Impact of progesterone and estradiol treatment before the onset of the breeding period on reproductive performance of Bos indicus beef heifers.

The present aimed to develop a hormonal therapy based on the insertion of a progesterone (P4) insert (PI) during 10 d plus an estradiol injection (E2) at PI removal before the onset of breeding of beef heifers. In Exp. 1, the plasma P4 profile of prepubertal heifers showed that the insertion of a PI or 24 d previously used P4 insert (UPI) sustained plasma P4 above 1 ng/mL for at least the first 7 d of the treatment. In Exp. 2 there was no positive effect of additional estradiol benzoate (EB) administered at the insertion of UPI on the proportion of heifers with a corpus luteum (CL/Treated) 30 d after UPI removal [UPI + EB = 85.3%(a) (n = 134); EB + UPI + EB = 80.8%(a) (n = 125)]; however, both were greater (P < 0.0001) than the Control group [60.3%(b) (n = 129)]. In Exp. 3, a positive effect (P=0.01) of UPI treatment and both E2 supplementations [EB and estradiol cypionate (EC); P = 0.10] at the UPI removal was observed on CL/Treated [Control = 42.5%(b) (n = 94); UPI = 58.5%(a) (n= 130); UPI + EB = 64.0%(a) (n = 128); UPI + EC = 67.2%(a) (n = 128)]. However, greater pregnancy per treated heifer (P/Treated) following artificial insemination (AI) upon estrus detection was achieved when EC was applied [Control = 20.2%(b); UPI = 29.2%(ab); UPI + EB = 26.6%(b); UPI + EC = 36.7%(a)]. In Exp. 4, the treatment prior to the timed AI (TAI) tended to improve pregnancy per TAI [P/AI; Control 43.6% (n = 298) vs. UPI+EC 51.9% (n = 342); P = 0.08], but increased P/Treated [26.5% vs. 43.3%; P < 0.001]. Thus, UPI + EC treatment were efficient in increasing the CL/Treated, tended to improve the P/AI and consequently enhanced P/Treated of zebu beef heifers.

Efeitos de diferentes tempos de extração no teor e composição química do óleo essencial de folhas de pariparoba [Pothomorphe umbellata (L. ) Miq. ] / Effects of time of extraction in the yield and chemical composition of the essential oil of pariparoba leaves [Pothomorphe umbellata (L. Miq. ]

O presente trabalho visou avaliar a influência de diferentes tempos de extração no teor e composição química do óleo essencial da espécie Pothomorphe umbellata. Folhas de pariparoba foram coletadas em Cajamar - SP, no mês de junho de 2006. O delineamento experimental adotado foi inteiramente casualizado, com seis tempos de extração (90, 120, 150, 180, 210 e 240 minutos) e 4 repetições. A extração do óleo essencial foi realizada por hidrodestilação e a análise química em CG-EM. O tempo de 180 minutos proporcionou maior rendimento do óleo essencial (0,42%), enquanto a composição química não foi influenciada pelos diferentes tempos de destilação. As principais substâncias identificadas foram: D-germacreno (65,5%), alfa-selineno (9,7%), trans-cariofileno (7,5%), e espatulenol (6,58%). Conclui-se que o tempo de extração afeta diretamente o rendimento e a proporção das substâncias químicas, recomendando-se a extração em até 180 minutos. .

The present work aimed to evaluate the influence of different times of extraction in the yield and chemical composition of the essential oil of "pariparoba" (Pothomorphe umbellate). Leaves of "pariparoba" were collected in the municipal district of Cajamar - state of São Paulo, Brazil, in June 2006. The adopted experimental design was completely randomized, with six times of extraction (90, 120, 150, 180, 210, and 240 minutes) and 4 repetitions. The extraction of the essential oil was accomplished by hydrodistillation, and the chemical analysis was performed in GC-MS. The time of extraction of 180 minutes provided greater yield of the essential oil (0.42%), and its chemical composition was not influenced by the different times of hydrodistillation. The main substances showed are D-germacrene (65.5%), alpha-selinene (9.7%), trans-caryophyllene (7.5%) and spathulenol (6.58%). The results of this work showed that the time of extraction affects the yield and the proportion of the chemical substances and it is recommended the extraction in up to 180 minutes.

New loci of Lychnophora ericoides and transferability to Lychnophora pinaster, endangered medicinal species from Brazil.

Lychnophora ericoides and Lychnophora pinaster are species used in popular medicine as analgesic or anti-inflammatory agents to treat contusions, rheumatism, and insect bites. In this study, 21 simple sequence repeat loci of L. ericoides were developed and transferred to L. pinaster. Three populations of L. ericoides and 2 populations of L. pinaster were evaluated; they were collected in the State of Minas Gerais. Population parameters were estimated, and the mean values of observed and expected heterozygosity were 0.297 and 0.408 (L. ericoides) and 0.228 and 0.310 (L. pinaster), respectively. Greater genetic variability was observed within populations than between populations of L. ericoides (62 and 37%) and L. pinaster (97 and 2.8%). These results provide information for genetic conservation and taxonomic studies of these endangered species.

Prostaglandin treatment at the onset of norgestomet and estradiol-based synchronization protocols did not alter the ovarian follicular dynamics or pregnancy per timed artificial insemination in cyclic Bos indicus heifers.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the PGF2α treatment given at the onset of a synchronization of ovulation protocol using a norgestomet (NORG) ear implant on ovarian follicular dynamics (Experiment 1) and pregnancy per AI (P/AI; Experiment 2) in cyclic (CL present) Bos indicus heifers. In Experiment 1, a total of 46 heifers were presynchronized using two consecutive doses of PGF2α 12 days apart. At first day of the synchronization protocol the heifers received implants containing 3mg of NORG and 2 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB). At the same time, heifers were randomly assigned to receive 150 mg of D-cloprostenol (n=23; PGF2α) or no additional treatment (n=23; Control). When the ear implants were removed 8 days later, all heifers received a PGF2α treatment and 1 mg of EB was given 24 h later. The follicular diameter and interval to ovulation were determined by transrectal ultrasonography. No effects of PGF2α treatment on the diameter of the largest follicle present were observed at implant removal (PGF2α=9.8±0.4 vs. Control=10.0±0.3 mm; P=0.73) or after 24 h (PGF2α=11.1±0.4 vs. Control=11.0±0.4 mm; P=0.83). No differences in the time of ovulation after ear implant removal (PGF2α=70.8±1.2 vs. Control=73.3±0.9 h; P=0.10) or in the ovulation rate (PGF2α=87.0 vs. Control=82.6%; P=0.64) between treatments were observed. In Experiment 2, 280 cyclic heifers were synchronized using the same experimental design described above (PGF2α; n=143 and Control; n=137), at random day of the estrous cycle. All heifers received 300 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and 0.5 mg of estradiol cypionate (as ovulatory stimulus) when the NORG ear implants were removed. Timed artificial insemination (TAI) was performed 48 h after implant removal and the pregnancy diagnosis was conducted 30 days later. No effects on the P/AI due to PGF2α treatment were observed (PGF2α=51.7 vs. Control=57.7%; P=0.29). In conclusion, PGF2α treatment at the onset of NORG-based protocols for the synchronization of ovulation did not alter the ovarian follicular responses or the P/AI in cyclic Bos indicus beef heifers synchronized for TAI.

Resynchronization with unknown pregnancy status using progestin-based timed artificial insemination protocol in beef cattle.

Two experiments were designed to evaluate the use of resynchronization (RESYNCH) protocols using a progestin-based timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol in beef cattle. In experiment 1, 475 cyclic Nelore heifers were resynchronized 22 days after the first TAI using two different inducers of new follicular wave emergence (estradiol benzoate [EB; n = 241] or GnRH [n = 234]) with the insertion of a norgestomet ear implant. At ear implant removal (7 days later), a pregnancy test was performed, and nonpregnant heifers received a dose of prostaglandin plus 0.5 mg of estradiol cypionate, with a timed insemination 48 hours later. The pregnancy rate after the first TAI was similar (P = 0.97) between treatments (EB [41.9%] vs. GnRH [41.5%]). However, EB-treated heifers (49.3%) had a greater (P = 0.04) pregnancy per AI (P/AI) after the resynchronization than the GnRH-treated heifers (37.2%). In experiment 2, the pregnancy loss in 664 zebu females (344 nonlactating cows and 320 cyclic heifers) between 30 and 60 days after resynchronization was evaluated. Females were randomly assigned to one of two groups (RESYNCH 22 days after the first TAI [n = 317] or submitted only to natural mating [NM; n = 347]). Females from the NM group were maintained with bulls from 15 to 30 days after the first TAI. The RESYNC-treated females were resynchronized 22 days after the first TAI using 1 mg of EB on the first day of the resynchronization, similar to experiment 1. No difference was found in P/AI (NM [57.1%] vs. RESYNC [61.5%]; P = 0.32) or pregnancy loss (NM [2.0%] vs. RESYNC [4.1%]; P = 0.21) after the first TAI. Moreover, the overall P/AI after the RESYNCH protocol was 47.5%. Thus, the administration of 1 mg of EB on day 22 after the first TAI, when the pregnancy status was undetermined, promotes a higher P/AI in the resynchronized TAI than the use of GnRH. Also, the administration of 1 mg of EB 22 days after the TAI did not affect the preestablished pregnancy.

Physiological indexese macro- and micronutrients in plant tissue and essential oil of Mentha piperita L. grown in nutrient solution with variation in N, P, K and Mg levels / Índices fisiológicos, macro e micronutrientes no tecido vegetal e óleo essencial de Mentha piperita L. cultivada em solução nutritiva com variação de N, P, K e Mg.

Mentha piperita L. is an aromatic and medicinal species of the family Lamiaceae, known as mint or peppermint, and its leaves and branches produce essential oil rich in menthol. This study aimed to evaluate physiological indexes, macro- and micronutrients inthe shootsand essential oil of Mentha piperita L. grown in nutrient solution number 2 of Hoagland and Arnon (1950) with different N, P, K and Mg levels. Shoot length, dry mass of the different organs, total dry mass, leaf area, essential oil yield and composition, and macronutrient (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, S) and micronutrient (Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn) contents in the shoot were evaluated. Plants treated with 65%N/50%P/25%K/100%Mg had a tendency towards longer shoot, greaterroot and leaf blade dry masses, higher essential oil yield, higher menthol levels and lower menthone levels. The results showed that Mentha can be grown in nutrient solution by reducing 65% N, 50% P, 25% K and 100% Mg. This solution had better development compared to the other tested treatments. Therefore,we recommendMentha piperita L. to be grown with such nutrient levels.

Mentha piperita L., é uma espécie aromática e medicinal pertencente à família Lamiaceae, conhecida como menta ou hortelã-pimenta que produz em sua parte aérea óleo essencial rico em mentol. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar os índices fisiológicos, macro e micronutrientes na parte aérea e óleo essencial de Mentha piperita L. cultivada em solução nutritiva numero Hoagland e Arnon (1950) com variação dos níveis de N, P, K e Mg. Foram avaliados comprimento da parte aérea, massa seca dos diferentes órgãos e total, área foliar, rendimento e composição do óleo essencial, teor de macronutrientes (N, P, K, Mg, Ca e S), e de micronutrientes (Mn, Cu, Fe e Zn) na parte aérea. As plantas nutridas com 65% de N, 50% de P, 25% de K, e 100% de Mg, apresentaram tendência de maior comprimento de parte aérea e massa seca de raízes e de lâminas foliares; maior rendimento de óleo essencial e, em média, maiores teores de mentol e menores teores de mentona. O resultados permitem concluir que a Mentha pode ser cultivada em solução nutritiva reduzindo-se 65% de N, 50% de P, 25% de K e 100% de Mg. Esta solução apresentou melhor desenvolvimento em relação aos outros tratamentos. Recomenda-se, portanto, o cultivo da Mentha piperita L. com tais níveis de nutrientes.

Characterization and anti-staphylococcal activity of the essential oil from Turnera subulata Sm

The present study is pioneer in analyzing the chemical composition of the essential oil from aerial parts of Turnera subulata Sm. and evaluates their antibacterial activity against a panel of drug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. The aerial parts were kiln-dried and then powdered in mechanical mill, and was subjected to hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus. The components were analyzed using a mass spectrometrycoupled gas chromatography (GC-MS), and the identification of substances was performed by comparison of the mass spectra obtained with the mass spectra of the database of the GC-MS and retention indices . The essential oil was evaluated using the method of broth dilution at concentrations ranging from 3.125µg/mL to 3200µg/mL. It was possible to identify 45 substances (92.1%) of the essential oils, and the major components were trans-caryophyllene (6.7%), citronellol (5.6%), sphatulenol (5.3%), α-cadinol (4.3%), n-tricosano (4.3%), geraniol (4.1%) and trans-geranilacetone (3.7%), n-pentacosano (3.5%), globulol (3.4%), caryophyllene oxide (3.2%). The essential oil of T. subulata Sm. showed effective antibacterial activity for the various strains of S. aureus tested, with the MIC values between 25 µg/mL and 1600 µg/mL. The study of the essential oil of Turnera subulata Sm. showed that it consists of a complex mixture of several classes of compounds having the sesquiterpenes as major constituents followed by monoterpenes, and showed an antibacterial activity significant front the strains tested.

O presente estudo é pioneiro em analisar a composição química dos óleos essenciais das partes aéreas de Turnera subulata Sm. e sua atividade antibacteriana frente à Staphylococcus aureus resistentes a antibióticos. As partes aéreas da planta foram secas em estufa, pulverizadas em moinho mecânico e submetidas à hidrodestilaçao em aparato tipo Clevenger. A composição dos óleos essenciais foi analisada por cromatografia gasosa acoplada a espectrometria de massas (CG-EM), e a identificação realizada por comparação dos espectros de massas com a biblioteca do CG-EM e índices de retenção. A atividade antimicrobiana do óleo essencial foi avaliada usando o método de diluição em caldo, em concentrações que variaram de 3.125µg/mL to 3200µg/mL. Foi possível identificar 45 substâncias (92,1%) do óleo essencial, sendo os componentes majoritários: trans-cariofileno (6,7%), citronelol (5,6%), espatulenol (5,3%), α-cadinol (4,3%), n-tricosano (4,3%), geraniol (4,1%) e trans-geranilacetona (3,7%), n-pentacosano (3,5%), globulol (3,4%) e óxido de cariofileno (3,2%). O óleo essencial de T. subulata Sm. mostrou atividade antibacteriana eficaz para as várias cepas de S. aureus testadas, com valores de CIM entre 25 µg/mL e 1600 µg/mL. O estudo do óleo essencial de Turnera subulata Sm. evidenciou sua complexa mistura, contendo várias classes de substâncias, tendo os sesquiterpenos como constituintes majoritários seguido dos monoterpenos, e mostrou significativa atividade antibacteriana frente as cepas testadas.

Influência do horário de colheita sobre o rendimento e composição do óleo essencial de erva-cidreira brasileira [Lippia alba (Mill. ) N. E. Br. ] / Influence of harvest time on the yield and composition of essential oil from the Brazilian "erva-cidreira" [Lippia alba (Mill. ) N. E. Br. ]

Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar se o horário de colheita da erva-cidreira brasileira [Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. Br.], fenotipo carvona-limoneno, tem influência sobre a produção de massa foliar, rendimento e composição do óleo essencial. Foram avaliados cinco horários de colheita quando a cultura estava com 145 dias desde o transplante: 8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 e 16:00 h com cinco repetições, distribuídos em blocos casualizados. O experimento foi conduzido na Fazenda Experimental Lageado da FCA-UNESP/Botucatu no Setor de Horticultura do Departamento de Produção Vegetal. A colheita foi realizada a 15 cm da superfície do solo e o óleo essencial obtido através de hidrodestilação, em aparelho tipo Clevenger. Levou-se em consideração os fatores agronômicos e o rendimento obtido por hidrodestilação. O óleo essencial foi analisado em cromatógrafo gasoso acoplado a espectrômetro de massas (CG/EM). Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância (Teste F) e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey. Não houve diferença estatística para produção de massa foliar, teor de óleo essencial e produtividade de óleo essencial em massa fresca e seca. No entanto, entre os compostos majoritários do óleo essencial das folhas, carvona e limoneno, a melhor produtividade de carvona foi obtida às 10:00 h, em matéria fresca (2,050 L ha-1) e em matéria seca (2,068 L ha-1), e para o limoneno às 16:00 h, em matéria fresca (1,068 L ha-1) e em matéria seca (1,060 L ha-1).

This study aimed to verify whether the harvest time of the "Brazilian erva-cidreira" [Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. Br.], limonene-carvone chemotype, influences leaf mass production and essential oil yield and composition. Five different harvest times were evaluated at 145 days after transplanting: 8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00, with five replicates, distributed in randomized blocks. The experiment was carried out at Lageado Experimental Farm of the School of Agronomical Sciences FCA-UNESP/Botucatu, Horticulture Sector, Department of Plant Production. Harvest was conducted from 15 cm above the soil surface and essential oil was obtained through steam distillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus. Both the agronomical factors and the yield obtained through steam distillation were considered. The essential oil was analyzed in a gas chromatographer coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC/MS). Results were subjected to analysis of variance (F Test) and means were compared according to Tukey's test. There was no statistical difference for leaf mass production, essential oil content and essential oil yield in fresh and dry matter. However, considering the major essential oil compounds, carvone and limonene, the best yield was obtained at 10:00 for carvone in fresh (2050 L ha-1) and dry matter (2068 L ha-1), and at 16:00 for limonene in fresh (1068 L ha-1) and dry matter (1060 L ha-1).

Gastric Ulcers in Middle-Aged Rats: The Healing Effect of Essential Oil from Citrus aurantium L. (Rutaceae).

The elderly population has experienced increased life expectancy as well as the increased incidence of gastric ulcers. The peels of fruits from Citrus aurantium L., popularly known in Brazil as orange bitter, are commonly used asatea form for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract disorders, such as ulcer and gastritis. We evaluated the healing effects of essential oil from the peels of Citrus aurantium fruits (OEC) on gastric ulcers in middle-aged rats. We examined the effects of a 14-day chronic OEC treatment on gastric mucosa in middle-aged male Wistar rats that were given acetic-acid-induced gastric lesions by morphometric and immunohistological analyses. Oral OEC treatment significantly reduced the lesion area (76%) within the gastric mucosa and significantly increased (P < .05) the height of regenerated mucosa (59%) when compared to the negative control group. Immunohistochemical analysis of the molecular markers such as COX-2, HSP-70, VEGF, and PCNA in the gastric mucosa confirmed that OEC treatment induced healing effects by increasing the number of new blood vessels and by augmenting gastric mucus in the mucosa glands. These results suggest that the oil from Citrus aurantium effectively heals gastric ulcers in middle-aged animals; however, safe use of OEC demands special care and precautions.

Composição química e produtividade dos principais componentes do óleo essencial de Baccharis dracunculifolia DC. em função da adubação orgânica / Chemical composition and productivity of essential oil of Baccharis dracunculifolia DC. as affected by organic compound

Objetivou-se avaliar a composição química e produtividade dos principais componentes do óleo essencial de Baccharis dracunculifolia DC. em função de doses de composto orgânico (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 e 50 t ha-1). Foi realizada uma colheita, aos 150 dias após o transplante das mudas. O óleo essencial, da massa seca útil da parte aérea, foi extraído por hidrodestilação e analisado em cromatógrafo a gás acoplado a espectrômetro de massas (Shimadzu, QP-5000). A identificação dos constituintes químicos foi realizada através da análise comparativa dos espectros de massas das substâncias com o banco de dados do sistema CG-EM (Nist 62.lib), literatura e índice de retenção. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo teste F, às médias obtidas foram submetidas à análise de regressão e o teste Tukey para o efeito das doses de composto orgânico. Os três componentes sesquiterpênicos, E-nerolidol, espatulenol e óxido de cariofileno, perfazem 58,44% da média relativa da composição química do óleo essencial de B. dracunculifolia, composto pela presença de 28 substâncias. Na produtividade dos componentes γ-muroleno, valenceno, δ-cadineno e E-nerolidol as dosagens estudadas influenciaram as plantas, que na dosagem 30 t ha-1 obtiveram os melhores resultados. Se o objetivo no cultivo de B. dracunculifolia for o componente espatulenol as dosagens 30 e 40 t ha-1 obtiveram os melhores resultados. Para a produtividade do componente óxido de cariofileno as dosagens estudadas influenciaram as plantas, que na dosagem 40 t ha-1 obtiveram os melhores resultados.

The objective was to evaluate the chemical composition and productivity of the main components of the essential oil of Baccharis dracunculifolia DC. due to organic compound (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 t ha-1). We performed a harvest, 150 days after transplanting. The essential oil of the dry mass useful in the aerial part was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed in gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer (Shimadzu, QP-5000). The identification of chemical constituents was performed by comparative analysis of mass spectra of substances with the database of the GC-MS (Nist 62.lib), literature and retention rates. The results were subjected to analysis of variance by F test, the averages obtained were subjected to regression analysis and Tukey test for the effect of doses of organic compound. The three components sesquiterpene, E-nerolidol, espatulenol and caryophyllene oxide, account for 58.44% of the average for the chemical composition of essential oil of B. dracunculifolia, composed by the presence of 28 substances. Productivity of components γ-murolene, valencene, δ-cadinene and E-nerolidol was influenced by doses, which in dose 30 t ha-1 obtained the best results. If the goal in the cultivation of B. dracunculifolia is the component espatulenol dosages 30 and 40 t ha-1 obtained the best results. To the productivity of caryophyllene oxide doses studied influenced the plants, which in dose 40 t ha-1 obtained the best results.

Densidade de plantio e idade de colheita de quebra-pedra [Phyllanthus amarus (Schumach. & Thonning) genótipo Unicamp-CPQBA 14] na produtividade de filantina / Density of planting and age of Phillanthus amarus genotype UNICAMP/CPQBA-14 on the productivity of phyllanthin

Avaliou-se o efeito da densidade de plantio e da idade de Phyllanthus amarus CPQBA-14, sobre o teor e produtividade de filantina. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 4 x 6, com cinco repetições, envolvendo 4 tratamentos de densidade de plantio (400.000 pl ha -1; 200.000 pl ha -1; 100.000 pl ha -1 e 66.667,68 pl ha -1) com 6 colheitas (30, 45, 60, 75, 90 e 105 dias após o transplante (DAT)). Os dados foram submetidos a Análise de Variâncias e Regressão (P > 0.001). Para o teor de Filantina, foram observados efeitos significativos e independentes dos tratamentos de idade da planta na colheita e densidade de plantio. O teor de filantina aumentou linearmente com a idade da planta, atingindo o máximo aos 105 DAT, com teor de 11,52 g Kg-1. O adensamento populacional estimado que proporcionou máximo teor de filantina (8,66 g kg-1) foi de 299.860 pl ha-1. A produtividade de filantina apresentou interação significativa entre densidade de plantio e idade da planta na colheita. Observou-se que ao longo do crescimento da planta, os tratamentos com 200 e 400.000 pl ha -1 apresentaram as maiores produtividades de filantina (39,3 e 37,8 kg ha-1) aos 97,12 e 95,17 DAT, respectivamente. Conclui-se que o espaçamento apropriado para o melhor arranjo espacial de cultivo é de 299.860 pl ha-1 para as produtividades de 3.974,19 Kg (massa de matéria seca foliar) x 0,00866 kg (teor de filantina) = 34,416 kg ha-1 de filantina, com colheita programada aos 97 DAT.

The effect of planting density and age of Phyllanthus amarus- genotype CPQBA-14, on the content and productivity of phyllanthin were evaluated. The experimental design was randomized blocks in factorial scheme 4 x 6, with five replicates, consisting of 4 treatments of planting density (400.000 pl ha-1; 200.000 pl ha-1; 100.000 pl ha-1 and 66667.68 pl ha-1) with six ages of plants (30, 45, 60, 75, 90 and 105 days after transplanting (DAT)). Data were subjected to analysis of variance and regression (P>0.005). For phyllanthin content independent and significant effects of harvest and planting density were observed. The phyllanthin contents increased with plant age, peaking at 105 DAT, with a content of 11.52 g kg-1. The estimated population density that provided the high phyllanthin contents (8.66 g kg-1) was at 299.860 pl ha-1. The productivity of phyllanthin showed significant interaction between planting density and plants ages. It was observed during the plant growth, the treatments with 200 and 400.000 pl ha -1 had the highest yield of phyllanthin (39.3 and 37.8 kg ha-1) with 95.17 and 97.12 DAT, respectively. We conclude that the proper spacing for best spatial arrangement of the cultivation is 299.860 pl ha-1 for the yield of 3974.19 kg (dry weight leaf) x 0.00866 kg (phyllanthin contents) = 34.416 kg ha-1 of phyllanthin with harvest scheduled at 97 DAT.

Equine chorionic gonadotropin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone enhance fertility in a norgestomet-based, timed artificial insemination protocol in suckled Nelore (Bos indicus) cows.

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) at progestin removal and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) at timed artificial insemination (TAI) on ovarian follicular dynamics (Experiment 1) and pregnancy rates (Experiment 2) in suckled Nelore (Bos indicus) cows. Both experiments were 2x2 factorials (eCG or No eCG, and GnRH or No GnRH), with identical treatments. In Experiment 1, 50 anestrous cows, 134.5+/-2.3 d postpartum, received a 3mg norgestomet ear implant sc, plus 3mg norgestomet and 5mg estradiol valerate im on Day 0. The implant was removed on Day 9, with TAI 54 h later. Cows received 400 IU eCG or no further treatment on Day 9 and GnRH (100 microg gonadorelin) or no further treatment at TAI. Treatment with eCG increased the growth rate of the largest follicle from Days 9 to 11 (means+/-SEM, 1.53+/-0.1 vs. 0.48+/-0.1mm/d; P<0.0001), its diameter on Day 11 (11.4+/-0.6 vs. 9.3+/-0.7 mm; P=0.03), as well as ovulation rate (80.8% vs. 50.0%, P=0.02), whereas GnRH improved the synchrony of ovulation (72.0+/-1.1 vs. 71.1+/-2.0 h). In Experiment 2 (n=599 cows, 40 to 120 d postpartum), pregnancy rates differed (P=0.004) among groups (27.6%, 40.1%, 47.7%, and 55.7% for Control, GnRH, eCG, and eCG+GnRH groups). Both eCG and GnRH improved pregnancy rates (51.7% vs. 33.8%, P=0.002; and 48.0% vs 37.6%, P=0.02, respectively), although their effects were not additive (no significant interaction). In conclusion, eCG at norgestomet implant removal increased the growth rate of the largest follicle (LF) from implant removal to TAI, the diameter of the LF at TAI, and rates of ovulation and pregnancy rates. Furthermore, GnRH at TAI improved the synchrony of ovulations and pregnancy rates in postpartum Nelore cows treated with a norgestomet-based TAI protocol.

Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for Lychnophora pinaster: a study for the conservation of a native medicinal plant.

Lychnophora pinaster Mart. (Asteraceae) is a Brazilian medicinal plant, extensively employed in popular medicine as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and healing agent. Thirteen polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed and optimized for L. pinaster from an enriched genomic library. The markers were used to analyse 37 plants from two native populations, generating an average number of 6.6 alleles per polymorphic locus. These loci are important tools for future studies of population genetics.

Biologia reprodutiva de populações de Ocimum selloi Benth / Reproductive biology of Ocimum selloi Benth. populations

Entre as plantas nativas de uso medicinal no Brasil, encontra-se Ocimum selloi Benth., planta anual herbácea da família Lamiaceae que ocorre nas regiões Sudeste e Sul do país. Este trabalho avaliou os aspectos da biologia floral (estrutura floral, floração e frutificação) e mecanismos reprodutivos de Ocimum selloi em quatro populações oriundas das regiões de Piquete e Apiaí, Estado de São Paulo, Camanducaia, Estado de Minas Gerais, e Colombo, Estado do Paraná. O período de antese teve início às 11 horas e término às 15 horas, com o clímax de floração às 13 horas, sendo a temperatura pouco importante neste processo. A viabilidade do pólen foi alta nas quatro populações. A espécie é autocompatível, formando frutos e sementes tanto em polinização livre quanto em autopolinização espontânea, o que mostra uma grande versatilidade reprodutiva da espécie, garantindo a variabilidade genética. A germinação das sementes também foi alta nas quatro populações.

Among the medicinal plants native to Brazil, Ocimum selloi Benth., an herbaceous annual plant of the Lamiaceae family, occurs in the southeastern and south regions of the country. This work evaluated flower biology aspects (flower structure, flowering and fructification) and reproductive mechanisms of four O. selloi populations from Piquete and Apiaí regions, São Paulo State; Camanducaia, Minas Gerais State; and Colombo, Paraná State. Anthesis started at 11:00 a.m. and finished at 3:00 p.m., with flowering climax at 1:00 p.m., and temperature was slightly important in this process. Pollen viability was high in all four studied populations. This species is self-compatible, forming fruits and seeds under both free pollination and spontaneous self-pollination, which indicates it has a great reproductive versatility, assuring genetic variability. Seed germination was also high in all four populations.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Cordiaverbenacea D.C.

Cordiaverbenacea D.C. (Boraginaceae) is found along the coastal regions of Brazil, from the Amazon basin to the southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul. The aerial parts of this plant have been used in folk medicine since colonial times for their anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and healing properties. The objectives of this study were: the extraction of the essential oil of the aerial parts of this species and quantification of the yield thereof; the identification and quantification of the principal components of the essential oil; and the determination of its antimicrobial activity by plate diffusion method. The yield of essential oil was 0.19% (v/w) in relation to the fresh flowering aerial parts and 0.23% (v/w) of the leaves. The main constituents of the essential oil, identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), were alpha-pinene (29.69%), trans-caryophyllene (25.27%) and aloaromadendrene (9.99%). The Gram-positive bacteria and yeast tested were sensitive to the essential oil of Cordiaverbenacea D.C., but most of the Gram-negative bacteria were resistant.

The use of hormonal treatments to improve reproductive performance of anestrous beef cattle in tropical climates.

Most of the world's bovine herd is found in tropical regions. Bos indicus predominates, due to their adaptation to the climate and management conditions. Anestrous is the main factor that negatively affects reproductive performance of animals bred in these regions of the globe. Several factors affect postpartum anestrous, including suckling and maternal-offspring bond, and pre- and postpartum nutritional status. The short duration of estrus and the tendency to show estrus during the night, greatly affect the efficiency of artificial insemination (AI) programs in B. indicus cattle managed in tropical areas. Several restricted suckling or weaning procedures (temporary or permanent), and hormonal treatments have been used to induce ovulation and cyclicity in postpartum cows. Most hormonal treatments are based on progesterone/progestogen (P4) releasing devices associated with estradiol benzoate (EB), or a combination of GnRH/PGF(2alpha)/GnRH (Ovsynch). Treatments with GnRH/PGF(2alpha)/GnRH has presented inconsistent results, probably due to the variable number of cows in anestrous. Treatments using P4 devices and EB have resulted in apparently more consistent results than Ovsynch programs in B. indicus cattle; however, pregnancy rates are low in herds presenting high anestrous rates and moderate to low body condition. The addition of an eCG treatment at the time of device removal, which increased plasma progesterone concentrations and pregnancy rates in anestrous postpartum suckled B. indicus cows, may be useful to improve reproductive performance of beef cattle in tropical climates.