Rediscovery of presumably extinct species of Aristida in São Paulo State, Brazil / Redescoberta de espécies presumivelmente extintas de Aristida no estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Abstract Two species of Poaceae (Aristidoideae) Aristida ekmaniana Henrard and A. macrophylla Hack. considered "presumably extinct" in the Brazilian state of São Paulo were rediscovered during fieldwork. We hereby describe the location, ecosystem, and habitat type where the species were found. We suggest these grasses be removed from the list of extinct species and be placed in a category compatible with the current knowledge about their conservation status in the state of São Paulo.

Resumo Duas espécies de Poaceae (Aristidoideae), Aristida ekmaniana Henrard e A. macrophylla Hack., consideradas "presumivelmente extintas" no estado de São Paulo, Brasil, foram redescobertas durante trabalho em campo. Descrição, ilustração e observações ecológicas são apresentadas, incluindo locais de observação, ecossistemas e habitats. Sugerimos a revisão do status de conservação das espécies no estado de São Paulo.

Niveles de urea en leche en sistemas silvopastoriles / Urea Levels in the Milk in silvopastoral Systems

Resumen El exceso de proteína en la dieta puede generar problemas productivos y reproductivos en rumiantes. La medición de la urea en la leche permite determinar la disponibilidad ruminal de energía y proteína, y, así, hacer ajustes en la dieta de ser necesario. El objetivo de este estudio fue cuantificar la concentración de urea en la leche en un hato que pastorea sistemas silvopastoriles multiestrato en alta densidad. Se evaluó un sistema doble propósito en El Cerrito, Valle del Cauca (Colombia). Los animales estuvieron divididos en tres grupos de alimentación (praderas con guinea-leucaena-algarrobo, estrella-leucaena-algarrobo, y estrella-algarrobo, respectivamente). Se recolectaron muestras de leche en el ordeño de la mañana y la tarde de cada animal seleccionado en cada grupo, a las cuales se les determinó la concentración de urea (Ureasa/ Berthelot). La concentración de urea en la leche del ordeño de la mañana y la tarde estuvo correlacionada positivamente (r = 0,86), la concentración promedio fue de 22,7±9,4 mg/dl. Sin embargo, entre grupos de alimentación varió (p < 0,001), fue mayor en el primer muestreo (p < 0,001), y también se observó una amplia variación entre los muestreos de una misma base forrajera. Los sistemas silvopastoriles multiestrato presentan adecuado balance entre la materia orgánica fermentable y la proteína degradable a nivel ruminal.

Abstract Excess of protein in the diet can lead to both productive and reproductive problems in ruminants. Measuring the urea in the milk allows determining the ruminant availability of energy and protein and, therefore, to do some adjustments to the diet whenever necessary. This study aims to quantify the urea concentration in the milk in a farm that takes care of high-density multi-layer silvopastoral systems. A system with dual purpose was evaluated in El Cerrito, Valle del Cauca (Colombia). The animals were divided into three feeding groups (prairies with guinea-leucaena-algarrobo, estrella-leucaena-algarrobo and estrella-algarrobo, respectively). Samples of milk were gathered during the morning and afternoon milking from the animal selected in each group, and then the urea concentration was determined (Urease/ Berthelot). The urea concentrations in the morning and afternoon milk were correlated positively (r = 0.86), the average concentration was 22.7+9.4 mg/dl. However, the values varied between the feeding groups (p < 0.001), it was higher in the first sample (p < 0.001). Likewise, a broad variation was observed between the samples inside the same foraging basis. Multi-layer silvopastoral systems show an appropriate balance between the fermentable organic matter and the degradable protein in the ruminants.

Co-Occurrence Patterns of Ustilago nuda and Pyrenophora graminea and Fungicide Contribution to Yield Gain in Barley under Fluctuating Climatic Conditions in Serbia.

The utilization of production systems with reduced chemical input renewed the interest in Ustilago nuda and Pyrenophora graminea. The investigations of seed fungicide treatments are more related to their efficacy than to their contribution to yield gain. The data were collected from research and development trials on fungicide efficacy against U. nuda and P. graminea conducted from 2014 to 2020 in Serbia. Partial least squares, multiple stepwise regression and best subset regression were used for statistical modeling. The total number of plants infected with U. nuda and P. graminea per plot differed significantly in the seven-year period. Shifts in the predominance of one pathogen over the other were also shown. Temperature, total rainfall and relative humidity in flowering time (p < 0.001) influenced the occurrence of both pathogens. The strongest impact on yield loss was observed for temperature in the phenological phases of leaf development (p = 0.014), temperature in flowering time (p < 0.001) and total number of plants infected with U. nuda and P. graminea per plot (p < 0.001). Our results indicated that regression models consisting of both biotic and abiotic factors were more precise in estimating regression coefficients. Neither fungicidal treatment had a stable contribution to yield gain in the seven-year period.

Eunuchs or Females? Causes and Consequences of Gynodioecy on Morphology, Ploidy, and Ecology of Stellaria graminea L. (Caryophyllaceae).

Plant speciation results from intricate processes such as polyploidization, reproductive strategy shifts and adaptation. These evolutionary processes often co-occur, blurring their respective contributions and interactions in the speciation continuum. Here, relying on a large-scale study, we tested whether gynodioecy triggers the divergent evolution of flower morphology and genome between sexes, and contributes to the establishment of polyploids and colonization of ecological niches in Stellaria graminea. We found that gynodioecy in S. graminea leads to flower morphology divergence between females and hermaphrodites, likely due to sexual selection. Contrary to our expectations, gynodioecy occurs evenly in diploids and tetraploids, suggesting that this reproductive strategy was not involved in the establishment of polyploids. Both diploid and tetraploid females have a larger genome size than hermaphrodites, suggesting the presence of sex chromosomes. Finally, ecology differs between cytotypes and to a lesser extent between sexes, suggesting that the link between environment and presence of females is indirect and likely explained by other aspects of the species' life history. Our study shows that gynodioecy leads to the consistent evolution of sexual traits across a wide range of populations, cytotypes and environments within a given species, and this likely contributes to the phenotypic and genetic distinctiveness of the species from its sister clades.

A new species of large green treefrog (Litoria, Pelodryadidae) from Papua, Indonesia.

We describe a new species of large green treefrog from southern Papua Province, Indonesia. Litoria lubisi sp. nov. is placed in the L. infrafrenata Group based on its size, colouration and configuration of hand webbing, but differs from other members of this group in aspects of body size and proportions, extent of hand webbing, colouration and male advertisement call. Litoria lubisi sp. nov. occurs in close proximity to two other species in the L. infrafrenata Group, emphasising an until-recently overlooked pattern that multiple species of large, arboreal Litoria have overlapping distributions across much of the lowlands of southern New Guinea.

Production fields and physiological quality of Panicum maximum jacq. cv. mombasa seeds / Campos de produção e qualidade fisiológica de sementes de Panicum maximum jacq. cv. mombasa

The physiological quality of seeds is influenced by the climatic factors of production fields. The identification of the best conditions of P. maximum cv. Mombasa production fields allows the improvement of the seed sector. The aim of this work was to identify which climatic conditions of production fields can affect the physiological quality of P. maximum cv. Mombasa seeds. Nineteen plots from states of São Paulo (six from municipalities of Auriflama and three from Guzolândia) and Goiás (eight from Quirinópolis and two from Serranópolis), were collected by soil sweeping. The following parameters were evaluated: water content, germination rate, first germination count and germination rate index, seedling emergence in sand and field. Completely randomized design was used for all variables, with the exception of seedling emergence in field, since this variable required block design. Means were compared by the Scott-Knott test, at 5% probability. For the identification of the influence of climatic conditions on the physiological quality of seeds, multivariate statistical analysis was applied through Group and Principal Component Analysis. Production fields of Panicum maximum cv. Mombasa seeds presenting maximum temperatures above 32 ºC at flowering and natural fall stages produce seeds of low physiological quality. Production fields in which precipitation and high temperatures occur during natural fall and harvest of P. maximum cv. Mombasa seeds are not favorable to the production of seeds with high physiological quality.

A qualidade fisiológica das sementes é influenciada pelos fatores climáticas doscampos de produção. A identificação das condições dos melhores campos de produção de P. maximum cv. Mombaça permite aprimoramento do setor de sementes. O objetivo desse trabalho foi identificar quais condições climáticas dos campos de produção podem afetar a qualidade fisiológica das sementes de P. maximum cv. Mombaça. Foram avaliados dezenove lotes procedentes do estado de São Paulo (seis de Auriflama e três de Guzolândia) e Goiás (oito de Quirinópolis e dois de Serranópolis), colhidos por varredura do solo. Foram avaliados por meio dos seguintes parâmetros: teor de água, germinação, primeira contagem de germinação e índice de velocidade de germinação, emergência de plântulas em areia e em campo. Adotou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado para todas as variáveis, com exceção da emergência de plântulas em campo, pois neste adotou-se delineamento em blocos. As médias foram comparadas pelo teste Scott-Knott, a 5% de probabilidade. Para a identificação da influência das condições climáticas na qualidade fisiológica das sementes aplicou-se análise estatística multivariada por meio de Análise de Agrupamento e Componentes Principais. Campos de produção de sementes de Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça que apresentam temperaturas máximas superiores a 32 ºC nas épocasde florescimento e degrana produzem sementes de baixa qualidade fisiológica. Campos de produção em que ocorram precipitações e altas temperaturas durante a degrana e à colheita de sementes de P.maximum cv. Mombaça não são favoráveis a produção de sementes com alta qualidade fisiológica.

Milk production of crossbred holstein × zebu on different pasture-management strategies / Produção de leite de vacas mestiças holandês × zebu em diferentes estratégias de manejo de pastagens

The objective of this study was to evaluate nutrient intake and digestibility, yield and components of milk from Holstein × Zebu cows on Tanzania grass pastures using a fixed-rest period or 95% light interception. The treatments consisted of evaluations of two Tanzania-grass pasture-management strategies: LI95 - when the pasture reached 95% light interception (LI), with 3 paddock-occupation days; and FR - the pasture was managed with a 30-days defoliation interval (DI) and 3 paddock-occupation days. Ten recently calved cows per treatment in year 1 and eight cows per treatment in year 2 were used, i.e. five cows per replicate in year 2 and four cows per replicate in year 2. Intake and digestibility of pasture nutrients, milk yield and milk composition were evaluated. The management strategies imposed on the Tanzania-grass pasture did not affect nutrient intake or digestibility. Milk yield and milk components were not affected by the management strategies, but milk yield per area unit was affected by the use of 95% light interception. The management strategy applying 95% light interception implies greater efficiency in the use of area, which translates to a higher milk yield per unit area, and thus it can be recommended to increase milk yield per area.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ingestão e digestibilidade dos nutrientes, produção e os componentes do leite de vacas Holandesas × Zebu em pastagens de capim-Tanzânia em repouso fixo ou 95% de interceptação de luz. Os tratamentos consistiram de avaliações de duas estratégias de manejo de pastagem de capim Tanzânia: LI95 - quando a pastagem atingiu 95% de interceptação luminosa (LI), com três dias de ocupação do piquete; e TF - a pastagem foi manejada com intervalo de 30 dias de desfolha (ID) e três dias de ocupação do piquete. Dez vacas recém-paridas foram utilizadas por tratamento no ano 1 e oito vacas por tratamento no ano 2. Consumo e digestibilidade dos nutrientes do pasto, produção de leite e leite composição foram avaliados. As estratégias de manejo aplicadas na pastagem de capim-tanzânia não afetaram o consumo ou a digestibilidade dos nutrientes. A produção de leite e os componentes do leite não foram afetados pelas estratégias de manejo, mas a produção de leite por unidade de área foi afetada pelo uso de 95% de interceptação de luz. O manejo adotando 95% de interceptação de luz implica maior eficiência no uso da área, o que significa maior rendimento de leite por unidade de área, e assim pode ser recomendado aumentar a produção de leite por área.

The complete mitochondrial genome of large odorous frog, Odorrana graminea (Amphibia: Ranidae) and phylogenetic analysis.

The mitochondrial genome of Odorrana graminea was sequenced and analyzed. The complete mitochondrial genome is 18,106 bp in length, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 21 transfer RNA genes, and a control region (D-loop). All PCGs are initiated by ATN codons, except for GTG for COI and ND5. Five PCGs use a common stop codon of TAA or TAG, whereas COI terminats with AGG as stop codon; ND6 with AGA; the other six ends with an incomplete stop codon (a single stop nucleotide T). The analysis results based on Bayesian inference method provide a useful resource for the phylogenetic studies of superfamily Ranoidea.

Genome Resource for Barley Leaf Stripe Pathogen Pyrenophora graminea.

Pyrenophora graminea is the causative agent of barley leaf stripe disease. In this study, the strong pathogenic isolate QWC was used to generate DNA for Illumina sequencing. After assembly, its genome size was 42.5 Mb, consisting of 264 scaffolds, and a total of 10,376 genes was predicted. This is the first genome resource available for P. graminea. The genome sequences of P. graminea will accelerate the understanding interaction of P. graminea and barley.

Phylogeography, speciation and demographic history: Contrasting evidence from mitochondrial and nuclear markers of the Odorrana graminea sensu lato (Anura, Ranidae) in China.

Understanding the process of speciation and the factors driving the geographical distribution patterns of species is of great interest in ecology and evolutionary biology. Herein, we investigated the phylogeographic patterns, speciation, demographic history and genetic structure of the widespread endemic Odorrana graminea sensu lato in Southern China and adjacent areas. A total of 439 specimens from 68 localities were sequenced and analyzed for both mitochondrial (12S and 16S rRNA) and nuclear markers (RAG-1 and ten microsatellite loci). Phylogenetic analyses of the concatenated mtDNA data revealed five major highly divergent lineages within the O. graminea sensu lato in Southern China, and these divergent lineages were highly concordant with five geographical regions. The nuclear data showed a discordant genetic structure compared to the mtDNA lineages (Clades A, B, and C) for O. graminea sensu stricto, with an admixed pattern in the RAG-1 data and two structure clusters in the microsatellite data. The species delimitation analyses, based on three methods, supported the species status of Odorrana zhaoi and Odorrana rotodora, and revealed the existence of putative cryptic species in the O. graminea sensu stricto. In addition, one statistically significant gene flow event was detected from Clade B to Clade C based on mtDNA and RAG-1 data, and the microsatellite data suggested gene flow within the O. graminea sensu stricto. Bayesian skyline plotting analyses and ecological niche modeling supported demographic and range expansions during the LGM for Clades A and C of the O. graminea sensu stricto. In addition, ecological niche models suggested the existence of ecological divergence among the three Clades (Clades A, B and C) of the O. graminea sensu stricto. The intense uplifting of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, the Quaternary climate oscillations, and drainage changes may have driven the speciation, genetic structure and phylogeoraphic patterns of the O. graminea sensu lato.

PGPBS, a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase, is required for vegetative differentiation, cell wall integrity, and pathogenicity of the barley leaf stripe fungus Pyrenophora graminea.

The high-osmolarity glycerol (HOG) signaling pathway regulates the adaptation of fungi to environmental stressors. The mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) PBS2 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae serves as a scaffold protein in the HOG pathway. We characterized the pgpbs gene of Pyrenophora graminea, which encodes a MAPKK that is 56% orthologous to PBS2 of S. cerevisiae. A cloning technique based on homology was applied to amplify the pgpbs gene. Specific silent mutations then were generated in pgpbs. We evaluated the potential roles of PGPBS in the osmotic response, vegetative differentiation, cell wall integrity, drug resistance, and pathogenicity. Our findings indicated that the pgpbs coding region comprises 2075 base pairs and encodes a protein of 676 amino acids. Mutants deficient in pgpbs expression had significant reductions in vegetative growth and were sensitive to calcofluor white (CFW), an inhibitor of cell wall synthesis. Mutants also lost pathogenicity and were sensitive to an osmotic stress-inducing medium containing NaCl and sorbitol. Moreover, mutants had increased resistance to the dicarboximide fungicide iprodione and the triazole fungicide tebuconazole. These findings suggest that pgpbs is involved in the osmotic and ionic stress responses, vegetative differentiation, cell wall integrity, virulence, and tolerance to iprodione and tebuconazole. We expect that our findings will help elucidate the pathogenesis of barley leaf stripe and will inform strategies for breeding resistance to this disease.

Hepatoprotective glycosides from the rhizomes of Imperata cylindrical.

Three new C-methylated phenylpropanoid glycosides (1, 2), a new 8-4'-oxyneolignan (3), together with two known analogs (4, 5), were isolated from the rhizomes of Imperata cylindrical Beauv. var. major (Nees) C. E. Hubb. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic and chemical methods. Compounds 1, 2, and 5 (10 µM) exhibited pronounced hepatoprotective activity against N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP)-induced HepG2 cell damage in vitro assays. Furthermore, their antioxidant activities against Fe2+-cysteine-induced rat liver microsomal lipid peroxidation and the effects on the secretion of TNF-α in murine peritoneal macrophages (RAW264.7) induced by lipopolysaccharides were evaluated.

Silicon fertilization improve yield and quality of rice and pearl millet in cerrado soils / Adubação silicatada aumenta a produtividade e qualidade de arroz e milheto em solos do cerrado

Although silicon (Si) fertilization in rice (Oryza sativa) plants have already been studied, most of the Brazilian studies have focused on the acidity correction effects of sources and the application rate, but not on Si supply. Moreover, beneficial effects are rarely linked to other Si-accumulation plants such as pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), which is extensively grown in low soluble Si of Cerrado soils. The objective of this study was to evaluate the Si sources and application rates on the yield and quality of two commonly cultivated grain crops (rice and pearl millet) in Cerrado soils. The experiments were conducted on two crops (rice and pearl millet) and two soil types (Rhodic Haplustox-LV and Quartzipsamment-RQ) in a completely randomized factorial scheme with four replicates, four Si rates (0; 200; 400, and 800 kg ha-1 Si); and three sources (calcium and magnesium silicate, wollastonite, and silicic acid). All plots received the same quantities of Ca and Mg to equilibrate these levels in both soils. Ca and Mg silicate and wollastonite produced linear increases in soluble Si (0.5 mol L-1 acetic acid), in LV, RQ, and in Si uptake by rice and pearl millet. Increases in shoot dry weight were observed in rice and pearl millet from maximum rates of 542, 550 and 480 kg ha-1 Si in RQ, respectively. Ca and Mg silicate levels were higher than wollastonite in the dry weight of both plants.

Embora já tenha sido estudada a adubação silicatada em arroz, a maioria dos estudos brasileiros tem focado nos efeitos da correção da acidez de fontes e doses aplicadas e não no fornecimento de Si. Aliado a isso, os efeitos benéficos são raramente associados a outras plantas acumuladoras como o milheto, que é intensamente cultivado nos solos com baixo Si solúvel da região do Cerrado. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar fontes e doses de silício na produção e qualidade de duas culturas comumente cultivadas (arroz e milheto) em solos de cerrado. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em duas culturas (arroz e milheto) e dois solos (Neossolo Quartzarênico-RQ e Latossolo Vermelho- Amarelo-LV) em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado composto de quatro doses de silício equivalentes a 0; 200; 400 e 800 kg ha-1Si, três fontes (silicato de cálcio e magnésio-S; wollastonita-W; ácido silícico-AS) e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos receberam a mesma quantidade de Ca e Mg para equilibrar as quantidades desses nutrientes dos solos. O silicato e a wollastonita aumentaram linearmente o Si solúvel em ácido acético 0,5 mol L-1 no LV e no RQ e a absorção pela parte aérea do arroz e milheto. Silicato de cálcio e magnésio e a wollastonita aumentaram linearmente o Si solúvel no solo e a absorção de Si pelo arroz e milheto. Máxima produção de grãos e massa seca da parte aérea do arroz e milheto foram obtidas com doses de 542, 550 e 480 kg ha-1 no RQ, respectivamente. As doses de Si proporcionaram redução do número de grãos chochos e aumento na absorção de Si pela parte aérea. O silicato proporcionou maior produção de massa seca comparada a wollastonita nas duas culturas.

Forage yield, rate of CO 2 assimilation, and quality of temperate annual forage species grown under artificial shading conditions / Produção de forragem, taxa de assimilação de CO 2 e qualidade de espécies forrageiras hibernais cultivadas sob níveis de sombreamento artificial

ABSTRACT: In this study, it was evaluated the effect of shade on forage yield, rate of CO2 assimilation, and the quality of annual ryegrass ( Lolium multiflorum L.) cv. 'BRS Ponteio' and black oat ( Avena strigosa Schreb) cv. 'IAPAR 61', grown under three shading conditions (0%, 25%, and 50% shade) using slatted wooden structures. The experimental design was completely randomized with four replications. Slatted structures were efficient in simulating the proposed shading conditions. Shading plants significantly decreased forage yield and CO2 assimilation by both species. Ryegrass cv. 'BRS Ponteio' performed better under shade, with higher forage production under all shading conditions. Rate of CO2 assimilation was reduced by 13 and 22 percentage points compared to the same species grown in the open field (0% shade), under 25% and 50% shade, respectively. These shading conditions did not affect crude protein (CP) content, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration, or the leaf:stem (L:S) ratio compared to those grown in the open field. Between the species evaluated, ryegrass had the greatest potential for use as forage in a silvopastoral system.

RESUMO: O estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito do sombreamento sobre a produção de forragem, a taxa de assimilação de CO2 e qualidade de azevém ( Lolium multiflorum L.) cv. 'BRS Ponteio' e aveia preta ( Avena strigosa Schreb), cv. 'IAPAR 61', cultivadas sob três níveis de sombreamento artificial (0, 25 e 50%), obtidos por meio de estruturas de ripado de madeira. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições. As estruturas de ripado simularam eficientemente os níveis de sombreamento propostos. O sombreamento diminuiu significativamente a produção de forragem e a taxa de assimilação de CO2 de ambas as espécies testadas. O azevém foi mais tolerante ao sombreamento, com maior produção de forragem em todos os níveis de sombreamento testados. O valor da taxa de assimilação de CO2 foi reduzido em 13 e 22 pontos percentuais em relação ao céu aberto, nos níveis de 25% e 50% de sombreamento, respectivamente. Em comparação a pleno sol, os níveis de sombreamento não afetaram os teores de proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e relação lâmina:colmo. Entre as espécies avaliadas, o azevém foi considerado a espécie com maior potencial em um sistema silvipastoril.

Deciphering the transcriptional regulation and spatiotemporal distribution of immunity response in barley to Pyrenophora graminea fungal invasion.

BACKGROUND: Barley leaf stripe disease, caused by the fungus Pyrenophora graminea (Pg), is a worldwide crop disease that results in significant loss of barley yield. The purpose of the present work was to use transcriptomic profiling to highlight barley genes and metabolic pathways affected or altered in response to Pg infection and consequently elucidate their involvement and contribution in resistance to leaf stripe. RESULTS: Our study examined and compared the transcriptomes of two barley genotypes using an established differential display reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (DDRT-PCR) strategy at 14 and 20 days post-inoculation (dpi). A total of 54 significantly modulated expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were identified. The analysis of gene expression changes during the course of infection with Pg suggested the involvement of 15 upregulated genes during the immunity response. By using network-based analyses, we could establish a significant correlation between genes expressed in response to Pg invasion. Microscopic analysis and quantitative PCR (qPCR) profiling of callose synthase and cellulose synthases revealed a direct involvement of cell wall reinforcement and callose deposition in the Pg-resistant phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified a number of candidate genes possibly involved in the host-pathogen interactions between barley and Pg fungus, 15 of which are specifically expressed in Pg-resistant plants. Collectively, our results suggest that the resistance to leaf stripe in barley proceeds through callose deposition and different oxidation processes.

Influence of soil water potential in the action of herbicides on goosegrass (Eleusine indica (L) Gaertn) / Influência do potencial de água no solo na açãode herbcidas em capim-pé-de-galinha (Eleusine indica (L) Gaertn)

Currently, the use of herbicides is essential in a practical and common in agricultural areas, but efficiency of these herbicides can be compromised when applied on plants that thrive in water deficit conditions, due to low uptake and translocation of the product. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of control ACCase inhibiting herbicides applied post-emergence in plants of Eleusine indica under different soil water contents. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse and the experimental design was completely randomized design with four replications, consisting of a 9x4 factorial, with the combination of three soil water potentials (-0.03, -0.07 and -1.5 MPa) three herbicides (fluazifop-p -butyl, haloxyfop-methyl and sethoxydim + oil) and four doses (0, 25, 50, and 100 % of the recommended dose). Herbicide application was made in plants in vegetative stage 2-3 tillers. The soil water potential was initiated in the development stage of two leaves, and the water was supplemented until the soil reaches the potential of - 0.01 MPa, when it came to minimum pre-determined for each water management. The physiological parameters evaluated were: photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration leaf temperature and plant dry mass. The visual assessments of phytotoxicity were performed at 7 and 14 days after application. The herbicides behaved in different ways according to the used water management. In severe water stress conditions (soil moisture at 8%) only fluazifop-p-butyl herbicide achieved satisfactory control (>90%) in E. indica plants.

O objetivo deste estudo foi relacionar a eficiência de controle de herbicidas inibidores da ACCase aplicados em pós-emergência em plantas de Eleusine indica submetidas a diferentes teores de água no solo. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação e o delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com 4 repetições, constituído de um fatorial 9X4, sendo a combinação de três manejos hídricos (-0,03; -0,07 e -1,5 MPa) com três herbicidas (fluazifop-p-butil, haloxyfop-methyl e sethoxydim + óleo mineral Assist) e quatro doses destes (100, 50, 25 e 0% da dose recomendada). A aplicação dos herbicidas foi efetuada nas plantas em estádio vegetativo de 2-3 perfilhos. Os manejos hídricos foram iniciados no estádio de desenvolvimento de duas folhas, repondo-se a água até o solo atingir o potencial de -0,01 MPa, quando este chegasse à tensão pré-determinada para cada manejo hídrico. Os parâmetros fisiológicos avaliados foram: taxa fotossintética, condutância estomática, transpiração, temperatura da folha e matéria seca das plantas. As avaliações visuais de fitotoxicidade foram realizadas aos 7 e 14 dias após a aplicação. Os herbicidas comportaram-se de maneiras distintas de acordo com o manejo hídrico utilizado. Em condições de estresse hídrico severo apenas o herbicida fluazifop-p-butyl atingiu controle satisfatório (>90%) em plantas de E. indica submetidas à estresse hídrico severo (8% de umidade no solo).

Utilidad de los péptidos 33 y 38 de Lolium perenne en la inmunoterapia de la rinitis polínica / Utility of the peptides 33 and 38 of Lolium perenne in immunotherapy of hayfever

Se aislaron y caracterizaron péptidos del polen de la gramínea Lolium perenne por métodos fisicoquímicos, se estudiaron sus propiedades bioquímicas e inmunológicas, tanto en el conejo como en humanos atópicos que sufrían de rinoconjuntivitis estacional producida por dicho polen, y se presentan los hallazgos inmunoserológicos luego de 3 años de inmunoterapia específica con los péptidos 33 y 38 obtenidos, que resultaron ser los más significativos en la composición fisicoquímica del polen.

Peptides isolated from the Lolium perenne pollen were submitted to several chemical and immunological procedures to establish their antigenicity. Immunotherapy with peptides 33 and 38 showed high potency to develop specific IgG blocking antibodies which correlated with statistical clinical improvement.

RESPUESTA AGRONÓMICA DE Zea mays L. y Phaseolus vulgaris L. A LA FERTILIZACIÓN CON COMPOST / AGRONOMIC RESPONSE OF Zea mays L. and Phaseolus vulgaris L. TO COMPOST FERTILIZATION

El compostaje es una tecnología ecológica, la cual constituye una vía para la reutilización y biotransformación de materiales orgánicos así como su posterior aplicación en suelos. La calidad de un abono orgánico se determina a partir del contenido nutricional y de la capacidad de proveer nutrientes a un cultivo. Con base en un compostaje de material orgánico en mezcla (pulpa de café, residuos de banano, gallinaza y bovinaza), proveniente de fincas cafeteras ubicadas en el departamento de Cundinamarca, se determinaron y compararon indicadores químicos y biológicos. Además, mediante un bioensayo, usando dos especies con alto potencial alimentario y forrajero: maíz (Zea mays L.) y fríjol (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), se evaluó el efecto del compost sobre parámetros agronómicos y productividad en ambos cultivos. Siete tratamientos fueron evaluados [Abono químico (Q), Mezcla 1 (Mz1), Mezcla 2 (Mz2), Mezcla 3 (Mz3), Testigo sin fertilización (SF), Abono orgánico comercial (AOC)], con base en la determinación de parámetros químicos (MO, macro y micronutrientes). En el bioensayo con maíz (Zea mays L.), Q y Mz1 obtuvieron los parámetros más altos durante la etapa vegetativa; en la etapa de floración la Mz3 obtuvo los mejores valores en los parámetros. En fríjol (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), en la etapa vegetativa, los tratamientos Q y Mz1 fueron los mejores sin presentar diferencias significativas entre sí; en las etapas de floración y rendimiento Mz2 fue la que obtuvo mejor respuesta. En conclusión, los abonos orgánicos son una alternativa viable y sostenible probada bajo condiciones de campo.

Composting is an ecological technology which constitutes a way to reusing and biotransforming organic materials as well as their subsequent application in soil. The quality of organic fertilizer is determined from the nutritional content and the ability to provide nutrients to a crop. Based on an organic material composting mix, (coffee pulp, banana waste, chicken and cattle manure) coming from the coffee farms located in the department of Cundinamarca, chemical and biological indicators were determined and compared. In addition, through a bioassay, using two species with high food and feed potential, corn (Zea mays L.) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), the effect of compost on agronomic parameters and productivity in both crops was assessed. Seven treatments were evaluated [chemical fertilizer (Q), mixture 1 (Mz1), mixture 2 (Mz2), mixture 3 (Mz3), control without fertilizer (SF), commercial organic fertilizer (AOC)], based on the determination of chemical parameters (MO, CO, macro and micronutrients). In the bioassay with corn (Zea mays L.), Q and Mz1 obtained the highest parameters during the vegetative stage; in the flowering stage, Mz3 obtained the best values in the parameters. In beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in the vegeteative stage treatments, Q and Mz1 were the best, without showing statistical differences among them. In the flowering and harvesting phase, Mz2 obtained a better response. In conclusion, organic fertilizers are a viable and sustainable alternative tested under field conditions.

Características do pasto e eficiência agronômica de nitrogênio em capim-tanzânia sob pastejo contínuo, adubado com doses de nitrogênio / Sward characteristics and agronomic efficiency of nitrogen on Tanzania grass under continuous grazing fertilized with nitrogen levels

O experimento foi conduzido visando a avaliar os efeitos das doses de nitrogênio (N) 100, 200, 300 e 400kg ha-1 sobre as características do pasto e sobre a eficiência agronômica de N, em pastagens de capim-tanzânia (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. ‘Tanzânia-1’) utilizadas com o método de pastejo contínuo. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente ao acaso, com duas repetições. Foram utilizados três tourinhos testadores nas pastagens com a dose de N de 100kg ha-1 e quatro tourinhos testadores nas pastagens das demais doses de N, da raça Nelore (Bos indicus) e com peso médio inicial de 300kg, mantidos de 10/11/2001 a 15/4/2002. A altura do pasto foi mantida em 60 cm por ajustes da taxa de lotação. As massas de forragem, de folha verde, de forragem verde e de colmo elevaram-se linearmente com o aumento da adubação de N. Regressão linear negativa foi verificada entre as doses de N e a razão folha:colmo. A participação de colmo se elevou e a de material morto se reduziu na estrutura do pasto com o aumento da adubação de N. Não houve efeito das doses de N na proporção de folha verde na estrutura do pasto. Aplicações de N em pastagens de capim-tanzânia utilizadas com o método de pastejo contínuo alteram características do pasto. A eficiência agronômica de N, definida em termos da razão acúmulo de matéria seca (MS) kg-1 de N aplicado, reduziu-se com o aumento da dose de N.

The experiment evaluated the effects of nitrogen (N) levels (100, 200, 300, 400kg ha-1) on sward characteristics, and agronomic efficiency of N on Tanzania grass pastures (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. ‘Tanzânia-1’) with continuous grazing method. The design experimental used was completely randomized with two replications. Three tester Nellore (Bos indicus) young bulls per pasture with N level of 100kg ha-1, and four tester Nellore young bulls per pasture of the other N levels, with 300kg initial weight grazed continuously from 10 November 2001 to 15 April 2002. Sward height levels at experimental pastures were maintaining at 60cm with adjusting of stocking rate. The herbage mass, green leaf mass, green herbage mass, and culm mass, increased linearly as the N fertilization increased. Negatively linear relationship was found between the N fertilization and leaf/culm ratio. The culm proportion increased and dead material decreased on sward structure with increased N levels applied at pasture. There were no effects of N levels on green leaf proportion at sward structure. N applications in Tanzania grass pastures change sward characteristics. The agronomic efficiency of N defined in terms of dry matter (DM) accumulation/kg of N applied decreased with the increase of N levels.

Produção animal e vegetal em pastagem de Cynodon manejada sob diferentes ofertas de forragem por ovinos de dois grupos genéticos / Animal and vegetal production of a Cynodon pasture managed under different forage allowance by wethers of two breeding groups

Foi avaliado o potencial produtivo de uma pastagem de Cynodon dactylon var.dactylon manejada em um sistema de pastoreio com lotação contínua com ovinos. Testou-se o efeito de três níveis de oferta (3, 6 ou 9kg de matéria seca (MS) 100kg-1 de peso corporal (PC)) de lâminas foliares verdes (OFLV) sobre os atributos da pastagem e sobre o desempenho de borregos de dois grupos genéticos (Texel × Ile de France e Lacaune × Texel × Ile de France). O período experimental foi de 53 dias sendo utilizados 18 borregos de cada grupo genético distribuídos ao acaso em nove piquetes experimentais (três por tratamento). A OFLV real foi próxima à pretendida em cada tratamento (i.e. 3,2, 6,7 e 9,5% do PC). A massa de forragem (média de 3474kg de MS ha-1) teores de MS, fibra em detergente neutro e proteína bruta das amostras coletadas por simulação de pastejo (médias de 49,4, 76,1 e 12,9, respectivamente) não foram afetados pelos tratamentos. A taxa de acúmulo de lâminas foliares verdes aumentou (P<0,05) de 12,1 para 20,5kg de MS ha-1 dia-1 e a carga animal reduziu de 1178 para 609kg de PC ha-1 quando a OFLV aumentou de 3,2 para 9,5% do PC. A produtividade animal por área de pastagem foi em média negativa (ganho de PC de -551g ha-1dia-1), altamente variável (coeficiente de variação de 280%) e não foi afetada pelos tratamentos. O desempenho individual dos animais foi afetado pela interação entre tratamento e grupo genético (P<0,05). O ganho médio diário de peso pelos ovinos cruzados com Lacaune foi positivo (34g dia-1) e mais alto (P<0,05) na maior oferta, nulo na menor oferta e negativo (-62g dia-1) na oferta intermediária de pasto. Diferentemente, o ganho de peso dos animais Texel × Ile de France foi negativo e similar em todos os tratamentos (média de -18g dia-1). Independentemente do grupo genético, o tempo diário de pastejo foi similar nos tratamentos de menor e maior oferta, mas foi menor na oferta intermediária de pasto (P<0,05). Em conclusão, a pastagem de Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon apresentou um baixo potencial produtivo, principalmente quando a OFLV foi igual ou inferior a 6% do PC dos animais. Contudo, os resultados indicam também que a estrutura da pastagem e o potencial genético dos animais interagem com a oferta de forragem para determinar o desempenho de animais a pasto.

The productive potential of a Cynodon dactylon var.dactylon pasture managed under continuous stocking with wethers was evaluated. The effect of three (3, 6 or 9kg of dry matter (DM) 100kg-1 of body weight (BW)) green leaf allowances (GLAL) on pasture attributes and animal performance of two genetic groups (Texel × Ile de France and Lacaune × Texel × Ile de France) was tested. Experiment was carried out through a 53 days period with 18 wethers of each genetic group randomly distributed in nine pasture plots (three pasture plots per treatment). Actual GLAL were near to those planned for each treatment (i.e. 3.2, 6.7 e 9.5% of BW). Forage mass (mean of 3474kg of DM ha-1) and the content of DM, neutral detergent fibre and crude protein of samples taken through grazing simulation (mean of 49.4, 76.1 and 12.9%, respectively) were not affected by treatments. The green leaf growth rate increased (P<0.05) from 12.1 to 20.5kg of DM ha-1day-1 and stocking rate decreased (P<0.05) from 1178 to 609kg of BW ha-1 when GLAL increased from 3.2 to 9.5% of BW. Animal production per area was in average negative (mean BW gain of -551g ha-1day-1), highly variable (variation coefficient of 280%) and not affected by treatments. Individual animal performance was affected by interaction between treatments and animal breed (P<0.05). Daily BW gain by Lacaune-crossed wethers was positive (34g day-1) and higher (P<0.05) for the highest allowance, null for the lowest allowance and negative (-62g day-1) for the intermediary allowance treatment. Differently, the daily BW gain by Texel × Ile de France wethers was negative and similar for all treatments (mean of -18g day-1). Independently of animal breeding, the daily grazing time was similar for the lowest and highest forage allowance treatments whereas it was lower for the intermediary level of forage allowance (P<0.05). In conclusion, the Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon pasture showed a low productive potential, mainly when the GLAL was similar or lower than 6% of animal BW. However, results also indicate that pasture structure and animal breed interact with forage allowance to determine animal performance.