Why is Brachiaria decumbens Stapf. a common species in the mining tailings of the Fundão dam in Minas Gerais, Brazil?

Currently, more than five years after the Fundão dam failure in Mariana, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Brachiaria decumbens Stapf. is the main grass in pasturelands affected by the mining tailings. The aim of this study was to investigate the reason for this fact as well as to determine the ecophysiological effects of mining tailings on B. decumbens and to test whether mixing the tailings with unaffected local soil enhances the affected soil properties. For the experiment, two different soils were collected, one unaffected soil without mining tailings (Ref) and the mining tailings (Tec), and we also created a mixture with 50 % of each soil type (Ref/Tec). We cultivated B. decumbens in the three soil treatments in a greenhouse for 110 days and evaluated soil physical-chemical properties and plant ecophysiology. Our results show that the tailings (Tec) compromised the normal ecophysiological state of B. decumbens. The species survived these adverse conditions due to its great efficiency in acquiring some elements. The soil management tested by this work mitigated the stress caused by tailings and can represent an alternative for the environmental recovery of the affected soils.

Effect of Mahanarva fimbriolata (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) Attack on Photosynthetic Parameters of Sugarcane Genotypes of Contrasting Susceptibility.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of spittlebug Mahanarva fimbriolata Stål (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) on photosynthetic parameters of both a susceptible (SP81-3250) and a resistant (H.Kawandang) sugarcane genotype. In the first assay, the susceptibility level of genotypes to spittlebug was confirmed by comparing damage score and chlorophyll content of the plants. In the second assay, the effect of spittlebug nymphs on photosynthetic characteristics was assessed using the following parameters: Net photosynthetic rate (A), carboxylation efficiency (A/Ci), stomata conductance (gS), transpiration (E), electron transport rate (ETR), maximum quantum yield of Photosystem 2 (PSII) (FV/FM), effective quantum yield (Y(II)), photochemical quenching (Y(NPQ)), and nonphotochemical quenching (Y(NO)). Spittlebug nymphs affected the photosynthetic process of the susceptible genotype SP81-3250 by decreasing the Chl content, ETR, FV/FM, and Y(II). However, this genotype was able to maintain A probably due to its ability to maintain stomata aperture, increase the carboxylation efficiency of Rubisco, and dissipate excess energy through the xanthophyll cycle, as Y(NPQ) increased under the spittlebug attack. On the other hand, the spittlebug did not affect Chl content and FV/FM of the H.Kawandang genotype. Furthermore, H.Kawandang increased A to compensate for the sink demand by the spittlebug by increasing stomatal aperture and carboxylation efficiency and increasing efficiency of the photochemical apparatus in converting light energy into chemical products. We can conclude that the feeding habits of spittlebug nymphs have different impacts on photosynthesis of susceptible and resistant sugarcane genotypes.

Ecophysiological responses to excess iron in lowland and upland rice cultivars.

Iron (Fe) is an essential nutrient for plants but under high concentrations, such as that found naturally in clay and waterlogged soils, its toxic effect can limit production. This study aimed to investigate the stress tolerance responses exhibited by different rice cultivars. Both lowland and upland cultivars were grown under excess Fe and hypoxic conditions. Lowland cultivars showed higher Fe accumulation in roots compared with upland cultivars suggesting the use of different strategies to tolerate excess Fe. The upland Canastra cultivar displayed a mechanism to limit iron translocation from roots to the shoots, minimizing leaf oxidative stress induced by excess Fe. Conversely, the cultivar Curinga invested in the increase of R1/A, as an alternative drain of electrons. However, the higher iron accumulation in the leaves, was not necessarily related to high toxicity. Nutrient uptake and/or utilization mechanisms in rice plants are in accordance with their needs, which may be defined in relation to crop environments. Alterations in the biochemical parameters of photosynthesis suggest that photosynthesis in rice under excess Fe is primarily limited by biochemical processes rather than by diffusional limitations, particularly in the upland cultivars. The electron transport rate, carboxylation efficiency and electron excess dissipation by photorespiration demonstrate to be good indicators of iron tolerance. Altogether, these chemical and molecular patterns suggests that rice plants grown under excess Fe exhibit gene expression reprogramming in response to the Fe excess per se and in response to changes in photosynthesis and nutrient levels to maintain growth under stress.

Storage on the vigor and viability of macauba seeds from two provenances of Minas Gerais State / Tipo de armazenamento no vigor e na viabilidade de sementes de macaúba oriundas de duas localidades do Estado de Minas Gerais

ABSTRACT: Macauba palm stands out for having favorable features to biodiesel production such as the high oil content of its fruit. Considering the great potential of the species and their applicability in the renewable energy field, it becomes indispensable to establish the right conditions for storing the seeds for propagation purpose. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of seed moisture content, packaging, and storage conditions such as temperature and relative humidity on the quality of seeds from Minas Gerais State, during a 12-month storage period. The research had two independent assays: (I) the seeds were stored with three moisture contents/ranges 4.0≤6.0%; 6.0≤8.0% and 8.0≤10.0% in impermeable packages, under room temperature and at 10ºC; (II) seeds with approximately 5.9% of moisture content were stored in three different types of packages: a) permeable, b) semi-permeable and c) impermeable. Three storing conditions were tested: a) room temperature and RH under laboratory conditions; b) 15ºC and 45% RH; c) 20ºC and 55% RH. Water content, germination rate and germination speed index were evaluated at 0, 4, 8 and 12 months of storing. The best germination results were obtained with the moisture range of 6.0≤8.0%, with seeds kept at room temperature; while the seeds stored at 10ºC, regardless the moisture range, did not survive. The stored seeds with 5.9% moisture content and at both 15ºC/45%RH and 20ºC/55% RH conditions, independently of the package type used, showed the best results. Thus, macaw palm seeds can be classified as intermediates seeds.

RESUMO: Considerando o grande potencial oleaginoso da macauba e a sua aplicabilidade nos setores energéticos e industriais, torna-se indispensável o conhecimento das condições adequadas de armazenamento das sementes, garantindo a manutenção da viabilidade. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do teor de água da semente e das condições de armazenamento (temperatura, umidade relativa do ar e embalagem) sobre a qualidade das sementes, oriundas de Minas Gerais, durante 12 meses. O experimento foi realizado através de dois ensaios: no primeiro, as sementes foram armazenadas sob três faixas de umidade, 4,0≤6,0%; 6,0≤8,0% e 8,0≤10,0%, em embalagens impermeáveis, em temperatura ambiente e a 10°C. No segundo, as sementes foram acondicionadas em três tipos de embalagem: a) permeável; b) semipermeável; e c) impermeável. Foram comparadas três condições de armazenamento: a) temperatura e UR ambientes, em condição de laboratório; b) 15ºC e 45% UR; c) 20ºC e 55% UR. Avaliou-se o teor de água, a taxa de germinação e o índice de velocidade de germinação aos 0, 4, 8 e 12 meses de armazenamento. A faixa de umidade de 6,0≤8,0% em temperatura ambiente possibilitou a melhor conservação das sementes durante os 12 meses de armazenamento. Porém, as sementes não sobreviveram em temperatura de 10°C, independente dos teores de umidade. O teor de água de 5,9% e os ambientes de armazenamento de 15°C/45% UR e 20°C/55% UR, independente do tipo de embalagem, apresentaram os melhores resultados ao longo do armazenamento. Dessa forma, as sementes de macauba podem ser classificadas como sementes intermediárias.

Fruit development, growth, and stored reserves in macauba palm (Acrocomia aculeata), an alternative bioenergy crop.

Main conclusion Macauba palm fruiting is supra-annual, and the fruit growth follows a double sigmoidal trend. The prevailing compound in the mesocarp differs as the fruit ages, oil being the major storage compound. Acrocomia aculeata, macauba palm, is a conspicuous species in the tropical Americas. Because the species is highly productive in oil-rich fruits, it is the subject of domestication as an alternative vegetable oil crop, especially as a bioenergy feedstock. This detailed study first presents the macauba fruit growth and development patterns, morphological changes and accumulation of organic compounds. Fruits were monitored weekly in a natural population. The fruiting was supra-annual, and the fruit growth curve followed a double sigmoidal trend with four stages (S): SI-slow growth and negligible differentiation of the fruit inner parts; SII-first growth spurt and visible, but not complete, differentiation of the inner parts; SIII-growth slowed down and all structures attained differentiation; and SIV-second growth spurt and fruit maturation. In SII, the exocarp and endocarp were the main contributors to fruit growth, whereas the mesocarp and endosperm were responsible for most of the weight gain during SIV. In comparison with starch and oil, soluble sugars did not accumulate in the mesocarp. However, starch was transitory and fueled the oil synthesis. The protective layers, the exocarp and endocarp, fulfilling their ecological roles, were the first to reach maturity, followed by the storage tissues, the mesocarp, and endosperm. The amount and nature of organic compounds in the mesocarp varied with the fruit development and growth stages, and oil was the main and final storage material. The description of macauba fruit's transformations and their temporal order may be of importance for future ecological and agronomical references.

Morphoanatomical responses induced by excess iron in roots of two tolerant grass species.

We aimed to verify whether morphoanatomic alterations occur in response to excess iron, in roots of Setaria parviflora and Paspallum urvillei (Poaceae), and to localize the presence of the sites of iron accumulation. Plants were subjected to 0.009, 1, 2, 4, and 7 mM Fe-EDTA in nutrient solution. Both species presented iron contents in the roots above the critical toxicity level. The presence of iron plaque on roots of the two species was confirmed, and it may have reduced iron absorption by the plants. Roots from the two species showed typical visual symptoms of stress by excess iron: change in color and mucilaginous and flaccid appearance. Anatomical damage was observed in both species: aerenchyma disruption, alterations in endodermal cells, and irregular shape of both vessel and sieve tube elements. The metal was histolocalized in the cortex and in protoxylem and metaxylem cell walls in both species, which suggests a detoxification strategy for the excess iron. Phenolic compounds were not histolocalized in roots. Microscopic analyses were therefore effective in evaluating the real damage caused by excess iron.

Leaf morphoanatomy of species tolerant to excess iron and evaluation of their phytoextraction potential.

Setaria parviflora (Poir.) Kerguélen and Paspalum urvillei Steudel are grasses that grow naturally in a soil with high iron contents. This study aimed to characterize morphoanatomically and histochemically the iron phytotoxicity on leaves and evaluate the phytoextraction potential of these grasses. Saplings were cultivated in hydroponic solution with and without excess Fe-EDTA. Regarding measurements taken on leaves, reduction was observed among treatments of Fe-EDTA on height values of abaxial epidermis and bundle sheath in both species. As for iron histolocalization, stronger reaction was observed in leaves of S. parviflora, in comparison with P. urvillei. Anatomical damage, such as protoplast retraction, irregular xylem, changes in cell volume, and cell collapse, and visual symptoms, like leaf bronzing, chlorosis, and necrosis, were similar in both species when exposed to excess iron; however, P. urvillei showed more severe damage. This species accumulated more iron in shoots than S. parviflora and therefore is more favorable for use in phytoextraction. The root system of both species accumulated higher iron concentrations in relation to shoots.

Tolerance to iron accumulation and its effects on mineral composition and growth of two grass species.

This study aimed to assess the influence of excess iron on the capacity of accumulation of this heavy metal, mineral composition, and growth of Setaria parviflora and Paspalum urvillei. Seedlings were submitted to 0.009; 1; 2; 4; and 7 mM of Fe-EDTA. In both species there was an increase in the concentration of Fe, Zn, P, and Ca and a decrease in Mn, K, and Mg in the iron plaque. Both species accumulated more iron in roots. In the shoots, S. parviflora showed higher iron content, except at 7 mM. Iron altered the contents of Fe, Cu, K, and Mg in roots, and of Fe, Mn, Zn, N, P, K, Ca, and Mg in shoots. The two species tolerated high iron concentrations and accumulated high content of this element in both shoots and roots. The iron did not reduce their growth. Both species are indicated for studies aiming restoration of iron-contaminated areas.

Susceptibility and physiological responses of Jatropha curcas accessions to broad mite infestation.

The broad mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus is a key pest of physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.). The purpose of this study was to identify physic nut accessions that are less susceptible to P. latus, in support of the breeding program of J. curcas. We first evaluated population growth rate and injury symptoms of P. latus on different J. curcas accessions and then carried out physiological analyses on P. latus-infested and uninfested accessions. From the germplasm bank of the Federal University of Viçosa, 15 physic nut accessions with high seed oil content, with different genetic background, were tested. The following traits were evaluated: instantaneous population growth rate of P. latus (r i ), injury symptoms, relative leaf water content, specific leaf area, gas exchange, photosynthetic pigments, nitrogen and biomass of the aerial part. Significant differences were observed for P. latus population growth rate and injury symptoms among accessions. A positive correlation between P. latus growth rate and injury was found. The UFVJC72 accession stood out as the more resistant, considering P. latus growth rate and injury symptoms, compared with most accessions. Physiological responses did not vary among accessions, but did between infested and uninfested plants. In P. latus-infested plants, net photosynthesis was on average 50.5 % lower than in uninfested plants, whereas stomatal conductance and transpiration decreased by 46.2 and 51.6 %, respectively.

Effects of simulated deposition of acid mist and iron ore particulate matter on photosynthesis and the generation of oxidative stress in Schinus terebinthifolius Radii and Sophora tomentosa L.

Particulate matter is a natural occurrence in the environment, but some industries, such as the iron ore sector, can raise the total amount of particles in the atmosphere. This industry is primarily a source of iron and sulfur dioxide particulates. The effects of the pollutants from the iron ore industries on representatives of restinga vegetation in a Brazilian coastal ecosystem were investigated using physiological and biochemical measures. Two species, Schinus terebinthifolius and Sophora tomentosa, were exposed to simulated deposition of acid mist and iron ore particulate matter in acrylic chambers in a greenhouse. Parameters such as gas exchange, fluorescence emission, chlorophyll content, total iron content, antioxidant enzyme activity and malondialdehyde content were assessed in order to evaluate the responses of the two species. Neither treatment was capable of inducing oxidative stress in S. terebinthifolius. Nevertheless, the deposition of iron ore particulates on this species increased chlorophyll content, the maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II and the electron transport rate, while iron content was unaltered. On the other hand, S. tomentosa showed a greater sensitivity to the treatments. Plants of S. tomentosa that were exposed to acid mist had a decrease in photosynthesis, while the deposition of iron particulate matter led to an increase in iron content and membrane permeability of the leaves. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalases and superoxide dismutase, were enhanced by both treatments. The results suggested that the two restinga species use different strategies to overcome the stressful conditions created by the deposition of particulate matter, either solid or wet. It seems that while S. terebinthifolius avoided stress, S. tomentosa used antioxidant enzyme systems to partially neutralize oxidative stress. The findings also point to the potential use of S. tomentosa as a biomarker species under field conditions.