Sunflower and Palm Kernel Meal Present Bioaccessible Compounds after Digestion with Antioxidant Activity.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and African palm kernel (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) are among the most cultivated in the world regarding oil extraction. The oil industry generates a large amount of meal as a by-product, which can be a source of nutrients and bioactive compounds. However, the physiological effects of bioactive compounds in such matrices are only valid if they remain bioavailable and bioactive after simulated gastrointestinal digestion. This study evaluated the chemical composition and antioxidant and prebiotic potential of de-oiled sunflower (DS) and de-oiled palm kernel (DP) meal after in vitro digestion. The DS sample had the highest protein content and the best chemical score, in which lysine was the limiting amino acid. Digested samples showed increased antioxidant activity, measured by in vitro methods. The digested DS sample showed a better antioxidant effect compared to DP. Moreover, both samples managed to preserve DNA supercoiling in the presence of the oxidizing agent. The insoluble fractions after digestion stimulated the growth of prebiotic bacterium, similar to inulin. In conclusion, simulated gastrointestinal digestion promoted in both matrices an increase in protein bioaccessibility and antioxidant capacity, pointing to a metabolic modulation favorable to the organism.

Nutritional efficiency in sunflower cultivars under dosages of potassium in semiarid region

Potassium (K) participates in critical processes in sunflower cultivation, such as osmotic regulation and translocation of photosynthesis. However, the absorption or accumulation of this nutrient occurs differently owing to edaphoclimatic factors or between cultivars. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional efficiency of sunflower cultivars as a function of different dosage K dosages in a semiarid region. To this end, two experiments were conducted in 2016 and 2017. The treatments consisted of five dosages of K at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg ha-1 K2O and four sunflower cultivars, Aguará 6, Altis 99, Multissol, and BRS 122. The experimental design was a randomized block with four replications and subdivided plots. The characteristics evaluated were agronomic efficiency, physiological efficiency, recovery efficiency, utilization efficiency, and accumulation of total K in the plant. Sunflower cultivars responded to K dosages in the two crops, with variations in efficiency parameters. Crop 2 showed better nutritional efficiency compared to crop 1. Aguará 6 showed greater nutritional efficiency than the other two crops. The use of dosages between 75 and 91 kg ha-1 of K2O provided better efficiency in K usage for the cultivars.

First report of sunflower chlorotic mottle virus infecting sunflower plants in Brazil

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) plants showing symptoms of chlorosis, mosaic, chlorotic ringspot, and necrosis on younger leaves were found in a small experimental plot in Piracicaba, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Preliminary examinations by transmission electron microscopy of symptomatic leaf tissue revealed flexuous filamentous particles 13-15 nm wide and 700-750 nm long, and cytoplasmatic cylindrical inclusions typical of those found in plant cells infected by members of the Potyvirus genus. Total RNA extracted from symptomatic leaves and subjected to RT-PCR followed by partial nucleotide sequencing confirmed the presence of a potyvirus in the affected plants, which was identified as sunflower chlorotic mottle virus (SuCMoV), a member of the Sunflower chlorotic mottle virus (genus Potyvirus, family Potyviridae) species. Mechanical transmission assays with extracts of symptomatic sunflower leaves reproduced the original symptoms in sunflowers, mosaic symptoms in Zinnia elegans, and chlorotic local lesions in Chenopodium amaranticolor and C. quinoa. Sunflower and zinnia plants became infected after aphid transmission experiments with Myzus persicae. RT-PCR tests using specific primers for SuCMoV confirmed the presence of this virus in experimentally infected plants, meeting the criteria of Koch's postulate. This is the first report of SuCMoV infecting sunflower plants in Brazil.

Determination of water content in grains with microwave oven / Determinação do teor de água em grãos com forno micro-ondas

The determination of water content is essential for the maintenance of grain quality, and an evaluation of alternative methods for quantification allows to increase the efficiency of the process and bring benefits to the productive sector. The study aimed to analyze the efficiency of using microwave ovens to determine the water content in grains. The studywas carried out in a completely randomized design in a 5x6 factorial scheme, with fivespecies (peanut, sunflower, corn, soybean and wheat) and six microwave drying periods (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 min), with four replications. Data were subjected to descriptive analysis to characterize the samples, and regression analysis to analyze differences between methods as a function of drying time. The determination of water content in peanut, sunflower,corn,soybean and wheat grains in microwave is technically feasible, showing correlation with the determination in an oven by the standard method. The drying time in the microwave influences the water removal capacity of the grains. For peanut, sunflower,corn,soybean and wheat grains, the microwave drying time of 3 min showed greater similarity with the determination by the standard method.(AU)

A determinação do conteúdo de água é fundamental para manutenção da qualidade de grãos, sendo que a avaliação de métodos alternativos para quantificação permite elevar a eficiência do processo e ocasionar benefícios ao setor produtivo. O estudo teve como objetivo analisar a eficiência da utilização de forno micro-ondas para determinação do teor de água em grãos. O estudo foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 5x6, sendo cincoespécies (amendoim, girassol, milho, soja e trigo) e seis períodos de secagem em micro-ondas (0,5; 1; 1,5; 2; 2,5 e 3 min), com quatro repetições. Osdados foram submetidos a análise descritiva para caracterização das amostras, e análise de regressão para análise das diferenças entre métodos em função do tempo de secagem. A determinação do teor de água em grãos de amendoim, girassol,milho,soja e trigo em micro-ondas é tecnicamente viável, apresentando correlação com a determinação em estufa pelo método padrão. O tempo de secagem no micro-ondas influencia na capacidade de remoção de água dos grãos. Para os grãos de amendoim, girassol,milho,soja e trigo, o tempo de secagem por micro-ondas de 3 min apresentou maior similaridade com a determinaçãopelo método padrão.(AU)

Host Status of Cover Crops for the Management of Pratylenchus Jaehni on Coffee.

The lesion nematode Pratylenchus jaehni occurs at low frequency in Brazilian coffee orchards but could provoke extensive root damage. Intercropping cover crops is a traditional practice in Brazilian coffee orchards, and the use of non-hosts of P. jaehni as cover crops may be a useful management method. In this work, 10 cover crops were tested concerning reproduction of P. jaehni. Cajanus cajan, Canavalia ensiformis, and Mucuna deeringiana are cover crops commonly used as intercropping in coffee orchards, but they must not be used in orchards infested with P. jaehni, because they are good hosts of this nematode. Brachiaria ruziziensis, Crotalaria juncea, Dolichos lablab, and Pennisetum glaucum were considered poor hosts. Helianthus annuus cv. Catissol and cv. Uruguai and Crotalaria spectabilis proved to be non-hosts to P. jaehni, and therefore, they are the cover crops recommended in coffee orchards infested with this nematode.

Sunflower Cake from the Biodiesel Industry in the Diet Improves the Performance and Carcass Traits of Nellore Young Bulls.

We aimed to determine the optimal inclusion level of sunflower cake (0, 90, 180, and 270 g/kg total DM) as a partial replacement of soybean meal and corn ground in young bulls' diets by examining nutrient intake and digestibility, ingestive behavior, nitrogen balance, metabolic serum profile, growth performance, and carcass traits. Thirty-two intact Nellore bulls (BW 374 ± 42.5) were distributed in a completely randomized design. The experiment lasted 90 days. The final BW of the animals was 515.25 ± 24.7. There was a linear decrease effect in the intake of DM, crude protein and nonfibrous carbohydrates, eating and rumination efficiency, N-urinary, N-total excretion, and blood urea nitrogen. Sunflower cake did not affect the NDF digestibility, nitrogen (N)-fecal excretion, blood metabolites, Longissimus lumborum muscle area, or subcutaneous fat deposition. There were linear and quadratic effects on the eating and rumination time, microbial protein production and efficiency, gamma-glutamyl transferase and cholesterol serum concentrations, and muscle carcass tissue. There was a quadratic effect on ether extract intake, final BW, and total gain with the inclusion of sunflower cake in the young bull's diet. The replacement of soybean meal and corn ground with sunflower cake at the level of 90 g/kg of DM in the diet of young bulls is recommended because it reduces the DM intake and digestibility, increases microbial protein synthesis and muscle tissue deposition, and consequently improves the performance, feed efficiency, and carcass traits.

Sunflower response to nitrogen doses / Resposta do girassol a doses de nitrogênio

The sunflower is an oilseed species, rustic, cultivated in different agroecosystems. The responses of cultivars to nitrogen fertilization vary according to the cultivar and environment. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the response of biometric characters of sunflower cv. Embrapa 122-V2000 under N doses. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with five treatments (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg N ha-1) and four blocks. All characters were influenced (p<0.05) by N doses, fitting to the quadratic model. The maximum values of plant height (1.68 m), stem diameter (22.71 mm), leaf area (423.41 cm2), capitulum diameter (15.22 cm), dry biomass yield (6,075.13 kg DM ha-1) and grains (2,982.89 kg ha-1), N use efficiency from biomass (80.3 kg kg-1) and grains (43.27 kg kg-1) close to 90 kg N ha-1, this dose being recommended for the edaphoclimatic conditions of the Agreste Meridional Region of Pernambuco, Brazil.(AU)

O girassol é uma espécie oleaginosa, rústica, cultivada em diferentes agroecossistemas. As respostas dos cultivares às adubações nitrogenadas variam de acordo com o cultivar e o ambiente. Portanto, esta pesquisa objetivou avaliar a resposta de caracteres biométricos do girassol cv. Embrapa 122-V2000 sob doses de N. O experimento foi conduzido no delineamento em blocos casualizados com cinco tratamentos (0, 40, 80, 120 e 160 kg N ha-1) e quatro blocos. Todos os caracteres foram influenciados (p<0,05) pelas doses de N, ajustando-se ao modelo quadrático. Os valores máximos de altura da planta (1,68 m), diâmetro do colmo (22,71 mm), área foliar (423,41 cm2), diâmetro do capítulo (15,22 cm), produtividade de biomassa seca (6.075,13 kg MS ha-1) e de grãos (2.982,89 kg ha-1), eficiência do uso do N da biomassa (80,3 kg kg-1) e dos grãos (43,27 kg kg-1) próximo aos 90 kg N ha-1, sendo esta dose recomendada para as condições edafoclimáticas da região Agreste Meridional de Pernambuco, Brasil.(AU)

Efficiency of Nitrogen Use in Sunflower.

The large variation in the response of sunflower to nitrogen fertilization indicates the need for studies to better adjust the optimum levels of this nutrient for production conditions. Our objectives were to analyze the agronomic yield of sunflower cultivars as a function of nitrogen fertilization; indicate the cultivar with high nitrogen use efficiency; and measure the adequate N dose for sunflower through nutritional efficiency. The completely randomized block design with split plots was used to conduct the experiments. The treatments included five nitrogen rates being allocated in the plots and the four sunflower cultivars. To estimate the nutrient use efficiency in the sunflower, we measured agronomic efficiency (AE), physiological efficiency (PE), agrophysiological efficiency (APE), apparent recovery efficiency (ARE), and utilization efficiency (UE). The results indicate that all cultivars had a reduction in AE due to the increase in N doses in the first crop. For PE, the highest values were observed for Altis 99 during the 2016 harvest. In that same harvest, Altis 99 had the highest APE. The dose of 30 kg ha-1 provided greater ARE for all cultivars in both crops, with greater emphasis on BRS 122 and Altis 99. The cultivation of cultivars Altis 99 and Multissol at a dose of 30 kg ha-1 in is recommended semiarid regions.

Simultaneous extraction of sunflower oil and active compounds from olive leaves using pressurized propane.

Sunflower is grown in different parts of the world and oil from the grain has many uses, including cosmetics and food. Olive leaves are rich in active compounds with potential for industrial use. The simultaneous extraction of raw materials is an economical and sustainable way of using the same extraction process to obtain products with high added value. The aim of this work was to promote the incorporation of bioactive compounds from olive leaves in sunflower oil by two extraction techniques: pressurized propane (PRO) and Soxhlet (SOX) and to evaluate the increase in oxidative stability and antioxidant activity of oils. The techniques used were useful in producing sunflower oil incorporating olive leaf extract (SFO + OLE); 4.3% 1-octacosanol and 5.8% 1-triacontanol were incorporated, and ß-sitosterol increased by at least 90%. Also, SFO + OLE showed an increase in the induction time of 2.7 and 3.7 h compared to SFO for the PRO and SOX methods, respectively. The profile of fatty acids was maintained, with the majority in all samples being oleic and linoleic acids. Consequently, with this procedure is possible to produce SFO + OLE with better antioxidant activity and better nutritional characteristics using PRO and SOX. The scaled-up of the simultaneous extraction process via pressurized propane is economically viable according to the process simulation and economic evaluation.

Productive characteristics of sunflower genotypes irrigated with different levels of saline water

Sunflower is suitable for family farmers from Northeast Brazil who are benefited by the production of grain and oil and is adequate for crop rotation and for honey production. The need for irrigation in this region leads to the realization of this study for evaluating the production components of four sunflower genotypes irrigated with different levels of water salinity. The study was carried out in the municipality of Remigio, Paraíba, Brazil, using a randomized block with split plots experimental design in a 5 x 4 factorial arrangement. Treatments consisted of five electrical conductivity levels of the irrigation water at 25 °C (L1 - 0.14 (reservoir water), L2 - 1.50, L3 - 2.50, L4 - 3.50, and L5 - 4.50 dS m- 1), and four sunflower genotypes (C1 - Embrapa 122-V2000, C2 - Olisun 03, C3 - AG 963, and C4 - Multissol) with three replicates. The irrigation water salinity levels tested did not influence the variables studied. Different values of the variables among sunflower genotypes were due to characteristics inherent to each genotype. Sunflower genotype Olisun 03 presented the highest oil content, while the lowest content was observed in Multissol.

Nonlinear models in the height description of the Rhino sunflower cultivar / Modelos não lineares na descrição de altura da cultivar de girassol Rhino

Sunflower produces achenes and oil of good quality, besides serving for production of silage, forage and biodiesel. Growth modeling allows knowing the growth pattern of the crop and optimizing the management. The research characterized the growth of the Rhino sunflower cultivar using the Logistic and Gompertz models and to make considerations regarding management based on critical points. The data used come from three uniformity trials with the Rhino confectionery sunflower cultivar carried out in the experimental area of the Federal University of Santa Maria - Campus Frederico Westphalen in the 2019/2020 agricultural harvest. In the first, second and third trials 14, 12 and 10 weekly height evaluations were performed on 10 plants, respectively. The data were adjusted for the thermal time accumulated. The parameters were estimated by ordinary least square's method using the Gauss-Newton algorithm. The fitting quality of the models to the data was measured by the adjusted coefficient of determination, Akaike information criterion, Bayesian information criterion, and through intrinsic and parametric nonlinearity. The inflection points (IP), maximum acceleration (MAP), maximum deceleration (MDP) and asymptotic deceleration (ADP) were determined. Statistical analyses were performed with Microsoft Office Excel® and R software. The models satisfactorily described the height growth curve of sunflower, providing parameters with practical interpretations. The Logistics model has the best fitting quality, being the most suitable for characterizing the growth curve. The estimated critical points provide important information for crop management. Weeds must be controlled until the MAP. Covered fertilizer applications must be carried out between the MAP and IP range. ADP is an indicator of maturity, after reaching this point, the plants can be harvested for the production of silage without loss of volume and quality.

O girassol produz aquênios e óleo de qualidade, além de servir para produção de silagem, forragem e biodiesel. A modelagem de crescimento permite conhecer o padrão de crescimento da cultura e otimizar o manejo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar o crescimento da cultivar de girassol Rhino por meio dos modelos Logístico e Gompertz e fazer considerações a respeito do manejo com base em pontos críticos. Os dados utilizados são oriundos de três ensaios de uniformidade com a cultivar de girassol confeiteiro Rhino, conduzidos na área experimental da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Campus Frederico Westphalen, na safra 2019/2020. Foram realizadas 14, 12 e 10 avaliações semanais de altura em 10 plantas, respectivamente, no primeiro, segundo e terceiro ensaio. Os dados foram ajustados em função da soma térmica acumulada. Os parâmetros foram estimados por meio do método dos mínimos quadrados ordinários, usando o algoritmo de Gauss-Newton. A qualidade de ajuste dos modelos aos dados foi medida pelo coeficiente de determinação ajustado, critério de determinação de Akaike, critério bayesiano de informação, e por meio da não linearidade intrínseca e paramétrica. Foram determinados os pontos de inflexão (IP), máxima aceleração (MAP), máxima desaceleração (MDP) e desaceleração assintótica (ADP). As análises estatísticas foram realizadas com Microsoft Office Excel® e o software R. Os modelos descreveram de forma satisfatória a curva de crescimento da altura do girassol, fornecendo parâmetros com interpretações práticas. O modelo Logístico apresenta melhor qualidade de ajuste, sendo o mais adequado para caracterização da curva de crescimento. Os pontos críticos estimados fornecem informações importantes para o manejo da cultura. As plantas daninhas devem ser controladas até o MAP. As aplicações de fertilizantes em cobertura devem ser realizadas entre MAP e IP. O ADP é um indicador de maturidade, após atingir este ponto, as plantas podem ser colhidas para a produção de silagem sem perda de volume e qualidade.

Evaluation of some in vitro bioactivities of sunflower phenolic compounds.

Phenolic compounds in crude extracts were obtained from defatted sunflower seed flour using sodium bisulfite and ethanol solutions as extracting agents. The antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-proliferative, and DNA protective activities of the phenolic compounds in crude extract were analyzed. The phenolic compound contents were determined as chlorogenic acid (CGA) equivalent, presenting 11.57 and 15.44 g CGA eq/100g regarding the sodium bisulfite extract and ethanolic extract, respectively. The ORAC, DPPH, and ABTS methods were used to evaluate antioxidant activity. Both extracts presented antioxidant properties, considering that the ethanolic extract demonstrated higher values (EC50 0.36 g extract/g DPPH•). The antimicrobial action was analyzed as to the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 4 kinds of bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis). The ethanolic extract was effective against all of these microorganisms, out of which E. coli was the most sensitive, with a MIC of 11.6 mg CGA/mL. The ethanolic extract presented DNA protective activity without cytotoxic activity concerning in vitro anti-proliferative assay. These findings can be considered as initial evidence of the potential use of phenolic compounds obtained from sunflower seed flour as natural additives in the food industry.

Agronomic characterization of sunflower cultivars for animal feeding in tropical conditions

This study was developed to examine morpho-agronomic traits of 18 sunflower cultivars and identify superior cultivars in terms of grain yield, forage quality, or both, for animal feeding. Twenty-two morpho-agronomic traits related to plant development and architecture; earliness of maturity; grain yield (achenes); dry matter yield; and dry matter content were evaluated. Cultivars Hélio 253, Hélio 358, Embrapa 122, BRS 321, and Hélio 360 showed inflorescence at the final stage. Aguará 4 showed the lowest flowering rate, characterizing it as late-maturing. For grain yield, cultivars Charrua, Olisun 3, BRS 321, Paraíso 103CL, Paraíso 65, Aguará 6, and CF 101 are recommended, as they showed the highest achene yields (average: 1,541.67 to 2,148.81 kg.ha−1, respectively). Cultivars Charrua, Hélio 251, Olisun 3, Hélio 360, Paraíso 55, and Paraíso 103CL exhibited higher dry matter yields (9,550.93 to 11,789.91 kg ha−1) and were thus indicated for forage production. Cultivars Charrua, Olisun 3, BRS 321, Paraíso 103CL, Paraíso 65, Aguará 6, and CF 101 are recommended for grain yield, for the diet of monogastric animals; Charrua, Hélio 251, Olisun 3, Hélio 360, Paraíso 55, and Paraíso 103CL for forage yield, for ruminant feeding; and Charrua, Olisun 3, and Paraíso 103CL for both purposes.

Osmopriming, antioxidative action, and thermal stress in sunflower seeds with different vigor levels / Condicionamento osmótico, ação antioxidativa e estresse térmico em sementes de girassol com diferentes níveis de vigor

The osmopriming technique can reduce the period between sowing and the emergence of seedlings in the field, as well as favor seed performance under stress conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of osmopriming on the physiological performance and antioxidative enzymatic activity of sunflower seeds with different vigor levels and exposed to thermal stress. Three sunflower seed lots of the cultivar Hélio 250 were used. Initially, the seeds were evaluated by germination and vigor tests to characterize the lots. Subsequently, they were primed in a polyethylene glycol 6000 solution at -2.0 MPa and 15 °C for 8 h. Then, the primed and unprimed seeds were tested for physiological quality (germination, first germination count, percentage and emergence speed index of seedlings, and seedling dry matter) and determination of the activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and peroxidase (POX) under three temperatures: 15 °C (sub-optimal), 25 °C (optimal), and 35 °C (supra-optimal). The physiological tests allowed classifying lots 1, 2, and 3 into three different vigor levels, i.e., high, medium, and low, respectively. Osmopriming favored the performance of sunflower seeds in terms of germination and vigor at all the analyzed temperatures. This effect was more pronounced in lots of lower physiological quality at sub-optimal and supra-optimal temperatures. Sub-and supra-optimal temperatures led to a reduction in the physiological performance of seeds, mainly in less vigorous lots. In general, osmopriming favored an increase in the activity of the enzymes SOD, CAT, POX, and APX, mainly in low vigor seeds exposed to sub and supra-optimal temperatures. Osmopriming of sunflower seeds in PEG 6000 at -2.0 MPa for 8 hours is efficient to improve the performance of less vigorous lots under stress due to the sub- and supra-optimal temperatures, favoring an increase in the activity of enzymes of the antioxidative system.

A técnica de condicionamento osmótico reduz o período entre a semeadura e a emergência de mudas no campo, além de favorecer o desempenho das sementes em condições de estresse. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito do condicionamento osmótico no desempenho fisiológico e na atividade enzimática antioxidativa de sementes de girassol com diferentes níveis de vigor e expostas ao estresse térmico. Foram utilizados três lotes de sementes de girassol, cultivar Hélio 250. Inicialmente, as sementes foram avaliadas pelos testes de germinação e vigor para caracterizar os lotes. Em seguida, foram condicionadas em solução de polietilenoglicol 6000 a -2,0 MPa, a 15 °C por 8 h. Posteriormente, as sementes condicionadas e não condicionadas foram testadas quanto à qualidade fisiológica (germinação, contagem de primeira germinação, porcentagem e índice de velocidade de emergência das plântulas e matéria seca das plântulas) e determinação da atividade das enzimas superóxido dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT ), ascorbato peroxidase (APX) e peroxidase (POX) sob três temperaturas: 15 °C (sub ótima), 25 °C (ótima) e 35 °C (supra ótima). Através de testes fisiológicos, os lotes 1, 2 e 3 foram classificados em três níveis diferentes de vigor, sendo alto, médio e baixo, respectivamente. O condicionamento osmótico favoreceu o desempenho das sementes de girassol na germinação e vigor em todas as temperaturas analisadas. Este efeito foi mais pronunciado em lotes de qualidade fisiológica mais baixa em temperaturas sub ótima e supra ótima. As temperaturas sub e supra ótimas causaram uma redução no desempenho fisiológico das sementes, principalmente nos lotes menos vigorosos. Em geral, o condicionamento osmótico favoreceu um aumento na atividade das enzimas SOD, CAT, POX e APX, principalmente em sementes de baixo vigor expostas às temperaturas sub e supra ótimas. O condicionamento osmótico de sementes de girassol no PEG 6000 a [...].

Osmopriming, antioxidative action, and thermal stress in sunflower seeds with different vigor levels / Condicionamento osmótico, ação antioxidativa e estresse térmico em sementes de girassol com diferentes níveis de vigor

The osmopriming technique can reduce the period between sowing and the emergence of seedlings in the field, as well as favor seed performance under stress conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of osmopriming on the physiological performance and antioxidative enzymatic activity of sunflower seeds with different vigor levels and exposed to thermal stress. Three sunflower seed lots of the cultivar Hélio 250 were used. Initially, the seeds were evaluated by germination and vigor tests to characterize the lots. Subsequently, they were primed in a polyethylene glycol 6000 solution at -2.0 MPa and 15 °C for 8 h. Then, the primed and unprimed seeds were tested for physiological quality (germination, first germination count, percentage and emergence speed index of seedlings, and seedling dry matter) and determination of the activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and peroxidase (POX) under three temperatures: 15 °C (sub-optimal), 25 °C (optimal), and 35 °C (supra-optimal). The physiological tests allowed classifying lots 1, 2, and 3 into three different vigor levels, i.e., high, medium, and low, respectively. Osmopriming favored the performance of sunflower seeds in terms of germination and vigor at all the analyzed temperatures. This effect was more pronounced in lots of lower physiological quality at sub-optimal and supra-optimal temperatures. Sub-and supra-optimal temperatures led to a reduction in the physiological performance of seeds, mainly in less vigorous lots. In general, osmopriming favored an increase in the activity of the enzymes SOD, CAT, POX, and APX, mainly in low vigor seeds exposed to sub and supra-optimal temperatures. Osmopriming of sunflower seeds in PEG 6000 at -2.0 MPa for 8 hours is efficient to improve the performance of less vigorous lots under stress due to the sub- and supra-optimal temperatures, favoring an increase in the activity of enzymes of the antioxidative system.(AU)

A técnica de condicionamento osmótico reduz o período entre a semeadura e a emergência de mudas no campo, além de favorecer o desempenho das sementes em condições de estresse. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito do condicionamento osmótico no desempenho fisiológico e na atividade enzimática antioxidativa de sementes de girassol com diferentes níveis de vigor e expostas ao estresse térmico. Foram utilizados três lotes de sementes de girassol, cultivar Hélio 250. Inicialmente, as sementes foram avaliadas pelos testes de germinação e vigor para caracterizar os lotes. Em seguida, foram condicionadas em solução de polietilenoglicol 6000 a -2,0 MPa, a 15 °C por 8 h. Posteriormente, as sementes condicionadas e não condicionadas foram testadas quanto à qualidade fisiológica (germinação, contagem de primeira germinação, porcentagem e índice de velocidade de emergência das plântulas e matéria seca das plântulas) e determinação da atividade das enzimas superóxido dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT ), ascorbato peroxidase (APX) e peroxidase (POX) sob três temperaturas: 15 °C (sub ótima), 25 °C (ótima) e 35 °C (supra ótima). Através de testes fisiológicos, os lotes 1, 2 e 3 foram classificados em três níveis diferentes de vigor, sendo alto, médio e baixo, respectivamente. O condicionamento osmótico favoreceu o desempenho das sementes de girassol na germinação e vigor em todas as temperaturas analisadas. Este efeito foi mais pronunciado em lotes de qualidade fisiológica mais baixa em temperaturas sub ótima e supra ótima. As temperaturas sub e supra ótimas causaram uma redução no desempenho fisiológico das sementes, principalmente nos lotes menos vigorosos. Em geral, o condicionamento osmótico favoreceu um aumento na atividade das enzimas SOD, CAT, POX e APX, principalmente em sementes de baixo vigor expostas às temperaturas sub e supra ótimas. O condicionamento osmótico de sementes de girassol no PEG 6000 a [...].(AU)

Silicon application induces changes C:N:P stoichiometry and enhances stoichiometric homeostasis of sorghum and sunflower plants under salt stress.

Beneficial effects of silicon (Si) on growth have been observed in some plant species, reportedly due to stoichiometric changes of C, N, and P. However, little is known about the effects on the stoichiometric relationships between C, N, and P when silicon is supplied via different modes in sorghum and sunflower plants under salt stress conditions. Therefore, the current study was performed to investigate the impact of differing modes of Si supply on shoot biomass production and C:N:P stoichiometry in sorghum and sunflower plants under salt stress. Two experiments were performed in a glass greenhouse using the strong Si-accumulator plant sorghum, as well as the intermediate type Si-accumulator sunflower, both of which were grown in pots filled with washed sand. Plant species were cultivated for 30 days in the absence or presence of salt stress (0 or 100 mM) and supplemented with one of four Si treatments: control plants (without Si), 28.6 mmol Si L-1 via foliar application, 2.0 mmol Si L-1 via nutrient solution, and combined application of foliar and nutrient solution, each group with five replications. The results revealed that supplied Si modified the C, N, and P concentrations, thereby enhancing the C:N:P stoichiometry and shoot dry matter of sorghum and sunflower plants under salt stress. Both application of Si via nutrient solution, as well as combined application via foliar and nutrient solution, increased the C:N ratio in both plant species under salt stress, but in sorghum plants decreased the C:P and N:P ratios and increased the shoot biomass production by 39%, while in sunflower plants increased the C:P and N:P ratios and increased the shoot biomass production by 24%. Our findings suggest that salt stress alleviation by Si impacts C:N:P stoichiometric relationships in a variable manner depending on the ability of the species to accumulate Si, as well as the route of Si administration.

Metabolic characterization and oil profile of sunflower cultivars cultivated with increasing nitrogen doses / Caracterização metabólica e perfil do óleo de cultivares de girassol cultivados sob doses crescentes de nitrogênio

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) has great economic importance due to its oil yield and quality. Among the factors influencing these parameters, nitrogen fertilization stands out. In this study we evaluated the effect of different N-urea doses (0,10,30,50,90,130 kg N-urea ha-1) at planting and 30 days after emergency on soluble fractions, oil profile and yield of three sunflower cultivars (BRS324, Catissol 01and Neon). Plants were harvested at the flowering stage for metabolic study, and at the end of the cycle for oil extraction and characterization. The Catissol 01 genotype presented the highest N-NO3- accumulation capacity, mainly in the stem. The Neon genotype presented the highest achene production at 30 and 50 kg N ha-1. Oleic oil had the highest yield, with the Catissol 01 and Neon cultivar standing out. Among the cultivars, Catissol 01 is economically more suitable for biofuel production, when cultivated at 50 kg N ha-1 since higher N doses did not result in increased oil yield.

O girassol é uma espécie com importante valor econômico pela qualidade e rendimento de óleo. Entre os fatores que influenciam esses parâmetros se destaca a fertilização nitrogenada. Este trabalho avaliou o efeito de doses crescentes de N-uréia (0, 10, 30, 50, 90, 130 kg de N-Uréia ha-1 aplicadas no plantio e aos 30 dias após a emergência) sobre as frações solúveis, rendimento e perfil do óleo de três genótipos de girassol (BRS324, Neon e Catissol 01). As plantas foram coletadas no estádio de floração para o estudo metabólico e ao final do ciclo para a extração e caracterização de óleo. O genótipo Catissol 01 apresentou maior capacidade de acúmulo de N-NO3-, preferencialmente no caule. A maior produção de óleo por planta foi observada no BRS324, nas doses entre 30 e 50 kg N ha-1, embora o genótipo Neon tenha apresentado a maior produção de aquênios. O ácido oléico foi o de maior rendimento com destaque para os genótipos Catissol 01 e Neon. Dentre os genótipos avaliados, o Catissol 01 é economicamente mais indicado para a produção de óleo destinada ao biocombustível, quando cultivado com a dose de 50 kg N ha-1, pois doses superiores de N não resultam em aumento na produção de óleo.

Economic indicators of nitrogen fertilization in sunflower cultivars / Indicadores econômicos de adubação nitrogenada em cultivares de girassol

Sunflower is one of the most important oilseeds in the world. However, cultivation in semi-arid regions requires analysis of production costs and profitability, ensuring effective decision-making, focused on farming procedures and techniques. In two agricultural crops, 2016 and 2017, experiments were conducted to evaluate the economic indicators of sunflower cultivars ('Aguará 06', 'Altis 99', 'Multissol' and 'BRS 122') submitted to nitrogen (N) doses (0; 30; 60; 90 and 120 kg ha-1) via fertirrigation under semi-arid conditions. The net margin corresponded to the increase of N doses, reaching a maximum net margin in the 2016 harvest of R$ 366.89 ha-1 at the dose of 81 kg ha-1 of N for 'BRS 122'; R$ 577.41 ha-1 with 118 kg ha-1 of N for 'Multissol'; and for 'Aguará 06' (R$ 2,124.00 ha-1) and 'Altis 99' (R$ 976.66 ha-1) at the dose of 120 kg ha-1 of N. In the 2017 harvest, 'BRS 122' obtained R$ 190.90 ha-1 in the dose of 83 kg ha-1 of N and 'Multissol' reached R$ 657.50 in the dose of 85 kg ha-1 of N; the cultivars 'Aguará 06' (R$ 1,078.00 ha-1) and 'Altis 99' (R$ 957.14 ha-1) in the dose of 120 kg ha-1 of N. The rate of return and the profitability index were positive for all cultivars in both crops.

O girassol é uma das mais importantes oleaginosas do mundo. No entanto, o cultivo em regiões semiáridas requer análise dos custos de produção e rentabilidade, garantindo tomadas de decisão eficazes, focadas em procedimentos e técnicas agrícolas. Em duas safras agrícolas, 2016 e 2017, foram conduzidos experimentos para avaliar os indicadores econômicos de cultivares de girassol ('Aguará 06', 'Altis 99', 'Multissol' e 'BRS 122') submetidos a doses de nitrogênio (N) (0; 30; 60; 90 e 120 kg ha-1) via fertirrigação em condições semiáridas. A margem líquida correspondeu ao aumento das doses de N, atingindo uma margem líquida máxima na safra 2016 de R$ 366,89 ha-1 na dose de 81 kg ha-1 de N para 'BRS 122'; R$ 577,41 ha-1 com 118 kg ha-1 de N para 'Multissol'; e para 'Aguará 06' (R$ 2.124,00 ha-1) e 'Altis 99' (R$ 976,66 ha-1) na dose de 120 kg ha-1 de N. Na safra de 2017, 'BRS 122' obteve R$ 190,90 ha-1 na dose de 83 kg ha-1 de N e 'Multissol' alcançaram R$ 657,50 na dose de 85 kg ha-1 de N; as cultivares 'Aguará 06' (R$ 1.078,00 ha-1) e 'Altis 99' (R$ 957,14 ha-1) na dose de 120 kg ha-1 de N. A taxa de retorno e o índice de lucratividade foram positivos para todas as cultivares em ambas as culturas.

Salt-tolerance induced by leaf spraying with H2O2 in sunflower is related to the ion homeostasis balance and reduction of oxidative damage.

Salinity is still one of the main factors that limit the growth and production of crops. However, currently, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) priming has become a promising technique to alleviate the deleterious effects caused by salt. Therefore, this study aimed to test different leaf spraying strategies with H2O2 for acclimation of sunflower plants to salt stress, identifying the main physiological and biochemical changes involved in this process. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, with four replications. Initially, four concentrations of H2O2 were tested (0.1; 1; 10 and 100 mM) associated with different applications: 1AP - one application (48 h before exposure to NaCl); 2AP - two applications (1AP + one application 7 days after exposure to NaCl) and 3AP - three applications (2AP + one application 14 days after exposure to NaCl), besides this two reference treatments were also added: control (absence of NaCl and absence of H2O2) and salt control (presence of 100 mM of NaCl and absence of H2O2). The experiment was conducted in hydroponic system containing Furlani's nutrient solution. Salt stress reduced the growth of sunflower plants, however, the H2O2 priming through leaf spraying was able to reduce the deleterious effects caused by salt, especially in the 1 mM H2O2 treatment with one application. H2O2 acts as a metabolic signal assisting in the maintenance of ionic and redox homeostasis, and consequently increasing the tolerance of plants to salt stress.

Effect of Alternaria and Septoria spot on sunflower yield.

Leaf diseases affect crop yields. In sunflower crops, leaf spot severity can reach 100%, but the magnitude of the yield loss caused by the disease is not known. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Alternaria and Septoria leaf spot severity on sunflower yield across different years in a humid subtropical climate. We conducted 37 experiments in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil, over 7 years. The hybrids Embrapa 122, Helio 358, Aguará 03, and Altis 99 were sowed and managed according to national crop recommendations. Severity assessments for Alternaria and Septoria spots were performed at 2- to 7-day intervals using a diagrammatic scale. We evaluated the effects of Alternaria and Septoria leaf spot severity on crop yield using upper limit graphs. The 37 experiments comprised 13 normal season crops (August to October) and 24 late season crops (November to February). The results were also classified according to the contemporaneous phases of the ENSO (El Niño Southern Oscillation): El Niño, La Niña, and Neutral. In normal season crops, severities of up to 24% do not result in yield decrease. After this, each 1% increment in disease severity produces a decrease of 66 kg ha-1 on sunflower yield. In late season crops, the reduction in productivity occurs at severities greater than 34%, with a decrease of 50 kg ha-1 for each 1% increase in combined disease severity. The highest severity values and lowest yields, both in the normal and late season crops, occurred in El Niño years.