Battle of Three: The Curious Case of Papaya Sticky Disease.

Among the most serious problems in papaya production are the viruses associated with papaya ringspot and papaya sticky disease (PSD). PSD concerns producers worldwide because its symptoms are extremely aggressive and appear only after flowering. As no resistant cultivar is available, several disease management strategies have been used in affected countries, such as the use of healthy seeds, exclusion of the pathogen, and roguing. In the 1990s, a dsRNA virus, papaya meleira virus (PMeV), was identified in Brazil as the causal agent of PSD. However, in 2016 a second virus, papaya meleira virus 2 (PMeV2), with an ssRNA genome, was also identified in PSD plants. Only PMeV is detected in asymptomatic plants, whereas all symptomatic plants contain both viral RNAs separately packaged in particles formed by the PMeV capsid protein. PSD also affects papaya plants in Mexico, Ecuador, and Australia. PMeV2-like viruses have been identified in the affected plants, but the partner virus(es) in these countries are still unknown. In Brazil, PMeV and PMeV2 reside in laticifers that promote spontaneous latex exudation, resulting in the affected papaya fruit's sticky appearance. Genes modulated in plants affected by PSD include those involved in reactive oxygen species and salicylic acid signaling, proteasomal degradation, and photosynthesis, which are key plant defenses against PMeV complex infection. However, the complete activation of the defense response is impaired by the expression of negative effectors modulated by the virus. This review presents a summary of the current knowledge of the Carica papaya-PMeV complex interaction and management strategies.

Stability and Cytotoxicity of a Cosmetic Cream Containing Oil from Lecythis pisonis Cambess (Sapucaia) Nuts.

Lecythis pisonis nuts are rich in tocopherols, polyphenols, and fatty acids, and hence, the quality of oil was analyzed for use in the elaboration of skin cream. Nut oil was extracted with hexane in a Soxhlet apparatus. The quality and safety of the oil were tested by using established protocols from Adolf Lutz Institute. Three concentrations, 1%, 5%, and 10%, of oil were incorporated into a formulated cream. The oil formulations were evaluated for their stability, organoleptic characteristics, pH, viscosity, spreadability, challenge test, cellular viability, and their response to microbial contamination, as recommended by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). Quality analysis demonstrated the high quality of the obtained oil, with no traces of heavy metals and no toxic effects on ingestion. The cream containing L. pisonis nut oil is stable, has an effective preservative system, and is considered safe for use because it presented no toxicity in human cells. A stabilizer is required to maintain the pH in the range suitable for a body cream. Of the formulations tested, the cream containing 5% nut oil was the most stable and had presented the best organoleptic characteristics.

Delineation of a novel subgroup 16SrXIII-J phytoplasma, a 'Candidatus Phytoplasma hispanicum'-related strain, based on computer-simulated RFLP and phylogenetic analysis.

Symptoms of fruit phyllody and slow growth, which are suggestive of phytoplasma infection, were observed in strawberry plants cultivated in commercial fields. In order to provide evidence of association of phytoplasma with affected plants, assays for detecting and identifying were performed through computer-simulated restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and phylogenetic analysis. Total DNA was extracted from symptomatic and asymptomatic samples and used as template in nested PCR primed by the primers P1/Tint followed by R16F2n/16R2. Amplified DNA fragments of 1.2 kb from the 16S rRNA gene revealed the presence of phytoplasma in all symptomatic samples. Molecular detection was confirmed by electron transmission microscopy, which evidenced pleomorphic bodies in the phloem vessels. Nucleotide sequence representative of the strawberry phytoplasma shared 97.2 to 99 % similarity with phytoplasmas currently classified as members of the distinct subgroups within the 16SrXIII group. Similarity coefficient (F) values ranged from 0.70 to 0.92, indicating that strawberry phytoplasma delineates a new strain in addition to 'Candidatus Phytoplasma hispanicum'-related strains. The evolutionary tree displayed that this strain emerges as a new branch in relation to those previously described. The novel strain, designated SFP (strawberry fruit phyllody) phytoplasma represents the new 16SrXIII-J subgroup and its sequence, denominated SFP-Br02, was deposited in the GenBank database (EU719108). These findings contribute for the knowledge of the genetic diversity existing among members of the group 16SrXIII and establishes strawberry as an additional host of representatives of this group in Brazil.

New Insights for Diagnosis of Pineapple Fusariosis by MALDI-TOF MS Technique.

Fusarium is one of the most economically important fungal genus, since it includes many pathogenic species which cause a wide range of plant diseases. Morphological or molecular biology identification of Fusarium species is a limiting step in the fast diagnosis and treatment of plant disease caused by these fungi. Mass spectrometry by matrix-assisted laser/desorption ionisation-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF)-based fingerprinting approach was applied to the fungal growth monitoring and direct detection of strain Fusarium guttiforme E-480 inoculated in both pineapple cultivars Pérola and Imperial side shoots, that are susceptible and resistant, respectively, to this fungal strain. MALDI-TOF MS technique was capable to detect fungal molecular mass peaks in the susceptible pineapple stem side shoot tissue. It is assumed that these molecular masses are mainly constituted by ribosomal proteins. MALDI-TOF-based fingerprinting approach has herein been demonstrated to be sensitive and accurate for the direct detection of F. guttiforme E-480 molecular masses on both susceptible and resistant pineapple side stem free of any pre-treatment. According to the results obtained, the changing on molecular mass peaks of infected susceptible pineapple tissue together with the possibility of fungal molecular masses analysis into this pineapple tissue can be a good indication for an early diagnosis by MALDI-TOF MS of pineapple fusariosis.

Physical Characteristics of the Leaves and Latex of Papaya Plants Infected with the Papaya meleira Virus.

Sticky disease, which is caused by Papaya meleira virus (PMeV), is a significant papaya disease in Brazil and Mexico, where it has caused severe economic losses, and it seems to have spread to Central and South America. Studies assessing the pathogen-host interaction at the nano-histological level are needed to better understand the mechanisms that underlie natural resistance. In this study, the topography and mechanical properties of the leaf midribs and latex of healthy and PMeV-infected papaya plants were observed by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Healthy plants displayed a smooth surface with practically no roughness of the leaf midribs and the latex and a higher adhesion force than infected plants. PMeV promotes changes in the leaf midribs and latex, making them more fragile and susceptible to breakage. These changes, which are associated with increased water uptake and internal pressure in laticifers, causes cell disruption that leads to spontaneous exudation of the latex and facilitates the spread of PMeV to other laticifers. These results provide new insights into the papaya-PMeV interaction that could be helpful for controlling papaya sticky disease.

Antihypertensive effect of Carica papaya via a reduction in ACE activity and improved baroreflex.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the antihypertensive effects of the standardised methanolic extract of Carica papaya, its angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory effects in vivo, its effect on the baroreflex and serum angiotensin converting enzyme activity, and its chemical composition. The chemical composition of the methanolic extract of C. papaya was evaluated by liquid chromatography-mass/mass and mass/mass spectrometry. The angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory effect was evaluated in vivo by Ang I administration. The antihypertensive assay was performed in spontaneously hypertensive rats and Wistar rats that were treated with enalapril (10 mg/kg), the methanolic extract of C. papaya (100 mg/kg; twice a day), or vehicle for 30 days. The baroreflex was evaluated through the use of sodium nitroprusside and phenylephrine. Angiotensin converting enzyme activity was measured by ELISA, and cardiac hypertrophy was evaluated by morphometric analysis. The methanolic extract of C. papaya was standardised in ferulic acid (203.41 ± 0.02 µg/g), caffeic acid (172.60 ± 0.02 µg/g), gallic acid (145.70 ± 0.02 µg/g), and quercetin (47.11 ± 0.03 µg/g). The flavonoids quercetin, rutin, nicotiflorin, clitorin, and manghaslin were identified in a fraction of the extract. The methanolic extract of C. papaya elicited angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory activity. The antihypertensive effects elicited by the methanolic extract of C. papaya were similar to those of enalapril, and the baroreflex sensitivity was normalised in treated spontaneously hypertensive rats. Plasma angiotensin converting enzyme activity and cardiac hypertrophy were also reduced to levels comparable to the enalapril-treated group. These results may be associated with the chemical composition of the methanolic extract of C. papaya, and are the first step into the development of a new phytotherapic product which could be used in the treatment of hypertension.

Comparison of biofilm and attachment mechanisms of a phytopathological and clinical isolate of Klebsiella pneumoniae Subsp. pneumoniae.

Some bacterial species can colonize humans and plants. It is almost impossible to prevent the contact of clinically pathogenic bacteria with food crops, and if they can persist there, they can reenter the human food chain and cause disease. On the leaf surface, microorganisms are exposed to a number of stress factors. It is unclear how they survive in such different environments. By increasing adhesion to diverse substrates, minimizing environmental differences, and providing protection against defence mechanisms, biofilms could provide part of the answer. Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae is clinically important and also associated with fruit diseases, such as "pineapple fruit collapse." We aimed to characterize biofilm formation and adhesion mechanisms of this species isolated from pineapple in comparison with a clinical isolate. No differences were found between the two isolates quantitatively or qualitatively. Both tested positive for capsule formation and were hydrophobic, but neither produced adherence fibres, which might account for their relatively weak adhesion compared to the positive control Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 35984. Both produced biofilms on glass and polystyrene, more consistently at 40°C than 35°C, confirmed by atomic force and high-vacuum scanning electron microscopy. Biofilm formation was maintained in an acidic environment, which may be relevant phytopathologically.

Cell wall alterations in the leaves of fusariosis-resistant and susceptible pineapple cultivars.

Fusariosis, caused by the fungus Fusarium subglutinans f. sp. ananas (Syn. F. guttiforme), is one of the main phytosanitary threats to pineapple (Ananas comosus var. comosus). Identification of plant cell responses to pathogens is important in understanding the plant-pathogen relationship and establishing strategies to improve and select resistant cultivars. Studies of the structural properties and phenolic content of cell walls in resistant (Vitoria) and susceptible (Perola) pineapple cultivars, related to resistance to the fungus, were performed. The non-chlorophyll base of physiologically mature leaves was inoculated with a conidia suspension. Analyses were performed post-inoculation by light, atomic force, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and measurement of cell wall-bound phenolic compounds. Non-inoculated leaves were used as controls to define the constitutive tissue characteristics. Analyses indicated that morphological differences, such as cell wall thickness, cicatrization process and lignification, were related to resistance to the pathogen. Atomic force microscopy indicated a considerable difference in the mechanical properties of the resistant and susceptible cultivars, with more structural integrity, associated with higher levels of cell wall-bound phenolics, found in the resistant cultivar. p-Coumaric and ferulic acids were shown to be the major phenolics bound to the cell walls and were found in higher amounts in the resistant cultivar. Leaves of the resistant cultivar had reduced fungal penetration and a faster and more effective cicatrization response compared to the susceptible cultivar.

Culture medium for improved production of conidia for identification and systematic studies of Fusarium pathogens.

Fusarium guttiforme and Fusarium ananatum are the etiological agents of fusariosis and fruitlet core rot in pineapple, respectively, producing mycotoxins that are harmful to the health of consumers. These two fungi are morphologically similar and difficulty in obtaining macroconidia of the species limits their identification. Different types of media are available for the culture of these pathogens, but not all of them favor F. ananatum and F. guttiforme macroconidia production. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a simple culture medium to improve rapid macro- and microconidia formation in both F. guttiforme and F. ananatum to facilitate taxonomic, pathogenicity and mycotoxin studies. In vitro analysis showed that basal medium with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was better than other media tested with the highest macroconidia production at 7 days of incubation. The highest production of microconidia was with synthetic nutrient medium (SN) at 7 days. F. ananatum produced a relatively high number of microconidia with one septum in comparison to F. guttiforme when cultured in CMC, which suggests an additional character useful for Fusarium taxonomy. CMC medium may serve as an improved alternative to culture media currently used in Fusarium research and contribute to further knowledge of the taxonomy and mycotoxins of Fusarium species.

Evaluation of sample preparation methods for the analysis of papaya leaf proteins through two-dimensional gel electrophoresis.

INTRODUCTION: A variety of sample preparation protocols for plant proteomic analysis using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) have been reported. However, they usually have to be adapted and further optimised for the analysis of plant species not previously studied. OBJECTIVE: This work aimed to evaluate different sample preparation protocols for analysing Carica papaya L. leaf proteins through 2-DE. METHODOLOGY: Four sample preparation methods were tested: (1) phenol extraction and methanol-ammonium acetate precipitation; (2) no precipitation fractionation; and the traditional trichloroacetic acid-acetone precipitation either (3) with or (4) without protein fractionation. The samples were analysed for their compatibility with SDS-PAGE (1-DE) and 2-DE. Fifteen selected protein spots were trypsinised and analysed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS/MS), followed by a protein search using the NCBInr database to accurately identify all proteins. RESULTS: Methods number 3 and 4 resulted in large quantities of protein with good 1-DE separation and were chosen for 2-DE analysis. However, only the TCA method without fractionation (no. 4) proved to be useful. Spot number and resolution advances were achieved, which included having an additional solubilisation step in the conventional TCA method. Moreover, most of the theoretical and experimental protein molecular weight and pI data had similar values, suggesting good focusing and, most importantly, limited protein degradation. CONCLUSION: The described sample preparation method allows the proteomic analysis of papaya leaves by 2-DE and mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS/MS). The methods presented can be a starting point for the optimisation of sample preparation protocols for other plant species.

An allometric model to estimate total leaf area of banana plants of the cultivar Vitória (AAAB) / Um modelo alométrico para estimativa da área foliar total de bananeiras da cultivar Vitória (AAAB)

The plants physiological processes such as transpiration and photosynthetic efficiency are directly related to leaf area, which is difficult to quantify in a nondestructive manner. To generate a model to estimate the total leaf area of plants of banana cv. Vitória, simple and multiple linear regressions utilizing the length and width of the third leaf, the product of length and width of the third leaf, and the total number of leaves of 'Vitória' plants, were tested. The data to develop the model were obtained from 'Vitória' banana plants from different edafoclimatic conditions and management. The best performance of the model was obtained using stepwise multiple regression with r2=0.93 and r2= 0.94. Validation of the model resulted in an r2 of 0.74.

Processos fisiológicos das plantas como transpiração e eficiência fotossintética estão diretamente relacionados à área foliar, a qual é difícil quantificar de forma não destrutiva. Para gerar um modelo para estimar a área foliar total de plantas da cv. Vitória, foram testadas regressões lineares simples e múltiplas utilizando comprimento e largura da terceira folha, o produto comprimento e largura da terceira folha e número total de folhas. Os dados para desenvolver o modelo foram obtidos de cultivos com diferentes condições edafoclimáticas e de manejo. O melhor modelo foi obtido por meio de regressão múltipla stepwise com r2 = 0,93 e r2 = 0,94. A validação do modelo resultou em r2 de 0,74.

Diversity, distribution and host plants of armored scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in Espírito Santo, Brazil / Diversidade, distribuição e plantas hospedeiras de cochonilhas escama (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) no Espírito Santo, Brasil

Abstract: Armored scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), are phytophagous species that occur in major biogeographic regions of the world. Because of the importance of diaspidids as pests, there is widespread interest in countries that export and import unprocessed agricultural products in increased knowledge of this group which includes invasive and quarantine pests of great economic concern. The diversity, geographic distribution, and host of diaspidids were studied from November 2002 to December 2018 in 34 municipalities in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Forty species of Diaspididae from 27 genera were collected and identified. The species Acutaspis perseae (Comstock), A. umbonifera (Newstead), Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), Comstockaspis perniciosa (Comstock), Lepidosaphes beckii (Newman), Lepidosaphes gloverii (Packard), Morganella longispina (Morgan), Mycetaspis apicata (Newstead), and Thysanofiorinia nephelii (Maskel) were found for the first time in Espírito Santo. The plant families Myrtaceae, Moraceae, Arecaceae, Asparagaceae, and Rutaceae had the greatest number of host plant species of armored scale. Fifty-seven new host associations were observed for 25 species of diaspidids and 11 diaspidid species were recorded for the first time from nine families of plants. Selenaspidus articulatus (Morgan) was the most polyphagous species observed with 17 host plant species from 12 families, followed by Pseudaonidia trilobitiformis (Green), and Parlatoria proteus (Curtis). With these new records, 41 species and 28 genera of Diaspididae have been recorded in Espírito Santo.

Resumo: As cochonilhas escama (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), são espécies fitófagas que ocorrem nas principais regiões biogeográficas do mundo. Devido à importância dos diaspidídeos como pragas, existe um amplo interesse nos países que exportam e importam produtos agrícolas não processados no aumento do conhecimento desse grupo, o que inclui pragas invasoras e quarentenárias de grande importância econômica. A diversidade, distribuição geográfica e hospedeiros de diaspidídeos foram estudadas de novembro de 2002 a dezembro de 2018 em 34 municípios do estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil. Quarenta espécies de Diaspididae de 27 gêneros foram coletadas e identificadas. As espécies Acutaspis perseae (Comstock), A. umbonifera (Newstead), Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), Comstockaspis perniciosa (Comstock), Lepidosaphes beckii (Newman), Lepidosaphes gloverii (Packard), Morganella longispina (Morgan), Mycetaspis apicata (Newstead) e Thysanofiorinia nephelii (Maskel) foram encontradas pela primeira vez no Espírito Santo. Cinquenta e sete novas associações de hospedeiros foram observadas, em um total de 25 espécies de diaspidídeos; estes incluem 13 novos registros de famílias em um total de 11 espécies de diaspidídeos e nove famílias de plantas. Myrtaceae, Moraceae e Arecaceae foram as famílias botânicas com o maior número de espécies de diaspidídeos observadas. Selenaspidus articulatus (Morgan) foi a espécie mais polífaga, com 17 espécies de plantas hospedeiras de 12 famílias observadas, seguida por Pseudaonidia trilobitiformis (Green) e Parlatoria proteus (Curtis). Com esses novos registros, 41 espécies e 28 gêneros de Diaspididae foram registrados no Espírito Santo.

The dsRNA Virus Papaya Meleira Virus and an ssRNA Virus Are Associated with Papaya Sticky Disease.

Papaya sticky disease, or "meleira", is one of the major diseases of papaya in Brazil and Mexico, capable of causing complete crop loss. The causal agent of sticky disease was identified as an isometric virus with a double stranded RNA (dsRNA) genome, named papaya meleira virus (PMeV). In the present study, PMeV dsRNA and a second RNA band of approximately 4.5 kb, both isolated from latex of papaya plants with severe symptoms of sticky disease, were deep-sequenced. The nearly complete sequence obtained for PMeV dsRNA is 8,814 nucleotides long and contains two putative ORFs; the predicted ORF1 and ORF2 display similarity to capsid proteins and RdRp's, respectively, from mycoviruses tentatively classified in the family Totiviridae. The sequence obtained for the second RNA is 4,515 nucleotides long and contains two putative ORFs. The predicted ORFs 1 and 2 display 48% and 73% sequence identity, respectively, with the corresponding proteins of papaya virus Q, an umbravirus recently described infecting papaya in Ecuador. Viral purification in a sucrose gradient allowed separation of particles containing each RNA. Mass spectrometry analysis indicated that both PMeV and the second RNA virus (named papaya meleira virus 2, PMeV2) were encapsidated in particles formed by the protein encoded by PMeV ORF1. The presence of both PMeV and PMeV2 was confirmed in field plants showing typical symptoms of sticky disease. Interestingly, PMeV was detected alone in asymptomatic plants. Together, our results indicate that sticky disease is associated with double infection by PMeV and PMeV2.

A Rapid and Reliable Method for Molecular Detection of Fusarium guttiforme, the Etiological Agent of Pineapple Fusariosis

Abstract Pineapple (Ananas comosus var. comosus) fusariosis is an economically important fungal disease affecting the plant and its fruit. A rapid and reliable diagnosis is the base of integrated disease management practices. Fusariosis has resulted in quarantines for pineapple products in Central America, Africa and Asia. Difficulties diagnosing and correctly identifying the fungus Fusarium guttiforme, agent of the pineapple fusariosis, have led to the search for new methodologies, and for this we developed a new reliable molecular method to detect it. For diagnostic purposes, real-time PCR of elongation factor gene 1-α (ef1) was used to rapidly, specifically and sensitively diagnose F. guttiforme. A pathogenicity test was conducted with slips of the pineapple cultivar Pérola, a multiplex PCR was run, and the results compared with those obtained with real-time PCR. The real-time PCR assay with its specific primer set could readity distinguish F. guttiforme from other Fusarium species known to occur on pineapple. The real-time PCR test had 95% sensitivity and 100% specificity with a significance level p<0.0001. For field samples the test had 100% sensitivity and specificity. Thus, this new test is fit for use in serial analyses of pineapples, and may have application in the evaluation of propagation materials and making quarantine decisions. The ability to rapidly and specifically detect F. guttiforme in plant samples will facilitate monitoring of the pathogen and improve disease management.

Coccidae, Pseudococcidae, Ortheziidae, and Monophlebidae (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) of Espírito Santo, Brazil / Coccidae, Pseudococcidae, Ortheziidae, e Monophlebidae (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) do Espírito Santo, Brasil

New plant hosts are recorded for nine scale insect species recently collected in Espírito Santo, Brazil, and eleven scale insect species are recorded for the first time from the state: Ceroplastes floridensis Comstock, Coccus longulus (Douglas), Coccus viridis (Green), Eucalymnatus tesselatus (Signoret), Pseudokermes sp., Saissetia coffeae (Walker), Phenacoccus madeirensis Green, Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi Gimpel & Miller, Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni Tozzetti), Icerya purchasi Maskell, and Icerya genistae Hempel. This is also the first record of Co. longulus in Brazil. Information on the host plants and geographic distribution of the 26 species of scale insects of the families Coccidae, Pseudococcidae, Ortheziidae, and Monophlebidae, currently known from Espírito Santo is provided.

Novas plantas hospedeiras foram registradas para nove espécies de cochonilhas coletadas recentemente no Estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil, e onze espécies de cochonilhas são registradas pela primeira vez no Estado: Ceroplastes floridensis Comstock, Coccus longulus (Douglas), Coccus viridis (Green), Eucalymnatus tesselatus (Signoret), Pseudokermes sp., Saissetia coffeae (Walker), Phenacoccus madeirensis Green, Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi Gimpel & Miller, Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni Tozzetti), Icerya purchasi Maskell, e Icerya genistae Hempel. Co. longulus é registrada pela primeira vez no Brasil. É disponibilizada a informação das plantas hospedeiras e a distribuição geográfica de 26 espécies de cochonilhas das famílias Coccidae, Pseudococcidae, Ortheziidae, e Monophlebidae atualmente conhecidas no Estado do Espírito Santo.

Collembola (Arthropoda: Hexapoda) communities in the soil of papaya orchards managed with conventional and integrated production in Espírito Santo, Brazil / Comunidades de Collembola (Arthropoda: Hexapoda) do solo em pomares de mamão com sistemas de produção integrada e convencional no Espírito Santo, Brasil

Collembola have significant influences on soil microorganisms and fertility but information on these ecologically important arthropods is lacking, especially in agricultural and tropical environments. This research was conducted to identify Collembola species present in the soil of papaya orchards in Espírito Santo, Brazil, and to compare the effect of conventional and integrated production on Collembola in this Neotropical environment. Soil samples (4.8 cm diameter, 10 cm deep) were collected in February, May, August and November 2003, from papaya orchards managed with conventional production (including pesticide application based on little or no pest monitoring or consideration of environmental impact) and integrated production (including selective pesticide application only when necessary based on regular pest monitoring) in one experimental site with three treatments (conventional; integrated with drip irrigation; integrated with microsprinkler irrigation) and four commercial orchards (two with conventional and two with integrated production). Berlese-Tullgren funnels were used to extract Collembola from the soil samples. Averaged over the sampling dates, collembolan densities of the orchards ranged from 14023 to 56001 Collembola per m². In the experimental site, the species Willemia brevispina, Folsomina cf. onychiurina, Folsomides cf. centralis, Folsomides parvulus, Cyphoderus cf. similis, and Neelus cf. minimus were more abundant with integrated versus conventional production. However, this difference was not apparent in commercial orchards sampled. Results indicate that relatively high populations and diverse communities of Collembola occur in the soil of papaya orchards in Espírito Santo but no collembolan species were found to be consistent biological indicators of conventional or integrated production. The species Acherontiella colotlipana, Willemia brevispina, Brachystomella agrosa, Friesea sublimis, Pseudostachia sp.1, Mesaphorura...

Este trabalho estudou a influência da Produção Convencional em comparação ao de Produção Integrada, sobre os colêmbolos no Estado do Espírito Santo, com ênfase na identificação das espécies e na determinação da densidade dos colêmbolos no solo. A pesquisa foi feita em pomares de mamão nos municípios de Sooretama (pomares experimentais na Fazenda Experimental de Sooretama, INCAPER) e Linhares (pomares comerciais). Na Fazenda Experimental de Sooretama foram realizadas avaliações em um experimento com os sistemas de produção convencional, e o outro com produção integrada. Foram coletadas quatro amostras de solo de cada tratamento (produção convencional com irrigação por aspersão; produção integrada com irrigação por gotejo; produção integrada com irrigação por microaspersão), nos meses de fevereiro, maio, agosto e novembro de 2003. Em Linhares, foram avaliados dois pomares comercias com sistemas de produção convencional e dois com produção integrada, sendo coletadas três amostras por pomar, da mesma forma e nos meses descritos no experimento de Sooretama. Para a extração dos colêmbolos das amostras de solo foram usados os funis de Berlese-Tullgren. A quantidade média dos colêmbolos nos pomares variou de 14023 a 56001 colêmbolos por m². Nos pomares experimentais em Sooretama algumas espécies foram mais numerosas nos pomares de produção integrada em comparação com o pomar que utilizou o sistema de produção convencional. Esta diferença, no entanto, não foi aparente nos pomares comercias de produção integrada em comparação com os pomares comercias que utilizam o sistema convencional. Os resultados iniciais indicam que as populações de colêmbolos são relativamente elevadas em pomares de mamão no Espírito Santo e com ocorrência de diversas comunidades. São registradas pela primeira vez as ocorrências das espécies Willemia brevispina, Brachystomella agrosa, Pseudostachia sp.1, Mesaphorura amazonica, Arlea sp.1, Salina sp.1, e Sphaeridia cf. pumilis...