Accelerated ageing test and enzymatic expression in the evaluation of kale seed quality / Teste de envelhecimento acelerado e expressão enzimática na avaliação da qualidade de sementes de couve

The demand for high-quality vegetable seeds and the production of vigorous seedlings has increased in recent years, as these characteristics are determining factors of production success. Vegetables are growing in national importance, and kale stands out as an important source of income for small farmers. The objective of this study was to adapt the traditional accelerated aging test methodology with a saturated NaCl solution of kale seeds and evaluate the enzymatic activity after the vigour test. Six batches of kale seeds were used, and the moisture content, weight of one thousand seeds, first germination count, germination, germination speed index, emergence, initial stand, and emergence velocity index were determined. In the accelerated ageing test, the seeds were submitted to the traditional accelerated ageing test method and the accelerated ageing test method with a saturated NaCl solution for ageing periods of 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Electrophoretic analysis of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) isoenzymes was also performed. The accelerated ageing test, using the traditional method for 72 hours at 41 °C, is adequate for evaluating the physiological potential of kale seeds. The isoenzymatic analyses of SOD, CAT, and ADH demonstrate that the biochemical markers are efficient at differentiating kale seeds after accelerated ageing.(AU)

A demanda por sementes de hortaliças com alta qualidade e a obtenção de mudas vigorosas tem aumentado nos últimos anos, pois estas características constituem fatores determinantes do êxito da produção. As hortaliças têm uma importância nacional crescente, dentre elas se destaca a couve, por ser importante fonte de renda para pequenos agricultores. Objetivou-se adequar a metodologia do teste de envelhecimento acelerado tradicional e com solução saturada de NaCl em sementes de couve e avaliar a atividade enzimática após o teste de vigor. Foram utilizados seis lotes de sementes de couve e determinouse o grau de umidade, peso de mil sementes, primeira contagem de germinação, germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação, emergência, estande inicial e índice de velocidade de emergência. No teste de envelhecimento acelerado, as sementes foram submetidas ao método tradicional e com solução saturada de NaCl, por períodos de 0; 24; 48; 72 e 96 horas. Realizou-se também a análise eletroforética das isoenzimas superóxido dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) e álcool desidrogenase (ADH). O teste de envelhecimento acelerado, utilizando o método tradicional na combinação de 72 horas a 41 °C é adequado para avaliar o potencial fisiológico de sementes de couve. As análises isoenzimáticas superóxido dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) e álcool desidrogenase (ADH) demonstram que os marcadores bioquímicos são eficientes e promissores na diferenciação de sementes de couve após o envelhecimento acelerado.(AU)

Severity of clubroot in kale related to management practices and soil attributes / Severidade da hérnia das crucíferas em couve-comum relacionada a práticas de manejo e atributos do solo

Clubroot disease, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, limits the production of Brassica spp. worldwide. Little is known about the factors related to the development of the disease in kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) plants and in crops in mountainous areas under tropical conditions. This study examined the severity of clubroot in kale crops as well as identify potential flaws in management and the soil and relief factors related to its occurrence. The study was conducted in 24 kale fields in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Soil and kale growth management practices adopted in the region were identified and samples of soil and plants were collected. Subsequently, soil and relief attributes, disease severity, biomass and nutrient and Al contents and accumulation in the plants were determined. There was a high spread of the pathogen in the areas. Inappropriate and recurrent practices in the region were detected, e.g., sequential cultivation of host species, low adoption of soil fertility analysis and liming and conservation practices, and community use of agricultural machinery and implements without prior cleaning. The disease was associated with more acidic soils, subject to greater water accumulation and with high levels of Al³+ as well as with higher Al contents and accumulation in the roots. Management practices must be adopted in the region to reduce the potential inoculum of P. brassicae and to increase soil fertility.

A hérnia das crucíferas, causada por Plasmodiophora brassicae, é limitante à produção de Brassica spp. em todo o mundo. Pouco se conhece sobre os fatores relacionados ao desenvolvimento da doença em plantas de couve-comum (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) e em cultivos em áreas de montanha sob condições tropicais. Objetivou-se avaliar a severidade da hérnia das crucíferas em lavouras de couve-comum, identificar potenciais falhas no manejo e os fatores de solo e relevo relacionados a sua ocorrência. O estudo foi conduzido em 24 lavouras de couve-comum da Região Serrana do Rio de Janeiro (Brasil). Registraram-se as práticas de manejo do solo e da couve-comum adotadas na região e coletaram-se amostras de solo e plantas. Em seguida, determinaram-se os atributos do solo e do relevo, a severidade da doença, biomassa e os teores e acúmulo de nutrientes e Al nas plantas. Observou-se alta disseminação do patógeno nas áreas. Foram identificadas práticas inadequadas e recorrentes na região como o cultivo sequencial de espécies hospedeiras, baixa adoção a análise de fertilidade, calagem e de medidas de conservação do solo, e o uso comunitário de máquinas e implementos agrícolas sem limpeza prévia. Identificou-se associação da doença com solos mais ácidos, sujeitos a maior acúmulo de água e com elevados teores de Al³+; e a maior teor e acúmulo de Al nas raízes. Práticas de manejo devem ser adotadas na região visando a redução do potencial de inóculo de P. brassicae e o aumento da fertilidade do solo.

Essential oils in the management of soft rot of kale in the brazilian semiarid region / Óleos essenciais no manejo da podridão mole em couve no semiárido brasileiro

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of essential oils on the control of soft rot of kale. Clove essential oil at 0.25%, lemongrass and palmarosa essential oils at 0.5%, melaleuca and orange essential oils at 0.75%, bergamot, rosemary, sage and ginger essential oils at 1% were evaluated for the in vitro inhibition of Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. brasiliensis (Pcb) and control of soft rot of kale, sprayed 72 hours before or seven hours after inoculation. Clove, citronella, bergamot, rosemary, palmarosa, sage, melaleuca, and lemongrass oils completely inhibited the growth of Pcb. Lemongrass oil (0.5%) caused 0% of disease incidence (INC), providing 100% of disease control in both periods of inoculation. Clove oil (0.25%) showed a lower INC (25%) when applied after inoculation, providing a control percentage of 71.42%. The lemongrass and clove essential oils were analyzed by GC/FID (Gas Chromatography ­ Flame Ionization Detector) and by GC/MS (Gas Chromatography /Mass Spectrometer). The major components were eugenol (91,9%) for clove oil and citral, isometric mixture of neral (34,1%) and geranial (42,9%) for lemongrass oil. The Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of lemongrass, clove oils and their major components (citral and eugenol, respectively) was determined by using a broth macrodilution technique, as well as they were evaluated at different concentrations on the control of soft rot of kale, sprayed according descriptions above. The MIC was 0.03125% for citral, and 0.0625 and 0.125% for lemongrass and clove oils, respectively. Eugenol didn't show MIC. Lemongrass oil at 0.125% (post-inoculation) and citral at 0.125% (pre and post-inoculation) provided the highest percentages of disease control (33.33, 50, and 100%, respectively). Clove oil at 0.125% (post-inoculation) showed better effectiveness than eugenol (0.25%), providing a percentage of disease control of 16.67%. Lemongrass and clove essential oils were the most effective in control of soft rot of kale, suggesting that these oils have a potential to be used as antibacterial agents.

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito de óleos essenciais no controle da podridão mole em couve. Os óleos essenciais de cravo a 0,25%, capim-limão e palmarosa a 0,5%, citronela, melaleuca e laranja a 0,75%, bergamota, alecrim, sálvia e gengibre a 1% foram avaliados na inibição in vitro de Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. brasiliensis (Pcb) e controle da podridão mole em couve, pulverizados 72 horas antes ou sete horas após a inoculação. Os óleos essenciais de cravo, citronela, bergamota, alecrim, palmarosa, sálvia, melaleuca e capim-limão inibiram completamente o crescimento de Pcb. O óleo de capimlimão (0,5%) promoveu 0% de incidência (INC) da doença (percentual de controle de 100%), em ambos os períodos de inoculação. O óleo de cravo (0,25%) proporcionou menor INC (25%) quando aplicado após inoculação (percentual de controle de 71,42%). Os óleos essenciais de capim-limão e cravo foram analisados por GC/FID (cromatografia gasosa/detector por ionização de chama) e por GC/MS (cromatografia gasosa/ espectometria de massas). Os componentes majoritários foram eugenol (91,9%) no óleo de cravo e citral (neral34,1% e geranial- 42,9%) no óleo de capim-limão. A concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) dos óleos essenciais de capim-limão e cravo e de seus componentes majoritários (citral e eugenol, respectivamente) foi determinada por meio da técnica de macrodiluição em caldo, bem como foram avaliados, em diferentes concentrações, no controle da podridão mole em couve, pulverizados conforme descrito acima. A concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) foi de 0,03125% para o citral, e de 0,0625 e 0,125% para os óleos de capim-limão e cravo, respectivamente. O eugenol não apresentou CIM. O óleo de capim-limão a 0,125% (pós-inoculação) e o citral (0,125%), em ambos os períodos de inoculação, proporcionaram os maiores percentuais de controle (33,33; 50 e 100%, respectivamente). O óleo de cravo a 0,125% (pós-inoculação) mostrou maior eficiência que o eugenol (0,25%), promovendo um percentual de controle de 16,67%. Os óleos essenciais de capim-limão e cravo destacaram-se na eficiência de controle da podridão mole em couve, sugerindo que esses óleos têm potencial para serem utilizados como agentes antibacterianos.

Economic study of the cultivation of kale, coriander, lettuce, and chives in intercropping / Estudo econômico do cultivo da couve, coentro, alface e cebolinha em consórcio

Intercropping of vegetables in a poorly planned manner may not achieve the expected economic results, as it is an activity that requires a great technical and administrative capacity of the producer. This study aimed to analyze the economic feasibility of intercropping kale with coriander, lettuce, and chives in relation to monocultures. The experiment was conducted in the Center for Agri-food Science and Technology, Federal University of Campina Grande, in the municipality of Pombal, PB in the period from June 2014 to July 2015. Eleven treatments were tested: four polycultures, three bicultives, and four monocultures, in randomized blocks, with four replications. The productivity, total operating costs (TOC), gross and net revenue, rate of return, profitability index, and efficient land use were evaluated. The TOC values of intercropping were calculated with the prices of July 2015. In all the systems studied, the largest participation was referring to the cost hand of labor. The highest gross and net revenues were observed in the kale with lettuce in bicultive, the rate of return and profitability index was higher on lettuce in monoculture. Despite the increase in the TOCs of the intercropping in relation to the monocultures, the intercropping proved to be economically viable in terms of efficient land use, reaching values indicating a land-use efficiency of up to 50% more in polycultures and bicultives.

O cultivo de hortaliças de maneira mal planejada pode não alcançar os resultados econômicos esperados, pois é uma atividade que exige grande capacidade técnica e administrativa do produtor. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade econômica de cultivar couve, alface e cebolinha em consórcio. O experimento foi conduzido no Centro de Ciência e Tecnologia Agroalimentar da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, no município de Pombal, PB, no período de junho de 2014 a julho de 2015. Foram testados onze tratamentos: quatro policultivos, três bicultivos e quatro monocultivos, em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Foram avaliados: produtividade; custos operacionais totais (COT); receita bruta e líquida; taxa de retorno; índice de lucratividade e uso eficiente da terra (UET). Os valores de COT do consórcio foram calculados com os preços de julho de 2015. Em todos os sistemas estudados, a maior participação foi referente ao custo mão de obra. As maiores receita bruta e líquida foram observadas na couve com alface em bicultivo, a taxa de retorno e rentabilidade índice foram maiores na alface em monocultura. Apesar do aumento nos COT'S dos consórcios em relação às monoculturas, a consorciação mostrou-se economicamente viável em termos de uso eficiente da terra, alcançando valores que indicam uma eficiência no uso da terra de até 50% a mais em policultivos e bicultivos.

Collard green yield and nutritional quality with mineral and organic fertilization / Produção e qualidade nutricional de couve-de-folha com adubação mineral e orgânica

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of organic and mineral fertilization on collard green yield, and to assess the macro and micronutrient and heavy metal concentrations of its leaves to assess the potential hazards of manure use. Collard plants (Brassica oleracea var. acephala, cv. couve-manteiga) were grown in 4-L pots filled with a clay soil under greenhouse conditions. The experimental design used was completely randomized design and the treatments in a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement: three N sources (pig slurry, poultry manure, and urea) and four N rates (0, 100, 200 and 300 mg kg-1), with four replicates. Collard greens leaves were harvested 70 days after seedling plantings. The manure application (pig slurry or poultry manure) resulted in collard yield equivalent to the application of mineral fertilizer. However, the pig slurry application resulted in an increase of leaf Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, Cr, and Pb concentrations. Nitrogen application rates up to 300 mg N kg-1 result in the higher yield and nutritional quality of collard leaves. The application of high rates of manure, especially pig slurry, results in the increase of heavy metal (Cd, Cr, and Pb) concentrations. However, the maximum concentrations of 0.042 mg kg-1 Cd, 0.034 mg kg-1 Cr and 0.030 mg kg-1 Pb are well lower than maximum daily intake limit established by the Brazilian legislation, indicating that the consumption of collards from organic production systems with the manure application can be considered safe and without risk to human health.(AU)

Foi realizado um estudo para avaliar o efeito da aplicação de esterco e fertilizante mineral na produção e na qualidade nutricional de couve (Brassica oleracea var. acephala, cv. couve-manteiga). As plantas de couve foram cultivadas em vasos de 4 L preenchidos com um solo argiloso em condições de casa-de-vegetação. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado e os tratamentos em um arranjo fatorial 3 × 4: três fontes de N (dejetos de suínos, esterco de aves e ureia) e quatro doses de N (0, 100, 200 e 300 mg kg-1), com quatro repetições. As folhas de couve foram colhidas 70 dias após o plantio das mudas. A aplicação de esterco (dejetos de suínos ou esterco de aves) resultou em rendimento de couve equivalente à aplicação de fertilizante mineral, indicando que o requerimento de nutrientes das plantas foram totalmente atendidos pela aplicação de esterco animal. No entanto, a aplicação de dejetos de suínos resultou no aumento das concentrações de Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, Cr e Pb nas folhas. A aplicação de N até a dose de 300 mg kg-1 indicou maior rendimento e melhor qualidade nutricional das folhas de couve. A aplicação de taxas elevadas de esterco, especialmente de dejeto suíno, implica no aumento da concentração de metais pesados nas folhas de couve. No entanto, as concentrações máximas obtidas de 0,042 mg kg-1 de Cd, 0,034 mg kg-1 de Cr e 0,030 mg kg-1 de Pb são muito inferiores ao limite máximo de consumo diário estabelecido pela legislação brasileira, indicando que o consumo de couve-de-folha oriunda dos sistemas de produção orgânicos com a aplicação de esterco animal pode ser considerado seguro e sem risco para a saúde humana.(AU)

Collard green yield and nutritional quality with mineral and organic fertilization / Produção e qualidade nutricional de couve-de-folha com adubação mineral e orgânica

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of organic and mineral fertilization on collard green yield, and to assess the macro and micronutrient and heavy metal concentrations of its leaves to assess the potential hazards of manure use. Collard plants (Brassica oleracea var. acephala, cv. couve-manteiga) were grown in 4-L pots filled with a clay soil under greenhouse conditions. The experimental design used was completely randomized design and the treatments in a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement: three N sources (pig slurry, poultry manure, and urea) and four N rates (0, 100, 200 and 300 mg kg-1), with four replicates. Collard greens leaves were harvested 70 days after seedling plantings. The manure application (pig slurry or poultry manure) resulted in collard yield equivalent to the application of mineral fertilizer. However, the pig slurry application resulted in an increase of leaf Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, Cr, and Pb concentrations. Nitrogen application rates up to 300 mg N kg-1 result in the higher yield and nutritional quality of collard leaves. The application of high rates of manure, especially pig slurry, results in the increase of heavy metal (Cd, Cr, and Pb) concentrations. However, the maximum concentrations of 0.042 mg kg-1 Cd, 0.034 mg kg-1 Cr and 0.030 mg kg-1 Pb are well lower than maximum daily intake limit established by the Brazilian legislation, indicating that the consumption of collards from organic production systems with the manure application can be considered safe and without risk to human health.

Foi realizado um estudo para avaliar o efeito da aplicação de esterco e fertilizante mineral na produção e na qualidade nutricional de couve (Brassica oleracea var. acephala, cv. couve-manteiga). As plantas de couve foram cultivadas em vasos de 4 L preenchidos com um solo argiloso em condições de casa-de-vegetação. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado e os tratamentos em um arranjo fatorial 3 × 4: três fontes de N (dejetos de suínos, esterco de aves e ureia) e quatro doses de N (0, 100, 200 e 300 mg kg-1), com quatro repetições. As folhas de couve foram colhidas 70 dias após o plantio das mudas. A aplicação de esterco (dejetos de suínos ou esterco de aves) resultou em rendimento de couve equivalente à aplicação de fertilizante mineral, indicando que o requerimento de nutrientes das plantas foram totalmente atendidos pela aplicação de esterco animal. No entanto, a aplicação de dejetos de suínos resultou no aumento das concentrações de Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, Cr e Pb nas folhas. A aplicação de N até a dose de 300 mg kg-1 indicou maior rendimento e melhor qualidade nutricional das folhas de couve. A aplicação de taxas elevadas de esterco, especialmente de dejeto suíno, implica no aumento da concentração de metais pesados nas folhas de couve. No entanto, as concentrações máximas obtidas de 0,042 mg kg-1 de Cd, 0,034 mg kg-1 de Cr e 0,030 mg kg-1 de Pb são muito inferiores ao limite máximo de consumo diário estabelecido pela legislação brasileira, indicando que o consumo de couve-de-folha oriunda dos sistemas de produção orgânicos com a aplicação de esterco animal pode ser considerado seguro e sem risco para a saúde humana.

Resistance of Collard Green Genotypes to Bemisia tabaci Biotype B: Characterization of Antixenosis.

Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) biotype B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is an important pest of vegetable crops, including collard greens Brassica oleracea var. acephala (Brassicaceae). The use of resistant genotypes is an interesting option to reduce insect populations and can be used as an important tool for integrated pest management (IPM). This study evaluated 32 genotypes of collard greens against the attack of silver leaf whitefly, with the aim to characterize antixenosis. Initially, a multiple-choice trial was conducted using all genotypes, in which the adult attractiveness was assessed on two leaves per genotype at 24 and 48 h after infestation. After 48 h, one leaf of each genotype was randomly selected for the determination of the number of eggs per square centimeter. From the results of the multiple-choice trial, 13 genotypes were selected for a no-choice oviposition test, following the same method of the previous test. Colorimetric analyses were also performed to establish possible correlations between leaf color and insect colonization. Genotypes HS-20, OE, and VA were less attractive, demonstrating antixenosis. Genotypes LG, VE, J, MG, MOP, HS-20, VA, and MT had less oviposition in the multiple-choice test, which indicated expression of antixenosis. In the no-choice test, genotypes VE, P1C, CCB, RI-919, H, and J had less oviposition, which also characterized antixenosis. Therefore, genotypes VE and J showed the highest resistance stability because both had less oviposition in both test modalities. Thus, the resistance to B. tabaci biotype B indicates the genotypes HS-20, OE, VA, VE, and J are promising for use in breeding programs to develop resistance to whitefly.

Agronomic viability of New Zealand spinach and kale intercropping

ABSTRACT The intercropping is a production system that aims to provide increased yield with less environmental impact, due to greater efficiency in the use of natural resources and inputs involved in the production process. An experiment was carried out to evaluate the agronomic viability of kale and New Zealand spinach intercropping as a function of the spinach transplanting time. (0, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, 84 and 98 days after transplanting of the kale). The total yield (TY) and yield per harvest (YH) of the kale in intercropping did not differ from those obtained in monoculture. The spinach TY was influenced by the transplanting time, the earlier the transplanting, the higher the TY. The spinach YH was not influenced by the transplanting time, but rather by the cultivation system. In intercropping, the spinach YH was 13.5% lower than in monoculture. The intercropping was agronomically feasible, since the land use efficiency index, which was not influenced by the transplanting time, had an average value of 1.71, indicating that the intercropping produced 71% more kale and spinach than the same area in monoculture. Competitiveness coefficient, aggressiveness and yield loss values showed that kale is the dominating species and spinach is the dominated.

Longitudinal data assessment of global stability index in kale leaves

Kale plants are usually sold in natura in street markets and malls. Kale leaves can have their appearance compromised by dehydration and discoloration due to increased post-harvest time exposure. We aimed to analyze the Global Stability Index (GSI) in kale accessions by means of repeated measurement analysis and curve grouping as a complementary form of superior sample identification with regard to post-harvest preservation. Thirty kale accessions were evaluated using a randomized block design with four blocks and five plants per plot. Two commercial leaves per plant were collected, and kept on workbenches in the shade at a temperature of 18 ± 1 °C. Subsequently, the degrees of discoloration and dehydration, total chlorophyll content, and accumulated fresh mass loss were evaluated over a 15-day period. From these data, the GSI was calculated for each day of evaluation. In addition, using mixed models, thirteen co-variance structures were tested. For graphical analysis, thirteen linear and non-linear models were assessed followed by curve grouping using multivariate analysis. The GSI was efficient for differentiating accessions, which became an important tool in post-harvest studies. GSI values were not equally correlated, therefore the use of mixed models became an important approach. The unstructured matrix was the best fit to model the dependence of error. The Melow I model was the best fit for studying the GSI. The accessions UFVJM-10, UFLA-1, COM-1, UFVJM-32, COM-3, UFVJM-8, UFVJM-36 and UFVJM-24, belonging to 3 and 5 clusters, are recommended for crop cultivation and as parental material in breeding programs.

Longitudinal data assessment of global stability index in kale leaves

Kale plants are usually sold in natura in street markets and malls. Kale leaves can have their appearance compromised by dehydration and discoloration due to increased post-harvest time exposure. We aimed to analyze the Global Stability Index (GSI) in kale accessions by means of repeated measurement analysis and curve grouping as a complementary form of superior sample identification with regard to post-harvest preservation. Thirty kale accessions were evaluated using a randomized block design with four blocks and five plants per plot. Two commercial leaves per plant were collected, and kept on workbenches in the shade at a temperature of 18 ± 1 °C. Subsequently, the degrees of discoloration and dehydration, total chlorophyll content, and accumulated fresh mass loss were evaluated over a 15-day period. From these data, the GSI was calculated for each day of evaluation. In addition, using mixed models, thirteen co-variance structures were tested. For graphical analysis, thirteen linear and non-linear models were assessed followed by curve grouping using multivariate analysis. The GSI was efficient for differentiating accessions, which became an important tool in post-harvest studies. GSI values were not equally correlated, therefore the use of mixed models became an important approach. The unstructured matrix was the best fit to model the dependence of error. The Melow I model was the best fit for studying the GSI. The accessions UFVJM-10, UFLA-1, COM-1, UFVJM-32, COM-3, UFVJM-8, UFVJM-36 and UFVJM-24, belonging to 3 and 5 clusters, are recommended for crop cultivation and as parental material in breeding programs.(AU)

Vegetable crops deformation assays for package height definition: a new approach / Ensaios de deformação mecânica de hortaliças para a definição da altura de embalagens: um novo enfoque

In the present work one determined the threshold pile height below which cracking and other deformations do not occur in products with low apparent density such as lettuce, collard greens and bell pepper. Initially the threshold pile height was sought applying decreasing compression stresses equivalent to pile loads of 160, 120 and 80 cm, with four replicates in four hour assays. The safe threshold pile height which protects the products against cracking rupture in these three commodities were of 80 cm. In a complementary study, plastic and elastic deformations induced by this safe pile threshold height were measured. The irreversible deformation, plastic deformation component, were lower in bell pepper (3.8 percent), medium in lettuce (4.23 percent) and had the higher values in collard greens (10.2 percent). The reversible deformations, the elastic component, was also the lower in bell pepper (4.14 percent), medium in lettuce (7.41 percent) and the higher in collard greens (8.17 percent). Considering these modest plastic deformations, the safe pile threshold heights were accepted and the safe package heights were defined as the pile threshold height multiplied by a factor of 0.5. This safety factor incorporates protection against accelerations of impact and vibration which occur during handling and transportation, as it was previously used for the development of packages for compact fruits and vegetables with higher apparent density. According to the method used the maximum package height should be of 40 cm, for the low density model products of this study.

Neste trabalho, determinou-se a altura limiar de pilha, altura abaixo da qual não ocorrem rachaduras e outras deformações que são prejudiciais em alface, couve e pimentão, três produtos de baixa densidade aparente. Primeiramente, determinou-se a altura da pilha abaixo da qual não ocorrem rachaduras. Para isso os tratamentos foram compressões decrescentes. Essas compressões decrescentes foram 160, 120 e 80 cm de pilha, aplicadas com 4 repetições, durante 4 horas. A altura limiar de pilha estática que protege contra rachaduras nesses três produtos foi 80 cm. Em seguida, estudaram-se as deformações elásticas e plásticas causadas por essa altura de pilha limiar e observou-se que a parte irreversível da deformação, componente plástico, foi menor em pimentão (3,8 por cento), média em alface (4,23 por cento) e maior em couve (10,2 por cento). As deformações reversíveis ou elásticas também foram menores em pimentão (4,14 por cento), médias em alface (7,41 por cento) e maiores em couve (8,17 por cento). Tendo-se em vista as modestas deformações plásticas aceitou-se a altura limiar das pilhas e definiu-se a altura das embalagens como a altura limiar dividida por dois, para incorporar proteção contra acelerações de impacto e vibração durante o manuseio e o transporte, da mesma maneira anteriormente para frutas e hortaliças compactas e de maior densidade aparente. Desse modo para essas três hortaliças modelo, de baixa densidade aparente, igualmente a altura máxima definida para as embalagens foi de 40 cm.

Use of cabbage leaves (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) in the stabilization of bone mass after menopause / Uso do suco das folhas da couve (Brassica oleracea var acephala), na estabilização da massa óssea pós-menopausa

This work evaluates the use of cabbage leaves, Brassica oleracea var acephala (Cruciferae family) to stabilize bone mass in 13 menopausal women. The mature leaves were used after removal of the midrib and petiole and taken as a juice and given to the patient once a day for 24 months. Densitometric exams were performed every six months. The measurement points were the Trocanter and Ward's triangle. According to the results found, the use of cabbage leaf juice results in bone mass stabilization at the points studied, with perspectives for its use as an important option in disease prevention.

Neste trabalho foi avaliado a utilização da folha da couve Brassica oleracea variedade acephala, pertencente à família Cruciferae, para estabilizar a massa óssea em 13 mulheres após a menopausa. As folhas da couve foram usadas após retirar a nervura principal e o peciolo, na forma de suco de uma folha ao dia, durante 24 meses. Foi realizado a cada seis meses o exame de densitometria óssea para avaliar os resultados. Os locais de medição foram o trocanter e o triângulo de Ward. De acordo com os resultados encontrados, podemos concluir que o uso da folha da couve foi capaz de estabilizar a massa óssea nos sítios estudados, com perspectivas do seu uso também como opção importante para prevenção da doença.