Tissue damage and cytotoxic effects of Tagetes minuta essential oil against Lucilia cuprina.

The blowfly Lucilia cuprina has great medico-sanitary and veterinary importance due to the ability of its larval form to develop in decaying organic matter, parasitizing vertebrates. Fly eradication is challenging and the essential oil (EO) of Tagetes minuta (TMEO) have been reported to have therapeutic properties. This study aimed to determine the activity of EO from the aerial parts of T. minuta against third instar larvae (L3) of L. cuprina. Groups of 20 L3 were placed on filter paper, which were impregnated with varying concentrations (0.19; 0.39; 0.79; 1.59; 2.38; 3.18; 4.77; and 6.36 µL/cm2) of TMEO solubilized in acetone, ethanol or Tween 20. Histological tissue damage of TMEO was measured in L3 after 24, 48 and 96 h of exposure. Dihydrotagetone (67.64%), trans-ocimene (16.23%), trans-tagetone (10.14%) and verbenone (2.98%) were obtained as major compounds of TMEO. Lethal concentrations of 50%, 24 and 48 h after TMEO exposure were 1.02 and 0.73 µL/cm2 for acetone; 3.37 and 1.75 µL/cm2 for ethanol; and 7.46 and 6.11 µL/cm2 for Tween 20, respectively. TMEO had a significant L3 mortality of 96.6% in acetone, 48 h after contact. Cuticle abnormalities were observed, as well as the loss of digestive tract architecture and vacuolization in fat bodies. TMEO presented time and concentration-dependent effects against L. cuprina. As our study demonstrated a strong insecticide activity of TMEO, we consider that it could be developed into an ecofriendly product against L. cuprina.

Insecticide activity of Curcuma longa (leaves) essential oil and its major compound α-phellandrene against Lucilia cuprina larvae (Diptera: Calliphoridae): Histological and ultrastructural biomarkers assessment.

Lucilia cuprina, known as the Australian blowfly, is of high medico-sanitary and veterinary importance due to its ability to induce myiasis. Synthetic products are the most frequent form of fly control, but their indiscriminate use has selected for resistant populations and accounted for high levels of residues in animal products. This study aimed to assess the effect of essential oil from leaves of Curcuma longa (CLLEO), and its major compound α-phellandrene against L. cuprina L3. An additional goal was to determine the morphological alterations in target organs/tissues through ultrastructural assessment (SEM) and light microscopy, as well as macroscopic damage to cuticle induced by CLLEO. Groups of 20 L3 were placed on filter paper impregnated with increasing concentrations of CLLEO (0.15 to 2.86 µL/cm2) and α-phellandrene (0.29 to 1.47 µL/cm2). Efficacy was determined by quantifying L3 mortality 6, 24 and 48 h after contact with CLLEO and by measuring the structural damage to L3. CLLEO and α-phellandrene inhibited adult emergence by 96.22 and 100%, respectively. Macroscopic cuticle damage, appeared as diffuse pigment and darkening of larval body, was caused by both extracts. The SEM revealed dryness on the cuticle surface, distortion of the sensorial structures and general degeneration in treated L3. Furthermore, alterations in target organs (digestive tract, fat body and brain) were noticed and shall be used as biomarkers in future attempts to elucidate the mechanism of action of these compounds. The vacuolar degeneration and pyknotic profiles observed in the brain tissue of treated larvae with both extracts and the decreased motility within <6 h after treatment leads us to suggest a neurotoxic activity of the products. This work demonstrates the potential use of CLLEO and α-phellandrene as bioinsecticides to be used against L. cuprina, representing an ecofriendly alternative for myiasis control in humans and animals.

Cuticular damage of Lucilia cuprina larvae exposed to Curcuma longa leaves essential oil and its major compound α-phellandrene.

Morphological biomarkers as the histopathological assessment and scanning electron microscopy can be used to establish a diagnosis of structure damage and intoxication of target cells by new biopesticide candidate. In this sense, cuticle damage caused by active substances in larvae exposed to biopesticides can help to elucidate the mode action. Thus, insecticide activity analysis of essential oil of Curcuma longa leaves and its major compound α-phellandrene have proven to be a new biopesticide candidate against third instar larvae (L3) of the Australian blowfly Lucilia cuprina. In this way, groups of 20 L3 were placed on filter paper, impregnated with ranging concentrations (from 0.15 to 2.86 µL/cm2) of C. longa leaves EO and (0.29-1.47 µL/cm2) to α-phellandrene. The extracts were solubilized in ethanol. Progressive darkening in the body of L3, marked reduction of movement, color changes in larval cuticle and dead were observed 6 and 24 h after contact with both extracts.

Insecticide activity of Baccharis dracunculifolia essential oil against Cochliomyia macellaria (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

The ethnobotanical uses of Brazilian plants for different injuries and diseases conjoined with local rich biodiversity represent an important resource for research and development. This study aimed to characterise BDEO and its in vitro activity on the third instar larvae (L3) of Cochliomyia macellaria. Groups of 20 L3 were placed on filter paper impregnated with increasing concentrations of 5-30% (v/v), equivalent to 0.79-4.77 µL/cm2, solubilised in ethanol or acetone. The major constituents of BDEO were ß-pinene (9.94%), D-limonene (9.59%), ß-nerolidol (7.93%), caryophyllene (7.69%), spathulenol (6.69), α-muurolene (6.74%) and α-pinene (5.31%). Lethal concentrations of 50% for BDEO on C. macellaria (LC50) after 24 and 48 h of exposure were 2.63 and 2.47 µL/cm2 for ethanol and 9.58 and 8.11 µL/cm2 for acetone, respectively. Furthermore, larvae cuticle abnormalities and adult deformity were observed. Our data confirm the effectiveness of BDEO as an ecofriendly product against blowflies.

Uso de algoritmo de otimização na determinação de tipos de animal funcional / Use of optimization algorithm for determining of animal functional types

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o uso de algoritmo de otimização na determinação de tipos funcionais de animais da raça Braford para diferentes condições ambientais. Foram utilizados algoritmos específicos de otimização por meio do progama computacional SYNCSA, com o objetivo de determinar subconjuntos ótimos de atributos que definem diferentes tipos funcionais, tendo em vista a eficiência de utilização da pastagem pelos animais. Tais algoritmos estão fundamentados na definição de matrizes de incidência que relacionam as variáveis de interesse. No presente estudo, a matriz B definiu a relação animais x medidas corporais; a matriz W, a relação produtividade acumulada x graus de sangue; e a matriz E, a relação graus de sangue x ambientes (com e sem restrição alimentar). Os resultados mostraram a existência de três tipos funcionais: animais de maior estrutura corporal; animais de estrutura intermediária e animais com menor estrutura, com exceção do atributo largura do peito. Os animais de maior estrutura corporal obtiveram 30 e 47,7kg a mais de terneiros desmamados, no ambiente sem restrição alimentar, que os animais de estrutura corporal média e pequena, respectivamente. No ambiente com restrição alimentar, o tipo de animal de estrutura média apresentou melhor desempenho produtivo, sendo este 18,5 e 36,8% superior aos tipos de maior e menor estrutura corporal, respectivamente. Os resultados deste trabalho demonstram que o algoritmo criado para determinação de tipos funcionais pode ser utilizado na busca do melhor biótipo animal para os diferentes sistemas de produção.

This study aimed to evaluate the use of optimization algorithm to determine functional types of animals Braford for different environmental conditions. We used specific optimization algorithms through the computer program SYNCSA in order to determine optimal subsets of attributes that define different functional types in view the efficiency of grazing by animals. These algorithms are based on the definition of incidence matrices that relate the variables of interest. In this study the matrix B defined the relationship animals x body measurements; the matrix W the relationship accumulated productivity x blood degree; and the matrix E the relationship blood degree x environments (with and without food restriction). These results showed the existence of three functional types: animals with larger body structure, intermediate structure and animals with less structure, except the trait width of the chest. The higher body structure animals had more 30 and 47.7kg of weaned calves, in the environment without food restriction, than animals of medium and small body frame, respectively. In the environment with dietary restriction, animals with intermediate body structure productive performed 18.5 and 36.8% better than higher and lower body structure types, respectively. These results demonstrate that the algorithm designed for determination of functional types be used in search of better animal biotype for different production systems.

Variáveis morfogênicas de milheto (Pennisetum americanum) mantido em duas alturas de pastejo / Morphogenic variables of pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum) in two grazing height

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar a resposta morfogênica de milheto (Pennisetum americanum) ao uso de duas alturas de manejo da pastagem. Utilizou-se a técnica de afilhos marcados para se monitorarem as variáveis em estudo. Os tratamentos propostos foram pastagem de milheto manejada a alturas médias de 20-30 e 40-50cm. As variáveis determinadas foram: filocrono, números médios de folhas em elongação e folhas verdes por afilho, taxas de aparecimento, desfolha, elongação e senescência foliar. O tratamento com altura média de 20-30cm apresentou maior taxa de senescência e maior número de folhas elongando, respectivamente no primeiro e segundo períodos de avaliação. No tratamento com altura de 40-50cm, foi observado um maior número de folhas senescendo, maior comprimento final de folhas e filocrono, respectivamente no primeiro e segundo períodos. A taxa de desfolha diferiu entre tratamentos, sendo mais elevada na menor altura de plantas, em ambos os períodos. A taxa de aparecimento de folhas foi superior no segundo período na menor altura de plantas, influenciada pela menor altura dos afilhos neste período. As respostas morfogênicas podem ser atribuídas às modificações impostas pelos tratamentos à estrutura da pastagem. A utilização de uma altura de pastejo entre 20-30cm mantem uma maior proporção de folhas na pastagem.

Comportamento ingestivo de novilhos de corte em pastagem de aveia preta e azevém com níveis distintos de folhas verdes / Ingestive behaviour of beef steers grazing oat and Italian ryegrass pasture with different levels of green leaves

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar como dois níveis distintos de biomassa de folhas verdes, representados por 350 e 600kg ha-1 de matéria seca de folhas verdes (MSFV) afetam o comportamento de novilhos de corte e sua taxa de bocados. Para as avaliações de comportamento ingestivo, foi utilizado o método direto de observação visual de animais focais em dois períodos de 24 horas, com início e término às 13:00 horas, durante o ciclo de duração da pastagem, nos dias 16-17/08 e 24-25/09/2002. Para cada turno de seis horas, foram utilizados três observadores treinados, um para cada dois potreiros contíguos (três animais focais por potreiro). A intervalos de 10 minutos eram registrados as atividades de pastejo, ruminação, ócio e realizadas medidas relativas à taxa de bocados, correspondente ao número de bocados de apreensão por minuto. A menor porcentagem de matéria seca existente na pastagem durante a primeira avaliação do comportamento ingestivo foi responsável pelo aumento no tempo de pastejo, na comparação entre períodos. A atividade complementar ao pastejo, na primeira avaliação, foi a ruminação, sem diferenças para ócio. As mais baixas biomassas induziram os animais a aumentar o número de bocados como forma de otimizar o consumo de forragem.