Aflatoxins ingestion and canine mammary tumors: There is an association?

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of mycotoxins on dogs feed and to explore the potential association between mycotoxins exposure and the chance of mamary tumors in a case-control study. The study included 256 female dogs from a hospital population, 85 with mammary tumors (case group) and 171 without mammary tumors (control group). An epidemiological questionnaire was applied to both groups, and the data were analyzed by the EpiInfo statistical package. For the study, 168 samples of the feed offered to dogs were analyzed for the presence of aflatoxins, fumonisins and zearalenone by high-performance liquid chromatography. Mycotoxins were found in 79 samples (100%) in the case group and 87/89 (97.8%) in the control group. Mycotoxins were detected in all types of feed, regardless feed quality. Level of aflatoxin B1 (p = 0.0356, OR = 2.74, 95%, CI 1.13 to 6.60), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1) (p = 0.00007, OR = 4.60, 95%, CI = 2.16 to 9.79), and aflatoxin G2 (AFG2) (p = 0.0133, OR = 9.91, 95%, CI 1.21 to 81.15) were statistically higher in case of mammary cancer. In contrast, neutering was a protective factor for mammary cancer (p = 0.0004, OR = 0.32, 95%, CI = 0.17 to 0.60).

Immunophenotypic profile and increased risk of hospital admission for infection in infants born to female kidney transplant recipients.

Children born to female kidney recipients are exposed to immunosuppressive drugs during gestation. Little is known about their immune system at birth or in the long term. Twenty-eight children born to female kidney recipients and 40 full-term children born to healthy mothers were evaluated. T, B, NK, NKT, γδT cells were assessed by flow cytometry and functional evaluation of T and dendritic cells after in vitro activation was performed at birth and at 8 months of age. At birth, infants born to female kidney recipients showed lower numbers of CD4+ T, NKT and intense reduction of B cells (median cells/mm(3) , transplant: 153.7 X control: 512.4; p < 0.001). There was also a reduced percentage of activated CD8+ T and of CD4+ regulatory T cells. Activated memory and exhausted memory B cells showed higher percentages among children exposed to immunosuppressors when compared to control group. At 8 months, most immune alterations were no longer observed, but four children still had low numbers of some lymphocyte subsets at this age. Children born to female kidney recipients had 4.351 (95% CI: 1.026-15.225; p = 0.046) higher risk of hospital admission in the first months of life-some, with severe clinical manifestations-than those born to healthy women.

A radiologia odontológica e o meio ambiente / The dental radiology and the environment

O descarte irregular de resíduos de saúde, especialmente o odontológico, está se tornando um um grande motivo de preocupação. O lixo proveniente de rejeitos no processo radiográfico não é diferente, uma vez que, além de resíduo contaminado, há rejeitos químicos, metais pesados e plásticos. Sendo eles: invólucro do filme radiográfico, soluções processadoras, lâminas de chumbo, películas dos filmes radiográficos - todos eles capazes de causar grande impacto no meio ambiente, se descartados de forma incorreta. Por esse motivo, é imprescindível conscientizar os cirurgiões-dentistas do impacto prejudicial no meio ambiente e, consequentemente, na saúde da população, atentando para a correta forma de descarte de cada rejeito do processo radiográfico

The irregular disposal of health waste, especially dental care, is becoming a great concern. The waste tailings from the radiographic process is not different, since, apart from contaminated waste, there are chemical waste, heavy metals and plastics. Namely: casing radiographic film, processing solutions, blade lead, radiographic films - all they with large capacity to cause impact on the environment if disposed incorrectly. For this reason it is essential to educate dentists in the harmful impact on the environment and consequently on the health of people, paying attention to the correct way to dispose of each reject of the radiographic process

Perulernaea gamitanae (Copepoda: Lernaeidae) parasitizing tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) (Characidae) and the hybrids tambacu and tambatinga, cultured in northern Brazil / Perulernaea gamitanae (Copepoda: Lernaeidae) parasitando tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) (Characidae) e seus híbridos tambacu e tambatinga cultivados no norte do Brasil

The infestation rate in Colossoma macropomum, hybrid tambacu (C. macropomum x Piaractus mesopotamicus) and hybrid tambatinga (C. macropomum x Piaractus brachypomum) with Perulernaea gamitanae Thatcher and Paredes, 1985 from two fish farms in Amapá State, Brazil was studied. Lernaeid parasites (n=2887) were collected mainly on the tongue and the mouth cavity and also on cartilage of gill arches and filaments. Inflammation and fibrous nodules were observed on the attachment sites of the parasites. The infestation rate varied according to the fish farm and host. The prevalence of P. gamitanae was of 100 percent in hosts from one fish farm and was lower in the other fish farm. Higher intensity of P. gamitanae occurred in hybrids tambacu and tambatinga, but despite the high prevalence its intensity was moderate. This is the first report on epidemiology of P. gamitanae in cultured fishes from Brazilian Amazonia, and the occurrence of this crustacean parasite in two new hosts, the hybrids tambacu and tambatinga.(AU)

Estudou-se as taxas de infestação pelo crustáceo Perulernaea gamitanae Thatcher & Paredes, 1985 em tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) e seus híbridos tambacu (C. macropomum x Piaractus mesopotamicus) e tambatinga (C. macropomum x Piaractus brachypomum) de duas pisciculturas no estado do Amapá, Brasil. Os lerneídeos parasitos (n=2.887) foram coletados principalmente na língua e na boca das espécies estudadas. Os crustáceos foram encontrados também nos filamentos e cartilagem dos arcos branquiais. Nos locais parasitados foram observados inflamação e nódulos fibrosos. As taxas de infestações variaram entre espécies e entre pisciculturas. Na piscicultura um a prevalência de P. gamitanae foi 100 por cento, e na piscicultura dois, foi menor. A maior intensidade de infestação por P. gamitanae ocorreu nos híbridos tambacu e tambatinga. Apesar da elevada prevalência de P. gamitanae a intensidade de infestação foi moderada. Este é o primeiro relato sobre níveis epidemiológicos de P. gamitanae em peixes de cultivo da Amazônia brasileira, e amplia a ocorrência deste parasito crustáceo para dois novos hospedeiros, os híbridos tambacu e tambatinga.(AU)

Perulernaea gamitanae (Copepoda: Lernaeidae) parasitizing tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) (Characidae) and the hybrids tambacu and tambatinga, cultured in northern Brazil / Perulernaea gamitanae (Copepoda: Lernaeidae) parasitando tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) (Characidae) e seus híbridos tambacu e tambatinga cultivados no norte do Brasil

The infestation rate in Colossoma macropomum, hybrid tambacu (C. macropomum x Piaractus mesopotamicus) and hybrid tambatinga (C. macropomum x Piaractus brachypomum) with Perulernaea gamitanae Thatcher and Paredes, 1985 from two fish farms in Amapá State, Brazil was studied. Lernaeid parasites (n=2887) were collected mainly on the tongue and the mouth cavity and also on cartilage of gill arches and filaments. Inflammation and fibrous nodules were observed on the attachment sites of the parasites. The infestation rate varied according to the fish farm and host. The prevalence of P. gamitanae was of 100 percent in hosts from one fish farm and was lower in the other fish farm. Higher intensity of P. gamitanae occurred in hybrids tambacu and tambatinga, but despite the high prevalence its intensity was moderate. This is the first report on epidemiology of P. gamitanae in cultured fishes from Brazilian Amazonia, and the occurrence of this crustacean parasite in two new hosts, the hybrids tambacu and tambatinga.

Estudou-se as taxas de infestação pelo crustáceo Perulernaea gamitanae Thatcher & Paredes, 1985 em tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) e seus híbridos tambacu (C. macropomum x Piaractus mesopotamicus) e tambatinga (C. macropomum x Piaractus brachypomum) de duas pisciculturas no estado do Amapá, Brasil. Os lerneídeos parasitos (n=2.887) foram coletados principalmente na língua e na boca das espécies estudadas. Os crustáceos foram encontrados também nos filamentos e cartilagem dos arcos branquiais. Nos locais parasitados foram observados inflamação e nódulos fibrosos. As taxas de infestações variaram entre espécies e entre pisciculturas. Na piscicultura um a prevalência de P. gamitanae foi 100 por cento, e na piscicultura dois, foi menor. A maior intensidade de infestação por P. gamitanae ocorreu nos híbridos tambacu e tambatinga. Apesar da elevada prevalência de P. gamitanae a intensidade de infestação foi moderada. Este é o primeiro relato sobre níveis epidemiológicos de P. gamitanae em peixes de cultivo da Amazônia brasileira, e amplia a ocorrência deste parasito crustáceo para dois novos hospedeiros, os híbridos tambacu e tambatinga.

Immunoassay based on monoclonal antibodies versus LC-MS: deoxynivalenol in wheat and flour in Southern Brazil.

An indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method using a monoclonal antibody for deoxynivalenol (DON) detection in wheat and flour was standardised and validated (detection limit = 177.1 µg kg(-1)) and its performance was compared with LC-MS, quantification limit =140 µg kg(-1)). DON recovery ranged from 88.7% to 122.6% for wheat grain and from 70.6% to 139.3% for flour. Among the 38 wheat samples evaluated, DON was detected in 29 samples (76.3%) by ic-ELISA (281.6-12 291.4 µg kg(-1)) and in 22 samples (57.9%) by LC-MS (155.3-9906.9 µg kg(-1)). The 0.93 correlation coefficient between ic-ELISA and LC-MS data in 19 positive DON wheat samples demonstrated the reliability and efficiency of ic-ELISA. Results indicated that standardised ic-ELISA was suitable for DON screening in wheat samples and the need for continuous monitoring of mycotoxin levels in foodstuffs.

Vaccine antibodies and T- and B-cell interaction in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus.

Both systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its treatment can cause immunosuppression and a decreased response to vaccination. We evaluated 30 children and adolescents with SLE, and 14 age-matched healthy subjects (control group) regarding immunophenotyping and lymphocyte apoptosis by flow cytometry, while measles and tetanus antibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The SLE group was divided according to disease activity into inactive SLE and active SLE. Individuals with active SLE had lower CD4+ T and natural killer (NK) cells/mm(3) than the control group. Active and inactive SLE individuals had more CD38 molecules/CD8+ T cells and more CD4+ T, CD8+ T and B cells in apoptosis (as assessed by caspase-3 expression) than the control group. Patients with active SLE had a diminished CD28 expression on both CD4+ T and on CD8+ T cells and a higher CD86 expression on B cells than the control group. Measles antibody levels in the SLE groups were similar to the control group. In contrast, tetanus antibody levels were lower in the SLE groups than in the control group. The latter also directly correlated with the CD4+ T-cell and NK-cell counts from SLE patients (regression coefficient, 2.686 and 1.782; p = 0.010 and p = 0.039, respectively). We concluded that despite being up-to-date for tetanus vaccine, SLE patients presented with a poor immune response to tetanus vaccine.

Imbalance of naive and memory T lymphocytes with sustained high cellular activation during the first year of life from uninfected children born to HIV-1-infected mothers on HAART.

The immune consequences of in utero HIV exposure to uninfected children whose mothers were submitted to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) during gestation are not well defined. We evaluated 45 HIV-exposed uninfected (ENI) neonates and 45 healthy unexposed control (CT) neonates. All HIV-infected mothers received HAART during pregnancy, and the viral load at delivery was <50 copies/mL for 56.8%. Twenty-three ENI neonates were further evaluated after 12 months and compared to 23 unexposed healthy age-matched infants. Immunophenotyping was performed by flow cytometry in cord and peripheral blood. Cord blood lymphocyte numbers did not differ between groups. However, ENI neonates had a lower percentage of naive T cells than CT neonates (CD4+, 76.6 vs 83.1%, P < 0.001; CD8+, 70.9 vs 79.6%, P = 0.003) and higher percentages of central memory T cells than CT neonates (CD4+, 13.9 vs 8.7%, P < 0.001; CD8+, 8.6 vs 4.8%, P = 0.001). CD38 mean fluorescence intensity of T cells was higher in ENI neonates (CD4+, 62.2 vs 52.1, P = 0.007; CD8+, 47.7 vs 35.3, P < 0.001). At 12 months, ENI infants still had higher mean fluorescence intensity of CD38 on T cells (CD4+, 34.2 vs 23.3, P < 0.001; CD8+, 26.8 vs 19.4, P = 0.035). Despite effective maternal virologic control at delivery, HIV-exposed uninfected children were born with lower levels of naive T cells. Immune activation was present at birth and remained until at least 12 months of age, suggesting that in utero exposure to HIV causes subtle immune abnormalities.

Imbalance of naive and memory T lymphocytes with sustained high cellular activation during the first year of life from uninfected children born to HIV-1-infected mothers on HAART

The immune consequences of in utero HIV exposure to uninfected children whose mothers were submitted to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) during gestation are not well defined. We evaluated 45 HIV-exposed uninfected (ENI) neonates and 45 healthy unexposed control (CT) neonates. All HIV-infected mothers received HAART during pregnancy, and the viral load at delivery was <50 copies/mL for 56.8 percent. Twenty-three ENI neonates were further evaluated after 12 months and compared to 23 unexposed healthy age-matched infants. Immunophenotyping was performed by flow cytometry in cord and peripheral blood. Cord blood lymphocyte numbers did not differ between groups. However, ENI neonates had a lower percentage of naive T cells than CT neonates (CD4+, 76.6 vs 83.1 percent, P < 0.001; CD8+, 70.9 vs 79.6 percent, P = 0.003) and higher percentages of central memory T cells than CT neonates (CD4+, 13.9 vs 8.7 percent, P < 0.001; CD8+, 8.6 vs 4.8 percent, P = 0.001). CD38 mean fluorescence intensity of T cells was higher in ENI neonates (CD4+, 62.2 vs 52.1, P = 0.007; CD8+, 47.7 vs 35.3, P < 0.001). At 12 months, ENI infants still had higher mean fluorescence intensity of CD38 on T cells (CD4+, 34.2 vs 23.3, P < 0.001; CD8+, 26.8 vs 19.4, P = 0.035). Despite effective maternal virologic control at delivery, HIV-exposed uninfected children were born with lower levels of naive T cells. Immune activation was present at birth and remained until at least 12 months of age, suggesting that in utero exposure to HIV causes subtle immune abnormalities.

Effect of the time interval from harvesting to the pre-drying step on natural fumonisin contamination in freshly harvested corn from the State of Parana, Brazil.

Natural mycoflora and fumonisins were analysed in 490 samples of freshly harvested corn (Zea mays L.) (2003 and 2004 crops) collected at three points in the producing chain from the Northern region of Parana State, Brazil, and correlated to the time interval between the harvesting and the pre-drying step. The two crops showed a similar profile concerning the fungal frequency, and Fusarium sp. was the prevalent genera (100%) for the sampling sites from both crops. Fumonisins were detected in all samples from the three points of the producing chain (2003 and 2004 crops). The levels ranged from 0.11 to 15.32 microg g(-1)in field samples, from 0.16 to 15.90 microg g(-1)in reception samples, and from 0.02 to 18.78 microg g(-1)in pre-drying samples (2003 crop). Samples from the 2004 crop showed lower contamination and fumonisin levels ranged from 0.07 to 4.78 microg g(-1)in field samples, from 0.03 to 4.09 microg g(-1)in reception samples, and from 0.11 to 11.21 microg g(-1)in pre-drying samples. The mean fumonisin level increased gradually from < or = 5.0 to 19.0 microg g(-1)as the time interval between the harvesting and the pre-drying step increased from 3.22 to 8.89 h (2003 crop). The same profile was observed for samples from the 2004 crop. Fumonisin levels and the time interval (rho = 0.96) showed positive correlation (p < or = 0.05), indicating that delay in the drying process can increase fumonisin levels.

Immunogenicity and tolerability of hepatitis A vaccine in HIV-infected children.

The immunogenicity and tolerability of hepatitis A virus vaccine was evaluated in a group of 32 children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and 27 children with seroreversion. After 2 doses of vaccine, 100% of children experienced seroconversion with good toleration of the vaccine. There were no differences in variation of virus load between immunized HIV-positive children and a group of 31 nonimmunized HIV-positive children with similar characteristics.

Varicella zoster antibodies in healthcare workers from two neonatal units in São Paulo, Brazil--assessment of a staff varicella policy.

Although frequently reported in the literature, a staff varicella policy is not standard in many hospitals even in developed countries. In the present study, we assessed varicella zoster immunity in staff from two neonatal units from hospitals in São Paulo, Brazil. Ninety-seven percent of all staff working in both units agreed to participate. A simple and cost-effective varicella policy was subsequently set up, based on costs and data from serology and a history of previous varicella infection. Our results confirm that a varicella vaccination programme can be implemented in a healthcare facility, even in developing countries.

Post-harvest storage of corn: effect of beginning moisture content on mycoflora and fumonisin contamination.

The effect of storage on mycoflora profile was monitored bimonthly in 36 corn (Zea mays L.) samples, dividing the same sample into groups dried to 11 and 14% moisture content (1008 analysis). These groups were further subdivided based on the initial total count (moulds and yeasts) up to 10(4) CFU g(-1) (12 samples, range 1.6 x 10(4) to 9.0 x 10(4), mean 3.8 x 10(4) CFU g(-1)) and up to 10(5) CFU g(-1) (24 samples, range 1.0 x 10(5) to 5.0 x 10(5), mean 2.7 x 10(5) CFU g(-1)). In the corn group dried to 11%, the fumonisin content was analysed at the initial stage (freshly harvested) and at the end of 12-month storage. Fusarium spp. and Penicillium spp. prevailed at the freshly harvested stage (100%), maintaining this profile throughout 12 months, in corn dried to both 11 and 14%. Cladosporium spp., Aspergillus spp. and Phoma spp. were also detected at lower frequencies during the storage. Fusarium spp. and the total fungal colony count during 12-month storage carried out with samples dried to 11 or 14% moisture content were statistically evaluated using ANOVA for randomized complete block design. The correlation between storage time and Fusarium spp. and total fungal colony count data was analysed by Pearson's correlation test. There was no difference in Fusarium spp. and total counts in the 10(4) CFU g(-1) initial total count group throughout the storage time (p < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between fungal population and storage time (p < 0.05) in the 10(5) CFU g(-1) initial total count group. Fumonisins were detected in all freshly harvested corn, at a mean concentration of 9.9 +/- 6.0 micro g g(-1) (range 0.74-22.6 micro g g(-)1). These values did not change in the 12-month stored corn (mean of 9.9 +/- 5.8 micro g g(-1), range 0.81-23.7 micro g g(-1)). These post harvest data indicated the importance of moisture content at the crop harvesting/predrying stage to control fungal growth and further fumonisin production.

Evaluation of fumonisin-aflatoxin co-occurrence in Brazilian corn hybrids by ELISA.

The natural co-occurrence of fumonisins and aflatoxins was investigated in freshly harvested corn kernels (150 samples, 62 hybrids), acquired from the Central-Southern (27 samples, 21 hybrids), Central-Western (86 samples, 51 hybrids) and Northern (37 samples, 18 hybrids) regions of the State of Paraná, Brazil using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fumonisins were detected in 147 (98%) samples at a concentration range of 0.096 to 22.6 microg/g, while aflatoxins were detected in 17 (11.3%). All the aflatoxin-positive samples (range 38.0-460.0 ng/g) came from the Central-Western region and were co-contaminated with fumonisins. Fumonisin contamination was higher in corn from the Northern (9.85 microg/g) and Central-Western regions (5.08 microg/g), when compared with the Central-Southern region (1.14 microg/g). The overall evaluation detected 62% samples with fumonisin levels < or = 5.0 microg/g. Regional differences affected fumonisin levels in the same hybrid, regardless of Fusarium count and moisture content, suggesting interference from climatic conditions, in addition to the local predominance of toxigenic strains of the Fusarium biotype.

Effect of climatic conditions on natural mycoflora and fumonisins in freshly harvested corn of the State of Paraná, Brazil.

Natural mycoflora associated with fumonisins were analyzed in 150 samples of freshly harvested corn from Central-Southern, Central-Western and Northern regions of the State of Paraná, Brazil and correlated to climatic conditions. The corn samples were frequently contaminated with Fusarium sp. (98.7 to 100%) and Penicillium sp. (93 to 100%), when compared to Aspergillus sp. (not detected to 27.7%). The highest contamination with potentially mycotoxigenic fungi occurred in corn harvested in the Central-Western region, where total mould and yeast counts ranged from 5.5 x 10(3) to 5.2 x 10(6) CFU/g, with 98.7% contaminated by Fusarium sp. and 93% by Penicillium sp. In this region F. moniliforme (F. verticillioides) was the predominant Fusarium sp., and was isolated in 85.9% of the samples. Aspergillus sp. was isolated from 27.7% samples. FB1 was detected in 100% of the samples (mean of 2.39 micrograms/g) and FB2 in 97.7% (mean of 1.09 micrograms/g). Fumonisins were also detected in all samples from Northern region, with mean of 4.56 micrograms/g (FB1) and 2.20 micrograms/g (FB2). Considering 1.0 microgram/g as the threshold, 72% of the corn samples from the Central-West and 92% from the North were contaminated with concentrations above this value, in contrast to a 18.5% contamination rate from Central-Southern samples. Between corn planting to harvesting season, the average maximum temperature and relative humidity were 26 degrees C and 77.1% (Central-Southern), 27 degrees C and 69% (Northern) and 29.9 degrees C and 89.1% (Central-Western). Therefore, the higher fumonisins contamination of corn from Northern region when compared to the Central-South were due to the differences in rainfall levels (92.8 mm in Central-Southern, 202 mm in Northern) during the month preceding harvest.

EFEITO DA APLICAÇÃO DE UNICONAZOLE NA CULTURA DE SOJA [(Glycine max (L.) MERRILL CV IAC-17)]

With the objective of studying the effects of foliar application of uniconazole (S-3307D) on soybean plants (Glycine max (L.) Merrill cv IAC-17), at the beginning of the flowering stage, a field experiment was carried out using uniconazole at the following doses: 2.5; 5.0; 10.0 e 20.0 g a.i./ha. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with 5 treatments and 4 replicates; plot size was 10 m2, and the total experimental area 800 m2. The effects of S-3307D on the productivity of soybean plants were evaluated through the following observations, made at harvesting: weight in Kg of plants per 10 m2, number of plants per 10 m2, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, weight of 100 seeds (in grams), height of the plants (in cm) and number of branches. According to the results, it can be concluded that uniconazole at 10.0 g a.i./ha was efficient for increasing the yield of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill cv IAC-17).

O presente trabalho foi conduzido no campo com o objetivo de estudar os efeitos da aplicação foliar de uniconazole (S-3307D) no início da floração em plantas de soja (Glycine max (L.) Merrill cv IAC-17). As dosagens de uniconazole utilizadas foram: 2,5; 5,0; 10,0 e 20,0 g i.a./ha. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos ao acaso, com 5 tratamentos contendo 4 repetições cada, sendo o tamanho de cada parcela de 40 m2, totalizando 800 m2 de área experimental. Para a avaliação dos efeitos do S-3307D sobre a produtividade de plantas de soja, foram realizadas as seguintes observações, no momento da colheita: produção (peso em Kg das plantas em 10 m2); número de plantas/10 m2; número de vagens/planta; número de grãos/vagem; peso de 100 grãos (em g); altura da planta (em cm) e número de ramos. A partir dos resultados obtidos pode-se concluir que uniconazole a 10,0 g i.a./ha, foi eficiente em aumentar a produtividade da cultura de soja (Glycine max (L.) Merrill cv IAC-17).

EFEITO DA APLICAÇÃO DE UNICONAZOLE NA CULTURA DE SOJA [(Glycine max (L.) MERRILL CV IAC-17)]

With the objective of studying the effects of foliar application of uniconazole (S-3307D) on soybean plants (Glycine max (L.) Merrill cv IAC-17), at the beginning of the flowering stage, a field experiment was carried out using uniconazole at the following doses: 2.5; 5.0; 10.0 e 20.0 g a.i./ha. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with 5 treatments and 4 replicates; plot size was 10 m2, and the total experimental area 800 m2. The effects of S-3307D on the productivity of soybean plants were evaluated through the following observations, made at harvesting: weight in Kg of plants per 10 m2, number of plants per 10 m2, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, weight of 100 seeds (in grams), height of the plants (in cm) and number of branches. According to the results, it can be concluded that uniconazole at 10.0 g a.i./ha was efficient for increasing the yield of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill cv IAC-17).

O presente trabalho foi conduzido no campo com o objetivo de estudar os efeitos da aplicação foliar de uniconazole (S-3307D) no início da floração em plantas de soja (Glycine max (L.) Merrill cv IAC-17). As dosagens de uniconazole utilizadas foram: 2,5; 5,0; 10,0 e 20,0 g i.a./ha. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos ao acaso, com 5 tratamentos contendo 4 repetições cada, sendo o tamanho de cada parcela de 40 m2, totalizando 800 m2 de área experimental. Para a avaliação dos efeitos do S-3307D sobre a produtividade de plantas de soja, foram realizadas as seguintes observações, no momento da colheita: produção (peso em Kg das plantas em 10 m2); número de plantas/10 m2; número de vagens/planta; número de grãos/vagem; peso de 100 grãos (em g); altura da planta (em cm) e número de ramos. A partir dos resultados obtidos pode-se concluir que uniconazole a 10,0 g i.a./ha, foi eficiente em aumentar a produtividade da cultura de soja (Glycine max (L.) Merrill cv IAC-17).

ESTUDO DA GERMINAÇÃO DE SEMENTES DE LAVANDA (Lavandula angustifolia Miller)

To study the effects of gibbellic acid, of the light/darkness and of pre-freezing on the germination of lavender seeds, a randomized experiment was used, with five replications of 30 seeds, with the following treatments: control, GA3 100 ppm, GA3 200 ppm, darkness, GA3 100 and 200 ppm + 48 h pre-freezing and GA3 100 and 200 ppm + 7 days of pre-freezing. The lavender seeds were pre-soaked during 18 hours in GA3 and destilated water solutions, and thereafter placed in gerbox, using moistened filter paper. In the pre-freezing treatments the seeds were kept in a refrigerator for 48 hours and thereafter 7 days in 5° C. After this they were transfered to a germinator with continuous white light and constant temperature of 25° C . Seed counting was performed each 2 days until 30 days. To evaluate the treatment effects, seeds were submitted to the following observations: a) percentage of germinated seeds, and b) the average period of germination, expressed in days. From the results it could be observed that the GA3 treatments, with or without pre-freezing, increased significatively the germination percentage, reducing the reaction time.

Com o objetivo de estudar os efeitos do ácido giberélico, do efeito luz/escuro e do pré-resfriamento sobre a germinação de sementes de lavanda (Lavandula angustifolia Miller), empregou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com cinco repetições de 30 sementes cada, e os seguintes tratamentos: testemunha; GA3 100 ppm; GA3 200 ppm; escuro; GA3 100 e 200 ppm + 48 h de pré-resfriamento e GA3 100 e 200 ppm + 7 dias de pré-resfriamento. As sementes de lavanda foram pré-embebidas por 18 horas nas soluções de GA3 e em água destilada e depois colocadas em gerbox, com papel de filtro umedecido com água destilada. Nos tratamentos com pré-resfriamento as sementes foram mantidas em câmara fria por 48 horas e 7 dias à temperatura de 5° C; posteriormente, foram transferidas para o germinador, sob luz branca contínua à temperatura constante de 25°C. A contagem das sementes foi realizada de 2 em 2 dias até completar 30 dias de teste. Para a avaliação dos efeitos dos tratamentos sobre a germinação das sementes foram realizadas as seguintes observações: a) porcentagem de sementes germinadas e b) tempo médio de germinação (expresso em dias). A partir dos resultados obtidos pode-se verificar que os tratamentos com GA3, em conjunto ou não com pré-resfriamento, aumentaram significativamente a porcentagem de germinação, além de acelerar tal processo.

ESTUDO DA GERMINAÇÃO DE SEMENTES DE LAVANDA (Lavandula angustifolia Miller)

To study the effects of gibbellic acid, of the light/darkness and of pre-freezing on the germination of lavender seeds, a randomized experiment was used, with five replications of 30 seeds, with the following treatments: control, GA3 100 ppm, GA3 200 ppm, darkness, GA3 100 and 200 ppm + 48 h pre-freezing and GA3 100 and 200 ppm + 7 days of pre-freezing. The lavender seeds were pre-soaked during 18 hours in GA3 and destilated water solutions, and thereafter placed in gerbox, using moistened filter paper. In the pre-freezing treatments the seeds were kept in a refrigerator for 48 hours and thereafter 7 days in 5° C. After this they were transfered to a germinator with continuous white light and constant temperature of 25° C . Seed counting was performed each 2 days until 30 days. To evaluate the treatment effects, seeds were submitted to the following observations: a) percentage of germinated seeds, and b) the average period of germination, expressed in days. From the results it could be observed that the GA3 treatments, with or without pre-freezing, increased significatively the germination percentage, reducing the reaction time.

Com o objetivo de estudar os efeitos do ácido giberélico, do efeito luz/escuro e do pré-resfriamento sobre a germinação de sementes de lavanda (Lavandula angustifolia Miller), empregou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com cinco repetições de 30 sementes cada, e os seguintes tratamentos: testemunha; GA3 100 ppm; GA3 200 ppm; escuro; GA3 100 e 200 ppm + 48 h de pré-resfriamento e GA3 100 e 200 ppm + 7 dias de pré-resfriamento. As sementes de lavanda foram pré-embebidas por 18 horas nas soluções de GA3 e em água destilada e depois colocadas em gerbox, com papel de filtro umedecido com água destilada. Nos tratamentos com pré-resfriamento as sementes foram mantidas em câmara fria por 48 horas e 7 dias à temperatura de 5° C; posteriormente, foram transferidas para o germinador, sob luz branca contínua à temperatura constante de 25°C. A contagem das sementes foi realizada de 2 em 2 dias até completar 30 dias de teste. Para a avaliação dos efeitos dos tratamentos sobre a germinação das sementes foram realizadas as seguintes observações: a) porcentagem de sementes germinadas e b) tempo médio de germinação (expresso em dias). A partir dos resultados obtidos pode-se verificar que os tratamentos com GA3, em conjunto ou não com pré-resfriamento, aumentaram significativamente a porcentagem de germinação, além de acelerar tal processo.

Desenvolvimento de plantas de ervilha (Pisum sativum L.), submetidas à diferentes potenciais da água no solo: índices fisiológicos

Peas are cultivated in the central region of Brazil, during the dry winter, demanding for the complete success the use of irrigation. Therefore, the present work has the aim of evaluating soil water potential effects on the indexes of physiological growth analysis of peas (Pisum sativum L.). The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse using soils of clayey texture, in a fully randomized design, with four treatments, based on minimum soil water potentials (-33, -100, -200 and -1500 kPa) in three replicates, each one containing two pea plants Caprice cultivar. The results obtained indicate that the reduction of soil water potential induced the decrease of leaf area, but did not interfer on the behaviour of leaf weight ratio, leaf area ratio, net assimilation rate and relative growth rate.

A ervilha é cultivada no Brasil Central, durante o inverno seco, exigindo para o pleno êxito da cultura o uso da irrigação. Assim, o presente trabalho se propõe a avaliar os efeitos do potencial da água no solo nos índices fisiológicos da análise quantitativa de crescimento de plantas de ervilha (Pisum sativum L.). O experimento foi montado em casa de vegetação, em solos de textura argilosa, com delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos decorrentes de potenciais mínimos da água no solo (-33, -100, -200 e -1500 kPa) em três repetições, cada qual contendo duas plantas de ervilha, cultivar Caprice. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram que a redução do potencial água no solo, induziu o decréscimo na área foliar, sem interferir no comportamento da razão de massa foliar, razão de área foliar, taxa assimilatória líquida e taxa de crescimento relativo.