Determination of cadmium and lead in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) consumed in Quito, Ecuador.

Vegetables are one of the most important components in the human diet, but despite their multiple nutritional components, studies have demonstrated the presence of trace metals in their edible parts. In Ecuador, two of the most consumed crops are tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa). The importance of these two crops in the Ecuadorian diet, especially in large and touristic locations like the Metropolitan District of Quito, implies food safety-related concerns for locals and visitors. However, no previous studies have quantified the cadmium and lead levels in these two vegetables using samples from Quito markets. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the cadmium and lead content in both tomato and lettuce products from main nonorganic and organic markets in Quito using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that the cadmium levels were lower than 0.058 in tomatoes and 0.034 mg/kg in lettuce, which are under the respective threshold values (0.100 and 0.200 mg/kg). Regarding lead, levels lower than 0.066 mg/kg were detected in lettuce, which did not exceed the CXS 193-1995 threshold value, while levels in tomatoes were near or exceeded the threshold value (0.100 mg/kg) from four markets (0.209, 0.162, 0.110, 0.099 mg/kg), suggesting a possible risk from tomato consumption. In addition, most vegetables marketed as organic had higher metal content than those coming from nonorganic markets. Based on these results, local health and commercial control authorities should monitor contaminants in food products sold in Quito and other places in Ecuador to ensure their safety.

Novel small IncX3 plasmid carrying the blaKPC-2 gene in high-risk Klebsiella pneumoniae ST11/CG258.

This study used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and PFGE to analysis KPC-2-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains from clinical specimens collected in Brazilian hospitals. The study identifies the emergence of a novel small IncX3 plasmid (pKPB11), 12,757-bp in length, in a high-risk K. pneumoniae ST11/CG258 lineage, a successful clonal group in Brazil, carrying the blaKPC-2 gene on a non-Tn4401 genetic element (NTEKPC-Ic). Comparative analysis of the pKPB11 showed that this plasmid reduced its size, losing part of its conjugation apparatus. The pKPB11 was also compared to another strain sequenced in this study (KPC89) that had the hybrid IncX3-IncU plasmid (pKP89), of approximately 45 kb in length, similarly carrying the blaKPC-2 gene on NTEKPC-Ic. To the best of our knowledge, pKPB11 is the first example of small IncX3 plasmid found in a high-risk KPC-2-producing K. pneumoniae ST11/CG258.

Dissemination of blaKPC-2 in an NTEKPC by an IncX5 plasmid.

blaKPC-2 is disseminated worldwide usually in Tn4401, a Tn3-family transposon, and primarily in Klebsiella pneumoniae ST258, a well-known lineage that is distributed worldwide and responsible for several outbreaks. Although occurring rarely, blaKPC-2 has been described in non-Tn4401 elements (NTEKPCs), first in China and then in a few other countries. This study reports the dissemination of a blaKPC-2-carrying NTEKPC among ST11/CG258 K. pneumoniae strains and ST1642 K. quasipneumoniae subsp. quasipneumoniae AMKP9 in an Amazonian hospital. The dissemination was due to pAMKP10, an ~48 kbp IncX5 plasmid carrying ΔISKpn6/blaKPC-2/ISKpn27 in a Tn1722-based unit. Although similar to NTEKPC-Ia from pKP048 described in China, a different transposase is present upstream of ISKpn27. Additionally, mutations were identified downstream of ISKpn27 but did not affect the blaKPC-2 promoter regions. pAMKP10 conjugated in vitro only from CG258 isolates. Since CG258 strains are generally well adapted to the hospital environment, it is significant that pAMKP10 has found its way into this clinically significant clonal group. The impact of inter- and intraspecies dissemination of NTEKPCs and IncX5 plasmids harboring carbapenem resistance genes is unknown, but monitoring these plasmids could reveal their dissemination preferences.

Crystal structure at 100†K of bis-[1,2-bis-(di-phenyl-phosphan-yl)ethane]-nickel(II) bis-(tri-fluoro-methane-sulfonate): a possible negative thermal expansion mol-ecular material.

In the title salt, [Ni(C26H24P2)2](CF3SO3)2 or [Ni(dppe)2]2+·(OTf-)2 [dppe = 1,2-bis-(di-phenyl-phosphan-yl)ethane and OTf- = tri-fluoro-methane-sulfonate], the Ni atom (site symmetry ) has a square-planar geometry with the bidentate ligands chelating the metal. As a result of the steric hindrance of the phenyl rings, the counter-ions are blocked from the metal coordination sphere. The dynamic disorder of the anion existing at 296 K is reduced at 100 K and based on these two temperatures, negative thermal expansion behaviour is observed.

Physicochemical and microbiological characterization and antioxidant capacity of açaí pulps marketed in the states of Minas Gerais and Pará, Brazil / Caracterização físico-química, microbiológica e capacidade antioxidante de polpas de açaí comercializadas nos Estados de Minas Gerais e Pará, Brasil

The frozen açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) pulp market has had acceptable development and presents great market potential due to its high nutritional level and fruit's seasonality. However, due to the lack of standards for all types of fruit, products without uniformity are in the market. This study aimed to evaluate frozen açaí pulp belonging to different trademarks related to chemical, physicochemical, and microbiological characteristics. Regarding the total titratable acidity (TTA) and pH, two trademarks from Pará and two from Minas Gerais were rejected compared with the current legislation. It was observed that K (1,253.6mg 100 g-1), Ca (312mg 100g-1), Mg (178mg 100g-1), and P (145mg 100g-1) were the main minerals reported in the analyzed samples. Fe showed an average content from 9.65mg 100g-1 to 22.66mg 100g-1. As for microbiological characteristics, the counts for E. coli were in compliance with legislation. Counts of mesophilic aerobic, filamentous fungi, and yeasts showed variations in the results. The count of coagulase-positive S. aureus met the standards [102 Colony Forming Units (CFU) g-1]; and presence of Salmonella sp. in a trademark was detected among the six evaluated trademarks. The analyzed pulp of açaí showed total phenolics values ranging from 240.14mg AGE 100g-1 to 372.43mg AGE 100g-1, and anthocyanin total levels ranging from 12.05 to 24.98mg 100g-1. The obtained physicochemical and microbiological results indicated the need for immediate implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices; conversely, the frozen pulp of açaí showed considerable antioxidant potential.(AU)

O mercado de polpa de açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) congelada tem tido crescimento aceitável e apresenta grande potencial mercadológico em função da sazonalidade e do elevado nível nutricional do fruto. Porém, devido à inexistência de padrões para todos os tipos de frutas, encontram-se no mercado produtos sem uniformidade. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar polpas de açaí congeladas de diferentes marcas comerciais, quanto às características químicas, físico-químicas e microbiológicas. Para ATT e pH, duas marcas do Pará e duas de Minas Gerais foram reprovadas, quando comparadas com a legislação vigente. Observou-se que K (1253,6mg 100g-1), Ca (312mg 100g-1), Mg (178mg 100g-1), e P (145mg 100g-1) foram os principais minerais encontrados nas amostras avaliadas. O Fe apresentou conteúdo médio entre 9,65mg 100g-1 e 22,66mg 100g-1. Quanto às características microbiológicas, as contagens para E.coli atenderam à legislação. As contagens de mesófilos aeróbios, fungos filamentosos e leveduras apresentaram variações nos resultados. A contagem de S. aureus coagulase positiva apresentou-se dentro dos padrões (102UFC g-1) e foi detectada a presença de Salmonella sp. em uma marca, dentre as seis avaliadas. As polpas de açaí analisadas apresentaram valores de fenólicos totais variando de 240,14mg AGE 100g-1 a 372,43mg AGE 100g-1 e os níveis de antocianinas totais variando de 12,05 a 24,98mg 100g-1. Os resultados físico-químicos e microbiológicos obtidos indicaram a necessidade de implementação imediata das Boas Práticas de Fabricação; em contrapartida, as polpas congeladas de açaí apresentaram considerável potencial antioxidante.(AU)

Physicochemical and microbiological characterization and antioxidant capacity of açaí pulps marketed in the states of Minas Gerais and Pará, Brazil / Caracterização físico-química, microbiológica e capacidade antioxidante de polpas de açaí comercializadas nos Estados de Minas Gerais e Pará, Brasil

The frozen açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) pulp market has had acceptable development and presents great market potential due to its high nutritional level and fruit's seasonality. However, due to the lack of standards for all types of fruit, products without uniformity are in the market. This study aimed to evaluate frozen açaí pulp belonging to different trademarks related to chemical, physicochemical, and microbiological characteristics. Regarding the total titratable acidity (TTA) and pH, two trademarks from Pará and two from Minas Gerais were rejected compared with the current legislation. It was observed that K (1,253.6mg 100 g-1), Ca (312mg 100g-1), Mg (178mg 100g-1), and P (145mg 100g-1) were the main minerals reported in the analyzed samples. Fe showed an average content from 9.65mg 100g-1 to 22.66mg 100g-1. As for microbiological characteristics, the counts for E. coli were in compliance with legislation. Counts of mesophilic aerobic, filamentous fungi, and yeasts showed variations in the results. The count of coagulase-positive S. aureus met the standards [102 Colony Forming Units (CFU) g-1]; and presence of Salmonella sp. in a trademark was detected among the six evaluated trademarks. The analyzed pulp of açaí showed total phenolics values ranging from 240.14mg AGE 100g-1 to 372.43mg AGE 100g-1, and anthocyanin total levels ranging from 12.05 to 24.98mg 100g-1. The obtained physicochemical and microbiological results indicated the need for immediate implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices; conversely, the frozen pulp of açaí showed considerable antioxidant potential.

O mercado de polpa de açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) congelada tem tido crescimento aceitável e apresenta grande potencial mercadológico em função da sazonalidade e do elevado nível nutricional do fruto. Porém, devido à inexistência de padrões para todos os tipos de frutas, encontram-se no mercado produtos sem uniformidade. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar polpas de açaí congeladas de diferentes marcas comerciais, quanto às características químicas, físico-químicas e microbiológicas. Para ATT e pH, duas marcas do Pará e duas de Minas Gerais foram reprovadas, quando comparadas com a legislação vigente. Observou-se que K (1253,6mg 100g-1), Ca (312mg 100g-1), Mg (178mg 100g-1), e P (145mg 100g-1) foram os principais minerais encontrados nas amostras avaliadas. O Fe apresentou conteúdo médio entre 9,65mg 100g-1 e 22,66mg 100g-1. Quanto às características microbiológicas, as contagens para E.coli atenderam à legislação. As contagens de mesófilos aeróbios, fungos filamentosos e leveduras apresentaram variações nos resultados. A contagem de S. aureus coagulase positiva apresentou-se dentro dos padrões (102UFC g-1) e foi detectada a presença de Salmonella sp. em uma marca, dentre as seis avaliadas. As polpas de açaí analisadas apresentaram valores de fenólicos totais variando de 240,14mg AGE 100g-1 a 372,43mg AGE 100g-1 e os níveis de antocianinas totais variando de 12,05 a 24,98mg 100g-1. Os resultados físico-químicos e microbiológicos obtidos indicaram a necessidade de implementação imediata das Boas Práticas de Fabricação; em contrapartida, as polpas congeladas de açaí apresentaram considerável potencial antioxidante.

In vitro study of the neuropathic potential of the organophosphorus compounds trichlorfon and acephate.

Organophosphorus-induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN) is a central and peripheral distal axonopathy characterized by ataxia and paralysis. Trichlorfon and acephate are two organophosphorus compounds (OPs) used worldwide as insecticide and which cause serious effects to non-target species. Despite that, the neuropathic potential of these OPs remains unclear. The present study addressed the neurotoxic effects and the neuropathic potential of trichlorfon and acephate in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells, by evaluating inhibition and aging of neuropathy target esterase (NTE), inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), neurite outgrowth, cytotoxicity and intracellular calcium. Additionally, the effects observed were compared to those of two well-studied OPs: mipafox (known as neuropathic) and paraoxon (known as non-neuropathic). Trichlorfon and mipafox presented the lowest percentage of reactivation of inhibited NTE and the lowest ratio IC50 NTE/IC50 AChE. Moreover, they caused inhibition and aging of at least 70% of the activity of NTE at sub-lethal concentrations. All these effects have been associated with induction of OPIDN. When assayed at these concentrations, trichlorfon and mipafox reduced neurite outgrowth and increased intracellular calcium, events implicated in the development of OPIDN. Acephate caused effects similar to those caused by paraoxon (non-neuropathic OP) and was only able to inhibit 70% of NTE activity at lethal concentrations. These findings suggest that trichlorfon is potentially neuropathic, whereas acephate is not.

Colonization and plant growth promoting characterization of endophytic Pseudomonas chlororaphis strain Zong1 isolated from Sophora alopecuroides root nodules

The endophytic strain Zong1 isolated from root nodules of the legume Sophora alopecuroides was characterized by conducting physiological and biochemical tests employing gfp-marking, observing their plant growth promoting characteristics (PGPC) and detecting plant growth parameters of inoculation assays under greenhouse conditions. Results showed that strain Zong1 had an effective growth at 28 ºC after placed at 4-60 ºC for 15 min, had a wide range pH tolerance of 6.0-11.0 and salt tolerance up to 5% of NaCl. Zong1 was resistant to the following antibiotics (µg/mL): Phosphonomycin (100), Penicillin (100) and Ampicillin (100). It could grow in the medium supplemented with 1.2 mmol/L Cu, 0.1% (w/v) methylene blue and 0.1-0.2% (w/v) methyl red, respectively. Zong1 is closely related to Pseudomonas chlororaphis based on analysis the sequence of 16S rRNA gene. Its expression of the gfp gene indicated that strain Zong1 may colonize in root or root nodules and verified by microscopic observation. Furthermore, co-inoculation with Zong1 and SQ1 (Mesorhizobium sp.) showed significant effects compared to single inoculation for the following PGPC parameters: siderophore production, phosphate solubilization, organic acid production, IAA production and antifungal activity in vitro. These results suggest strains P. chlororaphi Zong1 and Mesorhizobium sp. SQ1 have better synergistic or addictive effect. It was noteworthy that each growth index of co-inoculated Zong1+SQ1 in growth assays under greenhouse conditions is higher than those of single inoculation, and showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) when compared to a negative control. Therefore, as an endophyte P. chlororaphis Zong1 may play important roles as a potential plantgrowth promoting agent.(AU)

Conservação pós-colheita de pinhões [sementes de Araucaria angustifolia (Bertoloni) Otto Kuntze] armazenados em diferentes temperaturas

The seeds ('pinhões') of Brazilian pine (Araucaria angustifolia) represent an important sorce of income to the rural comunities and also an additional food product to be offered to the tourists and population in Southern Brazil. Temperature and humidity in the storage environment are the mais factors affecting 'pinhões' postharvest preservation. This work was carried out to evaluate the effects of storage temperature on postharvest respiration and ethylene production, as well as on fresh mass loss and germination of 'pinhões' intended for human consumption. The experiment followed a completely randomized design with six storage temperatures (2, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50°C) and four replicates, each replicate with about 300g of 'pinhões'. 'Pinhões' stored at the different temperatures did not exhibit ethylene production (at levels detectable by gas chromatography, with a sensibility of 1ppm). The respiratory rates increased substancialy in the range from 2°C to 37.1°C, with a Q10 FONT FACE=Symbol>@ /FONT> 2.5. The respiration decreased substantialy by increasing the temperature from 37.1°C to 50°C. The higher germination rate was achieved for 'pinhões' stored at 20°C (~55% germination after 26 days storage). The germination reduced for 'pinhões' stored at temperatures lower (~1% and 21% of germination for 'pinhões' left at 2 and 10°C, respectively) or higher (9% and 1% of germination for 'pinhões' left at 30°C and 40-50°C, respectively) than 20°C. These results show the importance of 'pinhões' storage at temperatures close to 0°C to reduce the metabolic ativity, especially the respiration, and, therefore, to preserve the product quality and to reduce fresh mass loss and seed germination.

O pinhão (semente de Araucaria angustifolia) representa importante fonte de renda aos produtores rurais e uma opção a mais de alimento característico a ser oferecido aos turistas e à população em geral na região Sul do Brasil. A temperatura e a umidade de armazenamento são os principais determinantes da preservação pós-colheita de pinhões. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar os efeitos da temperatura de armazenamento nas taxas respiratórias e de evolução de etileno, bem como na perda de massa fresca e na germinação pós-colheita de pinhões destinados para consumo alimentar humano. Seguiu-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com seis temperaturas de armazenamento (2, 10, 20, 30, 40 e 50°C) e quatro repetições, cada repetição correspondendo a amostras contendo cerca de 300g de pinhões. Pinhões armazenados nas diferentes temperaturas não apresentaram produção de etileno (em níveis detectáveis através de cromatografia gasosa, com sensibilidade de 1ppm). A taxa respiratória aumentou substancialmente com o aumento na temperatura, com um Q10 FONT FACE=Symbol>@ /FONT> 2,5 na faixa de temperatura de 2 a 37,1°C. Houve redução substancial da respiração com o aumento na temperatura de 37,1 para 50°C. A maior germinação dos pinhões foi verificada na temperatura de 20°C (~55% dos pinhões germinados aos 26 dias de armazenamento), reduzindo em temperaturas menores (~1% e 21% de germinação nas temperaturas de 2 e 10°C, respectivamente) ou maiores (9% e 1% de germinação nas temperaturas de 30°C e 40-50°C, respectivamente). Estes resultados demonstram a importância do resfriamento de pinhões para temperaturas próximas a 0°C, visando a reduzir a atividade metabólica, especialmente a respiração, com vistas à preservação de sua qualidade e à redução na perda de massa fresca e na germinação pós-colheita.

Conservação pós-colheita de pinhões [sementes de Araucaria angustifolia (Bertoloni) Otto Kuntze] armazenados em diferentes temperaturas

The seeds ('pinhões') of Brazilian pine (Araucaria angustifolia) represent an important sorce of income to the rural comunities and also an additional food product to be offered to the tourists and population in Southern Brazil. Temperature and humidity in the storage environment are the mais factors affecting 'pinhões' postharvest preservation. This work was carried out to evaluate the effects of storage temperature on postharvest respiration and ethylene production, as well as on fresh mass loss and germination of 'pinhões' intended for human consumption. The experiment followed a completely randomized design with six storage temperatures (2, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50°C) and four replicates, each replicate with about 300g of 'pinhões'. 'Pinhões' stored at the different temperatures did not exhibit ethylene production (at levels detectable by gas chromatography, with a sensibility of 1ppm). The respiratory rates increased substancialy in the range from 2°C to 37.1°C, with a Q10 FONT FACE=Symbol>@ /FONT> 2.5. The respiration decreased substantialy by increasing the temperature from 37.1°C to 50°C. The higher germination rate was achieved for 'pinhões' stored at 20°C (~55% germination after 26 days storage). The germination reduced for 'pinhões' stored at temperatures lower (~1% and 21% of germination for 'pinhões' left at 2 and 10°C, respectively) or higher (9% and 1% of germination for 'pinhões' left at 30°C and 40-50°C, respectively) than 20°C. These results show the importance of 'pinhões' storage at temperatures close to 0°C to reduce the metabolic ativity, especially the respiration, and, therefore, to preserve the product quality and to reduce fresh mass loss and seed germination.

O pinhão (semente de Araucaria angustifolia) representa importante fonte de renda aos produtores rurais e uma opção a mais de alimento característico a ser oferecido aos turistas e à população em geral na região Sul do Brasil. A temperatura e a umidade de armazenamento são os principais determinantes da preservação pós-colheita de pinhões. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar os efeitos da temperatura de armazenamento nas taxas respiratórias e de evolução de etileno, bem como na perda de massa fresca e na germinação pós-colheita de pinhões destinados para consumo alimentar humano. Seguiu-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com seis temperaturas de armazenamento (2, 10, 20, 30, 40 e 50°C) e quatro repetições, cada repetição correspondendo a amostras contendo cerca de 300g de pinhões. Pinhões armazenados nas diferentes temperaturas não apresentaram produção de etileno (em níveis detectáveis através de cromatografia gasosa, com sensibilidade de 1ppm). A taxa respiratória aumentou substancialmente com o aumento na temperatura, com um Q10 FONT FACE=Symbol>@ /FONT> 2,5 na faixa de temperatura de 2 a 37,1°C. Houve redução substancial da respiração com o aumento na temperatura de 37,1 para 50°C. A maior germinação dos pinhões foi verificada na temperatura de 20°C (~55% dos pinhões germinados aos 26 dias de armazenamento), reduzindo em temperaturas menores (~1% e 21% de germinação nas temperaturas de 2 e 10°C, respectivamente) ou maiores (9% e 1% de germinação nas temperaturas de 30°C e 40-50°C, respectivamente). Estes resultados demonstram a importância do resfriamento de pinhões para temperaturas próximas a 0°C, visando a reduzir a atividade metabólica, especialmente a respiração, com vistas à preservação de sua qualidade e à redução na perda de massa fresca e na germinação pós-colheita.

Qualidade fisiológica de sementes de seringueira (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.), tratadas com benlate durante o armazenamento

After rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) seeds reach the physiological maturity, there is a relatively dry and cold period in the State of São Paulo, which led to the present work, in order to evaluate environmental conditions that maintain physiological seed quality. The physiological quality of rubber tree seeds, treated with benomyl (0,1%) and stored in plastic bags, was studied up to 5 months, during 87/88. The seed bags were kept under laboratory conditions during the whole storage period. To evaluate physiological seed quality, germination and vigor (germination speed and seedling lenght) tests were performed. Germination and germination speed were measured at 30°C, as well as under environmental conditions. There was no treatment effect on the maintenance of seed quality during storage. The germination, germination speed and seedling lenght were reduced as the storage period increased. The germination values were low since the beginning, which could be attributed to the low moisture content (25,4%) of the seeds. The germination test for rubber tree seeds can be performed using sand as substrate at 30°C and the final count made at the 20th day after planting.

A ocorrência de um período relativamente frio e seco, imediatamente após o período de coleta de sementes de seringueira - Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg. (março-abril), levou à realização do presente trabalho com o objetivo de encontrar condições adequadas de preservação da qualidade fisiológica das sementes. Assim, estudou-se a qualidade fisiológica de sementes, tratadas com Benlate (0,1%), e armazenadas em sacos de polietileno transparente, por períodos de 0 a 5 meses, sob condições ambientais de laboratório. Para a avaliação da qualidade fisiológica das sementes, determinou-se a germinação e o vigor através do índice de velocidade de emergência (IVE) e do comprimento da parte aérea das plântulas (CPA), em 1987 e 1988. A germinação e o IVE foram obtidos sob duas condições ambientais diferentes, ambiente do laboratório e em germinador a 30°C. O tratamento fungicida utilizado não exerceu efeito significativo na preservação das sementes. A germinação, o IVE e o CPA reduziram-se com o prolongamento do armazenamento. Os valores da germinação foram baixo desde o início dos trabalhos, o que pode ser atribuído ao teor de água inicial, que estava abaixo de 30%. O teste de germinação de sementes dessa espécie pode ser feito utilizando-se areia como substrato, a 30°C e com a contagem final aos 20 dias após a instalação do teste.

Qualidade fisiológica de sementes de seringueira (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.), tratadas com benlate durante o armazenamento

After rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) seeds reach the physiological maturity, there is a relatively dry and cold period in the State of São Paulo, which led to the present work, in order to evaluate environmental conditions that maintain physiological seed quality. The physiological quality of rubber tree seeds, treated with benomyl (0,1%) and stored in plastic bags, was studied up to 5 months, during 87/88. The seed bags were kept under laboratory conditions during the whole storage period. To evaluate physiological seed quality, germination and vigor (germination speed and seedling lenght) tests were performed. Germination and germination speed were measured at 30°C, as well as under environmental conditions. There was no treatment effect on the maintenance of seed quality during storage. The germination, germination speed and seedling lenght were reduced as the storage period increased. The germination values were low since the beginning, which could be attributed to the low moisture content (25,4%) of the seeds. The germination test for rubber tree seeds can be performed using sand as substrate at 30°C and the final count made at the 20th day after planting.

A ocorrência de um período relativamente frio e seco, imediatamente após o período de coleta de sementes de seringueira - Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg. (março-abril), levou à realização do presente trabalho com o objetivo de encontrar condições adequadas de preservação da qualidade fisiológica das sementes. Assim, estudou-se a qualidade fisiológica de sementes, tratadas com Benlate (0,1%), e armazenadas em sacos de polietileno transparente, por períodos de 0 a 5 meses, sob condições ambientais de laboratório. Para a avaliação da qualidade fisiológica das sementes, determinou-se a germinação e o vigor através do índice de velocidade de emergência (IVE) e do comprimento da parte aérea das plântulas (CPA), em 1987 e 1988. A germinação e o IVE foram obtidos sob duas condições ambientais diferentes, ambiente do laboratório e em germinador a 30°C. O tratamento fungicida utilizado não exerceu efeito significativo na preservação das sementes. A germinação, o IVE e o CPA reduziram-se com o prolongamento do armazenamento. Os valores da germinação foram baixo desde o início dos trabalhos, o que pode ser atribuído ao teor de água inicial, que estava abaixo de 30%. O teste de germinação de sementes dessa espécie pode ser feito utilizando-se areia como substrato, a 30°C e com a contagem final aos 20 dias após a instalação do teste.