Acute Silver Catfish (Rhamdia quelen) Exposure to Chlorantraniliprole Insecticide.

The aim of the current study is to investigate whether silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) individuals exposed to commercial formulation of the chlorantraniliprole insecticide used in rice crops present changes in biochemical parameters. Fifty-four (54) silver catfish individuals were distributed in six units per tank (n = 6/repetition; triplicate/treatment) and subjected to the following treatments: T1-control, without insecticide; T2 (0.02 µg/L of insecticide) and T3 (0.20 µg/L of insecticide). Exposure time lasted 24 or 96 h, and it was followed by 96 h recovery in pesticide-free water. Results have indicated biochemical changes in cortisol, glucose, lactate and plasma protein levels, as well as few ionic changes in animals' gills during the exposure and recovery periods. Chlorantraniliprole incidence in water resulted in some biochemical changes in silver catfish specimens' plasma and gills throughout the acute exposure protocol (sub-lethal dose). Thus, chlorantraniliprole insecticide has caused osmoregulatory and/or biochemical imbalance in the investigated species under the herein adopted laboratory conditions; these changes did not get back to normal levels even after specimens were left to recover for 96 h in clean water.

Toxicological response of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) after acute exposure to a commercial insecticide containing thiamethoxam.

This study assessed the hematological, enzymatic and osmoregulatory responses of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) exposed to sublethal concentrations (1.125 and 3.750 µg/L) of a commercial thiamethoxam-containing insecticide used on rice crops. Groups of 6 fish per tank (in triplicate, n = 3, total 54 fish) were exposed for up to 96 h to different concentrations of the compound. After this period, fish were placed in clean water for 48 h. Two fish from each tank (6 per treatment) that had been exposed to the insecticide for 24 h were anesthetized with eugenol and blood was collected to evaluate hematological and biochemical parameters. Blood, liver and muscle were collected for determination of metabolic parameters, plasma cortisol, Cl-, Na+ and K+ levels and H+-ATPase and Na+/K+-ATPase activity in the gill. H+-ATPase activity was higher in fish exposed to 1.125 µg/L insecticide at 24 h compared to control (0.0 µg/L). Differences in cortisol levels were evidenced throughout the experimental period. These results indicated that exposure to the insecticide changed the hematological, biochemical and metabolic profile of the animals, suggesting concern about environmental safety. Therefore, we discourage the use of this pesticide in areas that come into contact with water bodies inhabited by fish.

Purinergic signaling as potential target of thiamethoxam-induced neurotoxicity using silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) as experimental model.

Thiamethoxam is a broad-spectrum pesticide widely used in agricultural practice throughout the world. Worryingly, this pesticide is considered a potential contaminant on the surface and underground water, being a significant risk to aquatic ecosystems and humans. In this sense, we decided to evaluate the activity of enzymes belonging to purinergic system, which is linked with regulation of extracellular nucleotides and nucleosides, as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine (Ado) molecules involved in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. Such as the neurotoxic effects of thiamethoxam remain poorly understood, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether purinergic signaling may be considered a potential target of thiamethoxam-induced neurotoxicity in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen). Brain ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (ATP as substrate) and 5'-nucleotidases activities were inhibited at 3.75 µg L-1 after 24 h of exposure and at 1.125 and 3.75 µg L-1 after 96 h of exposure compared with the control group. On the other hand, brain adenosine deaminase activity was stimulated at 3.75 µg L-1 after 24 h of exposure and at 1.125 and 3.75 µg L-1 after 96 h of exposure compared with the control group. Brain ATP levels increased at 3.75 µg L-1 after 24 h of exposure and at 1.125 and 3.75 µg L-1 after 96 h of exposure compared with the control group, while the Ado levels decreased. The enzymatic activity of the purinergic signaling did not return to control levels after a 48-h recovery period, revealing the potential neurotoxic effects of thiamethoxam. In summary, the brain purinergic signaling may be considered a potential target for thiamethoxam-induced neurotoxicity in silver catfish.

Richness and density of aquatic benthic macroinvertebrates after exposure to fungicides and insecticides in rice paddy fields.

The objective of this study was to verify the richness and density of aquatic benthic macroinvertebrates after exposure to fungicides and insecticides of the rice paddy fields. In the crop seasons of 2012/13 and 2013/14, field experiments were performed, which consisted of single-dose applications of the fungicides trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole and tricyclazole, and the insecticides lambda-cyhalothrin + thiamethoxam and diflubenzuron, in 10 m2 experimental plots, over rice plants in the R3 stage. Control plots with and without rice plants were maintained in order to simulate a natural environment. Soil samples were collected during rice cultivation for assessment of the macroinvertebrate fauna. Chemical-physical parameters assessed in the experiments included temperature, pH and oxygen dissolved in the water and pesticide persistence in the water and in the soil. The application of a single dose of the pesticides and fungicides in the recommended period does not cause significant negative effects over the richness and density of the macroinvertebrates. Tebuconazole, tricyclazole and thiamethoxam showed high persistence in the irrigation water of rice paddy fields. Thus, the doses and number of applications of these products in crops should be carefully handled in order to avoid contamination of the environment.

Cytogenotoxicity of rice crop water after application of the tricyclazole fungicide.

Tricyclazole is currently one of the fungicides recommended for the treatment of diseases in irrigated rice. However, there is relatively little information on its cytotoxic and genotoxic potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of rice crop water after apllication of the tricyclazole fungicide through the Allium cepa L. test. The rice crop water samplings were collected before and 1, 15 and 30 days after application of the fungicide in rice plant shoots. The Allium cepa roots were placed in contact with the rice crop water to check for possible chromosomal abnormalities and mitotic index of the bioindicators meristematic cells. The data obtained by the Allium cepa test indicates that the application of the tricyclazole fungicide leads to an increase in the genotoxic activity in the rice crop water, through the appearance of chromosomal abnormalities, without, however, causing significant effects on the mitotic index. The major chromosomal alterations observed were anaphasic and telophasic bridges and laggard chromosomes.

Imazapyr+imazapic herbicide determines acute toxicity in silver catfish Rhamdia quelen.

Imazapyr (IMY) and imazapic (IMI) are imidazolinone herbicides which have been associated in a commercial formulation (Kifix(®)). To date, there are no studies on the toxicity of an IMY+IMI herbicide in fish. This work aimed to assess the acute toxicity (24 and 96 h) of IMY+IMI (0, 0.488 and 4.88 µg/L) towards Rhamdia quelen through hematological, biochemical, immunological, ionoregulatory and enzymatic indexes. Red blood cell count was lower at 4.88 than at 0.488 µg/L (24 and 96 h); mean corpuscular volume was lower than control at both concentrations (24 h) and at 0.488 µg/L (96 h); lymphocytes declined at 4.88 µg/L comparing to control (96 h); and monocytes increased at 4.88 µg/L (96 h) in comparison with the respective control and with 4.88 µg/L at 24h. Aspartate aminotransferase was higher at 0.488 µg/L (96 h) than the respective control and the respective concentration at 24 h; uric acid reduced at 4.88 µg/L comparing with 0.488 µg/L (96 h); and cortisol was lower at 4.88 µg/L compared to 0.488 µg/L and control (96 h). Herbicide exposure lowered plasma bactericidal activity at both concentrations (24 h) and at 0.488 µg/L (96 h); and plasma complement activity declined at 4.88 µg/L comparing with 0.488 µg/L and control (96 h), and was lower at all concentrations at 96 h than at 24 h. Plasma K(+) levels were higher at 4.88µg/L than in the remaining groups (24 and 96h); and Na(+) levels decreased at 4.88 µg/L compared to control (96 h). Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and H(+)-ATPase activities in gills were lower at 4.88 µg/L comparing with control (24 h) and with the respective concentration at 96 h; and AChE activity in brain was higher at 0.488 and 4.88 µg/L than control (24 h) and the respective concentrations at 96 h, while in muscle it was higher at 0.488 and 4.88 µg/L than control (96 h) and the respective concentrations at 24 h. The present findings demonstrate that, despite IMY+IMI targets the animal-absent AHAS enzyme, such formulation displayed an acute toxic effect upon R. quelen homeostasis by impacting on vital functions such as immune defense, metabolism, ionoregulation and neurotransmission.

Tissue biochemical alterations of Cyprinus carpio exposed to commercial herbicide containing clomazone under rice-field conditions.

Field and laboratory experiments were performed to evaluate toxicological responses of Cyprinus carpio exposed to the commercial herbicide clomazone (500 mg l(-1)). Fish were exposed to 0.5 mg l(-1) of the formulated herbicide for 7, 30, and 90 days. Fish were exposed to clomazone in field conditions (7, 30, or 90 days trapped in submersed cages together with rice crops) and in laboratory conditions where the fish were placed in 45-l tanks with tap water only for 7 days. Fish exposed for 7, 30, or 90 days showed no alterations in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity under field conditions. Under laboratory conditions, decreased muscle AChE activity was observed only after 7 days of exposure. During the same evaluation period (7 days), oxidative stress parameters changed under both field and laboratory conditions; however, metabolic parameters were altered only under field conditions. Disorders in oxidative stress parameters and metabolism were evident in different tissues up to day 90 after treatment. These overall results show that AChE activity changed only under laboratory conditions. Oxidative stress, along with metabolic parameters, may be good indicators of herbicide contamination in C. carpio under rice-field conditions.

Toxicological responses of Cyprinus carpio after exposure to a commercial herbicide containing imazethapyr and imazapic.

Cyprinus carpio was exposed to imazethapyr and imazapic at laboratory and at field conditions. The laboratory experiment was carried out for 7 days and at rice field for 7, 30 and 90 days. Oxidative stress parameters and antioxidant profile were studied as well as metabolic parameters. After 7 days, brain AChE activity increases in laboratory and field, but in muscle, reduction was observed only in laboratory. At the same period, brain and muscle TBARS and liver CAT increase in the laboratory. Metabolic parameters showed changes in both conditions and exposure periods. After 30 days in rice field, brain AChE activity decreases and in muscle it was enhanced. After 90 days in field, only muscle AChE activity was reduced. The disorders in oxidative stress parameters and metabolism remained, indicating mainly a protein catabolism. This study pointed out short- and long-term effects of rice herbicides at environmentally relevant concentrations on toxicological parameters in tissues of C. carpio.

Gill bioenergetics dysfunction and oxidative damage induced by thiamethoxam exposure as relevant toxicological mechanisms in freshwater silver catfish Rhamdia quelen.

Thiamethoxam is a neonicotinoid pesticide utilized on a worldwide scale, it has been reported in freshwater ecosystems, and detected in fishery products. Nevertheless, there is a lack of information about thiamethoxam sublethal effects on the gills of freshwater fish, principally linked to energetic metabolism. In this context, creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme of the phosphoryl transfer network that provides a temporal and spatial energy buffer to maintain cellular energy homeostasis in tissues with high energy requirements, such as gills. Based on this evidence, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether exposure to thiamethoxam impairs the cytosolic and mitochondrial CK activities in gills of Rhamdia quelen, and the involvement of oxidative stress in the energetic imbalance. Branchial CK (cytosolic and mitochondrial) activity and sodium­potassium pump (Na+, K+-ATPase) were inhibited, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels decreased after 96 h exposure to 1.125 and 3.75 µg/L thiamethoxam compared to the control group. Moreover, levels of branchial thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonylation increased at 3.75 µg/L thiamethoxam after 96 h of exposure compared to the control group, while the non-protein thiol (NPSH) content did not differ between groups. It is important to emphasize that all evaluated parameters did not recover after 48 h in clean water. To summarize, the data presented here clearly demonstrated that thiamethoxan exposure severely impairs cytosolic and mitochondrial CK activities, a key enzyme for gill energy buffering to maintain cellular energy homeostasis, and this effect appears to be mediated by oxidation of lipid and protein molecules, which consequently thereby induces oxidative stress.

Accelerated Solvent Extraction of Insecticides from Rice Hulls, Rice Bran, and Polished Rice Grains.

Analysis of pesticide residues in irrigated rice grains is important for food security. In this study, we analyzed accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) conditions for the extraction of thiamethoxam and chlorantraniliprole insecticides from rice hulls, rice bran, and polished rice grains. Several variables, including extraction solvent, extraction temperature, extraction pressure, cell size, static extraction time, and sample concentration, were investigated. The average recoveries of the three matrixes were between 89.7 and 109.7% at the fortification level of 0.75 mg/kg. The optimum ASE operating conditions were acetonitrile (100%) as extraction solvent, extraction temperature of 75°C for rice hulls and 100°C for rice bran and polished rice grains, extraction cell pressure of 10.3 MPa, 22 mL cell size, and two extraction cycles. The total extraction time was approximately 25 min. The extracted volume was evaporated to dryness and the residues were redissolved in 2 mL acetonitrile after 1 min of vortex-shaking. Thiamethoxam and chlorantraniliprole were analyzed by ultra-HPLC with tandem MS. In conclusion, ASE in rice hulls, rice bran, and polished rice grains offers the possibility of a fast and simple method for obtaining a quantitative extraction of the studied pesticides.

Residues of thiamethoxam and chlorantraniliprole in rice grain.

Thiamethoxam and chlorantraniliprole insecticides have been important tools for controlling pests in rice. However, food safety issues related to pesticide residues are important to consider with a food crop such as rice. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze thiamethoxam and chlorantraniliprole residues in rice hull, bran, and polished rice grains. The study was conducted during the 2012 cropping season at the Texas A&M Agrilife Research, David R. Wintermann Rice Research Station, near Eagle Lake, TX, USA. Rice was planted on May 5, 2012, using the cultivar 'Presidio'. Pesticide applications were performed at 5, 15, 25, and 35 days after flowering (DAF) using 1 and 2 times the recommended rate of 30 g active ingredient (ai) ha(-1) for thiamethoxam and 30 g ai ha(-1) for chlorantraniliprole. Sequentially, two treatments using the insecticides at recommended rate were applied at 5 and 25 DAF and at 5, 25, and 35 DAF. Insecticide residues were analyzed in different sample fractions: rice hull, bran, and polished rice grains. The samples were subjected to extraction using an accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) technique. Sample aliquots were analyzed using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), with a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 5 × 10(-5) mg kg(-1). Residues of thiamethoxam and chlorantraniliprole were detected in rice hull, bran, and polished rice grains, and the quantified values were greater in hull and in rice bran.

Seeding furrow opening mechanisms and the soybean planting in lowland areas / Mecanismos sulcadores da semeadora e a implantação de soja em área de terras baixas

ABSTRACT: The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of seeder furrow opening mechanisms on soil physical characteristics, plant growth, and soybean yield in lowland areas with the presence of compacted layer near the surface. An experiment was conducted in the lowland experimental area of the Federal University of Santa Maria-RS, Brazil, during the 2015/16 and 2016/17 growing season. The experimental design was a randomized block with five replications and four treatments: Planter using shank (S) at 0.23 m depth; S at 0.13 m; Planter using double disk at 0.07 m depth and Raised-bed + S at 0.12 m depth. The use of S at 0.23 m depth allowed reduction of penetration resistance and increase of soil macroporosity in the layers 0-0.1 and 0.1-0.2 m depth in the seeding row. Sowing with S at 0.23 m depth and Raised-bed + S at 0.12 m depth allowed a better development of soybean plants in compacted irrigated rice area (higher nodulation, leaf area index and root growth), as well as higher grain yield.

RESUMO: O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de mecanismos sulcadores da semeadora sobre características físicas do solo, crescimento de plantas e produtividade de soja em área de terras baixas com presença de camada compactada. Para isso, foi conduzido um experimento na área de várzea da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, durante as safras agrícolas 2015/16 e 2016/17. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso, com cinco repetições e quatro tratamentos, sendo eles: Haste sulcadora (HS) a 0.23 m de profundidade; HS a 0.13 m; Disco duplo a 0.07 m e Microcamalhão+HS a 0.12 m. A utilização da HS a 0.23 m possibilitou o aumento da macroporosidade e a redução da resistência à penetração mecânica do solo nas camadas de 0-0.1 e 0.1-0.2 m de profundidade na linha de semeadura. A semeadura com HS a 0.23 m e Microcamalhão+HS a 0.12 m viabilizam melhor desenvolvimento das plantas de soja em área de terras baixas compactada (maior nodulação, índice de área foliar e crescimento radicular), bem como maior produtividade de grãos.

Soil management and application of agricultural gypsum in a Planosol for soybean cultivation / Manejo do solo e aplicação de gesso agrícola em Planossolo para o cultivo de soja

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the effects of soil management systems, tillage, and application of gypsum agricultural to soil, on soybean development in lowland areas. The experiment was carried out on an Alfisol in a randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement. The two soil tillage practices were without deep tillage and with deep tillage. Gypsum treatments were no gypsum application, 500kg of gypsum ha-1, 1000kg of gypsum ha-1, and 1500kg of gypsum ha-1. Deep tillage resulted in less soil resistance to root penetration during ryegrass cultivation during the soybean offseason, 11 months after applying the management treatments, resulting in higher dry mass of ryegrass in the offseason and higher soybean yield in the following year.

RESUMO: O trabalho visou identificar o efeito de dois sistemas de manejo do solo, com e sem escarificação, associado à aplicação de gesso agrícola no desenvolvimento de plantas de soja em áreas de terras baixas. O trabalho foi realizado a campo, em Planossolo Háplico Eutrófico arênico, em esquema bifatorial (2x4) no delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso composto por dois sistemas de manejo do solo: sistema sem escarificação do solo e sistema com escarificação do solo. Os tratamentos com gesso agrícola foram: testemunha sem aplicação de gesso agrícola, 500kg ha-1 de gesso agrícola, 1000kg ha-1 de gesso agrícola e 1500kg ha-1 de gesso agrícola. A escarificação do solo proporciona maior rendimento de grãos de soja em áreas de terras baixas com presença de camada compactada, independente do uso de gesso agrícola. Os efeitos da escarificação do solo resultam na menor resistência à penetração de raízes no final do cultivo do azevém na entressafra da soja, 11 meses após o manejo, resultando em maior massa seca do azevém em sucessão e produtividade da soja no ano seguinte.

Richness and density of aquatic benthic macroinvertebrates after exposure to fungicides and insecticides in rice paddy fields

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to verify the richness and density of aquatic benthic macroinvertebrates after exposure to fungicides and insecticides of the rice paddy fields. In the crop seasons of 2012/13 and 2013/14, field experiments were performed, which consisted of single-dose applications of the fungicides trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole and tricyclazole, and the insecticides lambda-cyhalothrin + thiamethoxam and diflubenzuron, in 10 m2 experimental plots, over rice plants in the R3 stage. Control plots with and without rice plants were maintained in order to simulate a natural environment. Soil samples were collected during rice cultivation for assessment of the macroinvertebrate fauna. Chemical-physical parameters assessed in the experiments included temperature, pH and oxygen dissolved in the water and pesticide persistence in the water and in the soil. The application of a single dose of the pesticides and fungicides in the recommended period does not cause significant negative effects over the richness and density of the macroinvertebrates. Tebuconazole, tricyclazole and thiamethoxam showed high persistence in the irrigation water of rice paddy fields. Thus, the doses and number of applications of these products in crops should be carefully handled in order to avoid contamination of the environment.

Cytogenotoxicity of rice crop water after application of the tricyclazole fungicide

ABSTRACT Tricyclazole is currently one of the fungicides recommended for the treatment of diseases in irrigated rice. However, there is relatively little information on its cytotoxic and genotoxic potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of rice crop water after apllication of the tricyclazole fungicide through the Allium cepa L. test. The rice crop water samplings were collected before and 1, 15 and 30 days after application of the fungicide in rice plant shoots. The Allium cepa roots were placed in contact with the rice crop water to check for possible chromosomal abnormalities and mitotic index of the bioindicators meristematic cells. The data obtained by the Allium cepa test indicates that the application of the tricyclazole fungicide leads to an increase in the genotoxic activity in the rice crop water, through the appearance of chromosomal abnormalities, without, however, causing significant effects on the mitotic index. The major chromosomal alterations observed were anaphasic and telophasic bridges and laggard chromosomes.

Growth and development of soybean roots according to planting management systems and irrigation in lowland areas / Crescimento e desenvolvimento de raízes de soja em função do manejo de implantação e da irrigação em área de várzea

ABSTRACT: The presence of a compacted soil layer near the ground surface in paddy fields may limit the growth and development of soybean roots. The objective of this study was to evaluate different planting management systems and irrigation on growth and development of soybean root systems in lowland area. The experiment was carried out in 2013/14 and 2014/15 crop seasons in randomized complete block design with factorial treatment (3x2), with four replications. The treatments consisted of different planting management systems: sowing with double disc (A1); sowing with shank (A2) and deep tillage + sowing with double disc (A3), and irrigation: irrigated (D1) and non irrigated (D2). Planting management systems and irrigation influenced the growth of soybean roots. When double disc was used, roots have lower growth and increase in diameter. Use of shanks and deep tillage provide increased growth and development of soybean roots and greater depth distribution. An additional 55mm of irrigation during the V4 soybean development stage provides increased surface area and root volume in when the soil moisture reaches values below 60% of field capacity.

RESUMO: A presença de uma camada compactada próxima à superfície do solo em áreas de várzeas pode limitar o crescimento e desenvolvimento das raízes de soja. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar diferentes manejos de implantação e irrigação no crescimento e desenvolvimento do sistema radicular de soja em área de várzea. O experimento foi realizado nas safras 2013/14 e 2014/15 no delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso em esquema fatorial (3x2), em faixa, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos constaram de diferentes manejos de implantação da cultura: semeadura com disco duplo desencontrado (A1); semeadura com haste sulcadora (A2) e escarificação do solo + semeadura com disco duplo desencontrado (A3), e de irrigação: com irrigação (D1) e sem irrigação (D2). Os manejos de implantação e a irrigação influenciaram no crescimento das raízes de soja. No disco duplo, as raízes apresentam menor crescimento e aumento do diâmetro. Os manejos com haste sulcadora e escarificação do solo proporcionam maior crescimento e desenvolvimento de raízes de soja e maior distribuição em profundidade. Uma irrigação suplementar de 55mm no estádio V4 de desenvolvimento das plantas de soja proporciona aumento da área superficial e do volume de raízes em soja, quando a umidade do solo atinge valores abaixo de 60% da capacidade de campo.

Suficiência amostral para estudos de impacto ambiental sobre a comunidade de macroinvertebrados bentônicos em arrozais irrigados / Sample sufficiency for environmental impact studies on benthic macroinvertebrate community in irrigated rice fields

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a suficiência amostral para estudos de impacto ambiental sobre a comunidade de macroinvertebrados bentônicos em arrozais irrigados (Oryza sativa L.). Amostragens de solo foram realizadas com auxílio de coletor cilíndrico, nos anos agrícolas 2007/08 e 2012/13. As amostras foram triadas e os espécimes identificados até o nível de família. Os dados foram submetidos à análise da curva do coletor e os índices de diversidade de Shannon e equabilidade de Pielou foram calculados para o total de amostras e o número de amostras definido pela curva do coletor, em cada ano amostral. Considerando o método de amostragem verificado no presente trabalho, indica-se um mínimo de 12 réplicas para se obter o maior número de famílias sem perda de informação, quando em estudos de impacto ambiental sobre a comunidade de macroinvertebrados bentônicos em área de cultivo de arroz irrigado.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to determine the sample sufficiency in environmental impact studies on the benthic macroinvertebrate community in irrigated rice fields (Oryza sativa L.). Soil samplings were conducted with a cylindrical collector in the agricultural years of 2007/08 and 2012/13. Individuals were sorted out and identified up to family level. Data were analyzed through the collector curve, Shannon's Diversity and Pielou's Evenness Index were calculated for the total number of samples and the number of samples defined by the collector curve in each year. Considering the results observed in this study, we indicate a minimum of 12 replicates to obtain the largest number of families without loss of information, in environmental impact studies on benthic macroinvertebrate community in irrigated rice fields.

Sistemas de preparo do solo e de semeadura no rendimento de grãos de soja em área de várzea / Soil tillage systems and seeding on grain yield of soybean in lowland area

RESUMO: A presença de camada compactada próxima à superfície do solo e a variabilidade das propriedades químicas do solo podem afetar o rendimento de grão de soja. Com o trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar a influência de sistemas de preparo do solo e de semeadura e de locais de cultivo (áreas de corte e aterro) no rendimento dessa cultura. O experimento foi realizado na área experimental de várzea da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, nas safras 2013/14 e 2014/15. O delineamento foi blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram arranjados em parcelas subdivididas. As parcelas principais foram: área de corte (A1) e área de aterro (A2). As subparcelas foram os tipos de preparo do solo e de semeadura: com escarificação do solo e semeadura utilizando disco duplo na semeadora (D1); sem escarificação do solo e semeadura utilizando haste sulcadora na semeadora (D2); sem escarificação do solo e semeadura utilizando disco duplo na semeadora (D3). A cultivar utilizada foi a BMX Tornado. O tratamento com escarificação e haste sulcadora reduziu a resistência do solo à penetração e proporcionou maior teor de Mg e S no tecido foliar na safra 2013/14; e de N, P, K, Ca, Mg e S, em 2014/15. Esse tipo de preparo de solo possibilita maior rendimento de grão de soja sem diferenças entre as áreas de corte e de aterro.

ABSTRACT: The presence of soil compaction next to the soil surface and the variability of soil chemical properties can affect the soybean yield. The objective was to evaluate the influence of soil tillage systems and seeding on two sites area (cut and fill) on soybean grain yield. The experiment was conducted in lowland area of the Federal University of Santa Maria in 2013/14 and 2014/15 harvest. The design was a randomized block with four replications, with split plots. The main plots: the cuts area (A1) and fills area (A2). The subplots were tillage systems and seeding: deep tillage (D1); planter using shank (D2); planter using double disc (D3). The cultivar used was BMX Tornado and sowing on November 26 and 14 from 2013 and 2014, respectively. The treatment with deep tillage and planter using shank reduced the penetration resistance and provided greater content of Mg and S on 2013/14 and N, P, K, Ca, Mg e S on 2014/15. Those systems enables higher soybean yield, without difference between cut and fill area.

Número de dias e de graus-dia entre a iniciação e a diferenciação da panícula em cultivares de arroz irrigado / Number of days and degree-days between panicle initiation and panicle differentiation in irrigated rice cultivars

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o número de dias e de graus-dia em que a iniciação da panícula (IP) antecede a diferenciação da panícula (DP) para cultivares de arroz de diferente duração de ciclo. Um experimento de campo foi conduzido em área de várzea, em Santa Maria, RS, e foi composto de três datas de semeadura e quatro cultivares ('IRGA 421', 'BRS Querência', 'IRGA 424' e 'SCSBRS Tio Taka') em dois anos agrícolas (2011/12 e 2012/13), no delineamento de blocos acaso, com quatro repetições. A data de ocorrência da DP foi estimada a partir das tabelas contidas em STEINMETZ et al. (2010) e, aproximadamente 14 dias antes da data estimada da DP, foram realizadas amostragens diárias de 10 plantas para determinar a IP em laboratório sob lupa de aumento de 45 vezes. Após a data de ocorrência da IP, 10 plantas foram coletadas diariamente para a análise da DP através do "ponto de algodão". A soma térmica foi calculada considerando a temperatura basal de 11ºC. As maiores diferenças entre as datas de ocorrência da IP e DP foram de 8 e 6 dias, e de 116,4 e 73,7ºC dia. Na maior parte dos resultados, as diferenças variaram entre 2 e 8 dias, e entre 23,8 e 116,4ºC dia. Concluiu-se que o período máximo que a IP antecede a DP é de oito dias, correspondendo a 116,4ºC dia, não sendo influenciado pela época de semeadura nem pelo comprimento de ciclo das cultivares.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to determine the number of days and degree-days in which panicle initiation (PI) takes place before panicle differentiation (PD) for rice cultivars with different developmental cycle duration. A field experiment was carried out in a lowland area, in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. The experiment consisted of three sowing dates and four rice cultivars ('IRGA 421', 'BRS Querência', 'IRGA 424' and 'SCSBRS Tio Taka') during two growing seasons (2011/12 and 2012/13), in a complete randomized block design with four replications. The date of PD was estimated from the tables contained in STEINMETZ et al. (2010) and around 14 days before the estimated date of PD. Ten plants were sampled daily to determine PI in a laboratory under a 45 times magnifying glass. After PI, 10 plants were sampled daily to determine PD using the "cotton ball" stage as a marker. Thermal sum was calculated considering the basal temperature of 11ºC. The greatest differences between the dates of occurrence between PI and PD were 8 and 6 days, and 116.4 and 73.7ºC day. Most of the differences varied between 2 and 8 days, and between 23.8 and 116.4ºC day. It was concluded that the maximum period that PI takes place before the PD is eight days, corresponding to 116.4ºC day, being influenced neither by sowing date nor by the length of cultivars cycle.

Manejo do azevém no estabelecimento inicial de plantas, na ciclagem de nutrientes e no rendimento de grãos do arroz irrigado / Ryegrass management on the initial establishment of plants, nutrient cycling and grain yield of irrigated rice

RESUMO:O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes manejos da cultura do azevém na entressafra do arroz irrigado, sobre o estabelecimento inicial de plantas, a ciclagem de nutrientes e o rendimento de grãos de arroz. O experimento foi conduzido em área de várzea sistematizada durante os anos agrícolas de 2010/11 e 2011/12, sob delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com cinco repetições com os tratamentos constituídos por: épocas de dessecação do azevém, antecedendo a semeadura do arroz, pousio e retirada da palha através da produção de feno de azevém. Há redução do estande inicial de plantas de arroz irrigado à medida que a dessecação do azevém se aproxima da semeadura do arroz. A utilização do azevém em áreas de várzea intensifica a ciclagem de nutrientes, mas recomenda-se que, em azevém não pastejado, a dessecação seja realizada com antecedência de 60 dias antes da semeadura do arroz irrigado para não prejudicar o rendimento de grãos do mesmo. A produção de feno de azevém é uma alternativa viável para a entressafra em áreas de várzea, pois não prejudica o estabelecimento inicial de plantas de arroz irrigado.

ABSTRACT:The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of different managements of ryegrass straw in the off-season of irrigated rice on the initial establishment of plants, nutrient cycling and grain yield of the irrigated rice. The experiment was conducted in lowland area during the 2010/11 and 2011/12 crop seasons, in a randomized complete block, with five replications and the treatments were constituted by: ryegrass desiccation timings before the rice planting, fallow and straw removal through ryegrass hay production. There is a reduction of rice stand as there is a delay in the ryegrass desiccation approaches to rice planting. Use of ryegrass in lowlands intensifies the nutrient cycling; however, it is recommended that in non grazed ryegrass the desiccation should be performed 60 days before the irrigated rice planting without reducing grain yield. Ryegrass hay production is a viable alternative for the off-season in lowlands because it does not reduce the initial establishment of irrigated rice plant.