Evaluation of oxalic acid extraction and quantification methods in the different purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) matrices and spinach (Spinacea oleracea).

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) and spinach (Spinacea oleracea) are species with elevated levels of oxalic acid, an antinutrient that interferes in the bioaccessibility of minerals such as calcium and iron. Evaluating methods to determine oxalic acid content with reduced matrix interference, such as employing Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS), can enhance the specificity of determinations. The different matrices of purslane (whole plant, leaves, and juice) and spinach (whole plant) were tested using three extraction methods (M1, M2, and M3). The oxalic acid content was evaluated by UV-vis spectrophotometry and FAAS (Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry). The absence of the precipitation step in M1 resulted in high levels of oxalic acid in the investigated matrices. The quantification of oxalic acid by FAAS for M2 (6M HCl for 1 hour at 100°C) and M3 (0.25N HCl for 15 minutes at 100°C) in the samples of purslane leaves and spinach whole plants yielded statistically similar results. However, the analysis by UV-vis spectrophotometry for M2 and M3 showed significant discrepancies in all evaluated samples, suggesting interference from colored compounds in the food matrix.•Comparison of methods of extraction•Comparison of UV-vis spectrophotometer and FAAS in the quantification of oxalic acid•Analysis of antinutrients in plant matrices.

Preharvest Elicitors as a Tool to Enhance Bioactive Compounds and Quality of Both Peel and Pulp of Yellow Pitahaya (Selenicereus megalanthus Haw.) at Harvest and during Postharvest Storage.

Yellow pitahaya is a tropical fruit that has gained popularity in recent years. Natural elicitors are compounds that can stimulate the resistance and quality of fruits. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of natural elicitors, methyl salicylate (MeSa), methyl jasmonate (JaMe), salicylic acid (SA) and oxalic acid (OA) at concentrations of 0.1 mM (MeSa and JaMe) and 5 mM (SA and OA), applied to the yellow pitahaya fruits under greenhouse conditions. After full blossom, four applications were made with a frequency of 15 days. At the time of harvest and after storage, the following variables were evaluated: firmness (whole fruit), total soluble solids (TSS), total acidity (TA), phenolics and carotenoids (in the pulp), while phenolics, carotenoids, macronutrients and micronutrients were determined in the peel. The results showed MeSa advanced the fruit maturation, according to higher TSS, lower TA and firmness than MeJa-treated fruits, for which a delayed ripening process was shown. All treatments induced a higher polyphenolic concentration during storage. Regarding the alternative use of the peel as a by-product, the application of natural elicitors significantly increased the content of polyphenols, carotenoids, macronutrients and micronutrients in the peel, especially MeSa, which can be used as a bioactive compound in the food industry. In conclusion, the results indicate that natural elicitors can be an alternative to improve the quality and shelf life of yellow pitahaya fruits.

Nutritional and mineral composition of Opuntia stricta Haw: Balance of macrominerals, renal function and blood metabolites in sheep / Composição nutricional e mineral da Opuntia Sttricta Haw: balanço de macrominerais, função renal e metabólitos sanguíneos em ovinos

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of spineless cactus (Opuntia stricta Haw) in the diet of sheep on the balance of macrominerals, renal function, and blood metabolites. Five sheep cannulated in the rumen (61.5±9.5kg body weight) were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square composed of five diets and five experimental periods. The experimental period lasted 105 days, with five periods of 21 days each. Four diets containing levels of spineless cactus (121, 245, 371, and 500g/kg of dry matter (DM)), and a control diet were evaluated. Samples of the ingredients, orts, feces, urine, and blood were collected. Spineless cactus inclusion in sheep diets increased the DM intake, ash, oxalate, and all macrominerals intake (P < 0.05), but did not affect the urinary and fecal excretion of P, as well as the concentration of P in the blood (P > 0.05). It is possible to verify that the inclusion of spineless cactus, up to the level of 500g/kg of DM in the sheep diets, does not appear to cause damage to the animal's health. Its inclusion does not compromise kidney function or blood metabolites evaluated herein.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da inclusão de palma forrageira (Opuntia stricta Haw) na dieta de ovinos sobre o balanço dos macrominerais, a função renal e os metabólitos sanguíneos. Cinco ovinos canulados no rúmen (61,5±9,5kg de peso corporal) foram distribuídos em um quadrado de 5 × 5 latinos, composto de cinco dietas e cinco períodos experimentais. O período experimental teve duração de 105 dias, sendo cinco períodos de 21 dias cada. Foram avaliadas quatro dietas contendo níveis de palma forrageira (121, 245, 371 e 500g/kg de matéria seca (MS)), e uma dieta controle. Foram coletadas amostras dos ingredientes, sobras, fezes, urina e sangue. A inclusão de palma forrageira na dieta dos ovinos aumentou o consumo de MS, cinzas, oxalato e todos os macrominerais (P<0,05), mas não afetou a excreção urinária e a fecal de P, bem como a concentração de P no sangue (P>0,05). É possível verificar que a inclusão de palma forrageira, até o nível de 500g/kg de MS na dieta de ovinos, não parece causar danos à saúde do animal. Sua inclusão não compromete a função renal ou os metabólitos sanguíneos avaliados.

Ethanol organosolv pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse assisted by organic acids and supercritical carbon dioxide.

The scCO2-assisted organosolv pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse was carried out using aqueous ethanol and organic acid catalysts. Variables involved were temperature (150-190 °C), time (0-60 min), type of catalyst (acetic, citric, and oxalic acids), amount of CO2 (25-50 g), ethanol titer in water (0-80 vol%), and catalyst concentration (0.5 to 1.5 % w·v-1). The best delignification (86 wt%) and glucan retention (89 wt%) were achieved at 170 °C for 15 min using 60 vol% ethanol in water, 1 wt% oxalic acid, and 25 g CO2. Organic acid esterification was a limitation for pretreatment operations using ethanol titers above 60 vol%. Enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated materials at 1 % (w·v-1) glucans released 74.3 ± 0.2 % glucose in 96 h using Cellic CTec3 (Novozymes) at 9.89 FPU·gglucans-1. The concentrated pretreatment liquor allowed lignin recovery by water precipitation in high yields, while the aqueous supernatant contained low levels of fermentation inhibitors.

Effect of Oxalic Acid Concentration and Different Mechanical Pre-Treatments on the Production of Cellulose Micro/Nanofibers.

The present work analyzes the effect of process variables and the method of characterization of cellulose micro/nanofibers (CMNFs) obtained by different treatments. A chemical pre-treatment was performed using oxalic acid at 25 wt.% and 50 wt.%. Moreover, for mechanical pre-treatments, a rotary homogenizer or a PFI mill refiner were considered. For the mechanical fibrillation to obtain CMNFs, 5 and 15 passes through a pressurized homogenization were considered. The best results of nanofibrillation yield (76.5%), transmittance (72.1%) and surface charges (71.0 µeq/g CMNF) were obtained using the PFI mill refiner, 50 wt.% oxalic acid and 15 passes. Nevertheless, the highest aspect ratio (length/diameter) determined by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) was found using the PFI mill refiner and 25 wt.% oxalic acid treatment. The aspect ratio was related to the gel point and intrinsic viscosity of CMNF suspensions. The values estimated for gel point agree with those determined by TEM. Moreover, a strong relationship between the intrinsic viscosity [η] of the CMNF dispersions and the corresponding aspect ratio (p) was found (ρ[η] = 0.014 p2.3, R2 = 0.99). Finally, the tensile strength of films obtained from CMNF suspensions was more influenced by the nanofibrillation yield than their aspect ratio.

Root exudation of oxalic acid in Lotus corniculatus in response to aluminum toxicity

The objective of this research was to identify the existence of root exudation of organic acid in Lotus corniculatus germplasms subjected to toxic aluminum (Al) levels and investigate the effect of this mechanism on the Al content in the root tissue and in morphological parameters of plant development. Two experiments were performed in nutrient solution to evaluate the Al accumulation and exudation of organic acids, using cultivars INIA Draco and São Gabriel and genotypes UFRGS and UF-T2. The plants were cultivated in Al-free solution, which was applied on the 45th day in half of the pots of each genotype. Root exudation was highly correlated with the reduced accumulation of Al in the root tissue (r2 = 0.75 at 72 h). Genotype UF-T2, selected for Al tolerance, extruded 80% more oxalic acid in the presence of Al compared with the other germplasms, indicating that this mechanism is involved with Al tolerance in L. corniculatus. This experiment showed strong evidence that L. corniculatus exhibits Type I tolerance, in which anionic channels are rapidly activated by Al exposure. Exudation of oxalic acid is likely a crucial mechanism that allows the maintenance of L. corniculatus growth when exposed to toxic Al conditions, and this characteristic should be used to identify tolerant genotypes in the future.(AU)

Influence of desensitizers agents on the dentin bond strength after one-year water storage

Aim: Evaluate the effect of adhesives systems combined with desensitizer agents on the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of a composite resin to dentin. Methods: Cervical dentin of thirty-two human molars were used to simulate hypersensitivity areas. The teeth were divided into four groups (n=8), according to the type of adhesive system and desensitizer agents. No desensitizer was used in the control (Clearfil SE Bond ­ CS). Two experimental groups were pretreated with either MS Coat Bond (MS) or Biofluorid 12 (BF) immediately prior to bonding with CS. The last group corresponded to Gluma Comfort Bond + Desensitizer (GC) application. After dentin treatments, a composite block was built-up on dentin surface and after 24 hours teeth were serially sectioned to obtain bonded bean specimens. Beams were stored in water for 24 hours or one year. Subsequently, the specimens were submitted to the µTBS test. Data were analyzed by two-way mixed ANOVA and Bonferroni's test (α = 0.05). Results: At 24 hours, there was no significant difference in µTBS among groups. However, at one year, dentin treated with MS or BF demonstrated significantly lower µTBS of CS to dentin compared to control and GC, which kept their µTBS stable. Conclusion: The effect of MS and BF desensitizer agents on the µTBS of CS to dentin did not reduce the µTBS at 24 hours, but it decreases significantly after one year

Data for the synthesis of pyrogallol-formaldehyde aerogels using two acid catalysts oxalic acid y hydrochloric acid.

Aerogels are extremely porous materials with large pore volumes and low bulk densities. Their unique structure imparts extraordinary properties and wide applications. The synthesis of pyrogallol-formaldehyde xerogels has been reported using HClO4 as a catalyst, but according to the literature review the synthesis of aerogels of these materials has not been documented. In the present work, the data for the synthesis of aerogels pyrogallol-formaldehyde are presented using oxalic acid and hydrochloric acid as catalysts. Also includes the data of the characterization of these materials by Infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis Tg-DTG, Physisorption of N2, Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). It was determined that the use of these precursors of the synthesis of aerogels in acid medium, leads to the obtaining of microporous solids with a high value of the surface area, the material with the highest value of this parameter has been CAePF OA550 at have a BET area value of 1066 m2 g-1.

Degradation of seventeen contaminants of emerging concern in municipal wastewater effluents by sonochemical advanced oxidation processes.

The simultaneous degradation of seventeen emerging concern pollutants in effluent from the municipal wastewater treatment plant (MWTP) of Bogotá-Colombia was studied using high frequency ultrasound (375 kHz). The considered compounds in the effluent corresponded to pharmaceuticals (diclofenac, carbamazepine, venlafaxine, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, valsartan, losartan, irbesartan, sulfamethoxazole, clarithromycin, azithromycin, erythromycin, metronidazole, trimethoprim and clindamycin); cocaine and its major metabolite benzoylecgonine. Due to limitation of the MWTP for the pollutants elimination, ultrasound was applied to remove these compounds. Interestingly, ultrasonic physical action led to releasing of ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, diclofenac and sulfamethoxazole from suspended solids, whereas the chemical effects induced degradation of the rest of compounds. For the latter ones, an interesting correlation between the sonodegradation and arithmetic multiplication between hydrophobicity and concentration of pollutants was established. Afterwards, the sonochemical process was complemented with ferrous ions (sono-Fenton), ferrous ions plus light (sono-photo-Fenton) or ferrous ions plus light in presence of oxalic acid (sono-photo-Fenton/oxalic acid). Additionally, to clarify fundamental aspects of the different systems, individual treatments in distilled water of a model pollutant (valsartan) were performed. The complemented processes significantly enhanced all compounds degradation, following the order: sono-photo-Fenton/oxalic acid > sono-photo-Fenton ∼ sono-Fenton > sonochemistry. The Fe2+ addition improved the pollutants elimination by generation of more hydroxyl radicals in the solution bulk. Meanwhile, oxalic acid avoided Fe3+ precipitation favoring the iron catalytic cycle. Thus, the work demonstrates the high potentiality of the sono-photo-Fenton/oxalic acid system for the pollutants elimination in real-world wastewater matrices.

Anatomy, histochemistry and oxalic acid content of the leaflets of Averrhoa bilimbi and Averrhoa carambola

Abstract Averrhoa bilimbi L. and A. carambola L., Oxalidaceae, are the only two species of the genus Averrhoa L. Their leaves are widely used in folk medicine as an adjuvant in the treatment of diabetes. Some species may contain, for example, calcium oxalate crystals, which may lead to risk in its use when there is predisposition of individuals with reduced renal activity. Therefore, there are still few studies on the content of oxalic acid present in them, highlighting the importance of this investigation. The objective of this work was to conduct a comparative anatomical and histochemical study between the species and determining its content of oxalic acid. Semipermanent histological slides were prepared, following common plant anatomy procedures, for analysis of the leaflets in optical microscopy, polarization and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry. To determine the total, soluble and insoluble oxalate content was used titration with potassium permanganate. The anatomical characterization allowed identifying the characters useful in the differentiation of the species. The histochemistry revealed the location of the metabolites. Chemical microanalyses demonstrated that the crystals are of calcium oxalate. A. carambola presented the highest levels of total oxalate and soluble oxalate. The study assists in the identification and quality control of A. bilimbi and A. carambola and brings new data on its oxalic acid content, which are important, in view of the medicinal use of the species.

Determination of main fruits in adulterated nectars by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy combined with multivariate calibration and variable selection methods.

Grape, orange, peach and passion fruit nectars were formulated and adulterated by dilution with syrup, apple and cashew juices at 10 levels for each adulterant. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform mid infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectra were obtained. Partial least squares (PLS) multivariate calibration models allied to different variable selection methods, such as interval partial least squares (iPLS), ordered predictors selection (OPS) and genetic algorithm (GA), were used to quantify the main fruits. PLS improved by iPLS-OPS variable selection showed the highest predictive capacity to quantify the main fruit contents. The selected variables in the final models varied from 72 to 100; the root mean square errors of prediction were estimated from 0.5 to 2.6%; the correlation coefficients of prediction ranged from 0.948 to 0.990; and, the mean relative errors of prediction varied from 3.0 to 6.7%. All of the developed models were validated.

Overview of As(V) adsorption on Zr-functionalized activated carbon for aqueous streams remediation.

The present work introduces a simple methodology of carbon modification with zirconium, using an organic complexing ligand, as efficient media for selective As(V) removal. It is hypothesized that the incorporation of Zr-nanoparticles improves the attraction of anionic species such as arsenates (HAsO42-/H2AsO4-) making the material highly selective. The effects of pH (3-11) and temperature (15, 25 and 35 °C) were studied. Furthermore, potentiometric titrations, the effect of competing anions, thermodynamics, and adsorption kinetics were evaluated in order to clarify the rate-controlling process and the adsorption mechanism for arsenic removal. Results demonstrated that OH and COOH groups play an important role during the arsenic adsorption process; a small amount of Zr(IV) species (0.77%) increased the adsorption capacity of activated carbon in about a 43%. Thermodynamic analysis showed the spontaneous exothermic nature of the adsorption process was favored at lower temperatures. The presence of anions, such as chloride, sulfate, carbonate, nitrate and phosphate, did not affect the adsorption capacity, while kinetic studies demonstrated that the arsenic adsorption process in Zr-modified activated carbon is not exclusively controlled by intraparticle diffusion.

Comparison between titrimetric and spectrophotometric methods for quantification of vitamin C.

Vitamin C is usually quantified by titrimetric or chromatographic methods. However, these methods have limitations: food color interferes with the titrimetric method and the chromatographic method is costly. The aim of this study was to compare a spectrophotometric method, based on reduction of cupric ions in the presence of cuproine complex, with a titrimetric method, based on reduction of 2,6-dicholorophenolindophenol. Linearity, precision, accuracy, and limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were evaluated using a standard vitamin C solution. Both methods were also applied for AA quantification in industrialized orange and pineapple juices. The methods were precise and accurate when applied to the standard solution. The spectrophotometric method was more sensitive, with lower values for LOD (0.002mgmL-1) and LOQ (0.010mgmL-1), and more accurate with error less than 5% while results from the titrimetric method were affected by the juice color, which generated errors in excess of 15%.

Mechanistic insight into chromium(VI) reduction by oxalic acid in the presence of manganese(II).

Over the past few decades, reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) has been studied in many physicochemical contexts. In this research, we reveal the mechanism underlying the favorable effect of Mn(II) observed during Cr(VI) reduction by oxalic acid using liquid chromatography with spectrophotometric diode array detector (HPLC-DAD), nitrogen microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry (HPLC-MP-AES), and high resolution mass spectrometry (ESI-QTOFMS). Both reaction mixtures contained potassium dichromate (0.67 mM Cr(VI)) and oxalic acid (13.3mM), pH 3, one reaction mixture contained manganese sulfate (0.33 mM Mn(II)). In the absence of Mn(II) only trace amounts of reaction intermediates were generated, most likely in the following pathways: (1) Cr(VI)→ Cr(IV) and (2) Cr(VI)+Cr(IV)→ 2Cr(V). In the presence of Mn(II), the active reducing species appeared to be Mn(II) bis-oxalato complex (J); the proposed reaction mechanism involves a one-electron transfer from J to any chromium compound containing CrO bond, which is reduced to CrOH, and the generation of Mn(III) bis-oxalato complex (K). Conversion of K to J was observed, confirming the catalytic role of Mn(II). Since no additional acidification was required, the results obtained in this study may be helpful in designing a new, environmentally friendly strategy for the remediation of environments contaminated with Cr(VI).

Comparación de la conductancia hidráulica dentinaria, de acuerdo al tiempo de aplicación de desensibilizantes con base de oxalatos / Comparison of dentinal hydraulic conductance according to the application time of oxalate-based desensitizers

Introdución: se utilizó un modelo in vitro, para medir la conductancia hidráulica en discos de dentina humana, tratados con ácido oxálico por 15, 30 o 60 s y la mantención del efecto oclusivo, medido a los 7 y 14 días post aplicación. Métodos: 45 discos dentinarios de 1mm de grosor fueron obtenidos de terceros molares humanos libres de caries, en inoclusión, de pacientes entre 16 a 30 años de edad. Los discos fueron divididos en tres grupos de estudio (n = 15), dependiendo del tiempo de aplicación de una solución comercial de desensibilizante dentinario (DD) a base de oxalato (BisBlock®), que contiene ˂ 5% ácido oxálico pH 1,5-1,8: grupo A aplicación del agente por 15 s, grupo B aplicación por 30 s y grupo C por 60 s. La conductancia hidráulica de cada disco fue calculada posterior al grabado ácido, lo que corresponde a la máxima permeabilidad de dicho disco (100%), inmediatamente tras la aplicación del ácido oxálico y tras siete y 14 días de mantención en suero fisiológico.El análisis estadístico se hizo mediante test de ANOVA y post hoc de Games-Howell. Resultados: 35,46 ± 23,41% para el grupo A, 36,34 ± 15,88% para el grupo B y 24,99 ± 14,99% para el grupo C, por lo que la utilización de DD por 15, 30 ó 60 s generó una disminución en la permeabilidad que fue estadísticamente significativa (p ˂ 0,05). Conclusiones: el DD fue eficaz en reducir la conductancia hidráulica independiente del tiempo de aplicación, siendo esta reducción sólo temporal, ya que tras siete días la permeabilidad retorna a valores cercanos a los iniciales.

Introduction: an in vitro model was used to measure the hydraulic conductance in human dentin discs treated with oxalic acid for 15, 30 or 60 s maintaining the occlusive effect and measuring 7 and 14 days after application. Methods: 45 dentin discs measuring 1 mm thick were obtained from human third molars which were free of caries and in no occlusion; the samples were obtained from patients aged 16 to 30 years. Discs were sorted out into three study groups (n = 15) depending on the time of application of a commercial solution of oxalate-based dentin desensitizer (DD) (BisBlock®) which contains ˂ 5% oxalic acid of 1.5-1.8 pH: in group A the agent was applied for 15 s, in group B it was applied for 30 s, and in group C for 60 s. The hydraulic conductance of each disc was calculated after acid etching, which corresponds to the maximum permeability of discs (100%) after immediate application of oxalic acid, as well as seven and fourteen days of storage in saline solution. The statistical analysis was done with ANOVA test and post-hoc Games-Howell test. Results: 35,46 ± 23.41% in Group A, 36.34 ± 15.88% in Group B and 24.99 ± 14.99% in Group C, showing that the use of DD for 15, 30 or 60 s decreased permeability in a statistically significant manner (p <0.05). Conclusions: DD was effective in reducing hydraulic conductance regardless of application time, but this reduction was temporary only, since after seven days permeability returns to values close to those of baseline.

Supercritical water gasification of sewage sludge: gas production and phosphorus recovery.

In this study, the feasibility of the gasification of dewatered sewage sludge in supercritical water (SCW) for energy recovery combined with P-recovery from the solid residue generated in this process was investigated. SCWG temperature (400°C, 500°C, 600°C) and residence time (15min, 30min, 60min) were varied to investigate their effects on gas production and the P recovery by acid leaching. The results show that the dry gas composition for this uncatalyzed gasification of sewage sludge in SCW mainly comprised of CO2, CO, CH4, H2, and some C2-C3 compounds. Higher temperatures and longer residence times favored the production of H2 and CH4. After SCWG, more than 95% of the P could be recovered from the solid residue by leaching with acids. SCWG combined with acid leaching seems an effective method for both energy recovery and high P recovery from sewage sludge.

Effect of oxalic acid pre-treatment in restorations of non-carious cervical lesions: A randomized clinical trial.

CONTEXT: Non-carious cervical lesions are usually associated with dentin hypersensitivity. The use of oxalic acid in restorations of these lesions could be beneficial in relieving pain. AIMS: To evaluate the use of oxalic acid in restorations of non-carious cervical lesions. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A randomized clinical trial. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One operator placed 90 restorations in 20 volunteers of both sexes, with at least two lesions to be restored with the techniques: Control - Restoration with total-etch technique and Experimental - Restoration with pretreatment with oxalic acid followed by application of adhesive system. The restorative adhesive system used was XP Bond/Durafill. The restorations were directly assessed by two independent examiners using a modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) method at baseline, 6 and 12 months, taking into account the following criteria: Retention (R), marginal integrity (MI), marginal discoloration (MD), postoperative sensitivity (S), caries (C), and anatomic form (AF). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The data were statistically analyzed using the Fisher exact and McNemar tests. The level of significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: After 1 year, the results of restorations clinically satisfactory obtained for the control and experimental group respectively were: R (97% / 89%), MI (100% / 100%), MD (100% / 100%), S (100% / 100%), C (100% / 100%), and AF (100% / 100%). CONCLUSIONS: The use of oxalic acid as an agent of dentin pretreatment did not influence the clinical performance of restorations in non-carious cervical lesions after 1 year.

Genotoxic evaluation, secondary metabolites and antioxidant capacity of leaves and roots of Urera baccifera Gaudich (Urticaceae).

In addition to phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols, alkaloids and condensed tannins, our tests identified the antioxidant and genotoxic properties in the crude extract (CE) and fractions of Urera baccifera (Urticaceae) roots and leaves. Oxalic acid (OA) content was determined by HPLC-DAD, which presented high values in the roots (1.82 ± 0.21, 1.79 ± 0.22 and 1.38 ± 0.15 mg/g in butanolic, CE and ethyl acetate fraction, respectively). OA caused a 30.7% reduction in the leucocyte proliferation, followed by butanolic fractions of roots (24.15%) and leaves (23.28%). The mitotic index was lower in butanolic fractions of leaves (8.7%) and roots (8.3%), similar to the OA index, which was 6.0%. The DNA damage index in cultured leukocytes was observed for OA (19.33) and butanol fraction treatments (22.67 and 16, respectively, for leaves and roots). Antioxidant capacity (DPPH and TBARS) was moderated, which was confirmed by the low phenolic, flavonol and flavonoid contents in both parts of the plant.

Pre-anthesis CPPU low dosage application increases 'Hayward' kiwifruit weight without affecting the other qualitative and nutritional characteristics.

In 2008, in Central Italy, a low dosage of CPPU solution, 4 µL L(-1) (6 hL/ha), was sprayed on the canopy of vines of 'Hayward' kiwifruit, at the "break of sepals", about one week before anthesis, to study its effects on fruit weight/size and on qualitative and nutritional characteristics. At harvest, CPPU, with respect to control, significantly increased the fresh weight by about 12% (+12.6 g fruit(-1)) and consequently the yield per vine, without affecting fruit shape, firmness, dry matter (%), total soluble solids, glucose, fructose, sucrose, starch, citrate, malate, vitamin C and soluble and insoluble oxalic acid. After 3 months of storage, CPPU-treated kiwifruits and the control fruit showed no difference in dry matter content, fruit firmness and total soluble solids. The results indicate that a low dosage of CPPU applied in pre-anthesis can improve fruit weight/size without any negative effect on fruit qualitative and nutritional characteristics.

Reaction of common bean progenies to white mold derived from recurrent selection / Reação de progênies de feijão ao mofo branco derivadas de seleção recorrente

This study was realized with the objective of verifying the resistance to white mold of common bean progenies derived from recurrent selection for resistance to angular leaf spot. The plant material used was obtained from a program of recurrent selection, which was started by crossing seven lines with carioca grain type with ten sources of resistance to angular leaf spot according to the partial diallel scheme. To evaluate the resistance to white mold, it was verified the reaction of 17 parents plus 35 selected progenies, to oxalic acid. Huge heterogeneity among the parents was observed, showing that some of them have resistance alleles to white mold, and thus, there is a possibility of recombine these alleles through the recurrent selection and obtaining progenies with high levels of resistance. Even in initial cycles, some progenies exhibited resistance to white mold similar to the one of cultivar 'G-122', which presents good level of resistance to this disease. This leads to infer that the original population already had some level of physiological resistance for the reaction to absorption of oxalic acid, and also for resistance to angular leaf spot. Thus, among the selected progenies for resistance to angular leaf spot, grain type and high yield, at least four progenies have resistance to white mold similar to the source of resistance 'G-122'.

Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de verificar a resistência ao mofo branco de progênies de feijão, provenientes de seleção recorrente para resistência à mancha angular. O material vegetal utilizado foi obtido de um programa de seleção recorrente, iniciado com o intercruzamento entre sete linhagens com grãos tipo carioca e dez fontes de resistência à mancha angular no esquema dialelo parcial. Para avaliação da resistência ao mofo branco, foi verificada a reação desses 17 genitores mais as 35 progênies obtidas, ao ácido oxálico. Foi observada uma ampla variabilidade nos genitores, indicando que alguns possuem alelos de resistência ao mofo branco e, assim, há possibilidade de associação desses alelos no programa de seleção recorrente e obtenção de progênies com níveis superiores de resistência. As progênies que se apresentaram como mais resistentes foram MAV-1.7, MAV-3.36, MAVI-21 e MAVI-60. Mesmo em ciclos iniciais, algumas progênies apresentaram nota média de reação ao mofo branco semelhante à da cultivar 'G-122', que apresenta bom nível de resistência a essa doença. Isso leva a inferir que a população original utilizada já possuía algum nível de resistência fisiológica para a reação à absorção ao ácido oxálico e também para a resistência à mancha angular. Assim, entre as progênies selecionadas para a resistência à mancha angular, tipo de grão e produtividade, pelo menos quatro apresentam nível de resistência ao mofo branco semelhante à fonte de resistência 'G-122'.