Trichoderma koningiopsis fermentation in airlift bioreactor for bioherbicide production.

During scaling of fermentations, choosing a bioreactor is fundamental to ensure the product's quality. This study aims to produce bioherbicides using Trichoderma koningiopsis fermentation, evaluating process parameters in an Airlift bioreactor. As a response, we quantified the production of enzymes involved in the bioherbicide activity (amylase, cellulase, laccase, lipase, and peroxidase). In addition, it evaluated the agronomic efficiency of the fermented extract optimized through tests that promoted soybean growth and nodulation, soybean seed germination, and in vitro phytopathogen control. As a result of optimizing the scaling bioprocess, it was possible to obtain an adequate fermentation condition, which, when applied to soybean seeds, had beneficial effects on their growth. It allowed the production of an enzyme cocktail. These results add a crucial biotechnological potential factor for the success of the optimized formulation in the Airlift bioreactor, in addition to presenting relevant results for the scientific community.

Fungus-based bioherbicides on circular economy.

This review aimed to show that bioherbicides are possible in organic agriculture as natural compounds from fungi and metabolites produced by them. It is discussed that new formulations must be developed to improve field stability and enable the commercialization of microbial herbicides. Due to these bottlenecks, it is crucial to advance the bioprocesses behind the formulation and fermentation of bio-based herbicides, scaling up, strategies for field application, and the potential of bioherbicides in the global market. In this sense, it proposed insights for modern agriculture based on sustainable development and circular economy, precisely the formulation, scale-up, and field application of microbial bioherbicides.

The bioherbicidal potential of isolated fungi cultivated in microalgal biomass.

This study evaluated the bioherbicidal potential of wild fungi grown on microalgal biomass from the digestate treatment of biogas production. Four fungal isolates were used and the extracts were evaluated for the activity of different enzymes and characterized by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The bioherbicidal activity was assessed by application on Cucumis sativus, and the leaf damage was visually estimated. The microorganisms showed potential as agents producing an enzyme pool. The obtained fungal extracts presented different organic compounds, most acids, and when applied to Cucumis sativus, showed high levels of leaf damage (80-100 ± 3.00%, deviation relative to the observed average damage). Therefore, the microbial strains are potential biological control agents of weeds, which, together with the microalgae biomass, offer the appropriate conditions to obtain an enzyme pool of biotechnological relevance and with favorable characteristics to be explored as bioherbicides, addressing aspects within the environmental sustainability.

Microbial natural bioactive formulations in citrus development.

Efficient Microorganisms (EM) are commonly used in organic crops; however, there are no studies on their effects on the production of citrus seedlings. The work aimed to evaluate the impact of applying the inoculants Native Efficient Microorganisms (NEM) and the commercial product EM1® in forming the seedling of the rootstock Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf and in the development of young plants of Sweet Orange "Valência" (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) and Murcott tangor (Citrus sinensis x Citrus reticulata Blanco). The inoculant based on efficient microorganisms from the homemade technology of capture and multiplication, native efficient microorganisms (NEM), showed greater microbial diversity when compared to the commercial product EM1®. The results obtained from the dry mass analysis of the Valência orange and Murcott tangor plants indicate that positive effects resulting from the use of EM1® and NEM inoculums can be obtained by cultivating the respective crops in a system with oat straw cover. It was observed that the use of efficient microorganisms, as microbial natural bioactive formulation, has potential use in citrus and that farmers with fewer resources will be able to produce the microorganisms on their properties.

Pollen resources partitioning of stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) from the southern Atlantic forest

Meliponinae eusocial bees are among the most important pollinators in the Neotropics and their beekeeping has been growing as both recreational and economic activity. Information on the pollen preferences and niche overlap among species coexisting in the same location is still scarce. This study focused on the use of pollen resources by three native species of Meliponinae in the Atlantic Forest, Melipona quadrifasciata quadrifasciata (Lepeletier 1836), Scaptotrigona depilis (Moure 1942), and Tetragonisca angustula (Latreille 1811), at two different sites. The use of pollen resources was evaluated from reserves inside hives collected monthly between February 2015 and January 2016. It was also estimated the Mean Minimal Distance (Dm) traveled by the bees to obtain pollen. The bees differed regarding the diversity of pollen types, Dm, and proportion of pollen from different plant life-form. Local factor promoted differences only for Dm. M. q. quadrifasciata foraged a low diversity of pollen species and traveled greater distances with a higher proportion of trees plus palm species. Tetragonisca angustula foraged a higher diversity of pollen and flew shorter distances with a lower proportion of trees and palms. The species factor predominates over the local factor in the clustering pattern, based on pollen profile similarity.

Removal of chromium from wastewater by swine hair residues applied as a putative biofilter.

Swine production chain generates residues with potential application in environmental processes. This study aimed at the use of swine hair as a potential biofilter for hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) removal from wastewater of tannery industry. The hair was pretreated using H2O2 in alkaline medium, and statistical analysis was carried out to evaluate the hair degradation, as well the Cr(VI) removal by the potential pretreated biofilter. The results showed 99% of Cr(VI) removal in 105 min of treatment in large pH range (1-10). Treated and untreated effluents were submitted to cytotoxicity study using vegetable and animal cells, demonstrating a significant reduction on toxicity to both cells. Therefore, swine hair demonstrated to be a promising residue for heavy metal removal on the perspective of an environmentally friendly technique.

New perspectives for weeds control using autochthonous fungi with selective bioherbicide potential.

The prospection of bioherbicides has been an alternative to weed control, aiming at mitigating chemical risks to human, animal and environmental health due to extreme use of synthetic herbicides. In the present study, various fungi were isolated from plants with symptoms of fungal diseases for bioherbicide purposes against weeds (Urochloa plantaginea, Euphorbia heterophylla and Bidens pilosa). Fungi isolated were identified by molecular methods and enzymatic products obtained by fungi fermentation (cellulase, lipase, peroxidase, and amylase) were quantified. Bioherbicide selectivity study was performed on crops (soybean and corn), as well as on resistant weeds. Among the isolated fungi, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium ploriferatum, and Trichoderma koningiopsis presented bioherbicide potential. T. koningiopsis, in particular, presented the highest effect on Euphorbia heterophylla (popular name - Mexican fire plant), causing up to 60% of foliar damage, without presenting phytotoxicity against corn crop. New perspectives for weeds control and their use in corn crops were prospected, considering the bioherbicide selectivity described in this study.

Interference of salts used on aqueous two-phase systems on the quantification of total proteins.

In this study the interference of potassium phosphate, sodium citrate, sodium chloride and sodium nitrate salts on protein quantification by Bradford's method was assessed. Potassium phosphate and sodium citrate salts are commonly used in aqueous two-phase systems for enzyme purification. Results showed that the presence of potassium phosphate and sodium citrate salts increase the absorbance of the samples, when compared with the samples without any salt. The increase in absorptivity of the solution induces errors on protein quantification, which are propagated to the calculations of specific enzyme activity and consequently on purification factor. The presence of sodium chloride and sodium nitrate practically did not affect the absorbance of inulinase, probably the metals present in the enzyme extract did not interact with the added salts.

Molecular identification of pollen donor plants on a progeny of Cambona-4 female matrix of maté ( Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil. – Aquifoliaceae ) / Identificação molecular de plantas polinizadoras em uma progênie da matriz de erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil. - Aquifoliaceae) Cambona-4

A progeny of Cambona-4, a female maté plant (Ilex paraguariensis) selected by its agronomical characteristics and mild flavor, was evaluated using RAPD markers in order to identify its male parents. Using RAPD markers specifics of each one of the four potential males, the paternity of 84 out of 107 offsprings was confirmed. The majority of the offsprings (83.3%) were ascribed to pollen donor A, while male plants B, C, and D represented 11.9, 4.8, and 0%, respectively. The highly desirable agronomical characteristics and product quality of Cambona-4/pollen donor A offsprings, identified by RAPD markers, lead to the planting of an orchard Cambona-4 and pollinator A to obtain bi-clonal commercial seeds

Uma progênie da matriz feminina de erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis) denominada Cambona-4, selecionada pelas suas características agronômicas e sabor suave, foi avaliada por marcadores RAPD para a identificação dos respectivos parentais masculinos. Usando-se fragmentos específicos de RAPD de cada um dos quatro polinizadores potenciais, a paternidade de 84 de 107 descendentes foi confirmada. A maioria dos descendentes (83,3%) foi atribuída ao polinizador A, enquanto os polinizadores B, C e D representaram 11,9; 4,8 e 0%, respectivamente. As características agronômicas e de qualidade do produto, oriundas da progênie Cambona-4/polinizador A, identificado pelos marcadores RAPD, direcionaram o plantio de um pomar a partir do cruzamento destas para obtenção de sementes comerciais biclonais.

Efeito do óleo essencial de Tagetes patula L. (Asteraceae) sobre Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) / Effect of essential oil of Tagetes patula L. (Asteraceae) on Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera, Curculionidae)

Resistência de pragas a inseticidas, danos ao ambiente em função da poluição do solo e de recursos hídricos vem sendo observados pelo uso de inseticidas químicos no controle de pragas em grãos armazenados. Com o intuito de minimizar estes problemas, estão sendo estudadas alternativas como o uso de inseticidas botânicos. Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito do óleo essencial de Tagetes patula L. sobre, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, 1855 em milho sob condições de laboratório. O óleo essencial de T. patula foi obtido através de arraste a vapor com aparelho clevenger. A caracterização química dos compostos encontrados no óleo essencial de T. patula foi realizada através de cromatografia gasosa acoplado a espectrometria de massas, sendo observados: limoneno (37,05 por cento), terpinoleno (32,61 por cento), piperitone (14,40 por cento), eofitadieno (5,91 por cento), sabineno (2,88 por cento), trans-ocimeno (2,02 por cento), beta-cariofileno (1,98 por cento), farnesol (1,84 por cento) e alfa-pineno (1,30 por cento). Os insetos utilizados nos bioensaios foram mantidos em temperatura e umidade relativa controlada. Foram avaliados os efeitos do óleo essencial de T. patula sobre o comportamento (atratividade e/ou repelência) e atividade inseticida sobre adultos de S. zeamais através de dois bioensaios. Pelos resultados pode-se observar o efeito repelente e inseticida do óleo essencial de T. patula sobre S. zeamais, na concentração de 10 µL (p<0,0001 e p=0,02) sendo portanto, eficaz no controle de adultos de S. zeamais.

Countless problems due to the use of chemical insecticides for the control of pests in stored grains have been observed. In order to minimize these problems, alternative measures have been developed, including the use of botanical insecticides. This work was carried out with the objective of evaluating the effect of the essential oil of Tagetes patula L. on, Sitophilus zeamais (Mots., 1855) in corn kernels in laboratory conditions. The T. patula essential oil was obtained through hidrodestilation with the Clevenger device. The chemical characterization of the compounds found in the essential oil of T. patula was carried by gas chromatography connected to the mass spectrometer. The compounds found were: limonene (37.05 percent), terpinolene (32.61 percent), piperitone (14.40 percent), neophitadiene (5.91 percent), sabinene (2.88 percent), trans-ocimene (2.02 percent), beta-cariphilene (1.98 percent), farnesol (1.84 percent), and alpha-pinene (1.30 percent). The insects used in the bio-test were kept under controled temperature and relative humidity environment. Two bioassays were carried out to evaluate the effect of the essential oil of T. patula on the behavior (activity/repellence) and insecticide activity on adults of S. zeamais. The results showed that this essential oil was efficient (concentration of 10 µL) to control adults of S. zeamais adults.

Semi-volatile compounds variation among Brazilian populations of Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil

The use of compressed carbon towards extracting semi-volatile compounds present in maté leaves (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) is due to the growing interest in mate constituents to develop new products in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries. The objective of this work was to assess the chemical distribution of semi-volatile compounds in 20 native populations of maté collected all over Brazil. The extracts of bulk samples (30 plants) of each population were obtained by the high-pressure carbon dioxide extraction technique, and analyzed by GC/MSD. The quantification of compounds (caffeine, theobromine, phytol, squalene, vitamin E, eicosane, pentatriacontane, and stigmasterol) showed significant variations within the different populations and compounds analyzed, which are not related to geographical origin or macroclimate characteristics. The results pointed out to the importance of genetic and local environmental factors on the chemical composition of this species.

A extração empregando dióxido de carbono a altas pressões em erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.), tem sido justificada pelo crescente interesse desta matriz vegetal ou de parte de seus constituintes na formulação de novos produtos, tais como cosméticos e medicamentos, entre outros. Neste contexto, o objetivo do presente trabalho é avaliar a distribuição química de compostos semi-voláteis em 20 populações de erva-mate coletadas em toda área de distribuição desta espécie no Brasil. 30 plantas foram selecionadas para produzir a amostra de cada população. Os extratos de cada amostra foram obtidos por extração com dióxido de carbono a alta pressão e, posteriormente, foram analisados por CG/EM. A quantificação de alguns compostos semi-voláteis presentes nos extratos (cafeína, teobromina, fitol, esqualeno, vitamina E, eicosano, pentatriacontano e stigmasterol), apresentaram variações significativas entre as concentrações dos diferentes compostos analisados nas diferentes populações, os quais não estão relacionados com origem geográfica ou com características de macroclima. Os resultados apontam para a importância dos fatores genéticos e/ou fatores de microclima sobre a composição química desta espécie.

Evaluation of Origanum vulgare essential oil as antimicrobial agent in sausage

This work reports antimicrobial activity of oregano (Origanum vulgare) essential oil against several bacteria in sausage. The in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for 9 selected aerobic heterotrofic bacteria. The antimicrobial activity of distinct concentrations of the essential oil on the basis of the highest MIC found was tested in a food system comprised of fresh sausage. Batch food samples were also inoculated with Escherichia coli with a fixed concentration and the time course of the product was evaluated with respect to the action of the different concentrations of essential oil. Sensory analysis were conducted, and results showed that the addition of oregano essential oil to sausage may be a promising route as bacteriostatic effect was verified for oil concentrations lower than the MIC.

O presente trabalho reporta resultados referentes à testes de atividade antimicrobiana do óleo essencial de orégano (Origanum vulgare) contra várias bactérias em lingüiça. A concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) foi determinada para 9 bactérias aeróbicas heterotróficas. Com base no maior valor encontrado da CIM, testou-se a atividade antimicrobiana para distintas concentrações do óleo essencial in lingüiça fresca. Amostras do sistema alimentar escolhido foram inoculadas com Escherichia coli numa determinada concentração e a evolução temporal do produto concernente ao crescimento microbiano foi monitorada avaliando-se o efeito das diferentes concentrações de óleos essencial aplicadas ao produto inoculado. Os resultados das análises microbiológica e sensorial mostraram que a adição do óleo essencial de orégano a linguiça fresca coloca-se como promissora tendo em vista os efeitos bacteriostáticos observados em baixas concentrações do óleo essencial, inferiores a CIM.