How Scarification, GA3 and Graphene Oxide Influence the In Vitro Establishment and Development of Strelitzia.

The propagation of strelitzia plants can be carried out in vitro as an alternative to combine the aseptic conditions of the culture medium with the use of strategies to promote germination and controlled abiotic conditions. However, this technique is still limited by the prolonged time and low percentage of seed germination, which is the most viable explant source, due to dormancy. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of chemical and physical scarification processes of seeds combined with gibberellic acid (GA3), as well as the effect of graphene oxide in the in vitro cultivation of strelitzia plants. Seeds were subjected to chemical scarification with sulfuric acid for different periods (10 to 60 min) and physical scarification (sandpaper), in addition to a control treatment without scarification. After disinfection, the seeds were inoculated in MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium with 30 g L-1 sucrose, 0.4 g L-1 PVPP (polyvinylpyrrolidone), 2.5 g L-1 Phytagel®, and GA3 at different concentrations. Growth data and antioxidant system responses were measured from the formed seedlings. In another experiment, the seeds were cultivated in vitro in the presence of graphene oxide at different concentrations. The results showed that the highest germination was observed in seeds scarified with sulfuric acid for 30 and 40 min, regardless of the addition of GA3. After 60 days of in vitro cultivation, physical scarification and scarification time with sulfuric acid promoted greater shoot and root length. The highest seedling survival was observed when the seeds were immersed for 30 min (86.66%) and 40 min (80%) in sulfuric acid without GA3. The concentration of 50 mg L-1 graphene oxide favored rhizome growth, while the concentration of 100 mg L-1 favored shoot growth. Regarding the biochemical data, the different concentrations did not influence MDA (Malondialdehyde) levels, but caused fluctuations in antioxidant enzyme activities.

An Ultrasonic-Capacitive System for Online Characterization of Fuel Oils in Thermal Power Plants.

This paper presents a ultrasonic-capacitive system for online analysis of the quality of fuel oils (FO), which are widely used to produce electric energy in Thermal Power Plants (TPP) due to their elevated heating value. The heating value, in turn, is linked to the quality of the fuel (i.e., the density and the amount of contaminants, such as water). Therefore, the analysis of the quality is of great importance for TPPs, either in order to avoid a decrease in generated power or in order to avoid damage to the TPP equipment. The proposed system is composed of two main strategies: a capacitive system (in order to estimate the water content in the fuel) and an ultrasonic system (in order to estimate the density). The conjunction of the two strategies is used in order to estimate the heating value of the fuel, online, as it passes through the pipeline and is an important tool for the TPP in order to detect counterfeit fuel. In addition, the ultrasonic system allows the estimation of the flow rate through the pipeline, hence estimating the amount of oil transferred and obtaining the total mass transferred as a feature of the system. Experimental results are provided for both sensors installed in a TPP in Brazil.

Evaluation of non-linear models for growth curve in Brazilian tropical goats.

In the present study, 1060 body weight-age records were measured on 300 Canindé goats. The records were collected from Rio Grande do Norte state, North-eastern part of Brazil, and used for evaluation of non-linear models (Brody, Von Bertalanffy, Logistic, and Gompertz) describing growth curve in goats. The non-linear models were compared applying mean squared error of prediction (MSEP), mean squared residue (MSR), mean absolute deviation (MAD), adjusted coefficient of determination (R2aj), and convergence percentage (%C) for determining the most appropriate model describing the growth curve in Canindé goats. The absolute growth rate (AGR) was estimated based on the adjusted model as a function of time to describe the growth rate of the animals, and the effect of sex on the curve parameters was assessed. The Brody model was the most indicated to represent the average growth curve of Canindé goats. Furthermore, the growth curves estimated by the models under study show that the Brody model displayed the best fit, indicating a greater association between observed and estimated weights, suggesting that it can be used to describe the growth behavior and development of the animals analyzed of both sexes.

Influence of colorful light-emitting diodes on growth, biochemistry, and production of volatile organic compounds in vitro of Lippia filifolia (Verbenaceae).

Lippia filifolia Mart. & Schauer belongs to the Verbenaceae family and it is endemic from the rupestrian fields of the Espinhaço mountain range, located in Minas Gerais, Brazil. It is an aromatic species with medicinal potential due to the production of volatile compounds that constitute its essential oil. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of light quality using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) over the growth of L. filifolia grown in vitro after 45 days of culture, analyzing its volatile organic compounds (VOCs), biochemical, and biometric traits. This study had four treatments according to the wavelength of LED lamps: (i) white (control), (ii) blue, (iii) red, and (iv) a combination of red + blue (mix). The light quality influenced the growth, metabolism, and VOCs production of plantlets. The specimens showed higher height under red and white treatments and higher biomass accumulation, nodal segments, and shoot numbers under the mix treatment. Higher total carbohydrate content was also observed on the mix treatment, while the white LED provided higher chlorophylls and carotenoids contents. In addition, the lipid peroxidation was more pronounced in mix and white LEDs treatments, and it was also observed significant but not quite changes in VOCs profiles due to light quality. Eucalyptol was the compound found in a higher concentration among the VOCs of L. filifolia grown in vitro at all light quality treatments studied.

Nitrogen sources and CO2 concentration synergistically affect the growth and metabolism of tobacco plants.

The initial stimulation of photosynthesis under elevated CO2 concentrations (eCO2) is often followed by a decline in photosynthesis, known as CO2 acclimation. Changes in N levels under eCO2 can have different effects in plants fertilized with nitrate (NO3-) or ammonium (NH4+) as the N source. NO3- assimilation consumes approximately 25% of the energy produced by an expanded leaf, whereas NH4+ requires less energy to be incorporated into organic compounds. Although plant-N interactions are important for the productivity and nutritional value of food crops worldwide, most studies have not compared the performance of plants supplied with different forms of N. Therefore, this study aims to go beyond treating N as the total N in the soil or the plant because the specific N compounds formed from the available N forms become highly engaged in all aspects of plant metabolism. To this end, plant N metabolism was analyzed through an experiment with eCO2 and fertigation with NO3- and/or NH4+ as N sources for tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants. The results showed that the plants that received only NO3- as a source of N grew more slowly when exposed to a CO2 concentration of 760 µmol mol-1 than when they were exposed to ambient CO2 conditions. On the other hand, in plants fertigated with only NH4+, eCO2 enhanced photosynthesis. This was essential for the maintenance of the metabolic pathways responsible for N assimilation and distribution in growing tissues. These data show that the physiological performance of tobacco plants exposed to eCO2 depends on the form of inorganic N that is absorbed and assimilated.

The cryoprotectant PVS2 plays a crucial role in germinating Passiflora ligularis embryos after cryopreservation by influencing the mobilization of lipids and the antioxidant metabolism.

Cryopreservation is a process whereby biological structures are preserved in liquid nitrogen (-196 °C) without losing their viability. Many cryopreservation techniques use the Plant Vitrification Solution 2 (PVS2) for cryoprotection. This study will therefore evaluate the influence of different exposure times to the cryoprotectant PVS2 and discuss the importance of the mobilization of reserves and the antioxidant metabolism during the germination of cryopreserved Passiflora ligularis embryos. The composition of P. ligularis seeds was analytically determined. We tested the germination capacity and the Germination Speed Index (GSI) of embryos (that is, seeds without external tegument) which were exposed to different PVS2 exposure times (0, 30, 60 and 120 min) at 30 days after thawing. Proline content, hydrogen peroxide, activity of isocitrate lyase (ICL), malate synthase (MSy), lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, APX) were measured at 7, 14 and 21 days after cryopreservation. The germination from cryopreserved embryos was maximal (85%) after 60 min PVS2 exposure with a GSI of 0.6. At 60 min, the highest activity of the enzymes involved in the glyoxylate cycle, ICL and MSy were recorded. We hypothesize that a 60 min exposure to PVS2 accelerates the reserve mobilization which correlates positively with germination. Until 60 min, there was a positive correlation between the PVS2 exposure time and the proline content, as well as the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, APX), and a negative correlation with the lipid peroxidation. This study enables us to optimize the long-term conservation of this species. In conclusion, fundamental research is necessary to optimize the cryopreservation procedure, and this study offers an effective and efficient workflow which can be extrapolated to other (oil-rich) species.

In vitro growth of Physalis peruviana L. affected by silver nanoparticles.

The effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on plant cells, since their phytotoxicity potential is not yet fully understood. In this context, the aim of the present study was to elucidate the effects of AgNPs in the in vitro culture of Physalis peruviana. For this purpose, P. peruviana seeds were grown in MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of AgNPs. Growth and development of seedlings were evaluated through germination, seedling size and biomass and biochemical and anatomical analyses. At the end of 60 days of cultivation, it was observed that the in vitro germination of this species is not affected by the presence of AgNPs and that at low concentrations (0.385 mg L-1) it can promote an increase in seedlings biomass. However, higher concentration (15.4 mg L-1) leads to a reduction in seedling size and root system, but no changes were observed in the seedlings antioxidant metabolism and anatomy. These results demonstrate that the phytotoxicity of AgNPs in P. peruviana is related to the concentration of nanoparticles to which the specie is exposed.

Can the Use of a Warm-Air Stream for Solvent Evaporation Lead to a Dangerous Temperature Increase During Dentin Hybridization?

PURPOSE: To analyze the effect of a warm-air stream for solvent evaporation on the temperature rise in the pulp chamber during dentin hybridization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dentin disks with thicknesses of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mm were obtained from extracted human molars. A model tooth was set up with the dentin disks between a molar with an exposed pulp chamber and a crown with an occlusal preparation. A K-type thermocouple connected to a digital thermometer was placed in the molar root until it entered the pulp chamber and made contact with the dentin disks. After 10 s of adhesive application, solvent evaporation was performed for 10, 20, 30, and 40 s and the increase in temperature was monitored for 200 s after the warm-air stream began. RESULTS: The temperature increase was significantly influenced by the thickness of the dentin disks (0.5 mm = 1.0 mm > 1.5 mm). With respect to the duration of the warm-air stream, the temperature increase was as follows: 10 s < 20 s < 30 s < 40 s (p < 0.05). The highest temperature was found after 40 s with dentin disks that were 0.5 mm (16.6°C) and 1.0 mm (15.8°C) thick, whereas the lowest temperature increase occurred after 10 s with a dentin disk that was 1.5 mm thick (4.1°C) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The temperature in the pulp chamber was strongly influenced by the dentin thickness and the duration of the warm-air stream. Thinner dentin and a longer duration of the warm-air stream both lead to a greater temperature increase in the pulp chamber.

Candida spp. In Linear gingival erythema lesions in HIV-Infected children: report of six cases

Introduction: Linear gingival erythema (LGE), formally referred to as HIV-gingivitis, is the most common form of HIV-associated periodontal disease in HIV-infected individuals These lesions have been recently evaluated as a possible form of erythematous oral candidosis, mainly caused by Candida albicans. Other species such as C. tropicalis, C. stellatoidea, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata and C. Dubliniensis, have also been identified in some HIV-infected subjects. Objective: This case report reveals the presence of typical LGE lesions in six HIV-infected children, and also investigates the etiologic agent through microbiological exams and correlates this oral manifestation with the patients' systemic conditions. Case report: Microbiological analyses showed growth for Candida spp in all patients; all of whom had severe immunosuppression. However, the regression of lesions was noted after antifungal medication. Conclusion: The presence of LGE in pediatric patients with AIDS may be a predictive marker in the progression of AIDS or it may be the first clinical manifestation of HIV infection in children. Hence it is important for dentists to be aware of such lesions.

Introdução: O eritema gengival linear (LGE), normalmente referido como gengivite do HIV, é a forma mais comum de doença periodontal presente em indivíduos infectados pelo HIV. Recentemente, estas lesões foram consideradas como uma possível forma de candidíase oral eritematosa causada por Candida. Albicans . Outras espécies, como C. tropicalis, C. stellatoidea,C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata e C. Dubliniensis também foram identificadas em indivíduos infectados pelo HIV associadas ao LGE. Objetivo: O presente artigo mostra a presença de lesões típicas de LGE em seis crianças infectadas pelo HIV e também investigou o agente etiológico das lesões orais através de exames microbiológicos, correlacionando o LGE com as condições sistêmicas dos pacientes. Case report: Análises microbiológicas mostraram crescimento positivo para Candida spp em todos os pacientes, os quais possuiam imunossupressão grave. Adicionalmente, a regressão total das lesões foi observada após medicação tópica antifúngica. Conclusão: A presença de LGE em pacientes pediátricos com AIDS pode ser um marcador preditivo da progressão.

Locally adapted Brazilian ewes with different coat colors maintain homeothermy during the year in an equatorial semiarid environment.

The present paper aimed to show the thermoregulatory responses of locally adapted Morada Nova sheep with different coat colors that were exposed to direct solar radiation in an equatorial semiarid region. Animals were classified into four groups according to the coat color as follows: (1) dark red, (2) intermediate red, (3) light red, and (4) white coats. Forty Morada Nova ewes were observed in for 7 consecutive months. The experimental variables measured were rectal temperature (RT), skin surface temperature (ST), respiratory rate (RR), skin surface evaporation (CE), respiratory evaporation (RE), and heat exchange by convection (HC) and radiation (R). Data were collected from 1100 to 1400 h after the animals were exposed to 30 min direct sunlight. The results showed that all groups maintained homeothermy. The RR was higher in the animals of groups 1 to 3, which also showed higher values for ST when compared to the white-coated animals. Sensible heat exchange mechanisms were not important for heat loss, and R was a significant source of heat gain from the environment for the animals. Groups 1, 2, and 3 used RR more intensely than group 4 (P value = 0.001); however, CE was higher for the white-coated animals. It was concluded that Morada Nova sheep are well adapted to the semiarid environment, regardless of coat color.

A multivariate approach to the diagnosis of gastrointestinal infection in ewes.

Diagnosing the effects of helminth infections is an efficient way to manage the problem in ruminant production systems. Selection of animals in a flock that are infected with Haemonchus has traditionally involved differential packed cell volume measurements (PCV), and in recent years, the FAMACHA© system has been used. However, few small analytical changes have been made. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of different diagnoses linked to packed cell volume (PCV) and FAMACHA© system scores in native ewes, using a multivariate approach. Ewes were classified into three categories according to their score in the FAMACHA© system (FS) and their packed cell volumes (PCV) as follows: Group AG (FS between 1 and 2 and PCV ≥ 30%); Group BG (FS score of 3 and PCV between 21 and 29%); Group CG (FS between 4 and 5 and PCV ≤ 20%). The animals were evaluated using performance characteristics, parasitological examinations, blood values and serum biochemistry. The data show that the use of a multivariate approach for different diagnoses using the FAMACHA© system and PCV measurements gives similar results, although they have particular pathophysiological indicator patterns.

Performance, endoparasitary control and blood values of ewes locally adapted in semiarid region.

This study evaluated the variation in the prevalence of endoparasitoses and their impact on body condition and blood values of sheep of the Morada Nova breed. A total of 138 ewes were examined for their morphology (body weight, BW; body condition score, BCS), parasitology (faecal egg count, FEC; Famacha© score; coproculture), hematology (red blood cell count,RBC); hemoglobin concentration, HE; packet cell volume, PCV; mean corpuscular volume, MCV,; mean corpuscular hemoglobin, MCH; mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, MCHC; leukocytes, WBC) and serum biochemistry (glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, globulin, AST and ALT). Overall the animals presented higher BW and BCS in the months of September and December, however, with high FEC, in addition to a large number of animals with Famacha score 4 and 5. The results showed that the main hematophagous worm affecting the sheep, the genus Haemonchus ssp, appeared in a greater proportion (30-71.66%) than the other worms in all months of the study, except in March. About 30% of the hematological values found in the study are outside the reference ranges for suable sheep e 45.50% for serum biochemistry. These findings demonstrate the most healthy period of the year was from March to June for endoparasites control, however, in the months of September and December the animals showed better performance measures.

Behavior of lateral buds of Hancornia speciosa after cryopreservation by encapsulation-vitrification / Comportamento de gemas laterais de Hancornia speciosa após criopreservação por encapsulamento-vitrificação

Hancornia speciosa is a fruitful species from Cerrado biome with high economic potential. However, the intense and disordered extractivism have caused a reduction of its population in its endemic area. In addition, seed recalcitrance negatively affects the conventional conservation of the species. Aiming to find alternatives that enable the long-term conservation of this species, the study's objective was to assess the behavior of lateral bud's regrowth after cryopreservation procedures by encapsulation-vitrification technique. Sodium alginate capsules containing lateral buds were pre-cultured in liquid WPM supplemented with 1.0 M glycerol, and subsequently exposed to different concentrations of sucrose (0.3; 0.75 and 1.0 M) for 24 or 48 hours. The capsules were subjected to dehydration in silica gel or airflow hood for 0, 1, 2 and 3 hours before different incubation times in PVS2 (0, 15, 30, 60 and 120 minutes) at 0°C. A high regeneration percentage of lateral buds was observed after cryopreservation of capsules treated with 0.75 M sucrose plus 1.0 M glycerol (24 hours), associated with dehydration in an airflow hood (1 hour) and immersion in PVS2 (15 minutes). Encapsulation-vitrification allowed the long-term conservation, and provided high plant material survival rates after cryopreservation of Hancornia speciosa sensitive explants.

Hancornia speciosa é uma frutífera do Cerrado com elevado potencial econômico. Entretanto, o extrativismo desordenado causou a redução populacional em sua área endêmica. Além disso, a recalcitrância da semente afeta negativamente sua conservação convencional. Buscando alternativas de conservação para essa espécie, objetivou-se avaliar a regeneração das gemas laterais após a técnica de encapsulamento-vitrificação. Cápsulas de alginato de sódio contendo gemas laterais foram pré-cultivadas em meio WPM acrescido de 1,0 M de glicerol e, posteriormente, imersas em diferentes concentrações de sacarose (0,3; 0,75 e 1,0 M) por 24 ou 48 horas. As cápsulas foram submetidas à desidratação em sílica gel ou em fluxo laminar por 0, 1, 2 e 3 horas antes de sua incubação em diferentes tempos de PVS2 (0, 15, 30, 60 e 120 minutos). Elevada porcentagem de regeneração de gemas laterais foi observada após a criopreservação de cápsulas tratadas com 0,75 M de sacarose + 1,0 M de glicerol por 24 horas, associado com a desidratação em fluxo laminar (1 hora) e imersão em PVS2 (15 minutos). O encapsulamento-vitrificação é eficiente para a conservação de longo prazo e permite a obtençao de altas taxas de sobrevivência após a criopreservação de explantes sensíveis (gemas laterais) de Hancornia speciosa.

Indirect in vitro organogenesis of Hancornia speciosa Gomes / Organogênese indireta in vitro de Hancornia speciosa Gomes

Hancornia speciosa Gomes is a fruit species belonging to the Apocynaceae family and holds social, cultural and economic potential mostly due to its use in composition of many food industry products and the consumption its fruits in natura. Several aspects regarding their propagation need further studies, since the species is undergoing a continuous process of domestication. The objective was to obtain an in vitro protocol for indirect organogenesis and rooting with subsequent acclimatization of H. speciosa plants. To obtain indirect organogenesis, internodal segments were inoculated in WPM culture medium gelled with 7 g L-1 agar, added with 30 g L-1 sucrose, 0.4 g L -1 PVP, and supplied with different concentrations of 2,4-D (0.0; 2.46; 7.38; 12.30; and 17.22 µM), BAP (0.0; 4.92; 9.84; 14.76; and 19.68 µM), and TDZ (0.0; 4.92; 9.84; 14.76; and 19.68 µM). For the in vitro rooting, shootings with approximately 6.0 cm diameter length kept for 15 days in WPM medium with no plant growth regulator and, afterwards, subjected to treatments with different auxins (Control; 9.84 µM IBA; 9.84 µM NAA; and 9.84 µM IAA) as well as the combination among them, in order to verify their effects on percentage of rooting (%), number of roots, and average length of the largest root (cm). The formation of calluses was observed in all explants subjected to the concentrations of the regulators tested. The highest shooting regeneration occurred with 7.38 µM 2,4-D (73%). The highest percentage of shoot rooting (80%) and roots with the largest length (1.3 cm) were found in the culture medium with the combination of 4.92 µM NAA and 4.92 µM IBA. The in vitro regeneration of H. speciosa is feasible. The acclimatization of rooted shoots in Trospstrato® was accomplished with successful and 100% survival of plant material was observed during this stage.

Hancornia speciosa Gomes é uma frutífera pertencente à família Apocynaceae e possui grande potencial social, cultural e econômico, principalmente devido à utilização de seus frutos na composição de diversos produtos do setor alimentício e para consumo in natura. Vários aspectos de sua propagação necessitam de maiores estudos, uma vez que a espécie passa por um contínuo processo de domesticação. Objetivou-se obter um protocolo de organogênese indireta e de enraizamento in vitro, com posterior aclimatização das plantas de H. speciosa. Para a obtenção de organogênese indireta, segmentos internodais foram inoculados em meio de cultivo WPM gelificado com ágar 7 g L-1, acrescido de 30 g L-1 de sacarose, 0,4 g L-1 de PVP e suplementado com diferentes concentrações de 2,4-D (0,0; 2,46; 7,38; 12,30 e 17,22 µM), BAP (0,0; 4,92; 9,84; 14,76 e 19,68 µM) e TDZ (0,0; 4,92; 9,84; 14,76 e 19,68 µM). Para o enraizamento in vitro, foram utilizadas brotações com aproximadamente 6,0 cm de comprimento, mantidas por 15 dias em meio WPM isento de fitorreguladores e, em seguida, submetidas a tratamentos com diferentes auxinas (Controle; 9,84 µM de AIB; 9,84 µM de ANA e 9,84 µM de AIA), bem como as combinações entre estes reguladores (4,92 µM AIA + 4,92 µM AIB; 4,92 µM ANA + 4,92 µM AIB; 4,92 µM ANA + 4,92 µM AIA). Foi observada formação de calos em todos os explantes submetidos às concentrações dos reguladores testados. A maior regeneração de brotação ocorreu com 7,38 µM de 2,4-D (73%). Maior porcentagem de enraizamento das brotações (80%) e raízes com maior comprimento (1,3 cm) foi verificada em meio de cultivo contendo a combinação de 4,92 µM de ANA e 4,92 µM de AIB. É possível a regeneração in vitro de H. speciosa. A aclimatização foi realizada com sucesso, com 100% de sobrevivência das plantas.

Vitamin C and total phenols quantification in calli of native passion fruit induced by combinations of Picloram and Kinetin / Quantificação de vitamina C e fenóis totais em calos de maracujazeiro nativo induzidos por combinações de Picloram e Cinetina

Brazil is one of the center of origin of passion fruit and has an important natural variability of the genus Passiflora. Several wild species of this genus are resistant to some pests and diseases and many are considered as medicinal. The aim of this research was to induce callus from in vitro Passiflora gibertii leaf explants for quantification of vitamin C and total phenols. Once the appropriate auxin/cytokine balance promotes callus formation and may optimize the production of secondary compounds and vitamins, calli were induced using a half-strength MS medium with a combination of the auxin Picloran (PIC) and the cytokine Kinetin (KIN). The vitamin C and total phenols were quantified by colorimetric methods from calli after different culture periods. The calli induction was strongly dependent of the combination PIC/KIN. It was observed high vitamin C content (94.8mg 100g-1) during the calli induction period in MS+4.14µM PIC+ 0.207µM KIN. Higher PIC/KIN concentrations promoted an increase in the vitamin C content after three subcultures. The higher PIC (8.28µM)/KIN (0.828µM) concentration was the higher was the total phenols production (66mg tannic acid 100g-1 of fresh callus) during the calli induction period.

O Brasil é um dos centros de origem do maracujazeiro e possui uma importante variabilidade natural do gênero Passiflora. Muitas espécies selvagens desse gênero são resistentes a algumas pragas e doenças e várias são consideradas medicinais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi induzir calos in vitro a partir de folhas de Passiflora gibertii para a quantificação de vitamina C e fenóis totais. Uma vez que o balanço adequado entre auxina/citocinina promove a formação de calos e pode otimizar a produção de compostos secundários e vitaminas, calos foram induzidos em meio MS meia-força com uma combinação da auxina Picloram e da citocinina Cinetina, todos na ausência de luz. O teor de vitamina C e de fenóis totais foi quantificado por métodos colorimétricos após diferentes períodos de cultivo dos calos. A indução de calos foi fortemente influenciada pela combinação de Picloram/Cinetina. Foi observado um alto teor de vitamina C (94,8mg 100g-1) durante o período de indução de calos em MS+4,14µM de Picloram+0,207µM de Cinetina. Altas concentrações de Picloram/Cinetina conduzem a um aumento no teor de vitamina C após três subcultivos. Quanto maior a concentração de Picloram (8,28µM)/Cinetina (0,828µM), maior é a produção de fenóis (66mg de ácido tânico 100g-1 de calos) totais durante o período de indução de calos.

Decontaminant solution on in vitro growth of Byrsonima intermedia seedlings / Solução desinfestante no crescimento in vitro de plântulas de Byrsonima intermedia

Byrsonima intermedia A. Juss. é uma planta medicinal e frutífera do Cerrado, cuja propagação convencional é difícil, devido à presença do endocarpo extremamente lignificado. Embora o hipoclorito de sódio (NaOCl) seja amplamente utilizado para a desinfestação superficial, existem poucos relatos de seus efeitos sobre o crescimento do explante. Neste trabalho, o objetivo foi estudar o efeito de diferentes pHs e períodos de exposição de sementes de B. intermedia em uma solução de NaOCl. As sementes foram submetidas a diferentes tempos de exposição (1, 5 e 10 minutos) numa solução de NaOCl com diferentes pHs (5, 7, 10 e 12) e, após o tratamento com hipoclorito de sódio, os embriões foram inoculados em meio WPM com a concentração de 50% de sais sem sacarose, ágar a 0,5% e pH 5,8 e, depois de 75 dias de cultivo, o crescimento das plântulas foi avaliado. A utilização de NaOCl é eficaz na desinfestação de sementes de B. intermedia, independente da variação do pH ou dos períodos de exposição. A porcentagem de plântulas normais, o comprimento da parte aérea e o número de folhas são positivamente afetados pela utilização de solução de NaOCl a pH de 8,5-8,9 ou pelo aumento do período de exposição, enquanto o número de raízes é afetado apenas pelo aumento do período de exposição na solução NaOCl.

Byrsonima intermedia A. Juss., is a medicinal and fruit plant of the Cerrado in which the conventional propagation is difficult due to the presence of extremely lignified endocarps. Although sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is widely used in the surface decontamination, there are few reports of its effects on explant growth. The aim of this work was to study the effect of different pH and exposure periods of B. intermedia seeds to a NaOCl solution. Seeds were subjected to different exposure periods (1, 5 and 10 minutes) to a NaOCl solution at different pH (5, 7, 10 and 12) and after treatment with NaOCl, embryos were inoculated in a WPM medium with 50% concentration of salts without sucrose, 0.5% agar and pH 5.8 and after 75 days of culture the growth of seedlings was evaluated. The use of NaOCl is effective in the decontamination of B. intermedia seeds, independent of pH variation and exposure periods and the parameters such as percentage of normal seedlings, shoot length, and number of leaves are positively affected by the use of NaOCl solution at pH 8.5-8.9 and by increasing the exposure period, however, the number of roots is affected only by increasing the exposure period in the NaOCl solution.

Induction and Morpho-Ultrastructural Analysis of Organogenic Calli of a Wild Passionfruit

This work studied a new protocol for organogenic calli induction and characterization of the morphology and ultrastructure of callogenesis in leaf explants of Passiflora gibertii N. E. Brown, a native passion fruit species from Brazil. Calli induction was performed in different growth conditions (light and dark), different MS medium salt concentrations (MS and MS half strength) and the presence or absence of coconut water. The leaf explants maintained in the dark were more responsive to bud formation. In order to reduce spending on in vitro culture, the most suitable induction medium for P. gibertii organogenesis could, therefore be the MS half strength salt concentration medium maintained in the dark. The addition of coconut water to the culture medium was essential for both calli induction and bud formation. The morphological and ultrastructural features of the organogenic calli were isodiametric cells, characterized by an organized cellular system, nucleus with prominent nucleoli, presence of starch grains and dense cytoplasm rich in endoplasmic reticulum. The scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that buds were present on these calli.

Comportamento de cultivares de cafeeiros C. Arabica L. enxertados sobre cultivar 'Apoatã IAC 2258' (Coffea canephora) / Performance of C. Arabica L. Coffee cultivars grafted on 'Apoatã IAC 2258' cultivar (Coffea canephora)

Objetivou-se no trabalho avaliar a influência da enxertia e do porta-enxerto 'Apoatã IAC 2258' no comportamento agronômico de sete cultivares de cafeeiro da espécie Coffea arabica cultivadas em solo isento de fitonematoides. O ensaio foi conduzido em delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial (7 x 3) com quatro repetições, sendo sete cultivares de Coffea arabica ('Obatã IAC 1669-20', 'Acauã', 'Oeiras MG 6851', 'Catucaí Amarelo 2SL', 'Topázio MG 1190', 'IBC Palma II' e 'Paraíso MG H 419-1') e três tipos de enxertia (muda enxertada, auto enxertada e pé franco). Foi avaliada a produtividade média de quatro anos, uniformidade de maturação, percentagem de frutos chochos e classificação do grão por tipo de peneira. As cultivares enxertadas estudadas apresentaram comportamento agronômico satisfatório em todas as características avaliadas e semelhante ao pé-franco. Em áreas isentas de fitonematoides, à exceção das cultivares 'IBC Palma II' e 'Paraíso MG H 419-1', as demais cultivares estudadas são adequadas opções de escolha para uso como copas. A técnica da enxertia com o uso do porta-enxerto 'Apoatã IAC 2258' em área isenta de fitonematoides não se justifica para incremento de produtividade.

This research had the objective to evaluate the effect of grafting and 'Apoatã IAC 2258' cv. as rootstock on agronomic performance of seven Coffea arabica cvs. planted in area nematodes free. The experimental design was randomized blocks using a 7x3 factorial scheme with four repetitions. The treatments were 'Obatã IAC 1669-20', 'Acauã', 'Oeiras MG 6851', 'Catucaí Amarelo 2SL', 'Topázio MG 1190', 'IBC Palma II' and 'Paraíso MG H 419-1' coffee cultivars grafted on 'Apoatã IAC 2258', self grafted (meaning a cultivar was grafted on a rootstock of the same cultivar) and no grafting. The characteristic evaluated was the average yield of beans between the first and the fourth year, the fruit maturation stage, floating grain percentage and the bean size. The grafting cultivars showed good agronomic performance in the characteristic evaluated. The performance in coffee cultivars grafted on 'Apoatã IAC 2258' is the same in no grafting. In nematodes free areas, with the exception of the cultivars 'IBC Palma II' and 'Paraíso MG H 419-1', all cultivars are good choices to be used as scions. The grafting technique using 'Apoatã IAC 2258' as rootstock on area free of nematodes is not justified for yield increase.

Anti-inflammatory effect of extract and fractions from the leaves of Byrsonima intermedia A. Juss. in rats.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Byrsonima intermedia is commonly used for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties in the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery in Brazilian folk medicine. The purpose of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous extract and fractions of Byrsonima intermedia leaves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats with carrageenan-induced paw edema and fibrovascular tissue growth, which was induced by subcutaneous implantation of a cotton pellet, were used as acute and chronic animal models of inflammation to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extract and the individual ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and aqueous fractions of Byrsonima intermedia and catechin. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the fingerprint chromatogram of the aqueous extract and fractions of Byrsonima intermedia. RESULTS: The crude aqueous extract at test doses of 30-300 mg/kg p.o. clearly demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by reducing carrageenan-induced paw edema, as did the ethyl acetate (100mg/kg) and aqueous fractions (30-100mg/kg). In the chronic inflammation rat animal model with fibrovascular tissue growth, the aqueous extract of Byrsonima intermedia (BiAE) at doses of 30-300 mg/kg and the individual EtOAc and aqueous fractions at doses of 30-100mg/kg and catechin significantly reduced the formation of granulomatous tissue. The presence of catechin and phenolic compounds in the extract and fractions of Byrsonima intermedia was confirmed using HPLC. CONCLUSION: BiAE and the individual EtOAc and aqueous fractions of Byrsonima intermedia exhibited chronic and acute anti-inflammatory efficacy in rats, which supports previous claims of its use in traditional medicine.