MGIDI: a powerful tool to analyze plant multivariate data.

BACKGROUND: Commonly, several traits are assessed in agronomic experiments to better understand the factors under study. However, it is also common to see that even when several traits are available, researchers opt to follow the easiest way by applying univariate analyses and post-hoc tests for mean comparison for each trait, which arouses the hypothesis that the benefits of a multi-trait framework analysis may have not been fully exploited in this area. RESULTS: In this paper, we extended the theoretical foundations of the multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI) to analyze multivariate data either in simple experiments (e.g., one-way layout with few treatments and traits) or complex experiments (e.g., with a factorial treatment structure). We proposed an optional weighting process that makes the ranking of treatments that stands out in traits with higher weights more likely. Its application is illustrated using (1) simulated data and (2) real data from a strawberry experiment that aims to select better factor combinations (namely, cultivar, transplant origin, and substrate mixture) based on the desired performance of 22 phenological, productive, physiological, and qualitative traits. Our results show that most of the strawberry traits are influenced by the cultivar, transplant origin, cultivation substrates, as well as by the interaction between cultivar and transplant origin. The MGIDI ranked the Albion cultivar originated from Imported transplants and the Camarosa cultivar originated from National transplants as the better factor combinations. The substrates with burned rice husk as the main component (70%) showed satisfactory physical proprieties, providing higher water use efficiency. The strengths and weakness view provided by the MGIDI revealed that looking for an ideal treatment should direct the efforts on increasing fruit production of Albion transplants from Imported origin. On the other hand, this treatment has strengths related to productive precocity, total soluble solids, and flesh firmness. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study opens the door to the use of MGIDI beyond the plant breeding context, providing a unique, practical, robust, and easy-to-handle multi-trait-based framework to analyze multivariate data. There is an exciting possibility for this to open up new avenues of research, mainly because using the MGIDI in future studies will dramatically reduce the number of tables/figures needed, serving as a powerful tool to guide researchers toward better treatment recommendations.

UFSM XIKA FW: sugarcane cultivar for southern Brazil

In Brazil, in view of the different soil and climatic conditions of the sugarcane-producing regions, a strategy of creating small breeding programs for the crop is being used. Since 2008, the sugarcane breeding program of the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), has been developing new, better adapted and higher-yielding sugarcane cultivars for the climate conditions of the southern region of Brazil. Cultivar UFSM XIKA FW was developed at the Laboratories of Agroclimatology and Genetic Breeding and Plant Production of the UFSM, Campus Frederico Westphalen. It is the first mutation-induced sugarcane cultivar that was protected by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply, Brazil. The genotype used for mutation induction was cultivar IAC 87-3396, due to its good performance characteristics in the southern region. The mutation mechanism was induced in 2011, by immersing individual buds in a solution of the chemical mutagenic agent methyl methane sulfonate. The best genotypes were selected and tested in plant cane in 2013 and 2018 and in ratoon cane trials in 2014 and 2015. The new cultivar has a higher sugar production potential, and the mean yield of four years was 8.2 t ha-1 higher than that of the control, indicating a high yield potential.

Eugenol and Lippia alba essential oils as effective anesthetics for the Amazonian freshwater stingray Potamotrygon wallacei (Chondrichthyes, Potamotrygonidae).

This study assessed the potential of eugenol and the essential oil of Lippia alba (EOLA) in providing suitable anesthetic induction and recovery times, and their consequent effects on the blood and respiratory physiology, as well as the gill architecture of an Amazonian freshwater stingray, Potamotrygon wallacei, shortly after reaching the recovery and 48 h later. Juveniles of P. wallacei were exposed to increasing concentrations of eugenol (75, 100, 125, and 150 µL L-1) and EOLA (150, 175, 200, and 225 µL L-1) in an immersion bath. Anesthetic induction was found to be faster with the use of eugenol compared to EOLA. On the other hand, the stingrays anesthetized with eugenol displayed a longer recovery time than those exposed to EOLA. The highest concentrations of eugenol caused moderate to severe histological changes in the gills. No significant changes were found for hematocrit and plasma energy metabolites in the stingrays anesthetized with all concentrations of both eugenol and EOLA shortly after reaching the recovery from the ansthesia, when compared to those recovered after 48 h. Investigations regarding the potential use of these natural anesthetics are unprecedented for freshwater stingray species, and 200 µL L-1 EOLA is recommended as the most suitable anesthetic for use in juveniles of P. wallacei.

Endophytic Fungi: Biological Control and Induced Resistance to Phytopathogens and Abiotic Stresses.

Plant diseases cause losses of approximately 16% globally. Thus, management measures must be implemented to mitigate losses and guarantee food production. In addition to traditional management measures, induced resistance and biological control have gained ground in agriculture due to their enormous potential. Endophytic fungi internally colonize plant tissues and have the potential to act as control agents, such as biological agents or elicitors in the process of induced resistance and in attenuating abiotic stresses. In this review, we list the mode of action of this group of microorganisms which can act in controlling plant diseases and describe several examples in which endophytes were able to reduce the damage caused by pathogens and adverse conditions. This is due to their arsenal of molecules generated during the interaction by which they form a kind of biological shield in the plant. Furthermore, considering that endophytic fungi can be an important tool in managing for biotic and abiotic stresses due to the large amount of biologically active substances produced, bioprospecting this class of microorganisms is tending to increase and generate valuable products for agriculture.

Using essential oils to control diseases in strawberries and peaches.

Strawberry and peach crops are of great economic and social importance, mainly due to the added value and income generation for small and medium producers in different regions of Brazil. Some fungal diseases can compromise the final profitability of production, such as those caused by Colletotrichum sp., Botrytis cinerea and Monilinia fructicola fungi. The control of these pathogens mainly occurs through fungicides, which has been generating concern for consumers, as well as biological imbalance and environmental contamination. The need for new alternatives for disease control has been leading to more research being conducted on essential oils. Our scientific questions were based on a compilation of experiments which revealed the efficiency of essential oils in disease control. With the purpose of evaluating the fungicidal activity of Aloysia citriodora, Cymbopogon winterianus, Lippia alba and Ocimum americanum essential oils on the control of fungi, such as Colletotrichum sp., Botrytis cinerea and Monilinia fructicola in vitro and in the post-harvest of fruits, this work was developed at the Federal University of Santa Maria, Frederico Westphalen county (Rio Grande do Sul state), Brazil, from 2016 to 2018. The following evaluations were done: (i) characterization of essential oil doses in vitro for controlling Colletotrichum sp., Botrytis cinerea and Monilinia fructicola fungi, and (ii) determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (Ω, mL/L) of essential oils in post-harvest of strawberries and peaches. All essential oils have high fungicidal activity in vitro experiments. The A. citriodora, L. alba and O. americanum essential oils had a satisfactory effect for post-harvest controlling of Colletotrichum sp. C. winterianus and O. americanum. The essential oils promoted satisfactory post-harvest control of Botrytis cinerea in strawberries. All essential oils have high fungitoxicity against Monilinia fructicola in vitro and post-harvest, highlighting the greater efficiency of A. citriodora essential oil in peaches. The essential oils present high fungitoxicity for controlling diseases in strawberries and peaches, presenting high potential performance for formulating commercial fungicide.

Meteorological factors responsible for the growth and development of sugarcane at two locations in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Fatores meteorológicos responsáveis pelo crescimento e desenvolvimento da cana-de-açúcar em dois locais do Rio Grande do Sul

ABSTRACT: This study determined the meteorological variable that most contribute to the productivity of sugarcane stalks in the northwest and central regions of Rio Grande do Sul. The following sugarcane genotypes were used: UFSM XIKA FW, UFSM LUCI FW, UFSM PRETA FW, UFSM DINA FW, UFSM MARI FW, and IAC87-3396. The UFSM cultivars originate from a mutation process in the breeding program conducted at the Federal University of Santa Maria, Frederico Westphalen campus, and have low temperature tolerance. The productivity-associated morphological characters included in the models were average stem diameter, average stem number per meter of furrow, and average stem height. The following meteorological variables were used: minimum air temperature, precipitation, incident solar radiation, and accumulated thermal sum. Pearson's correlation, canonical correlations, and Stepwise regression were performed between morphological characters and meteorological variables: minimum air temperature had the greatest influence on sugarcane productivity in the studied regions, and accumulated thermal sum showed the highest correlation and contributed most to stem diameter and average stem height. Thus, the models indicated that the growth of sugarcane is positively associated with the accumulated thermal sum, and sugarcane can be cultivated at the studied regions.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a variável meteorológica com maior contribuição na produtividade de colmos de cana-de-açúcar na região noroeste e central do Rio Grande do Sul. Os genótipos de cana-de-açúcar utilizados foram: UFSM XIKA FW, UFSM LUCI FW, UFSM PRETA FW, UFSM DINA FW, UFSM MARI FW, IAC87-3396. As cultivares UFSM são provenientes do processo de mutação do programa de melhoramento da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, campus de Frederico Westphalen, e possuem tolerância a baixas temperaturas. Os caracteres morfológicos responsáveis pela produtividade utilizados nos modelos foram diâmetro médio de colmo, número médio de colmos por metro de sulco e estatura média de colmos. As variáveis meteorológicas utilizadas foram a temperatura mínima do ar, precipitação pluviométrica, radiação solar incidente e soma térmica acumulada. Foi realizada a correlação de Pearson, correlações canônicas e regressão de Stepwise entre os caracteres morfológicos e as variáveis meteorológicas, nos quais foi constado que a temperatura mínima do ar é a variável com maior influência na produtividade da cana-de-açúcar nas regiões estudadas e, que a soma térmica acumulada é a variável com maior correlação e contribuição no diâmetro de colmo e estatura média dos colmos. Desse modo, os modelos indicam que o crescimento da cana-de-açúcar responde de forma positiva a soma térmica acumulada, e as regiões em estudo apresentam potencial para o cultivo da cana-de-açúcar.

Relations between fruit chemical components of biquinho pepper cultivars in different crop seasons.

The species Capsicum chinense, variety biquinho, has been gaining space in cooking, but little is known about its cultivars, mainly related to the chemical composition of fruits. The objective of this study was to characterize the nutritional composition of two biquinho pepper cultivars in different growing seasons and to define the relationships between the variables and their direct and indirect effects. An experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with two cultivars of biquinho pepper, two growing seasons. The variables were plastochron (PLAS), fruit mass (MASS), pH, total soluble solids (Brix), acidity, total phenolic compounds (PHE), carotenoids (CAR), antioxidant potential (ANT), capsaicin (CAP), and dihydrocapsaicin (DIH). The cultivar BRS Moema showed higher levels for chemical compounds, while the cultivar Airetama was the most productive. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to determine relationships among variables, and path analysis was used to determine direct and indirect effects between variables. The chemical composition of biquinho pepper is modified according to cultivar and growing season. Important relationships between pH and CAR, ANT, PHE, CAP, and pH. CAR and PHE have an indirect effect and the MASS and PLAS have a direct effect on the ANT.

Fungicidal potential of essential oils in control of Fusarium spp. and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum / Potencial fungicida de óleos essenciais no controle de Fusarium spp. e Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

The use of highly toxic pesticides to control soil pathogens, such as Fusarium spp. and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum has generated concern, due to the irreversible impacts caused on the environment, in addition to selecting resistant isolates. In this way, essential oils appear as an efficient alternative in control of diseases. Facing the problem of soil pathogens control and high antimicrobial fungicide that essential oils present, this work aimed to evaluate the in vitro fungicidal potential of essential oils in control of Fusarium spp. and S. sclerotiorum. A completely randomized design, factorial scheme 2×4×8 was used, with two isolates (Fusarium spp. and S. sclerotiorum), four essential oils (Aloysia citriodora, Cymbopogon winterianus, Lippia alba and Ocimum americanum), eight essential oil concentrations (0.0; 0.2; 0.4; 0.6; 0.8; 1.0; 1.2 and 1.4 ?L·mL-1), and ten replicates. The essential oils inhibited mycelial growth of the fungi in different concentrations, being their potential justified by the presence of antifungal chemical compounds. Essential oils of A. citriodora, C. winterianus, L. alba and O. americanum present high fungicidal potential, being viable alternatives for formulation of commercial products, boosting the pesticides industry.(AU)

O uso de pesticidas com alta toxicidade para controlar patógenos do solo, como Fusarium spp. e Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, tem gerado preocupação, devido aos impactos irreversíveis causados no meio ambiente, além de selecionar isolados resistentes. Dessa forma, os óleos essenciais surgem como uma alternativa eficiente no controle de doenças. Diante da problemática de controle de patógenos do solo e alto potencial antimicrobiano que os óleos essenciais possuem, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial fungicida de óleos essenciais no controle de Fusarium spp. e S. sclerotiorum, in vitro. Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente randomizado, esquema fatorial 2×4×8, com dois isolados (Fusarium spp. e S. sclerotiorum), quatro óleos essenciais (Aloysia citriodora, Cymbopogon winterianus, Lippia alba e Ocimum americanum) e oito concentrações de óleo essencial (0,0; 0,2; 0,4; 0,6; 0,8; 1,0; 1,2 e 1,4 ?L·mL-1), com dez repetições. Os óleos essenciais inibiram o crescimento micelial dos fungos em diferentes concentrações, sendo seu potencial justificado pela presença de compostos químicos antifúngicos. Os óleos essenciais de A. citriodora, C. winterianus, L. alba e O. americanum apresentam alto potencial fungicida, sendo alternativas viáveis para formulação de produtos comerciais, impulsionando a indústria de agrotóxicos.(AU)

Production of biquinho pepper in different growing seasons characterized by the logistic model and its critical points / Produção de pimenta biquinho em diferentes épocas de cultivo caracterizadas pelo modelo logístico e seus pontos críticos

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to characterize the production of biquinho pepper through the interpretation of parameter estimates from the logistic model and its critical points obtained by the partial derivatives of the function, and to indicate the best cultivar and growing season for subtropical climate sites. For this, a 2x3 factorial experiment was conducted with two cultivars of biquinho pepper (BRS Moema and Airetama biquinho) in three growing seasons (E1: October 2015, E2: November 2015, E3: January 2016). The logistic non-linear model for fruit mass was specified as a function of the accumulated thermal sum, and the critical points were calculated through the partial derivatives of the model, in order to characterize the productive performance of the crop by the biological interpretation of the estimates of the three set parameters. In E3, temperatures close to 0 ºC during the experiment were lethal to the plants, and a linear regression model was used in this case. The production of the cultivars in E1 and E2 were well characterized by the estimated logistic models, and the most productive cultivar was Airetama biquinho in all evaluated seasons. This cultivar also presented higher concentration of production. The two cultivars did not differ significantly with regards to productive precocity. For E3, it was not possible to interpret the parameters in the same way as for E1 and E2, since the use of the linear model did not allow the same interpretations performed for the nonlinear model, reaffirming its applicability horticultural crops of multiple harvests.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar a produção de pimenta biquinho através da interpretação dos parâmetros do modelo Logístico e seus pontos críticos obtidos pelas derivadas parciais da função, bem como indicar qual a melhor cultivar e a melhor época de cultivo para locais de clima subtropical. Conduziu-se um experimento em esquema fatorial 2x3 sendo duas cultivares de pimenta biquinho (BRS Moema e Airetama biquinho), em três épocas de cultivo (E1: outubro de 2015, E2: 01 de novembro 2015 e E3: janeiro de 2016). Ajustou-se o modelo logístico para massa de frutos em função da soma térmica acumulada, e calculou-se os pontos críticos através das derivadas parciais do modelo com a finalidade de caracterizar o desempenho produtivo da cultura através da interpretação biológica destes parâmetros. Temperaturas próximas a 0 ºC durante o experimento foram letais às plantas, e por isso, para a época 3, ajustou-se um modelo de regressão linear. A interpretação dos parâmetros do modelo Logístico e seus pontos críticos permitiram que a produção das cultivares nas épocas 1 e 2 fossem caracterizadas, sendo que a cultivar mais produtiva é Airetama biquinho em todas as épocas de transplante. Essa cultivar também apresenta maior concentração de produção no período. Quanto a precocidade produtiva as duas cultivares não diferiram significativamente. Sobre a época 3, não foi possível interpretar da mesma forma, pois o ajuste do modelo linear não permite as mesmas interpretações realizadas para o modelo não linear, reafirmando a sua aplicabilidade em cultura olerícolas de múltiplas colheitas.

Effect of meteorological elements on the content and composition of Aloysia triphylla (L´Hérit) Britton essential oil / Efecto de los elementos meteorológicos sobre el contenido y la composición del aceite esencial de Aloysia triphylla (L´Hérit) Britton

The concentration and composition of an essential oil can vary according to environmental variations and seasonal periods. The objective of this study was to correlate meteorological elements with the content and concentration of components of Aloysia triphylla essential oil, for the four seasons of the year. The experiment was conducted in a plastic greenhouse of the UFSM, Frederico Westphalen campus ­ RS, Brazil, in a complete randomized blocks design during the four seasons, with three repetitions. The meteorological data were collected with the aid of a compact meteorological station, in order to characterize the environment in which the species was conducted. The evaluations were carried out at the middle date of each season. It was observed a correlation between the meteorological variables with the essential oil production and its components. According to the analysis, there influence of the temperature on the essential oil contents, considering that the maximum temperature shows a direct positive influence on the concentration of limonene and negative for spathulenol.

El contenido y la composición de un aceite esencial pueden variar según las variaciones ambientales y los períodos estacionales. El objetivo de este estudio fue correlacionar los elementos meteorológicos con el contenido y la concentración de los componentes del aceite esencial de Aloysia triphylla, para las cuatro estaciones del año. El experimento se realizó en un invernadero de plástico de la UFSM, campus de Frederico Westphalen - RS, Brasil, en un diseño completo de bloques al azar durante las cuatro estaciones, con tres repeticiones. Los datos meteorológicos se recopilaron con la ayuda de una estación meteorológica compacta, para caracterizar el entorno en el que se realizó la especie. Las evaluaciones se llevaron a cabo en la fecha media de cada temporada. Se observó una correlación entre las variables meteorológicas con la producción de aceites esenciales y sus componentes. De acuerdo con el análisis, existe una influencia de la temperatura en los contenidos de aceites esenciales, considerando que la temperatura máxima muestra una influencia positiva directa sobre la concentración de limoneno y negativa para el espatulenol.

In vitro propagation of lemon verbena: a plant native of South America

In vitropropagation increases the supply and commercialisation of products of interest. For this, optimising the growing conditions and the composition of the culture medium is crucial to benefit the full development of the plants. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the in vitropropagation of Aloysia triphyllaon different culture media, with varying agar and sucrose concentrations. The experiment was conducted as a completely randomised design, 3×3×3 factorial scheme, with three culture media (MS, JADS and WPM), three sucrose concentrations (8, 10 and 12 g L-1) and three agar concentrations (15, 30 and 45 g L-1), with three replicates each and experimental units composed of one plant per replicate. After 25 days of cultivation, the fresh and dry mass of the plants, numbers of leaves, numbers of nodes, plant lengths, numbers of oxidised leaves, hyperhydricity and acclimatization percentages were evaluated. The WPM medium resulted in a reduced fresh mass, reflecting in the low hyperhydricity observed in the explants, and favoured the acclimatization of the plants. Thus, the WPM medium with sucrose (15 g L-1) and agar (12 g L-1) is recommended as the medium most suitable for the in vitroregeneration of Aloysia triphylla.

Involvement of HPI-axis in anesthesia with Lippia alba essential oil citral and linalool chemotypes: gene expression in the secondary responses in silver catfish.

In teleost fish, stress initiates a hormone cascade along the hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis to provoke several physiological reactions in order to maintain homeostasis. In aquaculture, a number of factors induce stress in fish, such as handling and transport, and in order to reduce the consequences of this, the use of anesthetics has been an interesting alternative. Essential oil (EO) of Lippia alba is considered to be a good anesthetic; however, its distinct chemotypes have different side effects. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate, in detail, the expression of genes involved with the HPI axis and the effects of anesthesia with the EOs of two chemotypes of L. alba (citral EO-C and linalool EO-L) on this expression in silver catfish, Rhamdia quelen. Anesthesia with the EO-C is stressful for silver catfish because there was an upregulation of the genes directly related to stress: slc6a2, crh, hsd20b, hspa12a, and hsp90. In this study, it was also possible to observe the importance of the hsd11b2 gene in the response to stress by handling. The use of EO-C as anesthetics for fish is not recommended, but, the use of OE-L is indicated for silver catfish as it does not cause major changes in the HPI axis.

Growth of tree species and sugarcane production in agroforestry systems.

The appropriate choice of tree species and planting arrangement for use in agroforestry systems is very important in order to maximize productivity and sustainability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth of five tree species and its effect on sugarcane yields in different planting arrays in agroforestry systems. The study was conducted from 2007 to 2011 in the city of Frederico Westphalen, RS, Brazil. The five studied tree species were: guapuruvu (Schizolobium parahybae), bracatinga (Mimosa scabrella), canafístula (Peltophorum dubium), angico-vermelho (Parapiptadenia rigida) and eucalypt (Eucalyptus urophylla S.T. Blake x Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden). Root collar diameter, diameter at breast height, plant height and mean diameter of crown were evaluated for four years with an interval of 90 days between assessments. Yield data for sugarcane were collected in June 2009, 2010, and 2011. Eucalypt presented the greatest root collar diameter values, diameter at breast height, crown development, and plant height. Angico-vermelho, canafístula and eucalypt presented a higher growth in the strip system, while guapuruvu presented the greater growth in the line system. Bracatinga was not influenced by an arrangement in the agroforestry systems. Sugarcane presented greater production in the understory of angico and bracatinga.

Citral and linalool chemotypes of Lippia alba essential oil as anesthetics for fish: a detailed physiological analysis of side effects during anesthetic recovery in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen).

The viability using Lippia alba essential oil as an anesthetic for fish was studied, particularly with respect to physiological effects during recovery. Anesthesia of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) using 100 and 300 µL L-1 of two different chemotypes of L. alba essential oil (citral EO-C and linalool EO-L) prevented the increase of plasma cortisol levels caused by handling, but did not avoid alterations in energetic metabolism. Silver catfish did not have increased the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive species in the kidney and liver during recovery after anesthesia with either EO, avoiding lipid damage. On the other hand, fish anesthetized with EO-C showed higher protein carbonylation levels, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase activities and non-protein thiol group levels in both tissues compared to controls. Our results suggest that both oils show antioxidant capacity, but anesthesia with EO-L does not cause damage to lipids or proteins, only temporary changes, typical of physiological adjustments during recovery from anesthesia. Therefore, EO-L is an effective anesthetic for silver catfish with fewer side effects than EO-C.

Antimicrobial and synergistic activity of essential oils of Aloysia triphylla and Lippia alba against Aeromonas spp.

The objective of this study was to identify and quantify the chemical constituents, as well as the antimicrobial, antibiofilm and synergistic activity with florfenicol of essential oils of Aloysia triphylla (EOAT) and Lippia alba (EOLA) against Aeromonas spp. The antimicrobial activity of EOAT and EOLA was verified by the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and the action against biofilm forming and consolidated biofilm. The synergistic activity of EOAT and EOLA with florfenicol was performed by the checkerboard technique. The main components of EOAT were α-citral (39.91%), E-carveol (25.36%) and limonene (21.52%), while that of EOLA was linalool (81.64%). Aeromonas spp. isolates showed sensitivity to both essential oils with MBC between 195.3 and 3125.0 µL/mL. Two isolates were classified as non-producing, three as moderate and 16 as weak biofilm producers. The EOAT and EOLA interfered in the biofilm formation, from moderate to weak producers, but did not cause any interference in the consolidated biofilm. The EOAT and EOLA combined with florfenicol showed synergistic effect and reduced MBC. The EOAT and EOLA have potential for application as antimicrobial agents, as they interfere in the initial formation of biofilm and when combined with florfenicol, present a synergic effect with a reduction in the minimum dose of the antibiotic.

GLUT4 Is Not Necessary for Overload-Induced Glucose Uptake or Hypertrophic Growth in Mouse Skeletal Muscle.

GLUT4 is necessary for acute insulin- and contraction-induced skeletal muscle glucose uptake, but its role in chronic muscle loading (overload)-induced glucose uptake is unknown. Our goal was to determine whether GLUT4 is required for overload-induced glucose uptake. Overload was induced in mouse plantaris muscle by unilateral synergist ablation. After 5 days, muscle weights and ex vivo [3H]-2-deoxy-d-glucose uptake were assessed. Overload-induced muscle glucose uptake and hypertrophic growth were not impaired in muscle-specific GLUT4 knockout mice, demonstrating that GLUT4 is not necessary for these processes. To assess which transporters mediate overload-induced glucose uptake, chemical inhibitors were used. The facilitative GLUT inhibitor cytochalasin B, but not the sodium-dependent glucose cotransport inhibitor phloridzin, prevented overload-induced uptake demonstrating that GLUTs mediate this effect. To assess which GLUT, hexose competition experiments were performed. Overload-induced [3H]-2-deoxy-d-glucose uptake was not inhibited by d-fructose, demonstrating that the fructose-transporting GLUT2, GLUT5, GLUT8, and GLUT12 do not mediate this effect. To assess additional GLUTs, immunoblots were performed. Overload increased GLUT1, GLUT3, GLUT6, and GLUT10 protein levels twofold to fivefold. Collectively, these results demonstrate that GLUT4 is not necessary for overload-induced muscle glucose uptake or hypertrophic growth and suggest that GLUT1, GLUT3, GLUT6, and/or GLUT10 mediate overload-induced glucose uptake.

Molecular phylogeny and forms of photosynthesis in tribe Salsoleae (Chenopodiaceae).

While many C4 lineages have Kranz anatomy around individual veins, Salsoleae have evolved the Salsoloid Kranz anatomy where a continuous dual layer of chlorenchyma cells encloses the vascular and water-storage tissue. With the aim of elucidating the evolution of C4 photosynthesis in Salsoleae, a broadly sampled molecular phylogeny and anatomical survey was conducted, together with biochemical, microscopic, and physiological analyses of selected photosynthetic types. From analyses of photosynthetic phenotypes, a model for evolution of this form of C4 was compared with models for evolution of Kranz anatomy around individual veins. A functionally C3 proto-Kranz phenotype (Proto-Kranz Sympegmoid) and intermediates with a photorespiratory pump (Kranz-like Sympegmoid and Kranz-like Salsoloid types) are considered crucial transitional steps towards C4 development. The molecular phylogeny provides evidence for C3 being the ancestral photosynthetic pathway but there is no phylogenetic evidence for the ancestry of C3-C4 intermediacy with respect to C4 in Salsoleae. Traits considered advantageous in arid conditions, such as annual life form, central sclerenchyma in leaves, and reduction of surface area, evolved repeatedly in Salsoleae. The recurrent evolution of a green stem cortex taking over photosynthesis in C4 clades of Salsoleae concurrent with leaf reduction was probably favoured by the higher productivity of the C4 cycle.

Essential oil of Lippia alba in the transport of Nile tilapia / Óleo essencial de Lippia alba no transporte de tilápia-do-Nilo

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to examine the action of the essential oil of Lippia alba (EOLA) in the stress response for transport of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus . The fish were transported into three treatments (in triplicate): control, 10 and 20 µL L-1 EOLA, with loading density of 15 fish/plastic bags for 8h. Plasma glucose levels were significantly decreased in fish exposed to 20µL L-1 EOLA in comparison with the control group and fish exposed to 10µL L-1 EOLA, but the plasma cortisol, lactate and paraoxonase levels were similar. Un-ionized ammonia and ventilatory rate demonstrated a significant reduction in the treatments with the use of EOLA. In conclusion the use of 20µL L-1 EOLA is indicated for Nile tilapia transport.

RESUMO: O estudo objetivou verificar a ação do óleo essencial de Lippia alba (EOLA) na resposta de estresse para o transporte de tilápia-do-Nilo Oreochromis niloticus . Os peixes foram transportados por 8h sob três tratamentos (triplicata): controle, 10 e 20µL L-1 EOLA. Níveis plasmáticos de glicose foram significativamente menores em peixes expostos a 20µL L-1 de EOLA, em relação com o grupo controle e os peixes expostos a 10µL L-1 de EOLA, mas, cortisol, lactato e paraoxonase plasmáticos foram similares. Amônia não-ionizada e taxa de ventilação demonstraram redução significativa nos tratamentos com EOLA. Conclui-se que o uso de 20µL L-1 de EOLA é indicado para o transporte de tilápia-do-Nilo.

Estimated phyllochron in low tunnel cultivated strawberry cultivars / Estimativa de filocrono em cultivares de morangueiro conduzidas em túnel baixo

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to determine phyllochron in strawberry cultivars, from two origins during two crop years, conducted in low tunnel. Experiments were conducted at the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, campus Frederico Westphalen (CESNORS/UFSM), Brazil, evaluating 'Camarosa', 'Camino Real' and 'Albion' strawberry cultivars. During the 2012 crop year, seedlings from Chile and Pelotas/RS, Brazil were evaluated, for the 2013 crop year, only seedlings from Chile were submitted to evaluations. In order to determine the phyllochron, twice a week the numbers of leaves (NL) of the main crown were counted and a regression between NL and accumulated thermal time (ATT) was held. The experimental design was a complete randomized block, with three repetitions with the evaluation of 12 plants per experimental unity, consisting of a factorial. For 2012 and 2013 crop years, it is possible to conclude that 'Camarosa' and 'Camino Real' cultivars required higher accumulation of degree-days (ºC day-1) to issue each successive leaf than cv. 'Albion', which, in turn, presented higher rates of leaf emergence, being considered earlier. Regarding to origin, seedlings from cv. 'Albion' from Chile presented lower total phyllochron values and for samples from Pelotas, no difference among cultivars was observed.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o filocrono, em cultivares de morangueiro, de duas procedências e em dois anos agrícolas, conduzidas em túnel baixo. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em área da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, campus Frederico Westphalen (CESNORS/UFSM), constando da avaliação das cultivares 'Camarosa', 'Camino Real' e 'Albion'. Para o ano de 2012, avaliaram-se mudas procedentes do Chile e da região de Pelotas/RS e, para o ano de 2013, apenas mudas chilenas. Na determinação do filocrono, foi realizada contagem, duas vezes por semana, do número de folhas (NF) da coroa principal e, posteriormente, realizou-se regressão linear entre o NF e a soma térmica acumulada (STa). O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados, com três repetições, sendo cada unidade experimental composta por 12 plantas de avaliação, em esquema fatorial. Para os anos de 2012 e 2013, os resultados obtidos mostram que as cultivares 'Camarosa' e 'Camino Real' necessitam de maior acúmulo de graus dia para emissão de cada folha sucessiva do que a cv. 'Albion', que, por sua vez, apresenta maiores taxas de emissão de folhas, podendo ser considerada como mais precoce. Com relação à procedência, verifica-se que as mudas da cv. 'Albion' provenientes do Chile apresentam menores valores de filocrono total. Para a procedência Pelotas, não foi observada diferença entre as cultivares.