A Comprehensive Description of the Anatomy and Histochemistry of Psychotria capillacea (Müll. Arg.) Standl. and an Investigation into Its Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Mice and Role in Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment.

Species of the genus Psychotria are used in popular medicine for pain, inflammatory symptoms, and mental disorders. Psychotria capillacea (Müll. Arg.) Standl. (Rubiaceae) is commonly known as coffee and some scientific studies have demonstrated its therapeutic potential. The goal of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity of a methanolic extract obtained from leaves of P. capillacea (MEPC), as well as the micromorphology and histochemistry of the leaves and stems of this plant. In addition, the MEPC was analyzed by UHPLC-MS/MS and the alkaloidal fraction (AF) obtained from the MEPC was tested in a mouse model of inflammation. MEPC contained three indole alkaloids, one sesquiterpene (megastigmane-type) and two terpene lactones. MEPC (3, 30 and 100 mg/kg) and AF (3 and 30 mg/kg) were evaluated in inflammation models and significantly inhibited edema at 2 h and 4 h, mechanical hyperalgesia after 4 h and the response to cold 3 h and 4 h after carrageenan injection. Scopolamine significantly increased the escape latency, and reduced the swimming time and number of crossings in the target quadrant and distance, while MEPC (3, 30 and 100 mg/kg), due to its neuroprotective actions, reversed these effects. AChE activity was significantly decreased in the cerebral cortex (52 ± 3%) and hippocampus (60 ± 3%), after MEPC administration. Moreover, micromorphological and histochemical information was presented, to aid in species identification and quality control of P. capillacea. The results of this study demonstrated that P. capillacea is an anti-inflammatory and antihyperalgesic agent that can treat acute disease and enhance memory functions in mouse models.

Chemical Components and Antioxidant Activity of Geotrigona sp. and Tetragonisca fiebrigi Stingless Bee Cerumen Reduce Juglone-Induced Oxidative Stress in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Cerumen is a bee product produced exclusively by stingless bees, resulting from a mixture of beeswax and plant resins. The antioxidant activity of bee products has been investigated since oxidative stress is associated with the onset and progression of several diseases that can lead to death. In this context, this study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of cerumen produced by the Geotrigona sp. and Tetragonisca fiebrigi stingless bees, in vitro and in vivo. The chemical characterization of cerumen extracts was performed by HPLC, GC, and ICP OES analyses. The in vitro antioxidant potential was evaluated by DPPH• and ABTS•+ free radical scavenging methods, and in human erythrocytes subjected to oxidative stress with AAPH. In vivo, the antioxidant potential was evaluated in Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes subjected to oxidative stress with juglone. Both cerumen extracts presented phenolic compounds, fatty acids, and metallic minerals in their chemical constitution. The cerumen extracts showed antioxidant activity by capturing free radicals, reducing lipid peroxidation in human erythrocytes, and reducing oxidative stress in C. elegans, observed by the increase in viability. The results obtained indicate that cerumen extracts from Geotrigona sp. and Tetragonisca fiebrigi stingless bees may be promising against oxidative stress and associated diseases.

Bioactivity of aqueous extract of Jacaranda spp. (Bignoniaceae) on Plutella xylostella L. 1758 (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae).

The high consumption rate of vegetables stimulates the cultivation and increases the demand regarding the adequacy of the production processes. The attack of the pest Plutella xylostella causes high losses by reducing product quality, typifying a phytosanitary problem. This study aimed to verify the bioactivity of aqueous extracts of leaves of Jacaranda decurrens and Jacaranda mimosifolia at concentrations of 5, 10, and 15% on the insect. The choice test was carried out at the laboratory to determine the food effect of plant extracts and evaluate changes in the life cycle of insects exposed to active compounds through the analysis of biological parameters. Plant extracts of J. decurrens and J. mimosifolia presented with phagodeterrent classification in the choice experiments. The three J. decurrens extract concentrations promoted a prolongation of larval and pupal duration, while the duration of individuals treated with J. mimosifolia at 10% was significantly reduced. Occurred reduction in larval survival of individuals treated with aqueous extracts of J. decurrens and J. mimosifolia. Eggs from treatments with aqueous extract of J. decurrens and J. mimosifolia had reduced survival. Pupal survival of individuals treated with extract at 15% showed a significant reduction compared to the treatments at 5% and 10%. Pupae from the treatment with aqueous extract of Jacaranda mimosifolia showed a reduction in biomass in the treatment at 15% differing from the control e 5%. Thus, the aqueous extracts of the species J. decurrens and J. mimosifolia show insecticidal potential in the tests performed on P. xylostella.

Antifeeding and Oviposition Deterrent Effect of Ludwigia spp. (Onagraceae) against Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae).

Plants produce a wide variety of bioactive compounds with insecticidal properties, such as secondary metabolites capable of interfering with the nutrition and reproduction of pest species such as Plutella xylostella. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Ludwigia spp. (Onagraceae) on the feeding and oviposition of P. xylostella. Choice bioassays were performed using aqueous and ethanolic extracts. The aqueous extract of L. tomentosa resulted in an approximately 81% reduction in larval feeding compared to that in the control, with an antifeedant index (AI) of 52%. The aqueous and ethanolic extract of L. nervosa acted by stimulating larval feeding. The oviposition was significantly reduced in the kale leaves treated with aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Ludwigia spp. The aqueous extracts promoted an average 90% reduction in oviposition when compared to that in the control, and an oviposition deterrent index (ODI) above 61% was classified as an oviposition deterrent. In addition, ethanolic extracts affected 81% of oviposition, with an ODI above 41%. Bioassays should be performed to clarify the use of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of L. nervosa as they acted as phagostimulants in the feeding tests and as deterrents in the oviposition tests. The phenolic compounds-flavonoids, condensed tannins, and alkaloids-were more abundant in L. nervosa, L. tomentosa, L. sericea, and L. longifolia. The extracts of L. longifolia and L. tomentosa showed the best results, interfering with the host choice for feeding and oviposition in P. xylostella and representing an alternative for the control of diamondback moths.

Repellency and Reduction of Offspring Emergence Potential of Some Botanical Extracts against Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Stored Maize.

Botanical repellents are, usually, considered safe to control Sitophilus zeamais, the main pest of stored maize, as they do not leave toxic residues in food, in addition to having lower costs than chemical insecticides. The aim of this study was to evaluate the repellency potential and the reduction of emerged offspring of botanical extracts, of Schinus terebinthifolius, Ludwigia sericea, L. tomentosa, L. nervosa, L. longifolia, and use them as botanical insecticides for S. zeamais. For the repellency test, arenas were set up, containing 50 g of maize kernels exposed to aqueous extract, besides a control treatment. At the center of each arena, 100 insects were released. After 48 h, the proportion of insects in the treated grains was determined. To test the effects of the extracts on insect mating and egg-laying, free-choice and no-choice tests were performed. Insects in both tests remained for ten days for mating and egg-laying. After this period, insects were removed to evaluate the offspring emergence. Sixty days after grain infestation, the number of emerged insects was counted. All selected botanical extracts demonstrated repellent action against S. zeamais, even after 48 h of application. The L. nervosa aqueous extract significantly reduced the emergence of S. zeamais.

Application of Optical Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Studying Bee Abundance in Tropaeolum majus L. (Tropaeolaceae).

Tropaeolum majus L. species produce flowers with all sorts of colors, from yellow to red. This work aimed to apply optical fluorescence spectroscopy to study bee abundance in T. majus, answering the following questions: (1) do corolla temperature and weather conditions affect the abundance of visiting bee species? (2) do flower color and corolla fluorescence affect the abundance of visiting bee species? (3) do red flowers attract more visiting bees? (4) is there a relationship between bee visits and flower compounds? The bee species Apis mellifera, Paratrigona lineata, and Trigona spinipes were the most observed in T. majus flowers. The latter was more active in the morning and preferred orange and yellow flowers. These colors also had higher temperatures and fluorescence emissions than did the red ones and those with yellow-red and orange-red nectar guides. Orange flowers emitted a broadband UV spectrum (between 475 and 800 nm). This range might be due to compounds such as hydroxycinnamic acid, flavonols, isoflavonoids, flavones, phenolic acid, and chlorophyll. Extracts from different T. majus corolla colors showed that flowers emit specific fluorescent signals, mainly related to bee color vision and learning, thus acting as a means of communication between bees and flowers. In this way, this information evidences the interaction between bees and T. majus flowers, allowing conservation actions for pollinators.

Bioecological and Behavioral Interaction between Pollinating Bees and the Pioneer Shrub Ludwigia nervosa in Degraded Area Suggests an Exotic Bee as Its Major Pollinator.

The flowers of plants of the genus Ludwigia are an important source of food for several species of bees. In the current study, we conducted an experiment with the aim to describe the reproductive biology and phenology of L. nervosa; to identify the species of visiting bees; analyze the foraging behavior of bees; and to investigate whether the reproductive success of the species is related to the foraging activity of bees. We found that the flowers received visits from several native bee species (n = 7), in addition of the exotic honey bees which came to be the dominant species. During visits the majority of the bees foraged in both resources, pollen and nectar. The significantly higher production of fruits in open pollinated pollination experiment compared to artificial cross pollination, suggests honey bees as effective pollinator of this plant species in the study site. Pollen deposition occurs efficiently, given the absence of pollen limitation. Despite massive visitation of honey bees, Ludwigianervosa is attractive to native bees, and therefore it may help to sustain population of both native and exotic pollinators in fragmented humid areas.

Phytochemical Screening and Bioactivity of Ludwigia spp. in the Control of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae).

We tested the bioactivity of aqueous extracts of Ludwigia spp. (Myrtales: Onagraceae) on the biological cycle of Plutella xylostella. We assessed the duration of and viability during the larval, pupal and adult phases, as well as the influence of the extracts on the fecundity and hatching of P. xylostella eggs. Subsequently, we phytochemically screened the extracts. The extracts of L. tomentosa and L. longifolia reduced the pupal weight instead of prolonging the larval stage of P. xylostella. The L. tomentosa effect caused higher larval mortality and reduced the fecundity and hatching of P. xylostella eggs, and L. sericea reduced the egg survival. The phenolic compounds-flavonoids, condensed tannins and alkaloids-were more abundant in L. nervosa, L. tomentosa, L. sericea and L. longifolia. The L. tomentosa, L. longifolia and L. sericea extracts were bioactive, and these species showed the best results regarding their ability to control P. xylostella populations, because these plants produce substances able to inhibit food consumption and interfere with the morphological and physiological transformations of the offspring and the oviposition of adults.

Changes in social behavior are induced by pesticide ingestion in a Neotropical stingless bee.

Throughout evolutionary history bees have developed complex communication systems. For social bees, communication is important for both the individual and the development of the colony. Successful communication helps bees to recognize relatives, defend the colony, and promote recruitment to optimize foraging of floral resources. Bees' contribution to pollination is of broad environmental and economic importance. However, studies have reported that anthropogenic actions, such as the use of pesticides, negatively affect bee survival and behavior. We tested the effect of a commercially available pesticide mix containing two pesticide classes, a neonicotinoid and a pyrethroid, on the social behavior of the stingless bee, Melipona quadrifasciata (Lepeletier, 1863). After determining a sublethal dose of the pesticides, we tested the effect of an acute dose on antennation and trophallaxis behaviors of worker bees. Our results showed a drastic reduction in the communication and social interactions of bees.

Evaluation of vehicular pollution using the TRAD-MCN mutagenic bioassay with Tradescantia pallida (Commelinaceae).

Biomonitoring is one of the tools used to assess the mutagenic potential of the atmosphere. In this study, the mutagenicity of Tradescantia pallida, a species of plant largely present in urban environments, was investigated. The objectives of this study was to estimate the mutagenic potential of vehicular flow through the TRAD-MCN bioassay in cities located at different altitudes in the southwest mesoregion of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, to infer possible abiotic agents that may contribute to the effects of atmospheric pollutants, and finally to map the cities with greater risks to the health of the local population. To achieve these objectives, the Tradescantia-micronucleus test was performed on young buds of T. pallida collected between August 2015 and August 2016 in nine cities of Mato Grosso do Sul. These buds were exposed to traffic flows of various intensities. The data collected consisted of measurements of meteorological parameters and vehicular traffic counts for each city. The variables considered were: mean ambient temperature; micronuclei frequency; vehicular flow; altitude; relative humidity; pluviosity. The application of the Trad-MCN bioassay, with the consideration of environmental variables and altitudes, and the use of the Kernel interpolation technique, allowed us to map the areas with significant pollution risks to the population. The highest frequency of exposure to mutagens occurred in the cities with the highest vehicular traffic intensity. The average ambient temperature failed to show a linear association with the frequency of the micronuclei in the samples analyzed (r = 0.11ns). A positive correlation was observed between micronuclei frequency and vehicular flow, (r = 0.67; p ≤ 0.001%) and between micronuclei frequency and altitude (r = 0.24; p ≤ 0.05). A negative correlation was found between relative humidity and micronuclei frequency (r = -0.19; p ≤ 0.05%). Thus, higher micronuclei frequency tended to be present in locations with low relative humidity and high altitudes and vehicular flow.

Evaluation the urban atmospheric conditions in different cities using comet and micronuclei assay in Tradescantia pallida.

In the present study, genotoxicity and mutagenicity were investigated in Tradescantia pallida exposed to vehicular traffic at different sites in a high-altitude tropical climate. During March, May, July, September, and November 2014, a comet assay and micronucleus bioassays were conducted on young inflorescences and leaves of T. pallida collected from twelve towns in the southern region of Mato Grosso do Sul with different amounts of vehicular traffic. Weather parameters (temperature, relative humidity and rainfall) were measured and vehicles were counted to determine traffic levels in each town. A higher frequency of genotoxic and mutagenic damage was observed in the municipality of Dourados. The highest frequency of genetic damage was observed in September and November according to both assays. Relative humidity and rainfall were inversely proportional to the frequency of genetic damage in T. pallida during the collection period. Based on these results, we conclude that the bioassays are efficient for assessing the effects of vehicular traffic in these towns with respect to weather conditions over time. These bioassays can be applied to identify risk areas, which are determined by climatic conditions and air pollutants released.

Germination and dessication of Hancornia speciosa Gomes seeds / Germinação e secagem de sementes de Hancornia speciosa Gomes

The aim of this work was describe the germination and evaluate the desiccation and reduction in desiccation sensitivity of Hancornia speciosa Gomes seeds. Initially, we evaluated the germination characteristics and morphophysiological aspects of seedlings. The seeds in the first experiment were subjected to fast desiccation (activated silica gel) and slow desiccation (laboratory conditions) until the water content reached 40%, 30%, 20%, and 15% ± 2%. To reduce the desiccation sensitivity, in the second experiment, the seeds were soaked in polyethylene glycol (PEG) at potentials of -0.1 and - 0.3 MPa for 120 h, with or without abscisic acid (ABA) (10-4µM), and subsequently subjected to fast desiccation until a water content of 15% was reached, based on the results from the first experiment. The seed vigor in both experiments was evaluated by the primary root protrusion tests, percentage of normal seedlings, germination speed index, length and mass (shoot, underground, and total). Seedlings of H. speciosa feature a stem-like xylopodium structure. The seeds were tolerant to water reduction up to 15% by fast desiccation and 30% by slow desiccation. Moreover, priming was not efficient in reducing the desiccation sensitivity of H. speciosa seeds.

Objetivou-se neste trabalho descrever a germinação e avaliar a secagem e a redução da sensibilidade à dessecação em sementes de Hancornia speciosa Gomes. Inicialmente, foi realizada a descrição das características de germinação e aspectos morfofisiológicos das plântulas. Para primeiro experimento, as sementes foram submetidas à secagem rápida (sílica gel ativada) e à secagem lenta (condições de ambiente de laboratório) até atingirem os teores de água de 40, 30, 20 e 15 ± 2%. Na tentativa da redução da sensibilidade à dessecação em um segundo experimento, as sementes foram embebidas em polietileno glicol (PEG) nos potenciais de -0,1 e -0,3 MPa por 120 horas associados ou não ao ácido abscísico (ABA) (10-4M) e posteriormente submetidas a secagem rápida no teor de água de 15%, de acordo com os resultados do primeiro experimento. O potencial fisiológico das sementes, em ambos os experimentos, foi avaliado por meio dos testes de protrusão da raiz primária, porcentagem de plântulas normais, índice de velocidade de germinação, comprimento e massa seca de plântulas (parte aérea, sistema subterrâneo e total). As plântulas de H. speciosa apresentam xilopódio de estrutura caulinar. As sementes toleram a redução do teor de água até 15% na secagem rápida e de 30% para secagem lenta. O condicionamento osmótico não foi eficiente para reduzir a sensibilidade à dessecação de sementes de H. speciosa.

Initial growth of Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess.) O. Berg. seedlings on substrates with different compositions and water retention capacities / Crescimento inicial de mudas de Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess.) O. Berg em diferentes substratos e capacidade de retenção de água

Information on germination, seedling development, and substrates and water requirements of native Savannah species are scarce, for propagation and plantation establishments. Based on this, we evaluated the initial growth of Campomanesia adamantium seedlings sown into tubes containing substrates with different compositions and water retention capacities, including red latosoil; red latosoil and Bioplant® (1:1); red latosoil, sand, and semidecomposed poultry manure (1:1:0.5); red latosoil and sand (1:1); and red latosoil, sand, and semidecomposed poultry manure (1:2:0.5). The tubes were irrigated three times per week to 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of their water retention capacities. The morphological characteristics of the seedlings and their quality indexes were analyzed 52, 83, 114, and 145 days after sowing. We tested all possible combinations of substrates and percentages of water holding capacities, with four replicates (12 tubes). The substrates of red latosoil plus sand and red latosoil plus Bioplant® were found to be most suitable for the growth and development of C. adamantium seedlings at water retention capacities between 75% and 100%. Growing conditions with water retention capacities of 25% and 50% should not be used to produce seedlings of C. adamantium.

As informações sobre à germinação, desenvolvimento de mudas, tipos de substratos e disponibilidades hídricas de espécies nativas do Cerrado ainda são escassas, para fins de propagação e estabelecimentos de plantios. Com base nisso, foram avaliados o crescimento inicial de mudas de Campomanesia adamantium semeadas em vasos contendo substrato com diferentes composições e capacidade de retenção de água: latossolo vermelho; latossolo vermelho + Bioplant® (1:1); latossolo vermelho + areia + esterco de frango semi- decomposto (1:1:0,5); latossolo vermelho + areia (1:1) e latossolo vermelho + areia + esterco de frango semi- decomposto (1:2:0.5). Os vasos foram irrigados por três vezes por semana para 25%, 50%, 75% e 100% da sua capacidade de retenção de água. As características morfológicas das mudas e seus índices de qualidade foram analisados 52, 83, 114 e 145 dias após a semeadura. Todas as possíveis combinações de substratos e porcentagens de capacidade de retenção de água foram feitas, com quatro repetições (12 vasos). Os substratos latossolo vermelho + areia e latossolo vermelho + Bioplant® na capacidade de retenção de água entre 75 % e 100% foram encontrados para ser mais adequado para o crescimento e desenvolvimento de plântulas de C. adamantium. Condições de cultivo em capacidade de retenção de água de 25 e 50% não deve ser utilizado para a produção de mudas de C. adamantium.

Genetic instability in plants associated with vehicular traffic and climatic variables.

To characterize the effect of vehicular traffic on air quality, the micronuclei of Tradescantia pallida tetrads were counted. Young inflorescences of T. pallida (Rose) D.R. Hunt var. purpurea were collected in 2010, 2011, and 2012, from three sites subjected to different intensities of vehicular traffic. The sites were located in the municipality of Dourados, in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. A standardized methodology was used to analyze the Tradescantia micronuclei, in order to evaluate the mutagenic potential of the local air pollutants. Statistical analyses using the Pearson's linear correlation were employed to determine the relationship between relative humidity and temperature, and the average number of micronuclei. In this study, an increase in the average number of passing vehicles was correlated with an increase in the frequency of micronucleus formation. Climatic factors also influenced micronucleus formation, although vehicular traffic remained the most important factor. Thus, the Tradescantia micronuclei assay may be a useful method of assessing air quality.

Gas exchange and photosynthetic activity in Hancornia speciosa gomes seedlings under water deficit conditions and during rehydration / Trocas gasosas e atividade fotossintética em mudas Hancornia speciosa Gomes sob estresse hídrico e durante a reidratação

Considering the wide distribution of Hancornia speciosa Gomes in the Brazilian savanna, environment with irregular distribution of rainfall, it is believed that their seedlings can be cultivated for a few days under water restriction, information that can stimulate the use of this species in restoration or planting for sustainable exploration programs. The present study evaluated the gas exchange and photosynthetic activities of H. speciosa seedlings and examined their tolerance to water deficit and their metabolic recovery after rehydration. We evaluated the photosynthetic rate, internal carbon concentration, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, water-use efficiency, photosystem II quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm), instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, chlorophyll index, and recuperation potential of H. speciosa seedlings after rehydration. Twelve month-old seedlings were used and maintained at 70% of their soil water retention capacity. Data was collected 7, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 23, 31, 33, 35, 37, 42, 44, 46, and 48 days after suspending irrigation; irrigation was reinitiated when the photosynthetic rate approached zero. Water deficit conditions reduced all of the parameters evaluated except the chlorophyll index; stressed seedlings required 42 days for the photosynthetic rate to reach zero, but photosynthetic equilibrium was reestablished just five days after rehydration. This temporary water deficiency did not cause any permanent deleterious effects on the photosynthetic apparatus of the seedlings.

Considerando a ampla distribuição de Hancornia speciosa Gomes no cerrado, ambiente com distribuição irregular de chuvas, acredita-se que suas mudas podem ser cultivadas por alguns dias sob restrição hídrica, informações que podem estimular o uso desta espécie em restauração ou plantio para programas de exploração sustentável. O presente estudo avaliou as trocas gasosas e atividade fotossintética das mudas de H. speciosa e sua tolerância à deficiência hídrica e recuperação metabólica após a reidratação. Avaliou-se a taxa fotossintética, a concentração interna de carbono, a taxa de transpiração, condutância estomática, eficiência do uso da água, eficiência quântica do fotossistema II (Fv/Fm), eficiência instantânea de carboxilação, índice de clorofila, e potencial de recuperação das mudas de H. speciosa após a reidratação. Foram usadas mudas de doze meses de idade, que foram mantidas sob 70% da capacidade de retenção de água do solo. Os dados foram coletados aos 7, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 23, 31, 33, 35, 37, 42, 44, 46 e 48 dias após a suspensão da irrigação, que foi reiniciada quando a taxa fotossintética aproximou-se de zero. A condição de déficit hídrico reduziu todos os parâmetros avaliados, exceto o índice de clorofila; mudas estressadas necessitam 42 dias para que a taxa fotossintética chegue a zero, mas o equilíbrio fotossintético é restabelecido cinco dias após a reidratação. Essa deficiência de água temporária não causou efeitos deletérios permanentes no aparato fotossintético das mudas.

Germinação de sementes de marmelo: temperatura, luz e salinidade / Germination of the quince

Neste trabalho objetivou-se avaliar a ecofisiologia da germinação de sementes de Alibertia edulis (Rich) A. Rich. ex DC. (marmelo) sob diferentes condições ambientais. Dois experimentos foram realizados no Laboratório de Nutrição e Metabolismo de Plantas da UFGD. O experimento I avaliou quatro temperaturas (15, 20, 25 e 30°C) e duas condições de iluminação (presença e ausência de luz) e o experimento II o efeito de soluções salinas de KCl , NaCl e CaCl2 nos potenciais osmóticos de 0,0 (controle); -0,4; -0,8; -1,2; -1,6; -2,0 MPa na germinação das sementes. As sementes apresentam fotoblástismo neutro e não germinam a 15°C. A 25°C foi observada maior porcentagem e índice de velocidade de germinação e comprimento de parte aérea de plântulas. As sementes são sensíveis salinidade causada por NaCl, KCl e CaCl2, que afetam negativamente a germinação das sementes e no crescimento das plântulas.

The target of this study was to evaluate seed ecophysiology germination of Alibertia edulis (Rich) A. Rich. ex DC. (quince) at different environmental condition. Two experiments were done at the Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism of Plant from UFGD (Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados). Experiment I evaluated 4 temperatures (15, 20, 25 e 30°C) and two light conditions (absence and presence of light); experiment II evaluated the salt effect of KC1, NaCl and CaCl2 at osmotic potencial of 0,0 (control); -0,4; -0,8; -1,2; -1,6; -2,0 MPa seed germination. The seeds are photoblastism neutral and do not germinate at 15 ° C. The 25 ° C showed a higher rate of speed and percentage of germination and shoot length of seedlings. The seeds are sensitive to salinity caused by NaCl, KCl and CaCl2, which negatively affect seed germination and seedling growth.

Biomonitoring the genotoxic effects of pollutants on Tradescantia pallida (Rose) D.R. Hunt in Dourados, Brazil.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to associate the intensity of vehicular traffic in the city of Dourados (Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil) with mutagenic effects and alterations in leaf physiology as measured by the quantity of micronuclei and the leaf surface parameters of Tradescantia pallida. METHODS: Five collections of inflorescences were undertaken for 24 weeks to determine the quantities of micronuclei using the Tradescantia Micronuclei (Trad-MCN) bioassay. Leaf surface parameters, including stomatal index (SI), stomatal density, and the size of the stomatal ostiole opening size (SO), were evaluated in addition to Trad-MCN. Collections were made at four sampling points with different vehicular traffic intensities. Statistical analyses were performed with SAS software using the Tukey's and Kruskal-Wallis test. Additionally, associations of the characteristics were verified using Pearson's simple correlation analysis. RESULTS: Significant effects were observed with the Trad-MCN bioassay (p < 0.01) that were related to the collection period and location, as well as significant differences (p < 0.05) for the effects of the collection points using the Kruskal-Wallis test. In general, the locations with greatest vehicular traffic had plants with the greatest stomatal density values. The characteristics SI and SO did not demonstrate significant differences (p > 0.05) in relation to the collection sites. The simple correlation analysis demonstrated a negative association (-0.65) between SI and Trad-MCN (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Plants growing in localities with more intense vehicular traffic had greater quantities of micronuclei as well as higher frequencies and average numbers of stomata than localities with less traffic, indicating the presence of atmospheric contaminants that damaged their DNA.

Enraizamento e germinação na propagação de Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng. ) Pedersen (ginseng-brasileiro) / Rooting and germination in propagation of Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng. ) Pedersen (ginseng-brasileiro)

Conduziu-se este trabalho, com o objetivo de avaliar a propagação sexuada e assexuada de Pfaffia glomerata (ginseng brasileiro). As sementes foram pré-embebidas por 24 horas em KNO3 1 por cento; ácido giberélico 50, 100 e 200 mg L-1 ; emágua e as sementes que não receberam tratamento serviram como testemunha. A semeadura foi em placas de petri sobre duas folhas de papel de filtro e a incubação a 25ºC, sob iluminação constante e na ausência de luz. As estacas com º15 cm foram imersas durante 6 horas em IAA 250 e IBA 500 mg L-1, ácido bórico 1 por cento e em água e plantadas em embalagem plástica, contendo terra+areia (1:1). O primeiro experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 2 (níveis de luz) x 6 (tratamento de pré-embebição) em 4 repetições de 20 sementes. O segundo em DIC com 5 tratamentos, 4 repetições de 15 estacas por repetição. As sementes de ginseng brasileiro necessitam de tratamento de pré-embebição para acelerar a germinação, sendo a imersão em KNO3 o método mais eficiente, proporcionando 63 por cento de germinação. Apresentam fotoblastismo neutro, com germinação média de 45 por cento. As estacas de ginseng brasileiro imersas apenas em água apresentaram 100 por cento de enraizamento, maior número de brotos (2,5) e maior comprimento de raiz (8,6 cm). A espécie apresenta potencial para ambos os métodos de propagação.

The objective of this study was to evaluate sexual and asexual propagation of Pfaffia glomerata (Brazilian Ginseng). The seeds were pre-soaked for 24 hours in KNO3 1 percent , gibberellic acid 50, 100, 200 mg L-1 , and in water. Untreated seeds served as control. Sowing was accomplished in petri dishes on 2 sheets of filter paper, at 25ºC incubation, under constant illumination, and in the absence of light. The cuttings with º1,5 cm were immersed for 6 hours in IAA 250 and 500mg L-1, boric acid1 percent ,and in water. Soon after they were planted in plastic containers with soil + sand (1:1). The first experiment was in factorial design 2 (light levels) x 6 (pre-soak treatment) in 4 repetitions of 20 seeds per repetition. The second in ERD in 5 treatments, 4 repetitions of 15 cuttings per repetition. Brazilian Ginseng seeds need pre-soak treatment to accelerate germination. We found immersion in KNO3 the most efficient method, providing 63 percent germination. They presented neuter photoblastism with an average germination of 45 percent. The Brazilian Ginseng cuttings immersed in water presented 100 percent rooting, a higher number of sprouts (2,5), and greater length (8,6 cm). The species presents potential for both propagation methods.

Comportamento do algodoeiro cultivar delta opal sob estresse hídrico com e sem aplicação de bioestimulante / Cotton plant cultivar delta opal behavior under water stress with or without biostimulant

Objetivou-se, com esse trabalho, avaliar o efeito do bioestimulante Stimulate®, aplicado ou não em diferentes fases do desenvolvimento do algodoeiro cv. Delta Opal, (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivado em casa de vegetação e submetido ou não ao estresse hídrico. Foram aplicados 25, 60 e 100 por cento do volume total de poros (VTP) preenchidos com água e o Stimulate® aplicado na semente, na semente e na fase de botão floral e sem a aplicação do bioestimulante, aos 69 dias após a semeadura. A duração do estresse hídrico foi de 15, 30 e 45 dias após a aplicação do estresse hídrico. O algodoeiro cv Delta Opal não tolerou deficiência hídrica de 25 por cento VTP iniciado na fase de botão floral, sendo observadas as menores alturas, diâmetros de colo, número de folhas, e comprometendo também a formação de estruturas reprodutivas. O bioestimulante na dose e na forma aplicada não proporcionou melhoras no desenvolvimento das plantas quando submetidas à falta de água, já em plantas submetidas ao excesso de água, houve aumento do diâmetro do colo das plantas.

This work was aimed at evaluating the effect of biostimulant Stimulate® applied or not at different development stages of cotton plant cv Delta Opal, (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivated in greenhouse, subjected or not to water stress. Applications of 25, 60 and 100 percent of total volume of pores (VTP) filled up with water were conducted, and then Stimulate® was sprinkled over the seed and on the flower bud stage, without biostimulant application 69 days after sowing. The water stress time period was that of 15, 30 and 45 days after water stress application. The cotton plant cv Delta Opal did not tolerate hydric deficit of 25 percent VTP on the flower bud set off, where smaller heights as well as smaller colon diameters and flower number were observed, all of which also endanger reproductive structure formation. The use of biostimulant on the dosage and the type of application did not render any improvement on plant development when submitted to lack of water; nevertheless there was a colon diameter increase on plants subjected to water excess.

Medicinal plants used by Ponta Porã community, Mato Grosso do Sul State / Levantamento etnobotânico em Ponta Porá, Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul

The academic interest regarding the knowledge that people in general have about plants and their uses has increased significantly. Therefore, aiming to understand it better, this present work studied parts of the plant used by residents from Jardim Aeroporto, in Ponta Porã, Mato Grosso do Sul State, to prepare and use these medicinal plants. This city shares borders with Pedro Juan Caballero (Paraguay), a place where many people use these herbs. The residents use different kinds of plants which are planted around their houses. The leaf was the most used part to prepare the medicines. The plants used by this community belong to 17 families, 28 genera and 30 species, and the women from 30-40 age group with junior high school degree who know the plants, their usage and the preparation of the medicines. These women are responsible to cultivate the plants in the backyards and around their houses. The botanical families which presented higher number of species were Lamiaceae, Asteraceae and Leguminosae. Baccharis trimera (Less). DC., Mentha piperita L. and Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. were the most used plants by the interviewees, which were prepared in form of tea or plasters.

O interesse acadêmico a respeito do conhecimento que as populações detêm sobre plantas e seus usos têm crescido. Visando conhecer melhor esse conhecimento, o presente trabalho objetivou: levantar o perfil dos usuários de plantas medicinais, caracterizar o conhecimento acercado uso de plantas medicinais, detectar as partes da planta mais empregadas no preparo e aplicação medicinal pela comunidade de moradores do Bairro Jardim Aeroporto em Ponta Porã, Estadodo Mato Grosso do Sul. Foram entrevistados 200 moradores, no período de julho a outubro de 2006. As entrevistas foram feitas pelo método da ?listagem livre?. A cidade faz divisa com Pedro Juan Caballero (Paraguai), onde muitas pessoas recebem as espécies medicinais. Os moradores fazem uso de grupo diversificado de plantas, presentes ao redor de suas casas. A parte vegetal mais citada como utilizada na preparação dos remédios foi a folha. As plantas utilizadas pela populaçãopertencem a 17 famílias, 28 gêneros e 30 espécies, e o conhecimento das plantas, uso e preparo é pertencente às mulheres, na faixa etária dos 30 a 40 anos, em sua maioria com grau de escolaridade do Ensino Fundamental. As mulheres são responsáveis pelo cultivo das plantas, emseus quintais ou ao redor de suas residências. As famílias botânicas que apresentaram maior número de espécies foram, respectivamente, Lamiaceae, Asteraceae e Leguminosae. Baccharis trimera (Less). DC (carqueja), Mentha piperita L. (hortelã) e Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. (babosa) foram as plantas mais utilizadas pelos entrevistados, sendo preparadas na forma de chás ou emplastro.