Irgafos 168 and Irganox 1076 as new cocaine cutting agents: A COVID-19 pandemic impact on cocaine profiling and trafficking in Brazil.

BACKGROUNDS: Restrictions in movement and closure of borders imposed by the Sars-Cov- 2 worldwide pandemic have affected the global illicit drug market, including cocaine trafficking. In this scenario, comparing cutting agents added to the cocaine and the drug purity are valuable strategies to understand how the drug trade has been impacted by the pandemic. METHODS: In this work, 204 cocaine salt materials seized in the Brazilian Federal District, before (2019) and during COVID-19 pandemics (2020) were analyzed by two analytical techniques: gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Statistical analyses, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA), were applied to evaluate the COVID-19 pandemic impact in the local market. Bibliometric analysis was performed as a forensic intelligence tool. RESULTS: From 2019-2020, cocaine average purity decreased 26 % while the frequency of cutting agents, as caffeine and anesthetics (lidocaine, tetracaine) increased. The high percentage of unknown were increased. Different cocaine profiling seized in 2020 showed new cutting agents, such as Irganox 1076, and Irgafos 168, indicating a trend on new adulterants/diluents introduced in the local market to mitigate the local drug shortage. Also in 2020, there was an increase in the local cocaine seizures, despite of the cocaine drug purity decreased by 26 % compared to 2019. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these data showed that the covid-19 pandemics has impacted cocaine trafficking in the Brazilian Federal District, an increase in cocaine seizures, which may indicate greater demand for the drug and, specially, changes in the cocaine purity and cutting agents profiling showing how traffickers tried to minimize difficulties in crossing the Brazilian border during COVID-19 restrictions. The information is relevant since Brazil is one of the major departure points for traded cocaine to the world. Bibliometric analysis showed that Irgafos 168 and Irganox 1076 were consistently identified as cocaine cutting agents for the first time.

Potassium Phosphite Activates Components Associated with Constitutive Defense Responses in Coffea arabica Cultivars.

Phosphites have been used as inducers of resistance, activating the defense of plants and increasing its ability to respond to the invasion of the pathogen. However, the mode of action of phosphites in defense responses has not yet been fully elucidated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of potassium phosphite (KPhi) in coffee cultivars with different levels of resistance to rust to clarify the mechanism by which KPhi activates the constitutive defense of plants. To this end, we studied the expression of genes and the activity of enzymes involved in the defense pathway of salicylic acid (SA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), in addition to the levels of total soluble phenolic compounds and soluble lignin. Treatment with KPhi induced constitutive defense responses in cultivars resistant and susceptible to rust. The results suggest that KPhi acts in two parallel defense pathways, SA and ROS, which are essential for the induction of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) when activated simultaneously. The activation of the mechanisms associated with defense routes demonstrates that KPhi is a potential inducer of resistance in coffee plants.

Oxidative α-Functionalization of 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroisoquinolines Catalyzed by a Magnetically Recoverable Copper Nanocatalyst. Application in the Aza-Henry Reaction and the Synthesis of 3,4-Dihydroisoquinolones.

The oxidative α-functionalization of 2-aryl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines (THIQs) promoted by a versatile heterogeneous nanocatalyst consisting of copper nanoparticles immobilized on silica-coated maghemite (CuNPs/MagSilica) has been accomplished. The methodology was successfully applied in the cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) reaction of N-aryl THIQs and other tertiary amines with nitromethane as a pro-nucleophile (aza-Henry reaction) and the α-oxidation of THIQs with O2 as a green oxidant. Phosphite, alkyne, or indole derivatives were also shown to be suitable candidates for their use as pro-nucleophiles in the CDC reaction with THIQs. The catalyst, with very low copper loading (0.4-1.0 mol % Cu), could be easily recovered by means of an external magnet and reused in four cycles without significant loss of activity.

Histochemical changes induced by Trichoderma spp. and potassium phosphite in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in response to the attack by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum / Alterações histoquímicas induzidas por Trichoderma spp. e fosfito de potássio no feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgaris) em resposta ao ataque de Colletotrichum lindemuthianum

Induction of resistance in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) has been considered a promising alternative to control anthracnose. Among the changes generated in the induction of resistance, structural changes have been reported by several authors as an efficient form of resistance to the stress plants undergo. Histochemical analysis techniques have been used to investigate tissue changes triggered by induction of resistance. Thus, this study aims to investigate certain histochemical changes suffered by common bean plants induced with potassium phosphite and Trichoderma spp. in response to the attack by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, aiming to determine the host response pattern in terms of structural changes, associating it to possible disease control. Treatments consisted of isolates T. harzianum (isolate TOD1) and T. virens (isolate TM4), leaf fertilizer potassium phosphite Fertilis®, and distilled water (control). Inducers were applied to common bean alone or associated, consisting of five treatments plus the control treatment. The six treatments were evaluated for the absence and presence of C. lindemuthianum in a factorial scheme (6×2). Treatments allowed evaluating the severity of anthracnose in common bean, location of H2O2, lignin deposition, and hypersensitivity response in common bean hypocotyl by histochemical staining. Potassium phosphite and combinations of T. virens and T. harzianum with potassium phosphite efficiently reduced disease severity under greenhouse conditions, reaching 68, 84, and 71%, respectively. Studies with hypocotyl showed that T. harzianum + potassium phosphite and T. virens + potassium phosphite accelerated the H2O2 accumulation process and lignin deposition at the pathogen penetration site, in addition to the hypersensitivity reaction through the resistance-inducing activity, contributing to the protection of common bean against anthracnose caused by C. lindemuthianum.

No cultivo do feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgaris) a indução de resistência tem sido considerada uma alternativa promissora para o controle da antracnose. Dentre as alterações geradas na indução de resistência, as mudanças estruturais têm sido relatadas por diversos autores como uma forma eficiente de resistência ao estresse sofrido pela planta. Técnicas de análises histoquímicas têm sido utilizadas com o objetivo de investigar as alterações teciduais desencadeadas pela indução de resistência. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho tem por objetivo investigar determinadas alterações histoquímicas sofridas pelas plantas de feijoeiro induzidas com fosfito de potássio e Trichoderma spp. frente ao ataque de Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, visando determinar o padrão de resposta do hospedeiro em termos de modificações estruturais, associando esse padrão de resposta ao possível controle da doença. Os tratamentos consistiram de dois isolados: T. harzianum (isolado TOD1) e T. virens (isolado TM4), do fertilizante foliar Fosfito de Potássio Fertilis® e do tratamento com água destilada (controle). Os indutores foram aplicados no feijoeiro isoladamente ou combinados, constituindo cinco tratamentos mais o tratamento controle. Os seis tratamentos foram avaliados na ausência e presença de C. lindemuthianum em esquema fatorial (6x2). Mediante os tratamentos realizados, avaliou-se a severidade da antracnose no feijoeiro; localização de H2O2; deposição de lignina e resposta de hipersensibilidade em hipocótilo de feijoeiro por colorações histoquímicas. Em condições de casa de vegetação verificou-se que o fosfito de potássio e as combinações de Trichoderma virens e Trichoderma harzianum com fosfito de potássio reduziram de forma eficiente a severidade da doença, alcançando 68%, 84% e 71% respectivamente. Nos estudos com o hipocótilo, verificou-se que Trichoderma harzianum + fosfito de potássio...

Histochemical changes induced by Trichoderma spp. and potassium phosphite in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in response to the attack by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum / Alterações histoquímicas induzidas por Trichoderma spp. e fosfito de potássio no feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgaris) em resposta ao ataque de Colletotrichum lindemuthianum

Induction of resistance in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) has been considered a promising alternative to control anthracnose. Among the changes generated in the induction of resistance, structural changes have been reported by several authors as an efficient form of resistance to the stress plants undergo. Histochemical analysis techniques have been used to investigate tissue changes triggered by induction of resistance. Thus, this study aims to investigate certain histochemical changes suffered by common bean plants induced with potassium phosphite and Trichoderma spp. in response to the attack by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, aiming to determine the host response pattern in terms of structural changes, associating it to possible disease control. Treatments consisted of isolates T. harzianum (isolate TOD1) and T. virens (isolate TM4), leaf fertilizer potassium phosphite Fertilis®, and distilled water (control). Inducers were applied to common bean alone or associated, consisting of five treatments plus the control treatment. The six treatments were evaluated for the absence and presence of C. lindemuthianum in a factorial scheme (6×2). Treatments allowed evaluating the severity of anthracnose in common bean, location of H2O2, lignin deposition, and hypersensitivity response in common bean hypocotyl by histochemical staining. Potassium phosphite and combinations of T. virens and T. harzianum with potassium phosphite efficiently reduced disease severity under greenhouse conditions, reaching 68, 84, and 71%, respectively. Studies with hypocotyl showed that T. harzianum + potassium phosphite and T. virens + potassium phosphite accelerated the H2O2 accumulation process and lignin deposition at the pathogen penetration site, in addition to the hypersensitivity reaction through the resistance-inducing activity, contributing to the protection of common bean against anthracnose caused by C. lindemuthianum.(AU)

No cultivo do feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgaris) a indução de resistência tem sido considerada uma alternativa promissora para o controle da antracnose. Dentre as alterações geradas na indução de resistência, as mudanças estruturais têm sido relatadas por diversos autores como uma forma eficiente de resistência ao estresse sofrido pela planta. Técnicas de análises histoquímicas têm sido utilizadas com o objetivo de investigar as alterações teciduais desencadeadas pela indução de resistência. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho tem por objetivo investigar determinadas alterações histoquímicas sofridas pelas plantas de feijoeiro induzidas com fosfito de potássio e Trichoderma spp. frente ao ataque de Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, visando determinar o padrão de resposta do hospedeiro em termos de modificações estruturais, associando esse padrão de resposta ao possível controle da doença. Os tratamentos consistiram de dois isolados: T. harzianum (isolado TOD1) e T. virens (isolado TM4), do fertilizante foliar Fosfito de Potássio Fertilis® e do tratamento com água destilada (controle). Os indutores foram aplicados no feijoeiro isoladamente ou combinados, constituindo cinco tratamentos mais o tratamento controle. Os seis tratamentos foram avaliados na ausência e presença de C. lindemuthianum em esquema fatorial (6x2). Mediante os tratamentos realizados, avaliou-se a severidade da antracnose no feijoeiro; localização de H2O2; deposição de lignina e resposta de hipersensibilidade em hipocótilo de feijoeiro por colorações histoquímicas. Em condições de casa de vegetação verificou-se que o fosfito de potássio e as combinações de Trichoderma virens e Trichoderma harzianum com fosfito de potássio reduziram de forma eficiente a severidade da doença, alcançando 68%, 84% e 71% respectivamente. Nos estudos com o hipocótilo, verificou-se que Trichoderma harzianum + fosfito de potássio...(AU)

Biochemical and physiological impacts of zinc sulphate, potassium phosphite and hydrogen sulphide in mitigating stress conditions in soybean.

Soybean is the most widely grown oilseed in the world. It is an important source of protein and oil which are derived from its seeds. Drought stress is a major constraint to soybean yields. Finding alternative methods to mitigate the water stress for soybean is useful to maintain adequate crop yields. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morpho-physiological, biochemical and metabolic changes in soybean plants in two ontogenetic stages, under exposure to water deficit and treatment with zinc sulphate (ZS), potassium phosphite (PP) or hydrogen sulphide (HS). We carried out two independent experiments in the V4 and R1 development stages consisting of the following treatments: well-watered control (WW, 100% maximum water holding capacity, MWHC), water deficit (WD, 50% MWHC), PP + WW, PP + WD, HS + WW, HS + WD, ZS + WW and ZS + WD. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with eight treatments with five replicates. Morphological, physiological and metabolic analyses were performed 8 days after the start of the treatments for both experiments. We identified two tolerance mechanisms acting in response to compound application during water stress: the first involved the upregulation of antioxidant enzyme activity and the second involved the accumulation of soluble sugars, free amino acids and proline to facilitate osmotic adjustment. Both mechanisms are related to the maintenance of the photosynthetic parameters and cell membrane integrity. This report suggests the potential agricultural use of these compounds to mitigate drought effects in soybean plants.

Use of phosphites in postharvest to control anthracnose of yellow passionfruit / Uso de fosfitos em pós-colheita para o controle da antracnose do maracujá-amarelo

Brazil is the largest producer of yellow passionfruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) and one of its production problems is the anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.). The use of fungicides on control of postharvest diseases is a method that protects the fruits during storage. However, precautions must be taken due to fungicide toxicity. The restriction to the use of fungicides in post-harvest led a demand for alternative methods of disease control, and, the phosphite application is one of these methods. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the effects of fruit immersion in phosphite on postharvest control of anthracnose. Two tests were developed in vitro to assess the effect on the fungus: phosphite Mg2 (40%P2O5+6%Mg), Zn (40%P2O5+10%Zn), Ca1 (30%P2O5+7%Ca) and K1 (40%P2O5+20%K2O). For the in vivo tests, passionfruit (Gigante Amarelo), were wounded and inoculated (50L; 106conidia mL-1). Two tests were done with: Cu (25%P2O5+5%Cu), 2.5mL L-1; Zn, 2.5mL L-1; K1, 2.5mL L-1; Mg1 (30%P2O5+4%Mg), 3mL L-1; Ca1, 3mL L-1; Ca2 (10%P2O5+6%Ca), 4mL L-1; K2 (40%P2O5+20%K2O), 1.5mL L-1; Mg2 (40%P2O5+6%Mg), 1.5mL L-1; K3 (20%P2O5+20%K2O) 1.75 mL L-1; K4 (30%P2O5+20%K2O), 1.75mL L-1. Other two tests with phosphites Mg2, Ca1, Zn and K1 were with CaCl2 (2%) was developed. In addition, phosphites were tested at 25, 50, 100 and 200% of the dose: K2 (100%; 1.5mL L-1) and Ca1 (100%; 3 mL L-1). The phosphites Mg2, Ca1, K1 and Zn in vitro have reduced mycelial growth and fungus conidia production. The phosphites K1, K2, Ca1 and Zn were the ones that most reduced the size of the anthracnose lesion. There were no differences among treatments, concerning the physico-chemical fruit properties analyzed (% fresh mass loss, total soluble solids, pH and titratable acidity).

O Brasil é o maior produtor mundial de maracujá-amarelo (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) e um dos problemas para sua produção é a antracnose (Colletotrichum spp.). O uso de fungicidas no controle de doenças pós-colheita é um método que protege os frutos durante o armazenamento, mas, precauções adicionais devem ser tomadas quanto à sua toxidade, presença de resíduos e a provável seleção de fungos resistentes. A restrição ao uso de fungicidas na pós-colheita cresceu e levou à procura de alternativas de controle, e, entre tais está à aplicação de fosfitos. Diante disso, este trabalho objetivou avaliar os efeitos da imersão de frutos em soluções de fosfitos no controle da antracnose em pós-colheita. Dois testes in vitro foram feitospara avaliar o efeito de fosfitono fungo: Mg2 (40%P2O5+6%Mg), Zn (40%P2O5+10%Zn), Ca1 (30%P2O5+7%Ca) e K1 (40%P2O5+20%K2O). In vivo, frutos de maracujá (Gigante Amarelo), foram feridos e inoculados (50l; 106conídios mL-1). Dois testes foram feitos com: Cu (25%P2O5+5%Cu), 2,5mL L-1; Zn, 2,5mL L-1; K1, 2,5mL L-1; Mg1 (30%P2O5+4%Mg), 3mL L-1; Ca1, 3mL L-1; Ca2 (10%P2O5+6%Ca), 4mL L-1; K2 (40%P2O5+20%K2O), 1,5mL L-1; Mg2 (40%P2O5+6%Mg), 1,5mL L-1; K3 (20%P2O5+20%K2O), 1,75mL L-1; K4 (30%P2O5+20%K2O), 1,75mL L-1. Outros dois testes com fosfitos foram com CaCl2 (2%) e Mg2, Ca1, Zn e K1. Ainda, dois fosfitos foram testados a 25, 50, 100 e 200% da dose: K2 (100%; 1,5mL L-1) e Ca1 (100%; 3mL L-1). Os fosfitos Mg2, Ca1, K1 e Zn in vitro reduziram o crescimento micelial e a produção de conídios do fungo. Os fosfitos K1, K2, Ca1 e Zn foram que mais reduziram o diâmetro da lesão causada pelo patógeno. Ca1 e K1 com CaCl2 reduziram o tamanho das lesões. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos, quanto as características físico-químicas analisadas (% perda de massa fresca, teor de sólidos solúveis totais, pH e acidez titulável) dos frutos.

Polyacrylamide-alginate (PAAm-Alg) and phospho-L-tyrosine-linked PAAm-Alg monolithic cryogels: Purification of IgG from human serum.

In recent decades cryogels as monolithic materials have gained interest as stationary phase in chromatography for purification of biomolecules. In this study, polyacrylamide-alginate (PAAm-Alg) monolithic cryogels were prepared by cryo-copolymerization of acrylamide and alginate monomers and methylene-bisacrylamide as crosslinker to be used as a matrix in affinity chromatography for purification of proteins. Ortho-phospho-L-tyrosine (P-Tyr) was covalently attached onto PAAm-Alg cryogels via bisoxirane-activation (PAAm-Alg-Bix-P-Tyr) and both derivatized and non-derivatized cryogels were utilized for the purification of immunoglobulin G (IgG) from human serum. Cryogels were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, swelling tests, elemental analysis, FTIR, and flow dynamics. The effects of buffer systems, conductivity, and pH on IgG adsorption were studied. Through breakthrough curve analysis a dynamic capacity of 9.2 mg IgG/mL with an IgG purity of 94% was obtained (based on ELISA analysis of IgG and albumin) for PAAm-Alg-Bix-P-Tyr cryogel when human serum was diluted in 10 mmol/L NaP buffer at pH 6.0. The adsorption isotherm data were well described by the Langmuir model with value of maximum adsorption capacity of 36.12 ±â€¯3.63 mg of IgG/g for PAAm-Alg-Bix-P-Tyr. The PAAm-Alg-Bix-P-Tyr cryogel provides an attractive alternative for adsorption of IgG from human serum.

Identification of potassium phosphite responsive miRNAs and their targets in potato.

Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are small single strand non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, either by translational inhibition or mRNA degradation based on the extent of complementarity between the miRNA and its target mRNAs. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the most important horticultural crop in Argentina. Achieving an integrated control of diseases is crucial for this crop, where frequent agrochemical applications, particularly fungicides, are carried out. A promising strategy is based on promoting induced resistance through the application of environmentally friendly compounds such as phosphites, inorganic salts of phosphorous acid. The use of phosphites in disease control management has proven to be effective. Although the mechanisms underlying their effect remain unclear, we postulated that miRNAs could be involved. Therefore we performed next generation sequencing (NGS) in potato leaves treated and non treated with potassium phosphite (KPhi). We identified 25 miRNAs that were expressed differentially, 14 already annotated in miRBase and 11 mapped to the potato genome as potential new miRNAs. A prediction of miRNA targets showed genes related to pathogen resistance, transcription factors, and oxidative stress. We also analyzed in silico stress and phytohormone responsive cis-acting elements on differentially expressed pre miRNAs. Despite the fact that some of the differentially expressed miRNAs have been already identified, this is to our knowledge the first report identifying miRNAs responsive to a biocompatible stress resistance inducer such as potassium phosphite, in plants. Further characterization of these miRNAs and their target genes might help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying KPhi-induced resistance.

Use of the ptxD gene as a portable selectable marker for chloroplast transformation in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

Synthetic biology and genetic engineering in algae offer an unprecedented opportunity to develop species with traits that can help solve the problems associated with food and energy supply in the 21st century. In the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, foreign genes can be expressed from the chloroplast genome for molecular farming and metabolic engineering to obtain commodities and high-value molecules. To introduce these genes, selectable markers, which rely mostly on the use of antibiotics, are needed. This has risen social concern associated with the potential risk of horizontal gene transfer across life kingdoms, which has led to a quest for antibiotic-free selectable markers. Phosphorus (P) is a scarce nutrient element that most organisms can only assimilate in its most oxidized form as phosphate (Pi); however, some organisms are able to oxidize phosphite (Phi) to Pi prior to incorporation into the central metabolism of P. As an alternative to the use of the two positive selectable makers already available for chloroplast transformation in C. reinhardtii, the aadA and the aphA-6 genes, that require the use of antibiotics, we investigated if a phosphite-based selection method could be used for the direct recovery of chloroplast transformed lines in this alga. Here we show that following bombardment with a vector carrying the ptxD gene from Pseudomonas stutzeri WM88, only cells that integrate and express the gene proliferate and form colonies using Phi as the sole P source. Our results demonstrate that a selectable marker based on the assimilation of Phi can be used for chloroplasts transformation in a biotechnologically relevant organism. The portable selectable marker we have developed is, in more than 18 years, the latest addition to the markers available for selection of chloroplast transformed cells in C. reinhardtii. The ptxD gene will contribute to the repertoire of tools available for synthetic biology and genetic engineering in the chloroplast of C. reinhardtii.

Reduction of papaya rot (Phytophthora palmivora) with phosphite and Acibenzolar-S-Methyl in preharvest and postharvest / Redução da podridão do mamão (Phytophthora palmivora) com fosfitos e Acibenzolar-S-Metil em pré e pós-colheita

The papaya fruit rot (Phytophthora palmivora) is responsible for significant losses. To reduce diseases, especially in areas with climate and humidity favorable to pathogens, are adopted chemical methods, which sometimes increase the cost of production and cause severe environmental impacts. Alternatively, there are products, such as, phosphites of potassium and acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM) that might be efficient on disease control and less aggressive to environment. Phosphites of K and ASM were evaluated in this study on the control effectiveness of papaya fruit rot at different dosages in preharvest and postharvest. The severity and percentage of disease control were evaluated for each treatment. For the pre-harvest treatments (applied six days before harvest), the phosphite of K [240 g L-1 K2O, 340 g L-1 P2O5 and 50 g L-1 (Reforce® + Salicylic Acid)] at 3 or 6 mL L-1significantly reduced disease severity, and, reduced fruit ripening. On postharvest application, ASM reduced disease severity.

A podridão dos frutos do mamoeiro (Phytophthora palmivora) é responsável por perdas significativas e para minimizar a doença, principalmente em locais com clima favorável ao patógeno, medidas de controle químico são adotadas. Porém, estas medidas podem elevar o custo da produção e causar severos impactos ambientais. Alternativamente, existem produtos como os fosfitos de potássio (K) e acibenzolar-S-metil (ASM) que podem ser eficientes no controle de doenças e menos agressivos ao ambiente. Fosfitos de K e ASM foram avaliados neste trabalho quanto à eficácia do controle da podridão de frutos de mamão 'Sunrise Solo' tipo exportação, cultivados no Sul da Bahia, em diferentes doses e formulações comerciais na pré e pós-colheita. Para cada tratamento foi avaliada a severidade da doença e o percentual de controle da doença, sendo também verificada a influência nas características fisioquímicas na fruta. Para os tratamentos pré-colheita, aplicados aos seis dias antes da colheita, o fosfito de K [240 g L-1 K2O, 340 g L-1 P2O5 e 50 g L-1 C7H6O3 (Reforce® + Ácido Salicílico)] a 3 ou 6 mL L-1 reduziu significativamente a doença, e influenciou diretamente no atraso da maturação da fruta. Na pós-colheita, ASM incitou redução na severidade da doença. Todos os tratamentos não alterarão as características fisioquímicas da fruta.

Biochemical responses of common bean to white mold potentiated by phosphites.

Considering that the mechanisms for phosphite-afforded disease control remain elusive, this study investigated whether zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) phosphites could possible potentiate common bean resistance to white mold, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, through the stimulation of biochemical defence responses. Lesion area and disease severity were decreased by phosphites spray, but Zn phosphite outcompeted Cu phosphite. Histopathological observations revealed fewer fungal hyphae and less collapse of the mesophyll cells in the Zn and Cu phosphite-sprayed plants compared to water-sprayed ones. The S. sclerotiorum-triggered accumulation of reactive oxygen species, oxalic acid (a fungal secreted toxin) and malondialdehyde (an indicator of cellular damage) were constrained as a result of Zn and Cu phosphites spray. Activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase at 12 h after inoculation (hai) and catalase at 60 and 84 hai) were higher for Zn and Cu phosphites-sprayed plants than for water-sprayed ones. Activities of defence-related enzymes chitinase (CHI) at 12 hai, ß-1,3-glucanase (GLU) and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) were higher at 12-84 hai for Zn, and Cu phosphites sprayed plants, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase at 36-84 hai for the Zn phosphite sprayed ones, CHI at 12-36 hai, GLU at 12-60 hai, PPO at 36 hai and PAL and lipoxygenase at 12 hai for the Cu phosphite sprayed ones upon inoculation with S. sclerotiorum relative to their water-sprayed counterparts. Concentrations of total soluble phenols and lignin-thioglycolic acid derivatives were not affected by Cu phosphite spray on infected plants but were higher and lower, respectively, for Zn phosphite sprayed plants at 60 hai compared to water-sprayed ones. Taken together, the findings from the present study shed light on the biochemical defence mechanisms involved in the Zn and Cu phosphites-mediated suppression of white mold in common bean.

Life on Phosphite: A Metagenomics Tale.

Phosphite, a species of phosphorus in a P3+ oxidation state, is believed to have played an important role in the primordial Earth. Figueroa et al. used metagenomics to uncover anaerobic bacterial communities from waste water waste sludge that sustain life from energy provided by phosphite.

Effect of potassium and manganese phosphites in the control of Pythium damping-off in soybean: a feasible alternative to fungicide seed treatments.

BACKGROUND: Use of fungicide seed treatments for control of soybean soilborne diseases such as Pythium damping-off has increased worldwide. However, emergence of Pythium strains resistant to metalaxyl-M has prompted the need for alternative technologies to fungicides for damping-off control. The use of phosphites (Phis) has been proposed as a method to control oomycetes, but their use as seed treatments in soybean is limited by the lack of information on their efficacy. The effect of potassium (K) and manganese (Mn) Phis (as seed treatments) in the control of Pythium damping-off in soybean was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, treated seeds and a control were placed on potato dextrose agar and the damping-off severity caused by Pythium aphanidermatum (Edson) Fitzpatrick, Pythium irregulare Buisman, and Pythium ultimum Trow was assessed 5 days after incubation using an ordinal scale. In vivo, treated seeds and a control were planted in polystyrene pots and emergence was evaluated 21 days after planting. RESULTS: Analysis of the in vitro data using a multinomial generalized linear model showed that the probabilities of non-germinated, dead seeds ranged from 0.64 to 1.00 in the control and from 0 to 0.13 in the Phi treatments in each of the Pythium species. Probabilities of seed germination without or with damping-off symptoms were significantly higher for seeds treated with the Phi products than for the control. In the in vivo experiment, the Phi-based products increased seedling emergence by up to 29% on average compared with the untreated control. CONCLUSION: Mn and K Phis are feasible alternatives as seed treatments to control Pythium damping-off in soybean. This study is the first, worldwide, to document the efficacy of K and Mn Phis in the control of soybean Pythium damping-off. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Indutores de resistência e estimuladores de crescimento vegetal no controle do nematoide das galhas em soja / Resistance inducers and plant growth stimulators on root-knot nematodes control in soybean

Os nematoides das galhas, Meloidogyne spp., ocasionam, anualmente, perdas significativas na produtividade de soja. O uso de métodos alternativos para controle se faz necessário, a fim de minimizar os prejuízos ocasionados. Assim, o trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da aplicação de indutores de resistência e de estimuladores de crescimento vegetal no controle de Meloidogyne javanica em soja, sob dois níveis de inóculo inicial. Para isso, semeou-se soja em vasos de 2 L, contendo solo previamente autoclavado e, quinze dias após a emergência, inoculou-se 1000 ou 5000 ovos e eventuais juvenis de segundo estádio (J2) de M. javanica por vaso, sendo a parte aérea tratada com acibenzolar-s-metil (ASM), EcolifeB®, Stimulate®, silicato de potássio e fosfito de potássio, via pulverização foliar. Plantas não tratadas, inoculadas e não inoculadas, foram usadas como testemunhas. Após 50 dias, parâmetros vegetativos e nematológicos foram avaliados. Utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com seis repetições. Observou-se que sob baixa população inicial (Pi= 1000 ovos+J2), os tratamentos ASM, EcolifeB® e Stimulate® reduziram o número total de ovos, mas não houve diferença entre os tratamentos quando se inoculou 5000 ovos+J2. Os parâmetros vegetativos da soja não foram afetados, independente dos indutores e estimuladores utilizados.

Annually, root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp., cause significant losses on soybean yield. Use of alternative methods is necessary to pathogen control. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the application of resistance inducers and growth promoters to Meloidogyne javanica control on soybean, in two initial inoculum levels. For this purpose, soybean seeds were sown in 2 L pots, containing autoclaved soil. Fifteen days after the emergency, each pot was inoculated with 1000 or 5000 eggs and eventual juveniles of second stage (J2) of M. javanica. The seedling shoots were sprayed with acibenzolar-s-metil(ASM), EcolifeB®, Stimulate®, potassium silicate and potassium phosphite. Untreated plants, inoculated and uninoculated, were used as controls. The experiment was conducted in completely randomized design, with six replications. After 50 days, vegetative and nematological parameters were evaluated. It was observed that under low initial population (1000 eggs+J2) the treatments with ASM, EcolifeB®, and Stimulate® reduced the total number of eggs. However, there was no difference among treatments when inoculated with 5000 eggs+J2. Soybean vegetative parameters were not affected regardless of treatment.

Indutores de resistência e estimuladores de crescimento vegetal no controle do nematoide das galhas em soja / Resistance inducers and plant growth stimulators on root-knot nematodes control in soybean

Os nematoides das galhas, Meloidogyne spp., ocasionam, anualmente, perdas significativas na produtividade de soja. O uso de métodos alternativos para controle se faz necessário, a fim de minimizar os prejuízos ocasionados. Assim, o trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da aplicação de indutores de resistência e de estimuladores de crescimento vegetal no controle de Meloidogyne javanica em soja, sob dois níveis de inóculo inicial. Para isso, semeou-se soja em vasos de 2 L, contendo solo previamente autoclavado e, quinze dias após a emergência, inoculou-se 1000 ou 5000 ovos e eventuais juvenis de segundo estádio (J2) de M. javanica por vaso, sendo a parte aérea tratada com acibenzolar-s-metil (ASM), EcolifeB®, Stimulate®, silicato de potássio e fosfito de potássio, via pulverização foliar. Plantas não tratadas, inoculadas e não inoculadas, foram usadas como testemunhas. Após 50 dias, parâmetros vegetativos e nematológicos foram avaliados. Utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com seis repetições. Observou-se que sob baixa população inicial (Pi= 1000 ovos+J2), os tratamentos ASM, EcolifeB® e Stimulate® reduziram o número total de ovos, mas não houve diferença entre os tratamentos quando se inoculou 5000 ovos+J2. Os parâmetros vegetativos da soja não foram afetados, independente dos indutores e estimuladores utilizados. (AU)

Annually, root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp., cause significant losses on soybean yield. Use of alternative methods is necessary to pathogen control. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the application of resistance inducers and growth promoters to Meloidogyne javanica control on soybean, in two initial inoculum levels. For this purpose, soybean seeds were sown in 2 L pots, containing autoclaved soil. Fifteen days after the emergency, each pot was inoculated with 1000 or 5000 eggs and eventual juveniles of second stage (J2) of M. javanica. The seedling shoots were sprayed with acibenzolar-s-metil(ASM), EcolifeB®, Stimulate®, potassium silicate and potassium phosphite. Untreated plants, inoculated and uninoculated, were used as controls. The experiment was conducted in completely randomized design, with six replications. After 50 days, vegetative and nematological parameters were evaluated. It was observed that under low initial population (1000 eggs+J2) the treatments with ASM, EcolifeB®, and Stimulate® reduced the total number of eggs. However, there was no difference among treatments when inoculated with 5000 eggs+J2. Soybean vegetative parameters were not affected regardless of treatment.(AU)

Sulphate radical generation through interaction of peroxymonosulphate with Co(II) for in-line sample preparation aiming at spectrophotometric flow-based determination of phosphate and phosphite in fertilizers.

An advanced oxidative process relying on the interaction of peroxymonosulphate and cobalt(II) was implemented for generating the sulphate radicals in flow analysis, in order to accomplish in-line sample preparation thus improving the spectrophotometric determination of phosphate and phosphite in liquid foliar fertilizers. To this end, a flow-batch system with a heated chamber was designed. The sample was handled twice, with and without the step of phosphite oxidation to phosphate, and the formed orthophosphate was quantified after interaction with the vanadate-molybdate reagent. Phosphite was determined as the difference in analytical signals corresponding to sample handling with and without the oxidation step. Influence of Co(II) on the peroxymonosulphate activation, reagent concentrations and added volumes, acidity, temperature and heating time were investigated like aiming at to improve analytical recovery and measurement repeatability, as well as the and system ruggedness. The 6.6-20.0mgL(-1) P2O5 standards were in-line prepared from a single stock solution. Detection limits were estimated as 0.8 and 0.1mgL(-1) for P2O5 and P-PO4. Twenty-four samples are were run per hour, and results are were in agreement with those obtained by the official procedure.

Potassium phosphite increases tolerance to UV-B in potato.

The use of biocompatible chemical compounds that enhance plant disease resistance through Induced Resistance (IR) is an innovative strategy to improve the yield and quality of crops. Phosphites (Phi), inorganic salts of phosphorous acid, are environment friendly, and have been described to induce disease control. Phi, similar to other plant inductors, are thought to be effective against different types of biotic and abiotic stress, and it is assumed that the underlying signaling pathways probably overlap and interact. The signaling pathways triggered by UV-B radiation, for instance, are known to crosstalk with other signaling routes that respond that biotic stress. In the present work, the effect of potassium phosphite (KPhi) pre-treatment on UV-B stress tolerance was evaluated in potato leaves. Plants were treated with KPhi and, after 3 days, exposed to 2 h/day of UV-B (1.5 Watt m(-2)) for 0, 3 and 6 days. KPhi pre-treatment had a beneficial effect on two photosynthetic parameters, specifically chlorophyll content and expression of the psbA gene. Oxidative stress caused by UV-B was also prevented by KPhi. A decrease in the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in leaves and an increase in guaiacol peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were also observed. In addition, the expression levels of a gene involved in flavonoid synthesis increased in UV-B-stressed plants only when pre-treated with KPhi. Finally, accumulation of glucanases and chitinases was induced by UV-B stress and markedly potentiated by KPhi pre-treatment. Altogether, this is the first report that shows a contribution of KPhi in UV-B stress tolerance in potato plants.

Phosphite cannot be used as a phosphorus source but is non-toxic for microalgae.

Phosphorous (P) plays a critical role for all living organisms as a structural component of RNA, DNA and phospholipids. Microalgae are autotrophs organisms that have been reported to only assimilate the fully oxidized phosphate (Pi) as P source. However, there are microorganisms capable of utilizing P reduced compounds (i.e. phosphite (Phi) and hypophosphite) as a sole P source, such as bacteria and cyanobacteria. In this study, we evaluated whether microalgae, such as Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Botryococcus braunii and Ettlia oleoabundans, are capable of using Phi as a sole P source. Our studies revealed that these three microalgae are unable to use Phi as a sole P source. We also found that when Phi is present at concentrations equal or higher than that of Pi, Phi has an inhibitory effect on C. reinhardtii growth. However, since C. reinhardtii was able to survive for a long period of cultivation in the presence of high concentrations of Phi and to recover cell division capacity after transfer to media containing Pi, we noticed that Phi is not toxic for this microalga. We propose that the inhibitory effect of Phi on C. reinhardtii growth might be caused, at least in part, by a competition between the transport of Pi and Phi.

Growth and accumulation of phosphorus by bean plants treated with foliar phosphate and phosphite / Crescimento e acúmulo de fósforo pelo feijoeiro tratado com fosfato e fosfito via foliar

Currently the use of phosphite as fungicide in agriculture or as a supplementary source of phosphorus (P) has been widespread, however little is known about its effects on phosphate nutrition of important crops such as bean plants. The present work aimed to evaluate the effect of foliar applied phosphite and phosphate on the growth and phosphated nutrition of the bean plant cultivated under low and adequate P supply conditions. The experiment was conducted in an entirely random layout, in factorial scheme 2 x 3 x 2, where two phosphate concentrations were combined in the nutrient solution (1.5 mg L-1 = low phosphorous and 20 mg L-1 = adequate phosphorous), three foliar application products: KH2PO3 (monobasic potassium phosphite), KH2PO4 (monobasic potassium phosphate) and KCl (potassium chloride) as control and two treatments referring to the number of applications (one application, at the appearance of the first trifoliolate leaf and two applications: one at the appearance of the first trifoliolate leaf and the other application at the pre-flowering), with four repetitions. Overall the dry matter, fosfatase activity, phosphorus content and phosphorus use efficiency was not were affected by the foliar application treatments. Under low readiness of that nutritient the application of foliar phosphite had a negative effect on these variables. It was concluded that foliar applied phosphite has a depressive effect on the growth of the bean plant under low supply of P. The foliar phosphite slightly affects the total concentration of P in the roots and shoots, especially under low P supply, and provides no changes in levels of soluble fractions of P in leaves under conditions of low or adequate supply this nutrient.

Atualmente o uso de fosfitos na agricultura como fungicida ou como fonte suplementar de fósforo (P) tem sido amplamente difundido; contudo, pouco se sabe sobre seus efeitos na nutrição fosfatada em culturas importantes como o feijoeiro. No presente trabalho objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do fosfito e do fosfato, aplicados via foliar, sobre o crescimento e a nutrição fosfatada do feijoeiro em condições de baixo e adequado suprimento de P. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2 x 3 x 2, combinando-se duas concentrações de fosfato em solução nutritiva (1,5 mg L-1 = baixo fósforo e 20 mg L-1 = fósforo adequado), três produtos de aplicação foliar: KH2PO3 (fosfito monobásico de potássio), KH2PO4 (fosfato monobásico de potássio) e KCl (cloreto de potássio) como testemunha e dois tratamentos referentes ao número de aplicações (aplicação única, no surgimento do primeiro trifólio e duas aplicações: uma no surgimento do primeiro trifólio e a outra aplicação no pré-florescimento), com quatro repetições. Em geral, a produção de matéria seca, a atividade da fosfatase ácida, os teores e a eficiência de utilização de fósforo não foram afetados pelos tratamentos de aplicação foliar sob suprimento adequado de P. Sob baixa disponibilidade desse nutriente, a aplicação de fosfito foliar teve efeito negativo sobre estas variáveis. Conclui-se a aplicação foliar de fosfito, comparado ao fosfato, tem efeito depressivo sobre o crescimento do feijoeiro sob baixo suprimento de P. O fosfito via foliar pouco afeta os teores totais de P, tanto nas raízes quanto na parte aérea, especialmente sob baixo suprimento de P, assim como não proporciona modificações nos teores das frações solúveis de P nas folhas, em condições de baixo ou adequado suprimento desse nutriente.