indicou que o município de Cerro Azul teve a maior diversidade e riqueza, enquanto que a cultura macieira teve a menor diversidade. As culturas sob condição orgânica exibiram a maior diversidade, enquanto as cultivadas em condições convencionais apresentaram o maior índice de uniformidade. O maior número de espécimes foi coletado durante o período de suscetibilidade à cultura.

Saline stress onto growth and physiology of trifoliate citrus hybrids during rootstock formation / Estresse salino no crescimento e fisiologia de híbridos trifoliados de citros enquanto porta-enxertos

High salts concentrations in soil and water are common in semi-arid regions, which reduces the growth and development of crops, especially sensitive plants, such as citrus, being important to identify tolerant materials as well as to study the physiology of these plants. An experiment was conducted evaluate the growth and physiology of citrus trifoliate citrus hybris during their early stage of development (seedling stage) under salt stress conditions. These hydrids were obtained through the Citrus Breeding Program of Embrapa Cassava & Fruits consisting of 'Common sunki' mandarin x 'Argentina' citrange - 019, 'Common sunki' mandarin x ('Rangpur' lime x Poncirus trifoliata) - 040, Trifoliate hybrids - 069, 116 and 127, distributed in a randomized block design with three replications. Nucellar seedlings of the genotypes were grown in an hydroponic system using Leonard jars. The application of nutrient solution with saline water started 90 days after sowing, extending to 120 days, when the seedlings were evaluated for plant growth and physiology. The genotypes common 'Sunki' mandarin x 'Argentina' citrange - 019, Common 'Sunki' mandarin x ('Rangpur' lime x P. trifoliata) - 040 and Trifoliate hybrid - 069 showed the greater tolerance to salinity, while the Trifoliate hybrid - 116 and 127 were found to be the less tolerant.

Altas concentrações de sais no solo e na água são comuns em regiões semiáridas, o que reduz o crescimento e o desenvolvimento das culturas, notadamente as sensíveis, como os citros, sendo importante a identificação de materiais tolerantes assim como o estudo da fisiologia destes. Assim, realizou-se um experimento para avaliar o crescimento e a fisiologia de híbridos de Poncirus trifoliata durante a formação de porta-enxertos sob condições de estresse salino. O experimento foi realizado usando um esquema factorial, 2 x 5, correspondendo a dois níveis de salinidade na solução nutritiva (2,6 e 6,3 dS m-1) e cinco híbridos de citros. Tais híbridos foram obtidos a partir do programa de melhoramento genético de citros da Embrapa Mandioca e Fruticultura, PMG ­ Citrus, a saber: tangerineira 'Sunki Comum' x citrange 'Argentina' ­ 019; tangerineira 'Sunki Comum' x (limoeiro 'Cravo' x Poncirus trifoliata) ­ 040 e os híbrido trifoliados ­ 069, 116 e 127. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições. As plantas de origem nucelar dos genótipos foram cultivadas em sistema hidropônico por meio de vasos de Leonard. A aplicação das soluções nutritivas com águas salinas começaram aos 90 dias após a semeadura, se extendendo até os 120 dias, quando as plantas foram avaliadas em relação ao crescimento e a fisiologia. Os genótipos tangerineira 'Sunki Comum' x citrange 'Argentina' - -19, tangerineira Sunki Comum x x (limoeiro 'Cravo' x Poncirus trifoliata) ­ 040 e o híbrido trifoliado ­ 069 tiveram maior tolerância à salinidade, enquanto os híbridos trifoliados 116 e 127 foram os menos tolerantes.

First report of Lecanodiaspis dendrobii Douglas, 1892 (Hemiptera: Lecanodiaspididae) and the associated parasitoid Cephaleta sp. (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) in Brazil / Primeiro registro da cochonilha Lecanodiaspis dendrobii Douglas, 1892 (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Lecanodiaspididae) e do parasitoide associado Cephaleta sp. (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) no Brasil

Abstract Lecanodiaspis dendrobii Douglas, 1892 (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Lecanodiaspididae) and the associated parasitoid Cephaleta sp. (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) are reported for the first time in Brazil. Specimens of this scale insect were collected on branches and stems of Acacia mangium Willd., Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit (Fabaceae), Morus nigra L. (Moraceae), Citrus reticulata Blanco (Rutaceae), Tectona grandis L. f. (Verbenaceae), Anacardium occidentale (Anacardiaceae), Annona squamosa L. and Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart. (Annonaceae), in three municipalities of the Roraima state. All plants here mentioned are recorded for the first time as a host for L. dendrobii. Morphological characters of L. dendrobii and symptoms presented by the host plants infested by this pest are included in this work.

Resumo Lecanodiaspis dendrobii Douglas, 1892 (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Lecanodiaspididae) e o parasitoide associado Cephaleta sp. (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) são registrados pela primeira vez no Brasil. Exemplares dessa cochonilha foram coletados sobre ramos e fustes de Acacia mangium Willd., Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit (Fabaceae), Morus nigra L. (Moraceae), Citrus reticulata Blanco (Rutaceae), Tectona grandis L.f. (Verbenaceae), Anacardium occidentale (Anacardiaceae), Annona squamosa L. e Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart. (Annonaceae), em três municípios do Estado de Roraima. Todas as plantas aqui mencionadas são registradas pela primeira vez como hospedeiras de L. dendrobii. Caracteres morfológicos da cochonilha e sintomas das plantas hospedeiras infestadas por esta praga são incluídos neste trabalho.

Detección del virus de la tristeza de los cítricos por serología, microscopía e hibridación in situ / In situ serological, microscopy and hybridization detection of CTV

El virus de la tristeza de los cítricos (CTV) es perjudicial para la citricultura y causa la enfermedad llamada tristeza de los cítricos. Infecta las especies del género Citrus ocasionando la muerte de millones de árboles. Los síntomas son decaimiento rápido (QD) y acanalamiento de tallo (SP). En el trabajo se diagnosticó molecular y serológicamente al CTV en aislados provenientes de Citrus aurantifolia o Lima Tahití (LT) y Citrus madurensis (Lour) o Calamondino (Ca), y se realizaron estudios preliminares de detección viral por medio de microscopía óptica e hibridación in situ. Se utilizó IC-RT-PCR e inmunoimpresión de tejido (IMI) expuesto a los anticuerpos monoclonales 3DF1+3CA5, y con el anticuerpo discriminante MCA 13 con técnica de Enzyme Linked Inmunossorbent Assay Doble Sándwich (Elisa-DAS). La detección por microscopía se realizó sobre secciones de pecíolo de LT y C que se tiñeron con Azure A, y con acetato de uranilo y citrato de plomo. Para la hibridación in situ se empleó una sonda marcada con digoxigenina dirigida hacia el gen de la proteína mayor de la cápside. Los resultados de IC-RT-PCR, IMI y Elisa fueron positivos para LT y C, indicando la presencia de variantes virales de tipo severo. Con microscopía de luz se detectaron inclusiones citoplasmáticas en las células acompañantes y del floema, confirmado con IMI y por hibridación in situ. Se visualizaron inclusiones de partículas virales en el tejido vegetal con microscopía electrónica con cambios en la ultraestructura celular como presencia de grandes vacuolas propias de la infección viral. Este trabajo integra distintas técnicas diagnósticas sobre dos especies cítricas exóticas.

Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) is deleterious for citriculture and causes citrus tristeza disease. CTV infects all citrus species thereby causing the death of millions of trees. Its main symptoms are quick decline (QD) and stem pitting (SP). Serological, molecular and microscopy techniques were used in this work for diagnosing CTV in Citrus aurantifolia or Tahiti Lime (Citrus latifolia Tanaka) (TL) and Citrus madurensis (Lour) or Calamondin (Ca) isolates. Petioles were tissue printed (IMI) and exposed to 3DF1+3CA5 monoclonal antibodies; they were then ELISA buffer extracted and exposed to a discriminant MCA 13 monoclonal antibody in a double-antibody sandwich indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DASI-ELISA). Immunocapture reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (IC-RT-PCR) amplification, using specific major coat protein gene (CPG) primers, was used on the ELISA buffer extracts as template. Optical and electron microscopy were used for detection on transversal sections of petiole and stained with azure A, uranyl acetate or lead citrate. Digoxygenin-labelled major CPG CTV probes were used for in situ hybridisation of petioles printing. All IC-RT-PCR, IMI and ELISA results were positive for both LT and C, indicating the presence of severe viral variants. Light microscopy cytoplasm inclusions were detected in the phloem and accompanying cells, confirmed by IMI and in situ hybridisation. Electron microscopy analysis revealed cellular abnormalities with changes in ultrastructure and the presence of big vacuoles which are characteristic of cytoplasmic viral infection. This is the first work integrating all available diagnostic techniques on these two exotic citric species.

Influence of the biological and chemical pesticides and foliar fertilization in controlling the appearance of citrus trees deterioration at Rashidiya

Application of the bio-agent fungi Trichoderma harzianum and Paecilomyces lilacinus to the naturally infested soil with citrus root nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans and pathogenic fungi during autumn season 1999, revealed a significant decrease in their population densities compared with untreated [control] trees after two years of application. Application of Cadusafus [Rugby] and Agrifos together confirmed their high efficacy in controlling the nematode-fungi disease complex and significantly decreased their population densities. Besides the growth parameters and the yield/tree, significantly improved and increased up to 78.3, 75.6 and 71.4% of the treated trees with P. lilacinus, T. harzianum and Rugby + Agrifos, respectively two years after soil application. When foliar fertilizers sprayed to the trees regularly for 6 months [May -October] at two weeks intervals in each year, the yield/tree improved and increased more up to 80.3, 78.2 and 78.2%, respectively

Citrus tissue culture employing vegetative explants.

Citrus being a number one fruit of the world due to its high nutritional value, huge production of fruits and fruit products, the citrus industry may be considered a major fruit industry. Though citrus orchard area in India is comparable to USA, the produce is far less, while its export is nil. Biotechnology has played an outstanding role in boosting the citrus industry, e.g., in Spain, which is now the biggest exporter of citrus fruit with the application of micrografting. Amongst the fruit trees, perhaps the maximum tissue culture research has been done in citrus during the past four decades, however, the results of practical value are meagre. The shortfalls in citrus tissue culture research and some advancements made in this direction along with bright prospects are highlighted, restricting the review to vegetative explants only. Whilst utilization of nucellar embryogenesis is limited to rootstocks, the other aspects, like, regeneration and proliferation of shoot meristems measuring 200 microm in length--a global breakthrough--of two commercially important scion species, Citrus aurantifolia and C. sinensis and an important rootstock, C. limonia, improvement of micrografting technique, cloning of the same two scion species as well as some Indian rootstock species, employing nodal stem segments of mature trees, of immense practical value have been elaborated. A rare phenomenon of shift in the morphogenetic pattern of differentiation from shoot bud differentiation to embryoid formation occurred during the long-term culture of stem callus of C. grandis. Stem callus-regenerated plants of C. aurantifolia, C. sinensis and C. grandis showed variation in their ploidy levels and a somaclonal variant of C. sinensis, which produced seedless fruits was isolated. Tailoring of rooting in microshoots to a tap root-like system by changing the inorganic salt composition of the rooting medium, resulting in 100% transplant success, and germplasm preservation through normal growth culture of shoots of C grandis without loss of regeneration capacity during 31 years, observed so far, are some other significant results. Plants of C. aurantifolia and C. sinensis raised from shoot meristem and micrografting were grown in a nethouse and those from nodal stem segments in the field along with the in vitro-raised plants of rootstocks, namely, C. jambhiri, C. karna and C. limonia. All the plants showed normal healthy growth. Significantly enough, the meristem regenerated plants of C. aurantifolia attained the reproductive phase just in 1 year of transplantation to soil similar to those raised from nodal stem segments of mature trees, which also produced normal fruits in the subsequent year while growing under field conditions. Thus, a significant fundamental concept of a maturity factor, carried over through as small a shoot meristem as 200 microm in length to cloned plants has been demonstrated. The concept is of far-reaching significance in citrus industry besides production of pathogen-free orchards.