Identification of Weed-Suppressive Tomato Cultivars for Weed Management.

Weed-suppressive crop cultivars are a potentially attractive option in weed management strategies (IWM). A greenhouse study was conducted at the R. R. Foil Plant Science Research Center, Starkville, MS, to assess the potential weed-suppressive ability of 17 tomato cultivars against Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats), yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.), and large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis L.). The experiment was a completely randomized design, with four replications, and was repeated twice. The height, chlorophyll, and dry weight biomass of the weeds were measured 28 days after sowing. Weed suppression varied greatly among tomato cultivars. The most significant effect of tomato interference was recorded on Palmer amaranth, and the least reduction was observed with yellow nutsedge plants. Cultivars 15 and 41 reduced Palmer amaranth height and biomass by about 45 and 80%, respectively, while cultivar 38 reduced 60% of the chlorophyll percentage. Large crabgrass plants were 35% shorter in the presence of cultivar 38 and had a biomass reduction of 35% in the presence of cultivar 38. Under tomato interference, a minimal effect was observed in chlorophyll, height, and biomass of yellow nutsedge seedlings. Factoring all parameters evaluated, cultivars 38 and 33 were most suppressive against Palmer amaranth and large crabgrass.

Avaliação do luto familiar na perda gestacional e neonatal / Assessment of family grief over the gestational and neonatal loss

RESUMO: Objetivos: Avaliar o grau de luto causado pela perda gestacional ou neonatal em pais e mães, associando com va-riáveis sociodemográficas. Adicionalmente, comparar o grau de luto de acordo com o momento da perda. Métodos:Estudo transversal, realizado com aplicação de questionário sociodemográfico e questionário validado (Escala de Luto Perinatal­ELP) em pais que tiveram perda de seu filho em qualquer período gestacional ou no neonatal. Resultados: 542 pais e mães estavam aptos para participação do estudo e após serem convidados para responder à pesquisa, 104 (19,1%) concordaram em participar. Os 104 participantes foram divididos em dois grupos: perda no primeiro trimestre gestacional (76,9%), e demais trimestres somados ao período neonatal (23,1%). Evidenciou-se predomínio materno das respostas (89,4%) e idade média de 29,1±15,58 anos. A mediana do escore na ELP foi de 90 pontos, não havendo diferença entre as pontuações de acordo com o momento da perda. Primigestas e mulheres com idade <25 anos apresentaram pontuações maiores que as demais (p=0,042 e p=0,047). Ideação suicida foi relatada por 15,4% e 32,7% das mães que se culpam pela morte do bebê e têm escores significativamente maior do que aque-las que não tinham tal sentimento (p<0,0001). Estado civil, escolaridade, situação econômica, religião, realização de pré-natal, etnia e abortamento prévio não apresentaram associação significativa com os escores obtidos na ELP. Conclusão: O luto ocorreu independente da idade gestacional do momento da perda, sendo de maior intensidade nas mulheres mais jovens e naquelas com sentimento de culpa. Medidas devem ser tomadas para minimizar tal sofrimento. (AU)

ABSTRACT: Objectives: To evaluate the degree of grief caused by gestational or neonatal loss in parents, associating with socio-demographic variables. Additionally, compare the degree of grief according to the moment of loss. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted with the application of a sociodemographic questionnaire and a validated questionnaire (Perinatal Grief Scale-PGS) in parents who lost their child at any time during pregnancy or in the neonatal period. Results: 542 fathers and mothers were able to participate in the study and after invited to respond, 104 (19.1%) were willing to participate. The 104 respondents were divided into two groups: loss in the first gestational trimester (76.9%), and other trimesters added to the neonatal period (23.1%). There was a predominance of maternal responses (89.4%) and a mean age was 29.1±15.58 years. The median PGS score was 90 points, with no difference between the scores according to the moment of loss. First pregnant and women under the age of 25 had higher scores than the others (p=0.042 and p=0.047) respectively. Suicidal ideation was reported by 15.4% and 32.7% of mothers who blame themselves for the death of the baby have significantly higher scores than those without such feelings (p <0.0001). Marital status, education, economic status, religion, prenatal care, ethnicity, and previous miscarriage were not significantly associated with the scores obtained in the PGS. Conclusion: Family grief occurred regardless of the moment of loss, being greater in younger women and those with feelings of guilt. Measures must be taken to minimize such suffering. (AU)