Feeding practices and dietary intake in Brazilian children with Down syndrome: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Studies investigating the quality of the diet and dietary intake of children with Down syndrome (DS) are required because the features attributed to the syndrome can affect growth, development and quality of life. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 77 Brazilian children with DS between 5 and 36 months of age receiving care at the multidisciplinary outpatient clinic of the University Hospital. Participants' sociodemographic, dietary and anthropometric data were collected from the care protocols. Dietary data were collected from 24-h recalls and dietary practices were assessed according to the WHO dietary guidelines. Associations between inadequate feeding practices and demographic variables were assessed using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Fruits, milk or infant formula, vegetables, beans and meat were among the five most consumed foods by the children investigated. Overall, we observed a high number of cases of early weaning (50.6%), low minimum dietary diversity (MDD; 40.3%), inadequate consistency for age (64.9%), early presence of ultra-processed foods (76.6%), sugars and sweets (33.8%) in the diet of the children with DS. In the associations of inadequate feeding practices by age group, low MDD [odds ratio (OR): 18.6; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.4; 57.1] and inadequate consistency (OR: 6.65; 95% CI: 1.8; 24.7) were more frequent among children aged below 12 months while this relationship was inverse for early introduction of sugar and sweets (OR: 0.04; 95% CI: 0.01; 0.29). CONCLUSION: Our findings showed a high number of cases of inadequate dietary practices in children with DS investigated, which could adversely affect the long-term health of this population.

Inclusion of IgY in a dog's diet has moderate impact on the intestinal microbial fermentation.

AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of immunoglobulin Y (IgY) in a diet on the systemic health and the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of dogs. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixteen healthy 11-month-old Beagle dogs were distributed at random (eight animals per treatment) in two treatments groups: control (0 g kg-1 IgY) and test (2 g IgY per day). The animals were evaluated on days 0 and 40 for a complete blood count (CBC) and biochemical profiles (ALT, ALP, creatinine and urea). Faecal samples were collected from days 35 to 40 to measure nutrient digestibility, faecal characteristics, sialic acid, intestinal microbiota composition and microbial metabolites. The CBC, biochemical profiles, apparent nutrient digestibility and faecal characteristics did not differ between the two treatment groups (P > 0·05). Dog faeces that received IgY were characterized by lower sialic acid and n-valeric concentration, as well as an increase in n-butyric concentration, in contrast to dogs fed a diet without IgY (P < 0·05). The other microbial faecal metabolites did not differ between the two treatment groups (P > 0·05). There tended to be an increase in the copy number of Clostridium cluster XIVa (Clostridium coccoides group) in the IgY group in contrast to the control group (P = 0·07). The other bacteria analysed did not differ between the treatment groups (P > 0·05). The colonic pH in the IgY group was lower than in control group (P < 0·05). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of IgY in the diet of healthy dogs maintains the microbial balance and has an interesting effect on microbial metabolites. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The use of IgY, antibodies produced by laying hens, in animal feed is an alternative for the prevention and treatment of intestinal diseases in companion animals.

Genetic diversity of Saccharum complex using ISSR markers.

Sugarcane (Saccharum sp, Poaceae) is native to Southeast Asia, and due to growing demand as raw material, its cultivation recently expanded to new frontiers. The genetic diversity analysis is essential for targeting strategies in the formation and maintenance of a germplasm. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity of 26 accessions of sugarcane from the Active Germplasm Bank of Embrapa Coastal Tablelands, using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular markers. Sixteen primers were used, resulting in 87 fragments with 91.13% of polymorphism. The similarity of the individuals ranged between 0.22 and 0.87. Individuals RB867515 and RB92579 were closer genetically, and the most distant ones were PI240785 and NSL 291970. Four distinct clusters were formed, using UPGMA. This information can be used to prioritize the selection of accessions for the conduction of hybridization in breeding and germplasm exchange actions.

Analysis of genetic diversity of Hyptis pectinata (L.) Poit. plants using ISSR markers.

Hyptis pectinata, popularly known as 'sambacaitá' or 'canudinho', is a medicinal and aromatic species widely used in the Brazilian Northeast. In Sergipe, the excessive extraction of natural resources may reduce the genetic variability of native plants. Thus, molecular markers have frequently been applied to the characterization of genetic diversity as the basis for germplasm conservation and breeding programs. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of H. pectinata plants collected in different municipalities of the State of Sergipe using ISSR molecular markers. Thirty-four primers were tested, nine of which were selected for providing reproducible and analyzable amplification products, resulting in 67 polymorphic bands. The expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.32 to 0.45, with a mean of 0.39. Polymorphism information content was of 0.49, which classifies the markers as moderately informative. A dendrogram was constructed using unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean, forming three clusters: Cluster I (79 plants); Cluster II (4 plants); and Cluster III (2 plants). Jaccard's similarity coefficients ranged from 0.06 to 0.98. The plants SAM-117 and SAM-119 presented greater similarity. Conversely, SAM-107 and SAM-171 were the most genetically distant. In general, H. pectinata plants collected in the State of Sergipe presented low to moderate genetic diversity.

Diversity and genetic stability in banana genotypes in a breeding program using inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers.

Banana (Musa spp) is a fruit species frequently cultivated and consumed worldwide. Molecular markers are important for estimating genetic diversity in germplasm and between genotypes in breeding programs. The objective of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity of 21 banana genotypes (FHIA 23, PA42-44, Maçã, Pacovan Ken, Bucaneiro, YB42-47, Grand Naine, Tropical, FHIA 18, PA94-01, YB42-17, Enxerto, Japira, Pacovã, Prata-Anã, Maravilha, PV79-34, Caipira, Princesa, Garantida, and Thap Maeo), by using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Material was generated from the banana breeding program of Embrapa Cassava & Fruits and evaluated at Embrapa Coastal Tablelands. The 12 primers used in this study generated 97.5% polymorphism. Four clusters were identified among the different genotypes studied, and the sum of the first two principal components was 48.91%. From the Unweighted Pair Group Method using Arithmetic averages (UPGMA) dendrogram, it was possible to identify two main clusters and subclusters. Two genotypes (Garantida and Thap Maeo) remained isolated from the others, both in the UPGMA clustering and in the principal cordinate analysis (PCoA). Using ISSR markers, we could analyze the genetic diversity of the studied material and state that these markers were efficient at detecting sufficient polymorphism to estimate the genetic variability in banana genotypes.

Genetic diversity of native populations of Croton tetradenius Baill. using ISSR markers.

Brazil has about 300 Croton species in different types of vegetation. Croton tetradenius Baill., which is endemic to the Northeast region and predominant in the Caatinga vegetation, stands out among the several species of this genus. Considering the importance of knowing the genetic variability of a species, the objective of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity of the genotypes of natural populations of C. tetradenius in the State of Sergipe, using ISSR molecular markers. Forty individuals were sampled in four natural populations of the State of Sergipe, Brazil. Thirteen primers were used for DNA amplification using ISSR-PCR, totaling 77 amplified fragments, of which 94.8% were polymorphic. Results of the cluster analysis obtained by the Jaccard's similarity index, using the UPGMA method, resulted in the formation of six distinct clusters. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), used to estimate the genetic variability among populations, revealed significant genetic variance (P < 0.01) between and within the studied populations, and most of the genetic diversity was found (87%) within populations. According to the Jaccard's similarity index, none of the studied plants was genetically identical. CTE210 and CTE305 presented high similarity index (0.76), while CTE105 presented low similarity index (<0.16) with all related individuals. ISSR markers were efficient and allowed the formation of a molecular profile, and had sufficient polymorphism to estimate the genetic variability between the accessions of the studied populations.

Estimation of genetic diversity in a natural population of cambui tree (Myrciaria tenella O. Berg) using ISSR markers.

Cambui (Myrciaria tenella O. Berg) is a native species from Brazil, which belongs to the family Myrtaceae. Molecular characterization is one of the most used tools for the study of the biotechnological potential of species because the diversity level between individuals can be inferred. Analysis of genetic diversity is fundamental to the direction of the strategies necessary to form and maintain a germplasm. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity in a natural population of cambui using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular markers. The natural population, which provided the plant material, is found at the Private Reserve of Natural Heritage of Caju, which belongs to the experimental field of Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros, in the municipality of Itaporanga d'Ajuda, SE, Brazil. Young leaves of each individual were collected for DNA extraction and analysis of PCR-ISSR. Thirty primers were tested and the top 10 were selected. The use of these primers resulted in 71 fragments with 98.3% polymorphism. Similarity of individuals ranged between 0.30 and 0.92. The most similar individuals were C13 and C17 and the most distant were C1 and C41. Through UPGMA, six distinct groups were identified. This information may be used for conservation of these genetic resources, germplasm exchange, creation of germplasm bank and in future studies with this species.

Genetic diversity in natural populations of mangaba in Sergipe, the largest producer State in Brazil.

Mangaba (Hancornia speciosa Gomes) is found in areas of coastal tablelands in the Brazilian Northeast and Cerrado regions. This species has been subjected to habitat fragmentation that is mainly due to human activity, and requires conservation strategies. The aim of this study was to analyze the structure and inter- and intrapopulation genetic diversity of natural populations of H. speciosa Gomes using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular markers. A total of 155 individuals were sampled in 10 natural populations (ITA, PAC, IND, EST, BC, PIR, JAP, BG, NEO, and SANT) in the State of Sergipe, Brazil. Fifteen primers were used to generate 162 fragments with 100% polymorphism. Genetic analysis showed that the variability between populations (77%) was higher than within populations (23%). It was possible to identify five different groups by the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean and principal coordinate analysis, and only one individual (E10) remained isolated. Using ISSR markers it was possible to obtain a molecular profile of the populations evaluated, showing that these markers were effective and exhibited sufficient polymorphism to estimate the genetic variability of natural populations of H. speciosa Gomes.

Genetic diversity analysis of Varronia curassavica Jacq. accessions using ISSR markers.

Varronia curassavica Jacq. is a medicinal and aromatic plant from Brazil with significant economic importance. Studies on genetic diversity in active germplasm banks (AGB) are essential for conservation and breeding programs. The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity of V. curassavica accessions of the AGB of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of the Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), using inter-simple sequence repeat molecular markers. Twenty-four primers were tested, and 14 were polymorphic and informative, resulting in 149 bands with 97.98% polymorphism. The UPGMA dendrogram divided the accessions into Clusters I and II. Jaccard similarity coefficients for pair-wise comparisons of accessions ranged between 0.24 and 0.78. The pairs of accessions VCUR-001/VCUR-503, VCUR-001/VCUR-504, and VCUR-104/VCUR-501 showed relatively low similarity (0.24), and the pair of accessions VCUR-402/VCUR- 403 showed medium similarity (0.78). Twenty-eight accessions were divided into three distinct clusters, according to the STRUCTURE analysis. The genetic diversity of V. curassavica in the AGB of UFS is low to medium, and it requires expansion. Accession VCUR-802 is the most suitable for selection in breeding program of this species, since it clearly represents all of the diversity present in the AGB.

Analysis of genetic diversity of a native population of Myrcia lundiana Kiaersk. plants using ISSR markers.

Myrcia lundiana Kiaersk. is a tree of the family Myrtaceae found in tropical and subtropical areas of the southern hemisphere that produces essential oil. The aim of this study was to characterize the genetic diversity of M. lundiana plants from a native population of Parque Nacional de Itabaiana, using inter-simple sequence repeat molecular markers. Thirty-five primers were tested, 20 of which were polymorphic, resulting in 135 polymorphic and informative bands. Results of the cluster analysis, obtained using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean, grouped plants into three clusters: Cluster I - MLU001, MLU002, MLU003, MLU004, MLU005, MLU006, MLU018, MLU019, MLU020, MLU021, MLU022; MLU008, MLU011, MLU012, MLU014, MLU015, MLU017, MLU026, and MLU028; Cluster II - MLU007, MLU009, MLU010, MLU013, and MLU016; and Cluster III - MLU023, MLU024, MLU025, and MLU027. Jaccard similarity coefficients for pair-wise comparisons of plants ranged between 0.15 and 0.87. MLU014 and MLU015 presented low genetic diversity, with a similarity index of 0.87. Conversely, MLU007 and MLU019 presented high diversity, with a similarity index of 0.15. According to the structure analysis, three distinct clusters were formed. Genetic diversity of M. lundiana plants was intermediate, and expansion of its genetic diversity is necessary. MLU026 and MLU028 are the most suitable for selection in breeding programs, since they clearly represent all of the diversity present in these plants. Moreover, these results provide important information on the existing genetic variability, highlighting the importance of Parque Nacional de Itabaiana for the conservation of this species.

Diversity and genetic structure of mangaba remnants in states of northeastern Brazil.

In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity and structure of remnants of mangaba populations in states of northeastern Brazil by applying 9 microsatellite markers previously developed to establish conservation strategies for germplasm and species preservation. Six to 20 individuals per population were analyzed, with a total of 94 individuals and 6 populations from the states of Ceará, Pernambuco, and Sergipe, Brazil. The intra-population positive fixation index (f) in all populations indicated inbreeding resulting from the lack of random mating. The mean genetic diversity index values GST, FST, and RST estimated for divergence among the 6 populations were 0.14 (P < 0.05), revealing moderate genetic differentiation. The smallest FST value (P ≥ 0.05) was observed between the Jacarecoara and Tapera populations (0.005) and the highest between the Barra dos Coqueiros and Jacarecoara populations (0.287). The Jacarecoara population was the most divergent among the populations analyzed. According to analysis of molecular variance results, the largest variation percentage resulted from variability within populations (83.18%). Bayesian clustering analysis showed the formation of 2 sets (K = 2). Our results are important for developing strategies for in situ conservation of the species, seed collection, and ex situ conservation. For both methods, conservation of the greatest possible genetic variability of the species is essential.

Detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in Brazilian oysters (Crassostrea rhizophorae).

The aim of this study was to detect evidence of Toxoplasma gondii using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based techniques in oysters (Crassostrea rhizophorae) obtained from the southern coastal region of Bahia, Brazil. A total of 624 oysters were collected, and the gills and digestive glands were dissected. Each tissue sample was separated into pools containing tissues (of the same type) from three animals, leading to a total of 416 experimental samples for analysis (208 samples each from the gills and digestive glands). Molecular analysis using PCR-based detection of the T. gondii AF 146527 repetitive fragment yielded negative results for all samples. However, when nested-PCR was used for detection of the T. gondii SAG-1 gene, 17 samples were positive, with the gills being the tissue with maximal detection of the parasite. These positive results were confirmed by sample sequencing. It is therefore suggested that C. rhizophorae oysters are capable of filtering and retaining T. gondii oocysts in their tissue. This represents a risk to public health because they are traditionally ingested in natura.

Effects of exposure to particles and ozone on hospital admissions for cardiorespiratory diseases in SetúBal, Portugal.

In recent years, the adverse health effects attributed to air pollution have been a focus of intense study. Exposure to pollutants such as airborne particulate matter (PM) and ozone (O3) has been associated with increases in morbidity and mortality due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to determine a correlation between particles (PM10, PM2.5) and O3 with hospital admissions in Setúbal, a densely populated Portuguese urban region that coexists with a heavy industrial area. A database with daily air quality and hospital admission data over 5 years (2005-2009) was assembled and associations were investigated by ordinary least squares linear regression. Results showed positive significant associations between PM10 and respiratory diseases for ages below 14 yr and above 64 yr, and between PM2.5 and respiratory diseases for ages above 64 yr.

Dynamics of magnetic inhomogeneity in La2CoMnO6 films probed by Raman spectroscopy.

We report the dynamic effects of magnetic inhomogeneity on the temperature evolution of the Raman modes in polycrystalline La2CoMnO6 (LCMO) films. The LCMO films were obtained via chemical solution deposition and annealed at different temperatures, 700, 800 and 900 °C. Temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopic studies uncover anomalous phonon energy behaviors, associated with strong spin-phonon couplings revealed even at ambient conditions. This effect, which is observed to occur well above ferromagnetic ordering temperature is ascribed to short-range Mn4+/Co2+ ferromagnetic clusters. Moreover, our study has shown that spin-phonon coupling strength is governed by competing antiferromagnetic (AFM) and ferromagnetic (FM) interactions. These results significantly enhance the understanding of the complex spin-phonon coupling mechanism to provide insights into magnetic inhomogeneity in systems with two or more magnetic sublattices. These findings suggest the presence of similar effects in other double perovskites within the RE2CoMnO6 (RE = rare earths) family, which exhibit analogous magnetic sublattice and order-disorder defects.

Measuring the viscoelastic relaxation function of cells with a time-dependent interpretation of the Hertz-Sneddon indentation model.

The Hertz-Sneddon elastic indentation model is widely adopted in the biomechanical investigation of living cells and other soft materials using atomic force microscopy despite the explicit viscoelastic nature of these materials. In this work, we demonstrate that an exact analytical viscoelastic force model for power-law materials, can be interpreted as a time-dependent Hertz-Sneddon-like model. Characterizing fibroblasts (L929) and osteoblasts (OFCOLII) demonstrates the model's accuracy. Our results show that the difference between Young's modulus EY obtained by fitting force curves with the Hertz-Sneddon model and the effective Young's modulus derived from the viscoelastic force model is less than 3%, even when cells are probed at large forces where nonlinear deformation effects become significant. We also propose a measurement protocol that involves probing samples at different indentation speeds and forces, enabling the construction of the average viscoelastic relaxation function of samples by conveniently fitting the force curves with the Hertz-Sneddon model.

The role of the Ventral Nucleus of the Trapezoid Body in the auditory prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex.

Cholinergic signaling is essential to mediate the auditory prepulse inhibition (PPI), an operational measure of sensorimotor gating, that refers to the reduction of the acoustic startle reflex (ASR) when a low-intensity, non-startling acoustic stimulus (the prepulse) is presented just before the onset of the acoustic startle stimulus. The cochlear root neurons (CRNs) are the first cells of the ASR circuit to receive cholinergic inputs from non-olivocochlear neurons of the ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body (VNTB) and subsequently decrease their neuronal activity in response to auditory prepulses. Yet, the contribution of the VNTB-CRNs pathway to the mediation of PPI has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we used the immunotoxin anti-choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-saporin as well as electrolytic lesions of the medial olivocochlear bundle to selectively eliminate cholinergic VNTB neurons, and then assessed the ASR and PPI paradigms. Retrograde track-tracing experiments were conducted to precisely determine the site of lesioning VNTB neurons projecting to the CRNs. Additionally, the effects of VNTB lesions and the integrity of the auditory pathway were evaluated via auditory brain responses tests, ChAT- and FOS-immunohistochemistry. Consequently, we established three experimental groups: 1) intact control rats (non-lesioned), 2) rats with bilateral lesions of the olivocochlear bundle (OCB-lesioned), and 3) rats with bilateral immunolesions affecting both the olivocochlear bundle and the VNTB (OCB/VNTB-lesioned). All experimental groups underwent ASR and PPI tests at several interstimulus intervals before the lesion and 7, 14, and 21 days after it. Our results show that the ASR amplitude remained unaffected both before and after the lesion across all experimental groups, suggesting that the VNTB does not contribute to the ASR. The%PPI increased across the time points of evaluation in the control and OCB-lesioned groups but not in the OCB/VNTB-lesioned group. At the ISI of 50 ms, the OCB-lesioned group exhibited a significant increase in%PPI (p < 0.01), which did not occur in the OCB/VNTB-lesioned group. Therefore, the ablation of cholinergic non-olivocochlear neurons in the OCB/VNTB-lesioned group suggests that these neurons contribute to the mediation of auditory PPI at the 50 ms ISI through their cholinergic projections to CRNs. Our study strongly reinforces the notion that auditory PPI encompasses a complex mechanism of top-down cholinergic modulation, effectively attenuating the ASR across different interstimulus intervals within multiple pathways.

Use of neem vegetable cake (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) increases corn productivity.

The need to transition to more sustainable agriculture that is adaptable to environmental challenges, reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and minimizing environmental impact, represents the new paradigm of the moment. In this scenario, studies with the adoption of bioinputs in corn cultivation emerge as a viable option for the sustainability of agricultural activity. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the effect of doses of neem vegetable cake on the yield components of corn crops. An experimental design was used of randomized blocks was used, consisting of four doses of neem vegetable rendering (3 kg ha-1, 6 kg ha-1, 9 kg ha-1 and 12 kg ha-1) and a treatment control without the presence of organic fertilizer. The result indicates the presence of a significant effect of treatments with the application of neem cake on the main components of corn yield, including grain productivity, suggesting that the high carbon content present in the organic product can induce phytochemical effects and biological changes. in the soil, making it more productive. It was found that, when administering the maximum experimental dose, compared to the control group, there was a significant effect (p≤0.01) of 21.3% on grain productivity, jumping from 2,140 kg ha -1, when did not apply organic fertilizer, to 2,596 kg ha-1 with the application of 12 kg of neem cake per hectare. It is noted that the increase in grain productivity was in the proportion of 38 kg ha-1 of corn for each kilo of neem cake applied. To facilitate interpretation and decision-making, an analysis of the economic viability of neem cake for rainfed corn was also determined, also identifying the maximum experimental dose of 12 kg ha-1, as the most economically viable, providing an increase in profit of around R$ 119.92 per hectare, in relation to the control.

Remote sensing in maize: effect of vegetal biostimulants application in three stages of development.

Maize is a crop of global economic importance and is widely cultivated throughout the Brazilian territory. The use of biostimulants can increase yield and improve crop yield. Unmanned aerial vehicles can be employed in arable areas, allowing their use in an economically way. This study to evaluate the use of biostimulant and the best application timing using photogrammetric indexes in maize, and indicate the most suitable plant index for yield increase through a Pearson's correlation. The DJI Drone coupled with RGB camera was used, and the images were processed through the AgisoftPhotoscan® software to generate the orthomosaic, and the QGIS® software version 3.4.15 with GRASS was used to generate thematic maps with the classification of the indexes of vegetation (NGRDI, EXG, SAVI, TGI, GLI, RI). A matrix of Pearson correlation coefficients between the variables was also created, and the results were analyzed with the R software. In general, the products Pyroligneous Extract (PE) and the hormonal product (HP) were the best for the two seasons studied. However, the HP was the best product to mitigate plant water stress in the dry period. Application at phenological stage V3 showed the lowest growth in the rainy season and in application to the seeds in the dry season. Dose 4 of the pyroligneous extract increased productivity in the rainy season and level 3.4 for the hormone product. Among the indexes evaluated, only the SAVI index showed significant differences between the others and showed significance for productivity in the two periods.

Sugarcane productivity and economic viability in response to planting density.

Planting with higher density in sugarcane is one of the practices used to overcome low productivity. However, this planting material is equivalent to 25% of the total cost of production, being one of the main expenses for cultivation. In this sense, the present work aims to evaluate the productivity and economic viability of sugarcane as a function of planting density. The experiment was carried out at Usina Monte Alegre in the municipality of Mamanguape, Paraíba, Brazil, from March 2021 to January 2022 with the variety RB92579. Seven planting density were studied: T1: 7 gems m-1, T2: 10 gems m-1, T3: 12 gems m-1, T4: 11 gems m-1, T5: 15 gems m-1, T6: 17 gems m-1, T7: 24 gems m-1, in randomized blocks with four replications. Growth, productivity and economic viability were evaluated. The highest productivity of cane and sugar, 77.69 ton ha-1 and 10.390 ton ha-1, respectively, was with planting density of 17 and 24 gems-1. While the minimum productivity of cane (61.313 ton ha-1) and sugar (7.924 ton ha-1) was recorded at sowing density of 7 and 11 gems-1. However, cultivation density with 7 and 10 gems m-1 were the ones that provided the highest profitability around 50%, followed by density of 12, 15 and 17 gems m-1 with an average of 45% profit and 11 and 24 gems m-1 with the lowest proportion of profit on average 38%. The cultivation with 17 gems m-1 of cane provides in cane-plant, variety RB92579, greater productivity with a profit rate of 45%, being the most suitable.

Influence of essential oils on the quality of Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp.) seeds compared by traditional method, image and multivariate analysis.

The extracts of medicinal plants are used for the treatment of seeds in order to reduce the action of phytopathogens and increase the vigor of the seeds. Currently, computerized image analysis has been used to assess the physiological quality of seed lots. The objective was to evaluate the efficiency of the Vigor-S® software in the evaluation of the physiological quality of cowpea seeds treated with essential oils, comparing with a traditional test and the principal component analysis. Two cowpea cultivars were analyzed, BRS Tumucumaque and BRS Guariba, treated with doses of natural extracts of Alfavaca, garlic, horsetail, citronella and pyroligneous acid. The traditional method consisted of evaluations for germination, first germination count, seedling emergence, emergence speed index, accelerated aging, fresh matter and dry matter of seedling and the image analysis for: seedling length, growth index, uniformity index, vigor index, and germination. A Principal component analysis was applied to reduce the number of variables. Horsetail, Alfavaca and citronella extracts were efficient in increasing the physiological quality of the seeds of at least one cultivar. The Vigor-S® software proved to be efficient compared to traditional tests to assess the physiological quality of seeds. Principal Component Analysis is an ally to identify the best extracts and doses to be used. The image analysis method proved to be effective when compared to the traditional method and can therefore be used.