Chemophenetics as a Tool for Distinguishing Morphotypes of Annona emarginata (Schltdl.) H. Rainer.

Annona emarginata (Annonaceae) has two morphological variations (A. emarginata 'mirim' and A. emarginata 'terra-fria'). The species has agricultural value and produces specialized metabolites of pharmacological interest. The objective of this work was to analyze whether chemical and morphological differences contribute to differentiate A. emarginata 'terra-fria' from A. emarginata 'mirim', as chemophenetic variations of A. emarginata. The analysis of chemical compounds was based on the quantification, profile of root alkaloids and on the leaves volatile profile, together with morphometric analyses of the leaf blade. The samples were collected in three phenological stages (flowering, fruiting, and vegetative) at two places in São Paulo, Brazil. Differences in the composition of the alkaloid profile and leaf volatiles (in both places and in the three phenological stages) allowed us to separate the two morphotypes by multivariate statistical analysis. These differences agreed with the leaf blade morphology and flower color. This first chemophenetic report of A. emarginata demonstrates that, in addition to morphological variations, the specialized metabolism of roots and leaves can be phytochemical characters, which suggest the existence of at least morphochemotypes of A. emarginata.

Heterogeneity of linalool chemotypes of Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E.Br., based on clonal half-sib progenies

Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E.Br. is an aromatic and medicinal shrub native to the American continent. Despite its potential as a source of essential oil for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, few selection and genetic improvement studies have been carried out. The aim of this study was to provide genetic information on this species for breeding programs, showing its selection potential, by investigating clonal half-sib progenies. The following characteristics were evaluated per plant: leaf dry mass (LDM), total dry mass (TDM), leaf yield (LY), essential oil yield (EOY) and oil production (OP). Estimates were made for the several genetic parameters including absolute genetic gain at 30% selection intensity, correlations and relative contribution of additive and environmental effects to phenotypic correlation. Two experimental trials on 30 progenies were conducted: one in Campinas, state of São Paulo (SP), Brazil, with two harvests of the aerial part, and one in Monte Alegre do Sul, SP, Brazil, with only one harvest. The trials were conducted in a randomized block design consisting of subplots with three replications, each plot (progeny) consisting of 8 to 15 clonally-replicated plants with subplot harvesting. Variations were detected between progenies and harvests, as well as progeny/harvest interactions in the split plot experiment. High heritability and genetic gains were obtained at both sites for LDM, TDM and OP. The lowest variations among progenies were obtained for LY and EOY, highlighting selection problems. Negative additive genetic correlations were obtained for EOY × LDM, EOY × TDM, LY × TDM and LY × LDM. Selection for LDM resulted in increased oil production per plant (OP), even where there was a negative correlation between LDM × EOY.

Heterogeneity of linalool chemotypes of Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E.Br., based on clonal half-sib progenies

Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E.Br. is an aromatic and medicinal shrub native to the American continent. Despite its potential as a source of essential oil for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, few selection and genetic improvement studies have been carried out. The aim of this study was to provide genetic information on this species for breeding programs, showing its selection potential, by investigating clonal half-sib progenies. The following characteristics were evaluated per plant: leaf dry mass (LDM), total dry mass (TDM), leaf yield (LY), essential oil yield (EOY) and oil production (OP). Estimates were made for the several genetic parameters including absolute genetic gain at 30% selection intensity, correlations and relative contribution of additive and environmental effects to phenotypic correlation. Two experimental trials on 30 progenies were conducted: one in Campinas, state of São Paulo (SP), Brazil, with two harvests of the aerial part, and one in Monte Alegre do Sul, SP, Brazil, with only one harvest. The trials were conducted in a randomized block design consisting of subplots with three replications, each plot (progeny) consisting of 8 to 15 clonally-replicated plants with subplot harvesting. Variations were detected between progenies and harvests, as well as progeny/harvest interactions in the split plot experiment. High heritability and genetic gains were obtained at both sites for LDM, TDM and OP. The lowest variations among progenies were obtained for LY and EOY, highlighting selection problems. Negative additive genetic correlations were obtained for EOY × LDM, EOY × TDM, LY × TDM and LY × LDM. Selection for LDM resulted in increased oil production per plant (OP), even where there was a negative correlation between LDM × EOY.

Shade level effects on yield and chemical composition of the leaf essential oil of Pothomorphe umbellata (L.) Miquel

Pothomorphe umbellata (L.) Miquel, is a medicinal species that belong to the Piperaceae family and commonly called "pariparoba" and "caapeba". It grows in regions rich in humus, humidity and under the shade of trees, which contribute for its best growth as it is considered a species sciophyte. The effect of shade on the yield and chemical composition of essential oil of Pothomorphe umbellata (Piperaceae) leaves was evaluated. Nine-month-old seedlings were planted in October 2002 and subjected to three shade levels (30%, 50%, 70%) and full sun; the experimental design was in randomized blocks, with four treatments and six replications, in split-plot in time scheme. Two harvests of aerial part were made (05/2003 and 05/2004). Essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and chemically analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The highest essential oil yield was observed in the second harvest and plants under 30% shade. Twenty-six chemical substances were identified, of which trans-nerolidol was predominant.

Pothomorphe umbellata (L.) Miquel é uma espécie medicinal brasileira, pertencente à família Piperaceae e popularmente conhecida como pariparoba e capeba. Desenvolve-se em regiões ricas em húmus, umidade e abaixo das sombras de árvores, que contribuem para seu melhor desenvolvimento, é considerada uma espécie esciófita. Avaliou-se o efeito do sombreamento no teor e composição química do óleo essencial de folhas Pothomorphe umbellata (Piperaceae). Mudas com nove meses foram levadas para campo em outubro de 2002 e submetidas a três níveis de sombreamento (30%, 50%, 70%) e a pleno sol, em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições, no esquema de parcelas subdivididas no tempo. Foram realizadas duas colheitas da parte aérea (05/2003 e 05/2004). O óleo essencial foi extraído por hidrodestilação e sua análise química realizada através de CG-EM. O maior teor de óleo essencial ocorreu na segunda colheita em plantas com 30% de sombreamento. Foram identificadas 26 substâncias químicas, sendo o trans-nerolidol, majoritário.

Shade level effects on yield and chemical composition of the leaf essential oil of Pothomorphe umbellata (L.) Miquel

Pothomorphe umbellata (L.) Miquel, is a medicinal species that belong to the Piperaceae family and commonly called "pariparoba" and "caapeba". It grows in regions rich in humus, humidity and under the shade of trees, which contribute for its best growth as it is considered a species sciophyte. The effect of shade on the yield and chemical composition of essential oil of Pothomorphe umbellata (Piperaceae) leaves was evaluated. Nine-month-old seedlings were planted in October 2002 and subjected to three shade levels (30%, 50%, 70%) and full sun; the experimental design was in randomized blocks, with four treatments and six replications, in split-plot in time scheme. Two harvests of aerial part were made (05/2003 and 05/2004). Essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and chemically analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The highest essential oil yield was observed in the second harvest and plants under 30% shade. Twenty-six chemical substances were identified, of which trans-nerolidol was predominant.

Pothomorphe umbellata (L.) Miquel é uma espécie medicinal brasileira, pertencente à família Piperaceae e popularmente conhecida como pariparoba e capeba. Desenvolve-se em regiões ricas em húmus, umidade e abaixo das sombras de árvores, que contribuem para seu melhor desenvolvimento, é considerada uma espécie esciófita. Avaliou-se o efeito do sombreamento no teor e composição química do óleo essencial de folhas Pothomorphe umbellata (Piperaceae). Mudas com nove meses foram levadas para campo em outubro de 2002 e submetidas a três níveis de sombreamento (30%, 50%, 70%) e a pleno sol, em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições, no esquema de parcelas subdivididas no tempo. Foram realizadas duas colheitas da parte aérea (05/2003 e 05/2004). O óleo essencial foi extraído por hidrodestilação e sua análise química realizada através de CG-EM. O maior teor de óleo essencial ocorreu na segunda colheita em plantas com 30% de sombreamento. Foram identificadas 26 substâncias químicas, sendo o trans-nerolidol, majoritário.

Performance of ginger grass (Lippia alba) for traits related to the production of essential oil

Lippia alba (Verbenaceae) is a shrub whose essential oil has important biological, pharmacological, and aromatizing properties. To reach the sustained cultivation of new species with economic potential, the present study aimed to evaluate L. alba performance for fresh leaf matter (FM), leaf dry matter (DM), virus symptoms (VS - Cucumber mosaic virus, CMV), oil yield (OY), and oil chemical composition (OC), and to evaluate DM stability and adaptability. Ten genotypes of four chemical groups (chemotypes) were evaluated in six experiments designed as randomized blocks with two plants per plot, over the whole State of São Paulo, Brazil. A 2.0 x 0.4 x 1.6 m spacing was used in Monte Alegre do Sul and Pindorama, while a 1.0 x 0.4 x 0.6 m spacing was used in Campinas, where four experiments were established under different irrigation and fertilization conditions. The genotype effect was significant (p 0.05) for all traits evaluated, with high leaf productivity of IAC-16 (citral chemotype), best OY means in the linalool and limonene/carvone chemotypes, and susceptibility of the latter chemotype to CMV. The genotype performance oscillations in the six environments were significant for FM and DM, and despite their significance for phytochemical traits (OY and OC), they were of low magnitude. No qualitative variation was detected for OC. The IAC-2 (linalool) and IAC-13 (limonene/carvone) genotypes showed high stability and wide adaptability, and are recommended to establish initial cultivations of this species. This research also indicated genetic sources to start Lippia alba genetic breeding programs.

A Lippia alba (Verbenaceae) é um arbusto produtor de óleo essencial com importantes atividades biológicas, farmacológicas e aromatizantes. Visando o cultivo sustentado de uma nova espécie com potencial econômico, os objetivos deste trabalho foram avaliar o desempenho da L. alba para massa de folha fresca (MF), massa de folha seca (MS), sintomas de vírus (SV - Cucumber mosaic virus, CMV), rendimento de óleo essencial (RE) e composição química do óleo (CQ), e avaliar a estabilidade e adaptabilidade fenotípica para o caráter MS. Dez genótipos pertencentes a quatro grupos químicos foram testados em seis experimentos instalados no estado de São Paulo, Brasil, com delineamento em blocos ao acaso e duas plantas por parcela. Em Monte Alegre do Sul e Pindorama, foi utilizado espaçamento de 2,0 x 0,4 x 1,6 m e em Campinas, foram instalados quatro experimentos 1,0 x 0,4 x 0,6 m sob condições distintas de adubação e irrigação. O efeito de genótipo foi significativo para todas as características avaliadas, revelando elevada produtividade de folhas do IAC-16 (citral), RE Yamamoto et al. superior dos quimiotipos linalol e limoneno/carvona e susceptibilidade deste último ao CMV. As oscilações no desempenho dos genótipos nos diferentes experimentos foram de baixa magnitude para os caracteres fitoquímicos (RE e CQ) e nenhuma variação qualitativa foi observada para CQ. Os genótipos IAC-2 (linalol) e IAC-13 (limoneno/carvona) apresentaram-se estáveis para MS e com ampla adaptabilidade, e são recomendados para o início do cultivo da espécie. A presente pesquisa fornece subsídios também para o início de programas de melhoramento genético em L. alba.

Performance of ginger grass (Lippia alba) for traits related to the production of essential oil

Lippia alba (Verbenaceae) is a shrub whose essential oil has important biological, pharmacological, and aromatizing properties. To reach the sustained cultivation of new species with economic potential, the present study aimed to evaluate L. alba performance for fresh leaf matter (FM), leaf dry matter (DM), virus symptoms (VS - Cucumber mosaic virus, CMV), oil yield (OY), and oil chemical composition (OC), and to evaluate DM stability and adaptability. Ten genotypes of four chemical groups (chemotypes) were evaluated in six experiments designed as randomized blocks with two plants per plot, over the whole State of São Paulo, Brazil. A 2.0 x 0.4 x 1.6 m spacing was used in Monte Alegre do Sul and Pindorama, while a 1.0 x 0.4 x 0.6 m spacing was used in Campinas, where four experiments were established under different irrigation and fertilization conditions. The genotype effect was significant (p 0.05) for all traits evaluated, with high leaf productivity of IAC-16 (citral chemotype), best OY means in the linalool and limonene/carvone chemotypes, and susceptibility of the latter chemotype to CMV. The genotype performance oscillations in the six environments were significant for FM and DM, and despite their significance for phytochemical traits (OY and OC), they were of low magnitude. No qualitative variation was detected for OC. The IAC-2 (linalool) and IAC-13 (limonene/carvone) genotypes showed high stability and wide adaptability, and are recommended to establish initial cultivations of this species. This research also indicated genetic sources to start Lippia alba genetic breeding programs.

A Lippia alba (Verbenaceae) é um arbusto produtor de óleo essencial com importantes atividades biológicas, farmacológicas e aromatizantes. Visando o cultivo sustentado de uma nova espécie com potencial econômico, os objetivos deste trabalho foram avaliar o desempenho da L. alba para massa de folha fresca (MF), massa de folha seca (MS), sintomas de vírus (SV - Cucumber mosaic virus, CMV), rendimento de óleo essencial (RE) e composição química do óleo (CQ), e avaliar a estabilidade e adaptabilidade fenotípica para o caráter MS. Dez genótipos pertencentes a quatro grupos químicos foram testados em seis experimentos instalados no estado de São Paulo, Brasil, com delineamento em blocos ao acaso e duas plantas por parcela. Em Monte Alegre do Sul e Pindorama, foi utilizado espaçamento de 2,0 x 0,4 x 1,6 m e em Campinas, foram instalados quatro experimentos 1,0 x 0,4 x 0,6 m sob condições distintas de adubação e irrigação. O efeito de genótipo foi significativo para todas as características avaliadas, revelando elevada produtividade de folhas do IAC-16 (citral), RE Yamamoto et al. superior dos quimiotipos linalol e limoneno/carvona e susceptibilidade deste último ao CMV. As oscilações no desempenho dos genótipos nos diferentes experimentos foram de baixa magnitude para os caracteres fitoquímicos (RE e CQ) e nenhuma variação qualitativa foi observada para CQ. Os genótipos IAC-2 (linalol) e IAC-13 (limoneno/carvona) apresentaram-se estáveis para MS e com ampla adaptabilidade, e são recomendados para o início do cultivo da espécie. A presente pesquisa fornece subsídios também para o início de programas de melhoramento genético em L. alba.

SISTEMA AUTOMÁTICO DE FORNECIMENTO DE SOLUÇÃO NUTRITIVA PARA CULTIVO HIDROPÔNICO DE PLANTAS EM VASOS

This paper describes an automatic nutrient solution delivery system, developed for plant nutrition research. This system includes tanks with individual pumps controled by level-switches and a timer. Mentha crispa cultivated in the automatic sistem produced over three times more as compared to the conventional sistem. Changes in nutrient content of leaves and roots were observed.

Desenvolveu-se um sistema automático de fornecimento de solução nutritiva com o objetivo de melhorar os resultados obtidos em trabalhos de pesquisa envolvendo a nutrição de plantas cultivadas em hidroponia. O sistema consiste de um conjunto de reservatórios equipados com moto-bombas individuais, dotados de bóias para controle dos níveis das soluções nutritivas nos vasos e um temporizador. O cultivo de plantas de hortelã (Mentha crispa) mostrou que a produção de folhas obtida com o sistema automático foi cerca de três vezes maior que a produção obtida com o sistema convencional. Constatou-se variação de concentrações dos nutrientes na parte aérea e raízes quando se comparou o sistema automático e convencional.

Sistema automático de fornecimento de solução nutritiva para cultivo hidropônico de plantas em vasos

This paper describes an automatic nutrient solution delivery system, developed for plant nutrition research. This system includes tanks with individual pumps controled by level-switches and a timer. Mentha crispa cultivated in the automatic sistem produced over three times more as compared to the conventional sistem. Changes in nutrient content of leaves and roots were observed.

Desenvolveu-se um sistema automático de fornecimento de solução nutritiva com o objetivo de melhorar os resultados obtidos em trabalhos de pesquisa envolvendo a nutrição de plantas cultivadas em hidroponia. O sistema consiste de um conjunto de reservatórios equipados com moto-bombas individuais, dotados de bóias para controle dos níveis das soluções nutritivas nos vasos e um temporizador. O cultivo de plantas de hortelã (Mentha crispa) mostrou que a produção de folhas obtida com o sistema automático foi cerca de três vezes maior que a produção obtida com o sistema convencional. Constatou-se variação de concentrações dos nutrientes na parte aérea e raízes quando se comparou o sistema automático e convencional.