Contaminação parasitária em hortaliças comercializadas no município de Jataí-GO / Parasitic contamination in vegetables commercialized in the city of Jataí-GO

Introdução: a prevalência de doenças parasitárias transmitidas por alimentos tem apresentado um aumento significativo em nível mundial, destacando principalmente as hortaliças, consumidas in natura, em razão da sociedade moderna que procura hábitos de vida mais saudáveis. Objetivo:avaliar a contaminação de hortaliças comercializadas no município de Jataí, GO, por enteroparasitos. Metodologia: foi realizada uma pesquisa experimental para detecção de estruturas parasitárias em hortaliças de cultivo tradicional e hidropônico, obtidas de nove estabelecimentos: três supermercados, três hortas e três feiras livres. Foram obtidas 54 amostras de alface (Lactuca sativa), 54 de rúcula (Chicarium sp.) e 18 de agrião (Nasturtiumofficinale). As amostras foram lavadas com água destilada e solução Tween 80 e submetidas as técnicas de sedimentação espontânea e por centrifugação. Foi realizado um mapeamento da área de estudo para identificação da localização dos estabelecimentos. Resultados: a positividade para estruturas parasitárias foi de 94,4% (119/126). A alface apresentou maior prevalência de parasitos 96,2% (52/54). Foi observada diferença estatística significativa ao comparar o emprego das duas técnicas (p < 0,05). Ashortaliças submetidas a técnica de sedimentação espontânea apresentaram maior positividade 115/126 (91,3%). Não foi observada diferença estatística significante quanto ao tipo de cultivo, porém, houve forte associação em relação ao local de cultivo e contaminação das hortaliças (OR: 3,625). Verificou-se maior percentual de positividade nos estabelecimentos localizados próximos aos rios. Conclusão: a positividade de enteroparasitos detectada nas hortaliças foi alta, ressaltando a necessidade de implementar medidas que visam a conscientização da população, em relação às práticas de higienização das hortaliças antes do consumo.

Introduction: the prevalence of parasitic diseases transmitted by food has shown a significant increase worldwide, especially vegetables, consumed in natura, due to modern society that seeks healthier lifestyles. Objective: to evaluate the contamination of vegetables commercialized in the city of Jataí, GO, by enteroparasites. Methodology: an experimental research was carried out to detect parasitic structures in vegetables of traditional and hydroponic cultivation, obtained from nine establishments: three supermarkets, three vegetable gardens and three street markets. Fifty four samples of lettuce (Lactuca sativa), 54 of arugula (Chicarium sp.) and 18 of watercress (Nasturtium officinale) were obtained. The samples were washed with distilled water and Tween 80 solution and submitted to spontaneous sedimentation and centrifugation techniques. A mapping of the study area was carried out to identify the location of the establishments. Results: positivity for parasitic structures was 94.4% (119/126). Lettuce had a higher prevalence of parasites 96.2% (52/54). A statistically significant difference was observed when comparing the use of the two techniques (p < 0.05). Vegetables submitted to the spontaneous sedimentation technique showed higher positivity 115/126 (91.3%). There was no statistically significant difference regarding the type of cultivation, however, there was a strong association in relation to the place of cultivation and contamination of vegetables (OR: 3.625). There was a higher percentage of positivity in establishments located near the rivers. Conclusion: the positivity of intestinal parasites detected in vegetables was high, highlighting the need to implement measures aimed at raising awareness of the population regarding the practices of cleaning vegetables before consumption.

Study and evaluation of antimicrobial activity and antioxidant capacity of dry extract and fractions of leaves of Raphanus sativus var. oleiferus Metzg / Estudo e avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana e capacidade antioxidante do extrato seco e frações de folhas de Raphanus sativus var. oleiferus Metzg

The radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is a vegetable of the Brassicaceae family cultivated worldwide and has several medicinal properties. Its biological activities are related to various secondary metabolites present in the species, especially phenolics. Thus, the objectives of this study were the chemical analysis and evaluation of the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the dry extract and fractions of the fodder turnip leaves (R. sativus var. oleiferus Metzg.). Samples were analyzed by mass spectrometry and the antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical method and the reducing power method. Antimicrobial activity was determined by the agar diffusion and microdilution methods. The total phenols were concentrated in the butanol fraction (121.27 mg GAE/g) and the flavonoids were concentrated in the ethyl acetate fraction (98.02 mg EQ/g). The ethyl acetate fraction showed the best antioxidants results, with 83.45% of free radical scavenging and 11.34% of ferric ions reduction. The analysis of antimicrobial activity showed that the dry extract had the highest average zone of inhibition against Bacillus subtilis (18.67 mm). Smaller values of the minimum inhibitory concentration for Micrococcus luteus were, and the ethyl acetate fraction showed a lower minimum inhibitory concentration (0.1 mg/ml) for that microorganism. There was a strong correlation between the antioxidant activity and the content of phenols and flavonoids. The results showed the potential antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of this extract with the ethyl acetate fraction being most promising for further studies.

O rabanete(Raphanus sativus L.) é um vegetal da família Brassicaceae cultivado em todo o mundo e possui diversas propriedades medicinais. Suas atividades biológicas estão relacionadas aos vários metabólitos secundários presentes na espécie, especialmente os compostos fenólicos. Desta forma, os objetivos deste estudo foram realizar análises químicas e avaliar as atividades antioxidante e antimicrobiana do extrato seco e das frações das folhas de R. sativus var. oleiferus Metzg. As amostras foram analisadas em espectrômetro de massas e o potencial antioxidante foi avaliado pelos métodos do radical DPPH (2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazila) e do poder redutor. A atividade antimicrobiana foi determinada pelos métodos de difusão em ágar e da microdiluição. Observou-se que os fenóis totais se concentraram na fração butanólica (121,27 mg EAG/g), enquanto que e os teores de flavonoides concentraram-se na fração acetato de etila (98,02 mg EQ/g). A fração acetato de etila apresentou os melhores resultados antioxidantes, com porcentagem de sequestro dos radicais DPPH de 83,45% e com porcentagem de redução dos íons férrico de 11,34%. A análise da atividade antimicrobiana revelou que o extrato seco teve maior média de halos de inibição frente ao Bacillus subtilis(18,67 mm). Os menores valores da concentração inibitória mínima foram para Micrococcus luteus, sendo que a fração acetato de etila demonstrou menor concentração inibitória mínima (0,1 mg/mL) para esse micro-organismo. Houve uma forte correlação entre a atividade antioxidante e o teor de fenóis e de flavonoides. Os resultados demonstraram potenciais ações antioxidante e antimicrobiana do extrato e das frações avaliados, sendo a fração acetato de etila promissora para estudos posteriores.

Occurrence and diversity of ciliated protozoa in the most commonly consumed leafy greens in Brazil: a qualitative study / Ocorrência e diversidade de protozoários ciliados nos vegetais folhosos mais consumidos no Brasil: um estudo qualitativo

Ciliated protozoa are an ubiquitous group of eukaryotes that have been poorly reported on leafy greens. The present study aimed to verify the occurrence and diversity of ciliated protozoa in the leaves and roots of three of the most commonly consumed leafy greens in Brazil – lettuce, rocket and coriander. The vegetable samples were washed by manual agitation (3 minutes) in two different media (mineral water and Page ́s Amoeba Saline solution). After washing, the contents were incubated in Petri dishes and aliquots were removed for microscopic identification and in vivo observation. A total of 21 ciliated protozoa species were found, most of which were bacterivorous. Leafy greens have commonly been associated with foodborne outbreaks and ciliated protozoa, which although they are not a Public Health concern, can act as “Trojan Horses” harboring bacteria, viruses and other protozoa cysts and oocysts and can suggest a new route towards microbiological quality related to the food chain. This is the first report of ciliated protozoa on leafy greens consumed in Brazil.

Os protozoários ciliados constituem um grupo onipresente de eucariotos pouco relatados em vegetais folhosos. O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar a ocorrência e a diversidade de protozoários ciliados nas folhas e raízes de três dos vegetais folhosos mais consumidos no Brasil - alface, rúcula e coentro. As amostras de vegetais foram lavadas por agitação manual (3 minutos) em dois meios diferentes (água mineral e Solução Salina para Ameba). Após a lavagem, o conteúdo foi incubado em placas de Petri e alíquotas foram retiradas para identificação microscópica e observação in vivo dos organismos. Um total de 21 espécies de protozoários ciliados foi encontrado, a maioria das quais era bacterívora. Tais hortaliças têm sido comumente associadas a surtos transmitidos por alimentos e os protozoários ciliados que, embora não sejam um problema de saúde pública, podem atuar como “Cavalos de Tróia” ao abrigar bactérias, vírus além de cistos e oocistos de protozoários o que pode sugerir uma nova rota para a avaliação da qualidade microbiológica relacionada à cadeia alimentar. Este é o primeiro relato de protozoários ciliados em folhas verdes consumidas no Brasil.

Establishment of quality evaluation methods for pieces and standard decoction of honey-fried Descurainiae Semen / 中国中药杂志

To establish a content determination method for quality control of the pieces and standard decoction of honey-fried Descurainiae Semen. Standard decoction of honey-fried Descurainiae Semen was prepared with standardized process, and high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detector(HPLC-DAD) was used to detect its characteristic fingerprint and determine the content of quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucose-7-O-β-D-gentiobioside. In addition, the transfer rate, dry extract rate and pH value were calculated. The results showed that the established method had a high accuracy. The content of quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucose-7-O-β-D-gentiobioside in 13 batches of standard decoction was 0.03-0.12 mg·mL~(-1); the transfer rate was 13.4%-23.1%; the rate of extracts was 1.9%-5.5%, and the pH was between 5.4-5.9. The similarity coefficients were all greater than 0.85, indicating good homogeneity for the different batches of decoction. There were 7 common peaks in the characteristic chromatogram, one of which was quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucose-7-O-β-D-gentiobioside. In this paper, the established content determination and quality evaluation method for Descurainiae Semen pieces and decoction was simple, rapid and reproducible, providing reference for the quality control of honey-fried Descurainiae Semen pieces, standard decoction and its preparations.

Biotic and abiotic resistance inducers for controlling white rust in rocket (Eruca sativa) / Indutores de resistência bióticos e abióticos para controle de ferrugem branca em rúcula (Eruca sativa)

Induced resistance emerges as an alternative method for controlling plant diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of biotic and abiotic resistance inducers for controlling white rust in rocket (Eruca sativa), as well as biochemical changes (peroxidase) and fitness costs. The experiments were developed with the abiotic inducers acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM) (12.5, 25, and 50 mg ai L-1) and citrus biomass (CB) (0.1, 0.25, and 0.5%), as well as with the biotic ones Saccharomyces cerevisiae (25 mg mL-1), Bacillus thuringiensis (25 mg p.c. mL-1), Saccharomyces boulardii (25 mg mL-1), and phosphorylated mannan oligosaccharide (PMO) (0.25%), in preventive and curative interventions. Fungicide mancozeb (1.6 g ai L-1), Bordeaux mixture (1%), and water were the control treatments. Leaf samples were collected 3, 7, 11, 15, and 19 days after the treatments to determine peroxidases and assess the severity and production. Concerning abiotic inducers, all doses of ASM and CB 0.5% (preventive) and CB 0.25% (curative) reduced the severity of white rust, whereas, among biotic inducers, only PMO applied preventively controlled the disease. Peroxidase activity was higher for CB 0.25% and ASM 50 mg L-1. Bordeaux mixture induced higher peroxidase activity.(AU)

A indução de resistência surge como um método alternativo para o controle de doenças em plantas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência de indutores de resistência bióticos e abióticos no controle de ferrugem branca em rúcula (Eruca sativa), bem como alterações bioquímicas (peroxidase) e o impacto na produção. Foram desenvolvidos experimentos com os indutores abióticos acibenzolar-S-metil (ASM) (12,5; 25 e 50 mg i.a. L-1) e biomassa cítrica (BC) (0,1; 0,25 e 0,5%), e os bióticos Saccharomyces cerevisiae (25 mg p.c. mL-1), Bacillus thuringiensis (25 mg p.c. mL-1), Saccharomyces boulardii (25 mg p.c. mL-1) e manano-oligossacarídeo fosforilado (MOF) (0,25%), sendo aplicados preventiva e curativamente. Como controles foram utilizados o fungicida mancozeb (1,6 g i.a. L-1), calda bordalesa (1%) e água. Amostras de folhas foram coletadas aos 3, 7, 11, 15 e 19 dias após os tratamentos para a determinação de peroxidases, e avaliações de severidade e produção. Entre os indutores abióticos, todas as doses de ASM e BC 0,5% (preventivamente) e BC 0,25% (curativamente) reduziram a severidade da ferrugem branca, enquanto entre os indutores bióticos, apenas o MOF aplicado preventivamente, controlou a doença. A atividade de peroxidase foi superior para BC 0,25% e ASM 50 mg L-1. O tratamento com calda bordalesa também incrementou a atividade de peroxidase.(AU)

Physical and physiological changes of Crambe abyssinicaHochst seed during maturation

Determination of seed-maturation indicators enables the identification of the idealmoment for harvest to achieve the best production and conservation potential. Our objective here was to evaluate some physical and physiological changes of crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst) seeds as possible indicators of seed maturation. Crambe floweringwas monitored in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Plants were tagged, and 13, 22, 26, and 28 days after the initiation of flowering, the seeds were collected and following physical attributes evaluated: length, diameter, total mass, dry matter and water content. Physiological quality of the seeds was assessed using the germination test, by registering the percentage of normal seedlings and dormant seeds, immediately after each harvest, and again after six months of storage. The water-absorption curveswere characterized as a function the seed-development stages. All physical attributes were observed to increase because of the accumulation of reserve substances during seed development, except for water content, which gradually decreased from 72.2% at the start of development to 29.5% at maturity. At 28 days after anthesis the germination percentage of crambe seeds at physiological maturity was only 17%, indicating that they became dormant while maturing. However, seed germination rate was 89% after six months of storage, indicating that dormancy was almost fully overcome after this period.

Genome Size Evolution Mediated by Gypsy Retrotransposons in Brassicaceae / 基因组蛋白质组与生物信息学报·英文版

The dynamic activity of transposable elements (TEs) contributes to the vast diversity of genome size and architecture among plants. Here, we examined the genomic distribution and transposition activity of long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTR-RTs) in Arabidopsis thaliana (Ath) and three of its relatives, Arabidopsis lyrata (Aly), Eutrema salsugineum (Esa), and Schrenkiella parvula (Spa), in Brassicaceae. Our analyses revealed the distinct evolutionary dynamics of Gypsyretrotransposons, which reflects the different patterns of genome size changes of the four species over the past million years. The rate of Gypsy transposition in Aly is approximately five times more rapid than that of Ath and Esa, suggesting an expanding Aly genome. Gypsy insertions in Esa are strictly confined to pericentromeric heterochromatin and associated with dramatic centromere expansion. In contrast, Gypsy insertions in Spa have been largely suppressed over the last million years, likely as a result of a combination of an inherent molecular mechanism of preferential DNA removal and purifying selection at Gypsy elements. Additionally, species-specific clades of Gypsy elements shaped the distinct genome architectures of Aly and Esa.

Protective effect of water extracts of Orychophragmus violaceus seeds on TAA-induced acute liver injury in mice / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of water extracts of Orychophragmus violaceus seeds on liver injury induced by thioacetamide(TAA) in mice. ICR male mice were randomly divided into seven groups: normal group, model group, bicyclol positive control group(200 mg·kg~(-1)), Kuihua Hugan Tablets group(350 mg·kg~(-1)), O. violaceus seeds low-dose water extract group(125 mg·kg~(-1)), middle-dose water extract group(250 mg·kg~(-1)), and high-dose water extract group(500 mg·kg~(-1)). Intragastric administration was given in all groups at 0.02 mL·g~(-1) body weight, 1 time a day for continuous 4 days. One h after the administration on the 4 th day, the liver injury model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of TAA(100 mg·kg~(-1)). The mice were put to death 24 hours later. Blood and tissues were taken and organ indexes were calculated. The activities of ALT, AST and TBiL in serum were detected. The content of MDA, GSH and the activity of SOD, GSH-Px in liver homogenate were examined by colorimetry method. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of liver tissues in mice. The protein expression levels of NF-κB p65, Keap-1, Nrf2, p-p38, p-JNK, p-ERK, Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-8 were detected by Western blot. The results showed that as compared with the model group, various O. violaceus seeds groups could significantly improve the pathological conditions of liver and reduce ALT, AST, TBiL activities in serum of mice with liver injury. In the high-dose group, the activities of SOD, GSH-Px and the content of GSH were significantly increased, while MDA content was sharply declined. Meanwhile, O. violaceus seeds extract down-regulated the expressions of Bax, Keap-1, p-p38, p-JNK, p-ERK, NF-κB p65, cleaved caspase-3 and up-regulated the expressions of Nrf2, Bcl-2, caspase-3 and caspase-8. In conclusion, O. violaceus seeds extract exhibited potent protective effect on liver injury induced by TAA in mice, and its mechanism may be related to down-regulating levels of Keap-1, up-regulating the expressions of Nrf2, inhibiting the expressions of p-p38, p-ERK and NF-κB p65 signaling pathway, and inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis by down-regulating the expressions of p-JNK and Bax and up-regulating the expressions of Bcl-2.

Drought tolerance of four vegetable crops during germination and initial seedling growth / Tolerância de quatro espécies de hortaliças ao déficit hídrico durante a germinação e crescimento inicial das plântulas

Seeds of arugula (Eruca sativa Miller, cv. Cultivada), carrot (Daucus carota L., cv. Nantes), eggplant (Solanum melongena L., cv. Embú) and watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai cv. Crimson Sweet] were submitted to different osmotic potentials induced by polyethylene glycol(PEG) with the objective of evaluate the effects of drought stress on seed germination and initial seedling growth. Seeds were distributed in plastic boxes containing blotter paper, soaked with PEG solutions prepared with osmotic potentials 0.0 (control), ­0.2, ­0.4, and ­0.8 MPa and kept into a seed germinator, at 25 °C for 14 days. A completely randomized design in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme with four replicates of 50 seeds each was used. The results showed that by increasing of the osmotic potential level, germinated seeds number, germination rate index, root and shoot length, shoot and root dry matter, and seedling vigor indices decreased, while mean germination time and root: shoot ratio increased in all four vegetable crops. Additionally, the carrot and watermelon are more susceptible than arugula and eggplant to drought stress, with germination response declining more rapidly with the rise of osmotic potential level. Arugula and eggplant crops tolerate water stress of up to ­0.2 MPa, without reducing germination of the seeds; however, the growth of shoots and roots are inhibited. The germination process of eggplant and watermelon seeds are completely inhibited at ­0.8 MPa osmotic potential, whereas germination of carrot seeds is completely inhibited at ­0.4 MPa osmotic potential. Severe drought stress limits the process of seed germination and initial seedling growth of vegetable crops.

Sementes de rúcula (Eruca sativa Miller, cv. Cultivada), cenoura (Daucus carota L., cv. Nantes), berinjela (Solanum melongena L., cv. Embú) e melancia [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai cv. Crimson Sweet] foram submetidas a diferentes potenciais osmóticos simulados com polietileno glicol (PEG 6000) com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos do estresse hídrico na germinação e no crescimento inicial das plântulas. As sementes foram distribuídas em caixas plásticas tipo Gerbox® contendo papel mata-borrão, o qual foi umedecido com diferentes soluções de PEG preparadas com quatro níveis de potenciais osmótico [0 (controle); ­0,2; ­0,4; e ­0,8 MPa]. As caixas plásticas foram então mantidas em câmara de germinação à 25 °C por 14 dias. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4 × 4, com quatro repetições de 50 sementes cada. Os resultados mostraram que o aumento do nível de potencial osmótico da solução reduziu a porcentagem de germinação das sementes, o índice de velocidade de germinação, o comprimentos da parte aérea e da raiz principal, a produção de matéria seca da parte aérea e das raízes e os índices de vigor das plântulas, enquanto que o tempo médio de germinação e a relação entre a matéria seca da raiz/parte aérea aumentou em todas as quatro espécies de hortaliças. As culturas de cenoura e melancia são mais susceptível que a rúcula e a berinjela ao estresse hídrico, com resposta de germinação declinando mais rapidamente com o aumento do nível de potencial osmótico. A rúcula e a berinjela toleram estresse hídrico de até ­0,2 MPa, sem reduzir o processo de germinação das sementes; no entanto, o crescimento da parte aérea e das raízes são inibidos. O processo de germinação das sementes de berinjela e melancia são completamente inibidos em potencial osmótico de ­0.8 MPa, ao passo que a germinação das sementes de cenoura é completamente inibida em potencial osmótico de ­0.4 MPa. O estresse hídrico severo limita o processo de germinação das sementes e crescimento inicial de plântulas das quatro espécies de hortaliças.

Comparison of the phenolic contents and epigenetic and genetic variability of wild and cultivated watercress (Rorippa nasturtium var. aquaticum L.)

Background: Epigenetic modifications are key factors modulating the expression of genes involved in the synthesis of phytochemicals. The knowledge of plant epigenetic and genetic variations can contribute to enhance the production of bioactive compounds. These issues have been little explored thus far in Rorippa nasturtium var. aquaticum L. (watercress), an edible and medicinal plant. The aim of the current study was to determine and compare the phenolic composition and epigenetic and genetic variations between wild and cultivated watercress. Results: Significant differences were found in the quantitative phenolic composition between wild and cultivated watercress. The eight primer combinations used in the methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP) method revealed different epigenetic status for each watercress type, the cultivated one being the most epigenetically variable. The genetic variability revealed by the EcoRI/MspI amplification profile and also by eight inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers was different between the two types of watercress. The results of the Mantel test showed that the correlation between genetic and epigenetic variations has diminished in the cultivated type. Cluster analyses showed that the epigenetic and genetic characterizations clearly discriminated between wild and cultivated watercress. Conclusions: Relevant chemical, epigenetic, and genetic differences have emerged between wild and cultivated watercress. These differences can contribute to fingerprint and develop quality control tools for the integral and safety use and the commercialization of watercress. The richness of epialleles could support the development of tools to manipulate the watercress epigenome to develop high bioproduct­producing cultivars

Phytochemical Constituents of Capsella bursa-pastoris and Their Anti-inflammatory Activity

Phytochemical investigation of 80% MeOH extract of the aerial parts of Capsella bursa-pastoris yielded fourteen compounds (1 – 14). The structures of the compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods to be methyl-1-thio-β-D-glucopyranosyl disulfide (1), 10-methylsulphinyl-decanenitrile (2), 11-methyl-sulphinyl-undecanenitrile (3), 1-O-(lauroyl)glycerol (4), phytene-1, 2-diol (5), (3S,5R,6S,7E)-5,6-epoxy-3-hydroxy-7-megastigmen-9-one (6), loliolide (7), β-sitosterol (8), 3-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-propanone (9), 1-feruloyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (10), pinoresinol-4′-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (11), luteolin (12), quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (13), and luteolin 6-C-β-glucopyranoside (14). Although compound 1 was reported as synthetic compound, 1 was first isolated from natural source. NMR spectral data assignments of 1, 2 and 3 were reported for the first time, and compounds 1 – 14 were for the first time reported from this plant source. The anti-inflammatory effects of 1 – 14 were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine microglia BV-2 cells. Compounds 12 exhibited strong inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production in LPS-activated BV-2 cells with IC50 values of 9.70 µM.

Biofumigation Studies by Using Raphanus sativus and Eruca sativa as a Winter Cycle Crops to Control Root-knot Nematodes

ABSTRACT An experiment was conducted to search the efficacy of radish (Raphanus sativus) and arugula (Eruca sativa) for the control of Meloidogyne arenaria in the commercial tomato growing greenhouse. R. sativus and E. sativa were used as winter cycle crops and lettuce as a susceptible crop and 4 months after sowing, host level of the treatment plants was evaluated. All parts of R. sativus and E. sativa were incorporated except lettuce was covered with transparent polyethylene film for 4 weeks. R. sativus and E. sativa had not any root galls, and these plants caused reducing number of juveniles in the soil, in contrast to control and lettuce plots before growing tomato. Gall index and egg masses were significantly decreased on tomatoes in plots of applied biofumigation with E. sativa and R. sativus. It was concluded that growing R. sativus and E. sativa as a winter cycle plants before susceptible plants would be helpful to reduce the damage of root-knot nematode M. arenaria and increased crop yields.

Attractiveness, non-preference for feeding and oviposition to Ascia monuste orseis Godart (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) in collard greens / Atratividade, não-preferência para alimentação e oviposição de Ascia monuste orseis Godart (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) em couve comum

Collard greens Brassica oleracea var. acephala is one of the most important horticultural grown in Brazil for human feeding. The caterpillar Ascia monuste orseis (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) stands out among the important pest in Brassicaceae causing severe plant defoliation. The objective of this study was to identify resistant genotypes (antixenosis) in 26 collard greens genotypes to A. monuste orseis. In free-choice test, randomized blocks were used; and in the non-choice test we adopted a completely randomized design. Manteiga de Jundiaí, crespa de Capão Bonito, couve de Arthur Nogueira 1, manteiga I-1811, manteiga de Ribeirão Pires I-1811, orelha-de-elefante and Pires 1 de Campinas presented antixenosis (non-preference for oviposition). Pires 1 de Campinas, manteiga I-1811, manteiga de São José, verde-escura and manteiga de Monte Alegre presented antixenosis (non-preference for feeding). These collard greens genotypes can be directly used by farmers for cultivation or by breeders as donor sources in breeding programs for resistance to A. monuste orseis.(AU)

Brassica oleracea var. acephala (couve comum) é uma das mais importantes olerícolas cultivadas no Brasil para alimentação humana. A lagarta Ascia monuste orseis (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) destaca-se entre as pragas mais significativas no cultivo de Brassicaceae por causar severa desfolha na planta. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar, em 26 genótipos de couve comum, fontes de resistência (antixenose) a A. monuste orseis. No teste de livre escolha, adotou-se o esquema casualizado de blocos; e no teste sem chance de escolha o esquema foi inteiramente casualizado. Manteiga de Jundiaí, crespa de Capão Bonito, couve de Arthur Nogueira 1, manteiga I-1811, manteiga de Ribeirão Pires I-1811, orelha-de-elefante e Pires 1 de Campinas apresentaram antixenose (não preferência para oviposição). Pires 1 de Campinas, manteiga I-1811, manteiga de São José, verde-escura e manteiga de Monte Alegre apresentaram antixenose (não preferência para alimentação). Esses genótipos de couve comum podem ser cultivados diretamente por agricultores ou ser usados por melhoristas em programas de melhoramento genético para resistência a A. monuste orseis.(AU)

Alternaria brassicifolii sp. nov. Isolated from Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis in Korea

A new species belonging to the genus Alternaria was isolated from the necrotic leaf spots of Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis in Yuseong district, Daejeon, Korea. It is an occasional isolate, not an etiological agent, which is morphologically similar to A. broccoli-italicae, but differs in conidial size and conidiophore shape. Phylogenetic analysis using the sequence datasets of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rDNA, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gpd), and plasma membrane ATPase genes showed that it is distantly related to A. broccoli-italicae and closely related to Alternaria species in the section Pseudoalternaria, which belonged to a clade basal to the section Infectoriae. Morphologically, the species is unique because it produces solitary conidia or conidial chains (two units), unlike the four members in the section Pseudoalternaria that produce conidia as short branched chains. It exhibits weak pathogenicity in the host plant. This report includes the description and illustration of A. brassicifolii as a new species.

Phytophagy of the predator Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) fed on prey and Brassicaceae / Fitofagia do predador Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) em diferentes brassicáceas

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the development and reproduction of the zoophytophagous predator Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) fed kale, broccoli and cabbage affects its. Nymphs and adults of this predator were fed on larvae of Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) as prey with kale, cabbage, or broccoli. In the nymph period, the duration and prey consumption were similar with all the Brassicacea cultivar. However, nymph viability was higher for predators with broccoli leaves. The mean weight of 5th-instar nymphs, newly emerged females and the sex ratio were similar among the Brassicacea cultivars, while newly emerged males were heavier with kale and broccoli leaves. The supply of broccoli leaves resulted in greater oviposition, higher number of eggs per egg mass and longer longevity of P. nigrispinus males and females. Furthermore, the consumption of P. xylostella larvae by adult predators was higher with these cultivars. The net reproductive rate (R0) and mean generation time (T) were highest for predators with prey and broccoli leaves. The reproductive parameters of P. nigrispinus were enhanced when fed on P. xylostella larvae with and broccoli leaves, which can be an alternative diet in laboratory rearing of this predator.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o desenvolvimento e reprodução do zoofitófago Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) em couve, brócolis e repolho. Ninfas e adultos deste predador foram alimentados com lagartas de Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) como presa e receberam folhas de couve, repolho ou brócolis. Durante o período ninfal, a duração do período e o consumo de presas foram semelhantes com as diferentes cultivares de brassicácea. Porém, a viabilidade ninfal foi maior para predadores com folhas de brócolis. O peso de ninfas de quinto instar e de fêmeas recém-emergidas e a razão sexual de P. nigrispinus foram semelhantes entre as cultivares de brassicáceas, enquanto que o peso de machos recém-emergidos foi maior com folhas de couve e brócolis. Folhas de brócolis proporcionaram maiores número de oviposições, ovos por postura e longevidade de machos e fêmeas de P. nigrispinus. Além disso, o consumo de lagartas de P. xylostella por adultos desse predador fora maiores com esta cultivar. A taxa líquida de reprodução (R0) e o tempo médio de geração (T) foram maiores para predadores com presa e folhas de brócolis. Podisus nigrispinus alimentados com lagartas de P. xylostella e folhas de brócolis apresentaram melhores parâmetros reprodutivos, podendo ser uma alternativa para a criação deste predador em laboratório.

Diversity, Phylogeny, and Host-Specialization of Hyaloperonospora Species in Korea

The genus Hyaloperonospora (Peronosporaceae; Oomycota) is an obligate biotrophic group that causes downy mildew disease on the Brassicaceae and allied families of Brassicales, including many economically relevant crops, such as broccoli, cabbage, radish, rape, and wasabi. To investigate the diversity of Hyaloperonospora species in northeast Asia, we performed a morphological analysis for the dried herbarium specimens collected in Korea, along with molecular phylogenetic inferences based on internal transcribed spacer rDNA and cox2 mtDNA sequences. It was confirmed that 14 species of Hyaloperonospora exist in Korea. Of these, three species, previously classified under the genus Peronospora, were combined to Hyaloperonospora: H. arabidis-glabrae comb. nov. (ex Arabis glabra), H. nasturtii-montani comb. nov. (ex Rorippa indica), and H. nasturtii-palustris comb. nov. (ex Rorippa palustris). In addition, finding two potentially new species specific to northeast Asian plants is noteworthy in support of the view that the species abundance of Hyaloperonospora has been underestimated hitherto.

Anatomía e histoquímica de Tarenaya hassleriana (cleomaceae), especie de interés medicinal / Anatomy and histochemistry of Tarenaya hassleriana (cleomaceae), an interesting medicinal species

La decocción de la planta de Tarenaya hassleriana es utilizada en la región del Río de La Plata por sus propiedades como rubefaciente, digestiva, y antiescorbútica. El objetivo del estudio fue investigar caracteres de la hoja y tallo para identificar esta especie a partir de muestras enteras o fragmentadas. Se emplearon técnicas habituales de microscopia óptica y análisis histoquímico para identificar almidón, sustancias lipofílicas, fenólicas y mirosina. Los caracteres diagnósticos fueron: en la hoja, folíolos con venación eucamptódroma, con estomas anomocíticos presentes en ambas caras; tricomas glandulares uniseriados y pluriseriados, con cabezas unicelulares y pluricelulares conteniendo sustancias lipofílicas; mesofilo dorsiventral; en el tallo, la corteza primaria formada por varias capas de colénquima tangencial seguido de parénquima; el cilindro vascular secundario rodea la médula sólida, en cuyo parénquima se halló almidón, cristales poliédricos y esferocristales. Se detectaron idioblastos de mirosina en la epidermis y parénquimas de la hoja y el tallo. Los parámetros micrográficos descriptos garantizan una correcta identificación de T. hassleriana.

Plant decoction of Tarenaya hassleriana is used as a traditional medicine in the Río de La Plata area. It has rubefacient, digestive, and antiscorbutic properties. The aim of this study was to investigate leaf and stem microcharacters to identify this species from whole or fragmented samples. The usual techniques of optical microscopy were employed. Histochemical tests for starch, lipophilic substances, phenolic substances, and mirosina were used. The main differential traits were: leaflets with eucamptodromous venation, amphistomatic with anomocytic stomata type; uniseriate and pluriseriate glandular trichomes, with unicellular and pluricellular heads containing lipophilic substances; dorsiventral mesophyll; stem with a primary cortex formed by tangential collenchyma followed by parenchyma; the secondary vascular cylinder surrounding the pith with starch, polyhedral microcrystals and spherocrystals. Idioblast of myrosin were detected in the epidermis and parenchyma of leaves and stems. The micrographic parameters described ensure a correct identification of T. hassleriana.

Molecular characterization and expression pattern of a novel cadmium resistance gene of tobacco / Caracterização e padrão de expressão molecular de um novo gene de fumo para resistência ao cádmio

Cadmium (Cd) of tobacco is a pollutant that is extremely toxic to the health of humans. Protein plant cadmium resistance 8 gene has been characterized to increase the plant Cd resistance. In present experiment, the complete mRNA sequence of tobacco protein plant cadmium resistance 8 gene was amplified using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends methods. The full-length tobacco protein plant cadmium resistance 8 gene mRNA was 887bp containing an 555 bp open reading frame, which encodes a protein of 184 amino acids. BLAST analysis revealed that tobacco protein plant cadmium resistance 8 protein shares high homology with the protein plant cadmium resistance 8 of potato (81%), Lycopersicon esculentum (80%), Eutrema salsugineum (60%), Capsella rubella (58%) and thale cress (57%). Results also showed that tobacco protein plant cadmium resistance 8 gene has a closer genetic relationship with the protein plant cadmium resistance 8 gene of Lycopersicon esculentum. The expression profile was studied and the results indicated that tobacco protein plant cadmium resistance 8 gene was highly expressed in root, moderately expressed in stem, and hardly expressed in flower and leaf. These results established the primary foundation of utilizing tobacco protein plant cadmium resistance 8 gene to decrease the cadmium content of tobacco and benefit the health of humans in the future.

Cádmio (Cd) oriundo do fumo é um poluente que é extremamente tóxico a saúde humana. Um gene encontrado na planta de fumo que codifica uma proteína para resistência (gene 8) tem sido caracterizado para aumentar a resistência do fumo na absorção do elemento Cádmio (Cd).No experimento realizado a seqüência do mRNA de fumo que codifica uma proteína foi amplificada usando métodos de amplificação de CDNAs. A proteína completa codificada pelo gene 8 apresenta um mRNA com 887 pb com uma fita de leitura de 555 pb, a qual codifica 184 aminoácidos. A análise de BLAST demonstrou uma homologia de 81 % com o gene 8 da batateira, de 80 % com o tomateiro (Lycopersicon esculentum), 60 % para Eutrema salsugineum , 58 % para Capsella rubella e 57 % para o agrião. A proteína expressada pelo gene 8 para resistência do fumo a absorção do Cádmio também apresenta um forte relacionamento genético com a proteína expressa pelo gene 8 do tomateiro (Lycopersicon esculentum). Os perfis da expressão protéica para a proteína oriunda do gene 8 do fumo foi de grande magnitude em raiz, moderadamente expressa no caule e de difícil expressão nas flores e nas folhas. Estes resultados obtidos fundamentam o uso deste gene 8 de fumo para resistência ao Cádmio com o propósito de reduzir o teor de cádmio na planta de fumo e com reflexos benéficos para a saúde humana no futuro.

Evaluation of phytotoxicity of municipal landfill leachate before and after biological treatment / Avaliação da fitotoxicidade de chorume de aterro sanitário antes e após tratamento biológico

In the present study, leachate toxicity of a municipal solid waste landfill located in the Sinos River Valley region (southern Brazil) was evaluated using plant bioassays. Leachate toxicity was assessed by analysis of seed germination and root elongation of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and rocket plant (Eruca sativa Mill.) and root elongation of onions (Allium cepa L.). Bioassays were performed by exposing the seeds of L. sativa and E. sativa and the roots of A. cepa to raw leachate, treated leachate (biological treatment) and negative control (tap water). The levels of metals detected in both samples of leachate were low, and raw leachate showed high values for ammoniacal nitrogen and total Kjeldahl nitrogen. There is a reduction in the values of several physicochemical parameters, which demonstrates the efficiency of the treatment. Both L. sativa and A. cepashowed a phytotoxic response to landfill leachate, showing reduced root elongation. However, the responses of these two plant species were different. Root elongation was significantly lower in A. cepa exposed to treated leachate, when compared to negative control, but did not show any difference when compared to raw leachate. In L. sativa, seeds exposed to the raw leachate showed significant reduction in root elongation, when compared to treated leachate and negative control. Seed germination showed no difference across the treatments. The results of the study show that plant species respond differently and that municipal solid waste landfill leachate show phytotoxicity, even after biological treatment.

No presente trabalho, a toxicidade do lixiviado (chorume) de um aterro sanitário municipal, localizado na região do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, foi avaliada utilizando bioensaios em plantas. A toxicidade do chorume foi analisada pelo teste de germinação e crescimento radicular de alface (Lactuca sativa L.) e rúcula (Eruca sativa Mill.) e pelo teste de crescimento radicular em cebola (Allium cepa L.). Os bioensaios foram realizados com a exposição de sementes de L. sativa e E. sativa e raízes de A. cepa a amostras de chorume bruto, tratado por processo biológico e controle negativo (água de abastecimento público). Os níveis de metais detectados nas amostras de chorume foram baixos, e o chorume bruto apresentou valores elevados de nitrogênio amoniacal e nitrogênio Kjeldahl total. Ocorreu redução nos valores de vários parâmetros físico-químicos, demonstrando a eficiência do tratamento biológico. Os resultados indicam fitotoxicidade do chorume em L. sativa e A. cepa, evidenciada pela redução do crescimento radicular. Entretanto, as respostas destas duas espécies diferiram. O crescimento radicular foi significativamente inferior em A. cepa exposta ao chorume tratado quando comparado ao controle negativo, mas não apresentou diferença quando comparado ao chorume bruto. Em L. sativa, a exposição das sementes ao chorume bruto causou redução no crescimento radicular quando comparado com o chorume tratado e controle negativo. Não foram observadas diferenças entre os tratamentos para o parâmetro germinação de sementes. Os resultados deste trabalho indicam que as espécies de plantas estudadas são diferentes em suas respostas e que o chorume apresenta toxicidade, mesmo após o tratamento biológico.

Sensitivity of salad greens (Lactuca sativa L. and Eruca sativa Mill.) exposed to crude extracts of toxic and non-toxic cyanobacteria / Sensibilidade de hortaliças (Lactuca sativa L. e Eruca sativa Mill.) à exposição de extratos brutos de cianobactéria tóxica e não tóxica

We evaluated the effect of crude extracts of the microcystin-producing (MC+) cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa on seed germination and initial development of lettuce and arugula, at concentrations between 0.5 μg.L–1 and 100 μg.L–1 of MC-LR equivalent, and compared it to crude extracts of the same species without the toxin (MC–). Crude extracts of the cyanobacteria with MC (+) and without MC (–) caused different effects on seed germination and initial development of the salad green seedlings, lettuce being more sensitive to both extracts when compared to arugula. Crude extracts of M. aeruginosa (MC+) caused more evident effects on seed germination and initial development of both species of salad greens than MC–. Concentrations of 75 μg.L–1 and 100 μg.L–1 of MC–LR equivalent induced a greater occurrence of abnormal seedlings in lettuce, due to necrosis of the radicle and shortening of this organ in normal seedlings, as well as the reduction in total chlorophyll content and increase in the activity of the antioxidant enzyme peroxidase (POD). The MC– extract caused no harmful effects to seed germination and initial development of seedlings of arugula. However, in lettuce, it caused elevation of POD enzyme activity, decrease in seed germination at concentrations of 75 μg.L–1 (MC-75) and 100 μg.L–1 (MC-100), and shortening of the radicle length, suggesting that other compounds present in the cyanobacteria extracts contributed to this result. Crude extracts of M. aeruginosa (MC–) may contain other compounds, besides the cyanotoxins, capable of causing inhibitory or stimulatory effects on seed germination and initial development of salad green seedlings. Arugula was more sensitive to the crude extracts of M. aeruginosa (MC+) and (MC–) and to other possible compounds produced by the cyanobacteria.

Analisamos os efeitos de extratos brutos da cianobactéria M. aeruginosa, produtora de microcistinas (MC+), na germinação de sementes e no desenvolvimento de plântulas de alface e rúcula, em concentrações de 0,5 a 100 μg.L–1de MC–LR equivalente e comparamos com extrato brutos da mesma espécie sem a toxina (MC–). Extratos brutos de cianobactérias com MC (+) e sem MC (–) causaram efeitos diferentes na germinação de sementes e desenvolvimento de plântulas de hortaliças, sendo que a alface apresentou maior sensibilidade a ambos os extratos comparando-se com a rúcula. Extratos brutos de M. aeruginosa (MC+) causaram efeitos mais evidentes sobre a germinação de sementes e desenvolvimento de plântulas de hortaliças do que os (MC–). Concentrações de 75 e 100 μg.L–1 de MC–LR equivalente induziram maior ocorrência de plântulas anormais na alface devido ao aparecimento de necrose na radícula e seu encurtamento nas plântulas normais, bem como a redução no teor de clorofila total e aumento na atividade da enzima antioxidante peroxidase (POD). O extrato (MC–) não provocou efeitos inibitórios na germinação de sementes e desenvolvimento de plântulas para a rúcula, no entanto, provocou elevação da atividade da enzima POD, redução na germinação de sementes nas concentrações de 75 e 100 μg.L–1, e no comprimento da radícula na alface, sugerindo a ação de outros compostos presentes nos extratos da cianobactéria. Extratos brutos de M. aeruginosa (MC–) podem conter outros compostos além de cianotoxinas capazes de provocar efeitos inibitórios ou estimulatórios na germinação de sementes e no desenvolvimento de plântulas de hortaliças. A rúcula apresentou menor sensibilidade aos extratos brutos de M. aeruginosa (MC+) e (MC–) e outros possíveis compostos produzidos por estas cianobactérias.