Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi activity in the rhizosphere of tree seedlings subjected to residual herbicides / Atividade de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares na rizosfera de mudas de árvores submetidas a herbicidas residuais

Trees occurring on the margins of agricultural areas can mitigate damage from residual herbicides. Rhizospheric microbial activity associated with trees is one of the main remedial capacity indicators. The objective of this study was to evaluate the rhizospheric microbiological activity in tree species subjected to the herbicides atrazine and sulfentrazone via the rhizosphere. The experiment was designed in four blocks and a 6 × 3 factorial scheme. The first factor consisted of six tree species from Brazil and the second of atrazine, sulfentrazone, and water solutions. Four herbicide applications were performed via irrigation. The total dry mass of the plants, mycorrhizal colonization, number of spores, basal respiration of the rhizospheric soil, and survival rate of bioindicator plants after phytoremediation were determined. Trichilia hirta had higher biomass when treated with atrazine and sulfentrazone. Herbicides decreased the microbial activity in Triplaris americana and did not affect the microbiological indicators of Myrsine gardneriana, Schizolobium parahyba, and Toona ciliata. Fewer bioindicator plants survived in soil with Triplaris americana and sulfentrazone. Microbiological indicators were influenced in different ways between species by the presence of herbicides in the rhizosphere.

As árvores que ocorrem nas margens das áreas agrícolas podem mitigar os danos dos herbicidas residuais. A atividade microbiana rizosférica associada às árvores é um dos principais indicadores de capacidade corretiva. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a atividade microbiológica rizosférica em espécies arbóreas submetidas aos herbicidas atrazina e sulfentrazone via rizosfera. O experimento foi estruturado em quatro blocos e esquema fatorial 6 × 3. O primeiro fator consistiu em seis espécies de árvores do Brasil e o segundo em soluções de atrazine, sulfentrazone e água. Quatro aplicações de herbicidas foram realizadas via irrigação. Foram determinados a massa seca total das plantas, colonização micorrízica, número de esporos, respiração basal do solo rizosférico e taxa de sobrevivência de plantas bioindicadoras após fitorremediação. Trichilia hirta apresentou maior biomassa quando tratada com atrazina e sulfentrazone. Os herbicidas diminuíram a atividade microbiana em Triplaris americana e não afetaram os indicadores microbiológicos de Myrsine gardneriana, Schizolobium parahyba e Toona ciliata. Menos plantas bioindicadoras sobreviveram no solo com Triplaris americana e sulfentrazone. Os indicadores microbiológicos foram influenciados de formas distintas entre as espécies pela presença dos herbicidas na rizosfera.

Effects of nitrogen and phosphorus availability on the early growth of two congeneric pairs of savanna and forest species / Efeitos da disponibilidade de nitrogênio e fósforo no crescimento inicial de dois pares congenéricos de espécies de savana e floresta

In the tropical region, savannas and seasonal forests, both highly diverse biomes, occur side by side, under the same climate. If so, that mosaic cannot be explained solely by climatic variables, but also by fire, water availability and soil status. Nutrient availability in the soil, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, has been postulated to explain the abrupt transitions between savannas and seasonal forests in tropical regions. Plants from these two biomes may present different nutritional strategies to cope with nitrogen and phosphorus limitation. We used two congeneric pairs of trees — each pair with a species from the savanna and another from the neighboring seasonal forest — to test whether savanna and forest species presented different nutritional strategies during their early development. We cultivated 56 individuals from each of these species in a hydroponics system with four treatments: (1) complete Hoagland solution, (2) Hoagland solution without nitrogen, (3) Hoagland solution without phosphorus, and (4) Hoagland solution without nitrogen and phosphorus. After 45 days, we harvested the plants and measured total biomass, root to shoot ratio, height, leaf area, and specific leaf area. Overall, savanna species were lighter, shorter, with smaller leaves, higher specific leaf areas, and higher root to shoot ratios when compared to the forest species. Nitrogen increased the performance of species from both biomes. Phosphorus improved the performance of the forest species and caused toxicity symptoms in the savanna species. Hence, savanna and forest species presented different demands and were partially distinct already as seedlings concerning their nutritional strategies.

Em regiões tropicais, savanas e florestas estacionais, biomas altamente diversos, ocorrem lado a lado, sob o mesmo clima. Sendo assim, esse mosaico não pode ser explicado somente por variáveis climáticas, devendo ser considerada a frequência e intensidade de incêndios, disponibilidade de água e status do solo. A disponibilidade de nutrientes no solo, especialmente nitrogênio e fósforo, tem sido postulada para explicar as transições abruptas entre savanas e florestas estacionais nos trópicos. Espécies vegetais desses dois biomas podem apresentar estratégias nutricionais diferentes para lidar com a limitação tanto de nitrogênio como de fósforo. Utilizamos dois pares de árvores congenéricas — cada par com uma espécie típica de savana e outra de floresta estacional vizinha — para testar se as espécies da savana e da floresta apresentaram estratégias nutricionais diferentes durante seu desenvolvimento inicial. Cultivamos 56 indivíduos de cada uma dessas espécies em um sistema hidropônico com quatro tratamentos: (1) solução Hoagland completa, (2) solução Hoagland sem nitrogênio, (3) solução Hoagland sem fósforo e (4) solução Hoagland sem nitrogênio e fósforo. Após 45 dias, colhemos as plantas e medimos a biomassa total, a relação raiz / parte aérea, altura, área foliar e área foliar específica. No geral, as espécies savânicas foram mais leves, menores em altura, área foliar e área foliar específica e apresentaram maiores razões entre biomassa radicular por biomassa aérea quando comparadas às espécies florestais. A oferta de nitrogênio aumentou o desempenho das espécies de ambos biomas. O fósforo melhorou o desempenho das espécies florestais e causou sintomas de toxicidade nas espécies savânicas. Concluímos que, já como mudas, espécies congenéricas de savana e floresta apresentaram demandas distintas e foram parcialmente diferentes em relação a suas estratégias nutricionais.

Ash content, carbon and C/N ratio in paricá in function of NPK fertilization

ABSTRACT Fertilization in areas of forest plantations is needed to supplement plants´ nutritional needs until harvest. An experiment was performed to check the influence of fertilization on levels of ash, carbon and C/N relation in Schizolobium amazonicum. Soil liming was performed and fertilization occurred after 15 days of incubation. S. amazonicum seedlings were produced and submitted to fertilization with N, P and K: N = 0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha-1; P2O5 = 0, 50, 100 and 200 kg ha-1; K2O = 0, 50, 100 and 200 kg ha-1. The plants were measured after 180 days. The seedlings of 20 treatments with the highest increase in height and diameter were transplanted to the field. Soil was fertilized and limestone was spread; seedlings were distributed into randomized blocks, with six replications. After 12 months, the plants were removed to determine ash, organic carbon, C/N relation contents. The ashes were submitted to digestion to determine nutrient concentrations. Fertilization influenced the levels of ash and organic carbon and C/N relation in S. amazonicum. Results indicate that the species has a potential for energy production.

Carbon and nutrient stocks of three Fabaceae trees used for forest restoration and subjected to fertilization in Amazonia

ABSTRACT Amazonia is crucial to global carbon cycle. Deforestation continues to be one of the main causes of the release of C into the atmosphere, but forest restoration plantations can reverse this scenario. However, there is still diffuse information about the C and nutrient stocks in the vegetation biomass. We investigated the carbon and nutrient stocks of Fabaceae trees (Inga edulis, Schizolobium amazonicum and Dipteryx odorata) subjected to fertilization treatments (T1 - no fertilization; T2 - chemical; T3 - organic; and T4 - organic and chemical fertilization) in a degraded area of the Balbina Hydroelectric Dam, AM - Brazil. As an early successional species, I. edulis stocked more C and nutrients than the other two species independent of the fertilization treatment, and S. amazonicum stocked more C than D. odorata under T1 and T4. The mixed species plantation had the potential to stock 4.1 Mg C ha-1 year-1, while I. edulis alone could stock 9.4 Mg C ha-1 year-1. Mixing species that rapidly assimilate C and are of significant ecological and commercial value (e.g., Fabaceae trees) represents a good way to restore degraded areas. Our results suggest that the tested species be used for forest restoration in Amazonia.

Growth of tropical tree species and absorption of copper in soil artificially contaminated / Crescimento de espécies arbóreas tropicais e absorção de cobre em solo artificialmente contaminado

Abstract Reclamation of copper contaminated sites using forest species may be an efficient alternative to reduce the negative impact. The aim of this study was to quantify the growth and evaluate the quality of seedlings of native species at different doses of copper in the soil. The experimental design was completely randomized, with seven replications in a factorial arrangement (3×9), using three indigenous species of plants (Anadenanthera macrocarpa, Mimosa scabrella and Apuleia leiocarpa) and nine doses of copper in the soil (0, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, 360, 420 and 480 mg kg–1).The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse which the seedlings were grown for 180 days. The experimental units were plastic pots of 125 cm3 filled with Oxisol. The results indicated that the levels of copper applied to the soil decreased the quality of seedlings and growth of Apuleia leiocarpato a lesser extent compared with Mimosa scabrella and Anadenanthera macrocarpa. Anadenanthera macrocarpa was the forest species that resulted in the lowest copper translocation from roots to shoots. In addition, the Apuleia leiocarpa exhibited high resistance and tolerance for copper in the soil and also, it is highlighted an ability for copper phytoremediation.

Resumo A recuperação de áreas contaminadas com cobre utilizando espécies florestais pode ser uma alternativa eficiente para reduzir o impacto negativo deste elemento nestas áreas. O objetivo deste estudo foi quantificar o crescimento e avaliar a qualidade de mudas de espécies nativas em diferentes doses de cobre no solo. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com sete repetições, em um esquema fatorial (3×9), utilizando-se três espécies nativas de plantas (Anadenanthera macrocarpa, Mimosa scabrella e Apuleia leiocarpa) e nove doses de cobre no solo (0, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, 360, 420 e 480 mg kg–1). O experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação, onde as plantas foram cultivadas por 180 dias. As unidades experimentais foram vasos de plástico de 125 cm3, preenchidos com Latossolo Vermelho distrófico. Os resultados indicaram que o nível de cobre aplicado ao solo reduziu a qualidade de plântulas e crescimento de Apuleia leiocarpa para um menor grau comparado com bracatinga e angico. Anadenanthera macrocarpa foi a espécie florestal que apresentou menor translocação de cobre a parte aérea das mudas. Além disso, a Apuleia leiocarpa exibiu elevada tolerância para o cobre no solo e também destaca-se mostrando uma capacidade para fitoremediação de áreas contaminadas com cobre.

Foliar application of Zn at flowering stage improves plant’s performance, yield and yield attributes of black gram.

Black gram plants subjected to varying levels of Zn supply (0.01 to 10 µM Zn) showed optimum growth and dry matter yield in plants receiving 1 µM Zn. The dry matter yield of plants decreased in plants receiving 0.01 and 0.1 µM Zn (deficient) and excess levels of Zn (2 and 10 µM Zn). The plants grown with Zn deficient supply showed delayed flowering, premature bud abscission, reduced size of anthers, pollen producing capacity, pollen viability and stigma receptivity resulting in poor pod formation and seed yield. Providing Zn as a foliar spray at pre-flowering stage minimized the severity of Zn deficiency on reproductive structure development and enhanced the seed nutritional status by enhancing seed Zn density, seed carbohydrate (sugar and starch content) and storage proteins (albumins, globulins, glutenins, and prolamines).

Bacteriostatic effect of copaiba oil (Copaifera officinalis) against Streptococcus mutans

This study evaluated the inhibitory activity of copaiba oil (Copaifera officinalis against the cariogenic microorganism, Streptococcus mutans. For such purpose, a minimum inhibition concentration test of copaiba oil against S. mutans was performed, using the serial dilution in broth technique, with a negative control, a positive control (0.12 percent chlorhexidine) and a 10 percent copaíba oil solution as a test. A minimum bactericidal concentration test with tubes presenting microbial inhibition was also conduced. In the minimum inhibitory concentration test, copaiba oil showed inhibition of bacterial growth at all concentrations tested up to 0.78 µL/mL of the 10 percent copaiba oil solution in the broth. In addition, the negative control had no inhibition, and the 0.12 percent chlorhexidine solution was effective up to 6.25 µL/mL in the broth. Copaiba oil showed a bacteriostatic activity against S. mutans at low concentrations, and could be a an option of phytotherapic agent to be used against cariogenic bacteria in the prevention of caries disease.

Este estudo avaliou a atividade inibitória do óleo de copaíba (Copaifera officinalis contra o microrganismo cariogênico, Streptococcus mutans. Para isso, foi realizado um teste de concentração mínima inibitória do óleo de copaíba contra S. mutans, utilizando a técnica de diluição seriada em caldo, com um controle negativo, um controle positivo (clorexidina a 0,12 por cento) e uma solução de óleo de copaíba 10 por cento como teste. Também foi conduzido um teste de concentração mínima bactericida com os tubos que apresentaram inibição microbiana. No teste de concentração inibitória mínima, o óleo de copaíba mostrou inibição do crescimento bacteriano em todas as concentrações testadas até 0,78 µL/mL da solução a 10 por cento do óleo de copaíba no caldo. Além disso, o controle negativo não teve nenhuma inibição, e a solução de clorexidina 0,12 por cento foi eficaz até 6,25 µL/mL no caldo. O óleo de copaíba mostrou uma atividade bacteriostática contra S. mutans em baixas concentrações, apresentando-se assim como uma opção de fitoterápico a ser utilizado contra bactérias cariogênicas na prevenção de cáries.

Effect of salicylic acid on morphological and biochemical attributes in cowpea.

Effects of salicylic acid (SA) on seed germination, seedling growth, flowering and biochemical activities were studied out in four cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) genotypes in control environments. The results revealed that both germination and seedling growth were negatively affected by 0.02%. SA application, however did not affect the size of full expanded buds, time of 50% flowering and date of flower initiation. A maximum increase in peroxidase (EC1.11.1.7) activity was observed in UPC 4200 over other genotypes. No significant change in the content of total soluble and intercellular fluid proteins was observed except in UPC 4200 genotype. SA induced accumulation of total soluble sugars more at flowering stage than at seed setting stage. It is evident from the present study that UPC 4200 genotype was more responsive to salicylic acid both in terms of increased peroxidase activity and less negative effect on morphological attributes, thus suggesting its wider use without negative impact on environment as salicylic acid has been reported in plants.

Phytotoxicity of volatile oil from Eucalyptus citriodora against some weedy species.

A study was undertaken to explore the phytotoxicity of volatile essential oil from Eucalyptus citriodora Hook. against some weeds viz. Bidens pilosa, Amaranthus viridis, Rumex nepalensis, and Leucaena leucocephala in order to assess its herbicidal activity. Dose-response studies conducted under laboratory conditions revealed that eucalypt oils (in concentration ranging from 0.0012 to 0.06%) greatly suppress the germination and seedling height of test weeds. At 0.06% eucalypt oil concentration, none of the seed of test weeds germinated. Among the weed species tested, A. viridis was found to be the most sensitive and its germination was completed inhibited even at 0.03%. Not only the germination and seedling growth, even the chlorophyll content and respiratory activity in leaves of emerged seedlings were severely affected. In A. viridis chlorophyll content and respiratory activity were reduced by over 51% and 71%, respectively, even at a very low concentration of 0.06%. These results indicated an adverse effect of eucalypt oils on the photosynthetic and energy metabolism of the test weeds. A strong negative correlation was observed between the observed effect and the concentration of eucalypt oil. Based on the study, it can be concluded that oil from E. citriodora possess strong inhibitory potential against weeds that could be exploited for weed management.

Impact of fertilizer factory effluent on seed germination, seedling growth and chlorophyll content of gram (Cicer aeritenum).

In the present study effect of fertilizer factory effluent on seed germination, seedling growth and chlorophyll content of gram (Cicer aeritenum) has been carried out, at different concentration of the effluent and time intervals. The effluent is alkaline in nature with strong ammonia odour. The germination percentage of seed, seedling growth and chlorophyll content showed a gradual decline with increase in effluent concentration. At 25% concentration of the effluent, growth promotion in terms of root, shoot length and increase in chlorophyll content recorded at 21 days. However, at higher concentrations of the effluent toxic effects were observed at 21 days. The study suggests that the effluent can be used safely for Cicer aeritenum cultivation, only after proper treatment and dilution.

Seed germination in response to chemicals: effect of nitrogen and pH in the media.

Seed germination generally presents a peak in the next growing season after a fire. Among other factors associated with fire are the increase of soil nitrogen and changes in the pH of the soil. In this study, we addressed the question, whether or not the germination response of eight species is linked with the increase in pH and nitrogenous compounds in the germination media? We assessed the separate and combined effects of nitrogenous compounds and pH on the percentage and rate of germination of seeds of Medicago arabica (L.) Hudson, Epilobium hirsutum L., Foeniculum vulgare Miller, Daucus carota L., Thapsia villosa L., Cynosurus cristatus L., Dactylis glomerata L. and Rumex crispus L. All these species are well represented in the Mediterranean ecosystems of the central-west Spain. Water and CaCl2 were used as controls. Nitrogenous compounds increased percent germination (level) and rate in three of the species studied. High pH negatively affected the germination rate of seeds from most species, but had no effect on the per cent germination of any of the species. The higher concentration of the nutritious solutions affected negatively the germination level and rate. The different germination responses of seeds of the studied species could not be exclusively attributed to pH values in the media, whereas the amount and form of Nitrogen in the media has a greater effect on it. These differences in germination are species dependent.

Combined effects of enhanced ultraviolet-B radiation and mineral nutrients on growth, biomass accumulation and yield characteristics of two cultivars of Vigna radiata L.

In a field experiment, the effect of enhanced UV-B radiation (simulating 20% ozone depletion at Allahabad, 20 degrees 47' N latitude) was studied on two cultivars of Vigna radiata L. with various levels of mineral nutrients (N and P). Study showed decrease in total biomass accumulation, harvest index, RSR and yield after exposure with enhanced level of UV-B. RGR and CGR also showed decline after exposure with UV-B. Application of recommended dose of mineral nutrients alleviated the deleterious effect of UV-B and increased plant dry matter vis a vis yield. Both cultivars showed sensitivity to UV-B but cultivar Malviya Janpriya was more responsive to UV-B than Malviya Jyoti.

Influence of aluminium on growth and water relations of cowpea.

The effect of aluminium on shoot-root fresh weight and water relations [water potential (psiw), osmotic potential (psis), turgor potential (psip), and relative water content (RWC)] was studied in cowpea. The 3 microg g(-1) Al showed slight enhancement in psiw and psip in test plants. Concentrations beyond 3 microg g(-1) Al significantly decreased psiw (less negative) and psip. Relative water content (RWC) vis a vis the fresh weight was also affected adversely at higher Al concentrations.

Effect of sodium metabisulphite on germination, growth and yield of Vigna sinensis, Savi.

In the present study, the impact of sodium metabisulphite (Na2S2O5), a food preservative, on seed germination, growth and yield of Vigna sinensis, Savi has been evaluated. Observations clearly reveal the deleterious effect of Na2S2O5 on germination, stomatal development, stomatal index, chlorophyll content and yield. The shoot length exhibited a steady rise in length, while the biomass showed a gradual decrease with the increasing doses of Na2S2O5.

Modified behaviour in nucleopolyhedro virus infected field bean pod borer, Adisura atkinsoni and its impact on assessing the field efficacy of NPV.

When nucleopolyhedro virus of A. atkinsoni was applied at 250 LE/ha, there was no significant difference between the viruses treated and control plots with regard to the total number of live larvae feeding outside the pod. However, due to changes in behaviour in NPV infected A. atkinsoni by way of coming out of the pod, there was a significant difference when counts were taken with regard to total number of larvae found feeding inside the pod. Both endosulfan at (0.07%) and virus (125 LE/ha) in combination with endosulfan (0.035%) significantly reduced the larval population of A. atkinsoni and Sphaenarches anisodactylus. There was no significant difference between the virus and control plots with regard to percentage of pod damage. However, when the yield was assessed based on the seed weight, there was significant difference.

Impact of cadmium toxicity on leaf area, stomatal frequency, stomatal index and pigment content in mungbean seedlings.

Effect of different concentrations of CdSO4 (10(-4) M, 5 x 10(-4) M and 10(-3) M) on leaf area, stomatal frequency, stomatal index and pigment content in 6 days old mungbean seedlings was studied under laboratory conditions. Except at 10(-4) M CdSO4, leaf area decreased with an increase in the concentration of CdSO4. Stomatal frequency on the leaf surface increased at 5 x 10(-4) M and 10(-3) M CdSO4 in comparison to untreated control. However, reverse was the case for stomatal index. Chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, total chlorophyll, and chlorophyll a/b ratio were increased at 10(-4) M CdSO4, and decreased thereafter with an increase in the concentration of Cd2+. Possible reasons for the stimulatory effect at low concentrations and inhibitory effect with higher concentrations are discussed.

Influence of lead in soil on mycorrhizal development and plant growth of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Linn.) Taub.

Growth of C. tetragonoloba suffered with increase in concentration of Pb in soil. Plant biomass declined significantly at concentrations above 60 ppm of Pb. Roots showed more pronounced impact as compared to shoots. At highest applied concentration of lead (100 ppm), fresh weight of fruits decreased by 33% and dry weight by 52% as compared to control. No significant impact was noticed on the development of mycorrhiza at lower concentrations (15-45 ppm) of lead contamination. At higher concentrations of Pb (60 and 75 ppm), there was a decrease in VAM colonization. VAM hyphae had irregular size and terminated abruptly in outer cortex of root. Number of VAM fungal spores in rhizosphere also decreased with increase in the edaphic Pb concentration.

Metalaxyl effect on nitrogenase activity (acetylene reduction) and yield of mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) wilzek).

In an experiment, application of different levels of metalaxyl to a sandy loam soil significantly affected the nodulation and nitrogenase activity of mungbean. In both the compost amended and unamended soils, 0.5 mg kg(-1) of metalaxyl enhanced acetylene reduction activity and yield of mungbean, where as higher concentrations (1 mg and 2.5 mg kg(-1) of fungicide) inhibited the nodulation traits as well as economic traits of mungbean.

Somatic embryogenesis in Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek.

Somatic embryogenesis was achieved from immature cotyledon derived callus of mungbean, V.radiata (L.) Wilczek in MS liquid medium. Embryogenic callus was induced on MS medium with NAA (5 mg/L). Differentiation of somatic embryos was observed when embryogenic callus was transferred to MS liquid medium containing 2,4-D (1.5 mg/L) and L-proline (50 mg/L). The torpedo shaped embryos were transferred to MS liquid medium with BAP and ABA (1 mg/L each) for maturation and germination. Fifty per cent of torpedo shaped embryos were converted into tiny plants (8-9 plants out of 17) after one week of culture. The germinated embryos were isolated and transferred to MS half strength basal (solid) medium for further development.

Influence of growth regulators and explant type on in vitro shoot propagation and rooting of red sandal wood (Pterocarpus santalinus L.).

In vitro shoot regeneration in Pterocarpus santalinus L. was achieved when detached cotyledons from in vitro germinated seedlings were cultured on MS medium containing NAA (0.1 mg/L), BA (1 mg/L) and kinetin (1 mg/L). The regenerated shoots rooted on 1/4 strength MS medium with IAA (1 mg/L) and the fully developed plantlets were successfully established in the soil.