bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biosolids conditioning and the availability of Cu and Zn for rice
Authors: Pires Adriana Marlene Moreno , Mattiazzo Maria Emília
Published: September 2007

Sewage treatment process is a factor to be considered for biosolid use in agriculture. The greatest sewage treatment facility of São Paulo State (Barueri/SP) altered in the year 2000 of its sludge treatment. The addition of ferric chloride and calcium oxide was substituted by the addition of polymers. This change can modify heavy metal phytoavailability. A green house experiment, using 2 soils treated with biosolids (three with and one without polymers with and without polymers) was performed to evaluate Cu and Zn phytoavailability using rice (Oryza sativa L.) as test plant. Three kilograms of two soils (Haphorthox abd Hapludox) were placed in pots and the equivalent to 50 Mg ha-1 (dry basis) of biosolid was added and incorporated. The statistical design adopted was completely randomized experiment, with five treatments (control plus four different biossolids) each soil and four replications. Soil pH before and after harvesting, Cu and Zn concentrations in shoot were evaluated. Tukey (5%) was used to compare the results. DTPA, HCl 0.1 mol L-1 and Mehlich 3 were used to estimate soil available Cu and Zn. Amounts extracted were correlated to those presented in rice shoot, to evaluate the efficiency of predicting Cu and Zn phytoavailabilities. Biosolids with polymers presented higher Cu and Zn phytoavailabilities, possibly due to the lower pH of these residues. In this case soil presented lowest values of pH and plant shoot had highest. All extractants were representative of Cu and Zn availability to rice plants.
Nitrogen-15 labeling of Crotalaria juncea green manure
Authors: Ambrosano Edmilson José , Trivelin Paulo Cesar Ocheuze , Cantarella Heitor , Rossetto Raffaella , Muraoka Takashi , Bendassolli José Albertino , Ambrosano Gláucia Maria Bovi , Tamiso Luciano Grassi , Vieira Felipe de Campos , Prada Neto Ithamar
Published: September 2007

Most studies dealing with the utilization of 15N labeled plant material do not present details about the labeling technique. This is especially relevant for legume species since biological nitrogen fixation difficults plant enrichment. A technique was developed for labeling leguminous plant tissue with 15N to obtain labeled material for nitrogen dynamics studies. Sun hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) was grown on a Paleudalf, under field conditions. An amount of 58.32 g of urea with 70.57 ± 0.04 atom % 15N was sprayed three times on plants grown on eight 6-m²-plots. The labelled material presented 2.412 atom % 15N in a total dry matter equivalent to 9 Mg ha-1 This degree of enrichment enables the use of the green manure in pot or field experiments requiring 15N-labeled material.
Eclosion time and larval behavior of the tomato fruit borer, Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)
Authors: Eiras Alvaro E. , Blackmer Jacquelyn L.
Published: September 2007

In several regions of Brazil, Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Guenée) is one of the most serious tomato pests. The moth lays eggs on the calyx or developing fruit, and shortly after eclosion larvae penetrate into the fruit, where they remain until pupation. Once larvae have entered the fruits, insecticides and biological control agents are relatively ineffective. Because N. elegantalis is most susceptible to conventional treatments when the larvae are outside the host tissues (or fruit), it would be advantageous to know the time required for egg development and the length of time that the larvae spend on the surface of the fruit. To answer these questions detailed behavioral studies were untaken. Eggs were collected from the field and maintained in an environmental chamber at 20°C, 75 ± 5% R.H., and a 12L:12D photoperiod. The time of egg eclosion was recorded with a video camera, whereas larval behavior and time required to enter the fruit were determined by direct observations. The majority of eggs (93%) hatched within the first two hours after the beginning of photophase. Larvae spent 51.1 ± 31.1 (mean ± SEM) min on the surface of the fruits. Once a suitable site was identified, larvae required an additional 23.8 ± 19.4 min to completely enter the fruit. Eighty-six percent of the larvae were successful in penetrating the fruit. Of the larvae that bored into the fruit, 42% selected the upper portion, 18% selected the middle portion, and 40% selected the lower portion.
Monitoring leaf area index at watershed level through NDVI from Landsat-7/ETM+ data
Authors: Xavier Alexandre Cândido , Vettorazzi Carlos Alberto
Published: September 2007

Leaf area index (LAI) is an important parameter of the vegetation canopy, and is used, for instance, to estimate evapotranspiration, an important component of the hydrological cycle. This work analyzed the relationship between LAI, measured in field, and NDVI from four dates (derived from Landsat-7/ETM+ data), and with such vegetation index, to generate and analyze LAI maps of the study area for the diverse dates. LAI data were collected monthly in the field with LAI-2000 equipment in stands of sugar cane, pasture, corn, eucalypt, and riparian forest. The relationships between LAI and NDVI were adjusted by a potential model; 57% to 72% of the NDVI variance were explained by the LAI. LAI maps generated by empirical relationships between LAI and NDVI showed reasonable precision (standard error of LAI estimate ranged from 0.42 to 0.87 m² m-2). The mean LAI value of each monthly LAI map was shown to be related to the total precipitation in the three previous months.
Organic and conventional tomato cropping systems
Authors: Bettiol Wagner , Ghini Raquel , Galvão José Abrahão Haddad , Siloto Romildo Cássio
Published: September 2007

Among several alternative agricultural systems have been developed, organic agriculture has deserved increasing interest from. The objective of this paper was comparing both organic (OS) and conventional (CS) tomato cropping systems for varieties Débora and Santa Clara, through an interdisciplinary study. The experiment was set up in a randomized blocks design with six replicates, in a dystrophic Ultisol plots measuring 25 ´ 17 m. Cropping procedures followed by either local conventional or organic growers practices recommendations. Fertilization in the OS was done with organic compost, single superphosphate, dolomitic limes (5L, 60 g, and 60 g per pit), and sprayed twice a week with biofertilizer. Fertilization in the CS was done with 200 g 4-14-8 (NPK) per pit and, after planting, 30 g N, 33 g K and 10.5 g P per pit; from 52 days after planting forth, plants were sprayed once a week with foliar fertilizer. In the CS, a blend of insecticides, fungicides and miticides was sprayed twice a week, after planting. In the OS, extracts of black pepper, garlic, and Eucalyptus; Bordeaux mixture, and biofertilizer, were applied twice a week to control diseases and pests. Tomato spotted wilt was the most important disease in the OS, resulting in smaller plant development, number of flower clusters and yield. In the CS, the disease was kept under control, and the population of thrips, the virus vector, occurred at lower levels than in the OS. Variety Santa Clara presented greater incidence of the viral disease, and for this reason had a poorer performance than 'Débora', especially in the OS. Occurrence of Liriomyza spp. was significantly smaller in the OS, possibly because of the greater frequency of Chrysoperla. The CS had smaller incidence of leaf spots caused by Septoria lycopersici and Xanthomonas vesicatoria. However, early blight and fruit rot caused by Alternaria solani occurred in larger numbers. No differences were observed with regard to the communities of fungi and bacteria in the phylloplane, and to the occurrence of weeds.
Internal quality of eggs coated with whey protein concentrate
Authors: Alleoni Ana Cláudia Carraro , Antunes Aloísio José
Published: September 2007

The functional properties of foods can be preserved when they are coated with edible films, since both the loss of moisture and the transport of O2 and CO2 are reduced. The objectives of this work were: to compare weight loss, Haugh units, and albumen pH between fresh eggs and eggs coated with whey protein concentrate (WPC), under six storage periods (3, 7, 10, 14, 21 and 28 days), at 25°C. During the entire storage period, regardless of whether the eggs were coated or not, the Haugh unit values and the weight loss decreased, and differences between values from the first to the last period were lower for coated eggs. Albumen pH increased. The Haugh unit values for coated eggs were similar to those found in literature references when the same storage period was considered.
Digestive and functional properties of a partially hydrolyzed cassava solid waste with high insoluble fiber concentration
Authors: Raupp Dorivaldo da Silva , Rosa Danielle Amorim , Marques Silvia Helena de Paula , Banzatto David Ariovaldo
Published: September 2007

Starch factories generate large amounts of cassava solid waste. A small amount is utilized for animal feed but most of it is discharged with deleterious effects to the envirounment. A edible food with a high content of insoluble dietary fiber (60.9%), named "partially hidrolyzed cassava waste" (PHCW), was prepared from industrial cassava solid waste by an enzymatic process. PHCW or wheat bran (WB) were fed to model rats and both promoted digestive function effects, but PHCW produced the greatest effect. The insoluble fiber constituent from PHCW (and not the soluble fiber), promoted the greatest fecal bulking, fecal weight and defecation frequency in rats, as compared to WB. Such results indicate that the partially hydrolyzed cassava waste presents digestive function properties which allow it to be used as an adequate source of insoluble dietary fiber in the formulation of functional food for human nutrition.
Microsatellite markers for identification of Prunus spp. rootstocks
Authors: Bianchi Valmor João , Sansavini Silviero , Fachinello José Carlos
Published: September 2007

Cultivar characterization for fruit trees certification requires fast, efficient and reliable techniques. Microsatellite markers (SSR) were used in the molecular characterization of 29 Prunus spp. rootstocks. The DNA from the rootstocks was analyzed using five pre-selected SSR primers (UDP96-005, UDP96-008, UDP96-013, UDP96-18 and UDP98-414) and revealed 81 alleles, which allowed each genotype to be identified. The UDP96-005 marker generated the most information, i.e., 23 well-distributed, polymorphic alleles among all genotypes. The 21 polymorphisms produced by UDP96-013 occurred mainly as a result of high degree of variability among genotypes of the Prunophora subgenus. In the dendrogram, the five markers allowed the 29 rootstocks to be grouped into subgroups corresponding to the subgenus they belong to, either Prunophora or Amygdalus. Suitable cophenetic correlation coefficient (r=0.82) and good bootstrapping fitting value among the Prunophora subgroup cultivars were obtained. SSR markers proved to be efficient and reliable for the molecular characterization of Prunus spp. rootostocks.
Nitrogen fertilization and soil management of winter common bean crop
Authors: Silva Matheus Gustavo da , Arf Orivaldo , Sá Marco Eustáquio de , Rodrigues Ricardo Antônio Ferreira , Buzetti Salatiér
Published: September 2007

The adoption of appropriate cultural management, which includes nitrogen fertilization and soil tillage system, is very important to increase the efficiency of plant in the utilization of available resource. This research work was conducted for three years aiming at evaluating the effect of sidedressing nitrogen application (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 kg ha-1) on winter bean crop under different systems of soil management (conventional, minimal, and no-tillage systems). The experimental design was a randomized block arranged in strips relative to tillage systems, with random distribution of nitrogen doses into each strip, with four replications. Grain yield was affected by nitrogen rates and significant increases were obtained with the application of 75 to 100 kg N ha-1. Soil management did not affect grain yield, although the "minimum system" provided better results in the two first years.
Temperature and pH of the nutrient solution on wheat primary root growth
Authors: Camargo Carlos Eduardo de Oliveira , Ferreira Filho Antonio Wilson Penteado , Salomon Marcus Vinicius
Published: September 2007

Primary root growth is very important for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop in upland conditions in the State of São Paulo. Fourteen wheat genotypes (mutant lines and cultivars) were evaluated for primary root growth during 7 and 15 days of development in complete and aerated nutrient solutions, in the laboratory. In the first experiment, solutions with three pH values (4.0, 5.0 and 6.0) at constant temperature (24 ± 1°C), and in the second experiment, solutions with the same pH (4.0) but with three temperatures (18°C ± 1°C, 24°C ± 1°C and 30°C ± 1°C) were used. High genetic variability was observed among the evaluated genotypes in relation to primary root growth in the first stages of development in nutrient solutions independent of pH, temperature and growth period. Genotypes 6 (BH-1146) and 13 (IAC-17), tolerant to Al3+ showed genetic potential for root growth in the first stages of development (7 and 15 days), regardless of nutrient solution temperature and pH. Genotypes 14 (IAC-24 M), 15 (IAC-24), 17 (MON"S" / ALD "S") ´ IAC-24 M2, 18 (MON"S" / ALD "S") ´ IAC-24 M3 and 24 (KAUZ"S" / IAC-24 M3), tolerant to Al3+, showed reduced root growth under the same conditions.
Melissopalynology in Brazil: a review of pollen analysis of honeys, propolis and pollen loads of bees
Authors: Barth Ortrud Monika
Published: September 2007

This paper reviews current knowledge on the occurrence of several types of pollen grains in the sediments of honey samples, propolis and bee loads of Apiinae and Meliponinae in Brazil. After a short historical introduction about research activities in Melissopalynology using Brazilian samples, bee products were analyzed in respect to the greater Brazilian regions (South, Southeast, Northeast and North), emphasizing monofloral honeys and the green propolis. Numerous bibliographic references and a short glossary of the technical terms used is presented.
Dietary canitine maintains energy reserves and delays fatigue of exercised african catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fed high fat diets
Authors: Ozório Rodrigo , Van Ginneken Vincent , van den Thillart Guido , Verstegen Martin , Verreth Johan
Published: September 2007

Lipids, together with proteins, are traditionally considered as primary fuels during aerobic swimming. The effects of dietary fat and carnitine supplements and exercise on the energy metabolism of juvenile fish were investigated. One hundred African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were fed four isonitrogenous diets containing a fat level of 100 or 190 g kg-1 diet and one of the two levels of carnitine (15 and 1000 mg kg-1). Fish grew from 61 to 162 g in 10 wk. Thereafter, 6 fish per group swam vigorously for 3 h and the results were compared with unexercised groups. Fish receiving 1,000 mg carnitine accumulated 2- to 3-fold more carnitine than fish receiving 15 mg carnitine. Plasma acyl-carnitine level was affected by an interaction between dietary treatment and exercise (P < 0.05). Adenosine triphosphate and phosphocreatine concentrations were higher in the white muscle (WM) of exercised fish fed the high-carnitine supplements, compared with the low-carnitine fed fish (P < 0.05). Adenilate energy charge indexes were higher and ammonia concentrations were lower in WM of fish fed high-carnitine and high-fat diets. Dietary carnitine supplements may be needed in growing fish when dietary lipid level is high. In that case extra dietary carnitine can maintain the body energy reserves at adequate level when fish is exposed to a short-term, exhaustive exercise, a physiologic stress common both in nature and in intensive aquaculture systems.
Fermentative and microbiological profile of marandu-grass ensiled with citrus pulp pellets
Authors: Bernardes Thiago Fernandes , Reis Ricardo Andrade , Moreira Andréia Luciane
Published: September 2007

High-wet roughages with low content of soluble carbohydrates, such as tropical grasses, should be inappropriate for producing silages of adequate quality. This study aimed to evaluate the fermentative and microbiological profiles of Marandu-grass ensilaged with pelleted citric pulp (PCP). Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst ex. A. Rich) Stapf cv. Marandu with 58 days of vegetative growth was harvested for producing experimental silages in PVC silos provided with Bünsen valves and density capacity of 900 kg m-3. Treatments were three PCP levels (0, 50 and 100 g kg-1 of fresh forage) and seven times (1, 4, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 56 days) after sealing. PCP inclusion increased soluble carbohydrate concentrations by 15 to 20% and reduced pH (5.3 to 4.2) and N-NH3 levels of experimental silages. An increase of the population size of the enterobacterium (mean of 3 CFU g-1) was observed only at the first day of fermentation, small growth (mean 0.5 of CFU g-1) of clostridium and the dominance of homo in relation to hetero-fermentative bacteria. Citric pulp addition during Marandu-grass ensilage was benefic, its utilization being recommended, especially when associated with economical advantages.
Polymer coating, germination and vigor of broccoli seeds
Authors: Almeida Celina de , Rocha Sandra Cristina dos Santos , Razera Luiz Fernandes
Published: September 2007

Brassica oleracea var italica occupies a special place in the internal and external market of vegetables seeds. Vegetables producers demand seeds with high degree of purity, germination and vigor, since seeds' quality is the basis for the success of the production. In this work, broccoli seeds were coated in a spouted bed, by an aqueous suspension of hidroxy-ethyl-cellulose. Effects of the operating variables: spouting air temperature, atomizing air pressure and coating suspension flow rate over the dependent variables: seeds germination, seeds accelerated aging and the speed of seeds germination in soil, were investigated in a factorial scheme trial. The maximum processing time was 120 min. A totally randomized experiment evaluated and compared seeds germination and vigor of the coated and non-coated seeds. There was no identifiable, pronounced difference on germination of coated and non-coated seeds, accelerated aging of seeds, and speed of seeds germination in the soil. Coating with hidroxy-ethyl-cellulose in the spouted bed did not alter broccoli seeds physiologic quality. The surface of coated seeds presented satisfactory distribution and spreading of the polymer film, uniform and individual coating and homogeneous aspect.
Traffic effects on the soil preconsolidation pressure due to eucalyptus harvest operations
Authors: Dias Junior Moacir de Souza , Leite Fernando Palha , Lasmar Júnior Edson , Araújo Junior Cezar Francisco
Published: September 2007

One of the limitations for reaching sustainable forest development is related to the traffic of machines and vehicles during harvest operations and wood transport, which may cause soil structure degradation. Seeking a way to analyze this problem, the objective of this study was to determine the traffic effects due to harvest operations and wood transport, on the preconsolidation pressure (sigmap) in a Typic Acrustox cultivated with eucalyptus. This study was conducted using undisturbed soil samples collected at the 0.1-0.125 m depth. Undisturbed soil samples were used in the uniaxial compression tests. Soil sampling consisted of two stages, before and after the mechanized harvest operations. The traffic effects on the sigmap in the dry season indicated that the soil compaction process was neither evident nor important. However, in the rainy season the traffic effects on the sigmap indicated that the operations performed with Harvester and Forwarder caused greater soil compaction than those with Motorized Saw and Manual, which caused less soil compaction.
Efficiency of maize cultivars for zinc uptake and use
Authors: Furlani Ângela Maria Cangiani , Furlani Pedro Roberto , Meda Anderson Rotter , Duarte Aildson Pereira
Published: September 2007

Zinc deficiency usually occurs in maize grown in Brazilian acidic soils. The aim of this study was to evaluate commercial maize cultivars for their Zn uptake and utilization efficiency. A greenhouse experiment using nutrient solution with young plants was carried out at Campinas, State of São Paulo, Brazil, in 2002. Treatments consisted of: 0.0; 0.1; 0.2; 0.4 and 0.8 mg L-1 Zn in the main plots and 24 commercial maize cultivars in the subplots, in a randomized complete block design. Zn concentration in shoot dry matter (SDM) ranged from 28.4 to 41.6 mg kg-1 among cultivars, clearly indicating a dilution effect, since a negative relation between SDM and plant height was shown. Total Zn-shoot content was a good parameter to discriminate cultivars, once correlated with plant height and SDM (r = 0.66** and r = 0.67**, respectively). Analysis of variance and polynomial regression for total Zn-shoot content was highly significant among cultivars and for the interaction cultivar vs Zn-concentration. Plants under low Zn presented up to three-fold differences among efficiency index values (E.I. = 8.59 to 26.42 mg² DM mug-1 Zn). The results with young plants indicated six maize cultivars classified as Zn-efficient and responsive (AG 7575, Tork, AL Bandeirante, AL 34, AGN 2012, Master) and six cultivars classified as efficient non-responsive (P30F33, P30K75, P30F80, AS 1533, DOW 8420 e AL 30). Other nutrient concentrations in the SDM were within normal limits (K, P, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn) for maize young plants.
Biosolids effectiveness to yield ryegrass based on their nitrogen content
Authors: Corrêa Rodrigo Studart , White Robert E. , Weatherley Anthony J.
Published: September 2007

Biosolids have been reported to increase yields and supply plant nutrients. However, complying with health and environmental standards is necessary before applying biosolids to land. Thus, sludge stabilization is required to make biosolids safe enough for their agricultural use. Side effects of stabilization processes on agronomic features of sewage sludge are not quite known, although their understanding is essential for biosolids management. Based on a model equivalent to the Mitscherlich equation, effects of the most common processes for sludge stabilization were evaluated (composting, liming, heat-drying and solar irradiation) in relation to the agronomic effectiveness of biosolids to yield Lolium perenne L. on two tropical soils, with NH4H2PO4 as a reference. Sewage stabilization processes have affected the ability of biosolids to promote plant growth. Their effectiveness was usually higher than fertilizer in a Spodosol and lower in an Oxisol. Solar-irradiated sludge presented the highest effectiveness among the biosolids and reached peak yields at the lowest application rate independent on soil type. Biosolids could efficiently substitute fertilizers and even yield more plant dry matter than the NH4H2PO4 reference, depending on the biosolid and soil type.
Occurence and biological aspects of the clitoria tree psyllid in Brazil
Authors: Gondim Junior Manoel Guedes Corrêa , Barros Reginaldo , Silva Fernando Rodrigues da , Vasconcelos Geraldo José Nascimento de
Published: September 2007

Clitoria fairchildiana (Howard) is a tree largely distributed in Brazil, used for urban arborization. In April 2001, the psyllid Euphalerus clitoriae Burckhardt & Guajará was reported on this plant in the metropolitan areas of Recife, PE, Brazil. This report records the occurrence of E. clitoriae and studies some of its biological aspects in this area. With this purpose, C. fairchildiana leaves were sampled weekly, and E. clitoriae nymphs as well as Aprostocetus sp. larvae and nymphs were collected and counted. The E. clitoriae population ranged from 2 to 90 nymphs per leaflet. The Aprostocetus sp. percentage of parasitism ranged from 3 to 24%. The frequency curve for pygidium width ranged from 120 to 140; 200 to 240; 300 to 380; 460 to 580, and 720 to 820 mm for the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth instars, respectively. The incubation period for E. clitoriae eggs lasted 7.6 days. The nymphal stage lasted 5.7; 4.5; 4.8; 5.0, and 6.1 days for the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth instars, respectively. Development time from egg to adult was 33.7 days. Female longevity 8.6 days, with a daily fecundity of 118 eggs. The total viability of the immature stage was 74%, and the sex ratio was 0.5.
Plant bioassays to assess toxicity of textile sludge compost
Authors: Araújo Ademir Sérgio Ferreira , Monteiro Regina Teresa Rosim
Published: September 2007

Composting of industrial wastes is increasing because of recycling requirements set on organic wastes. The evaluation of toxicity of these wastes by biological testing is therefore extremely important for screening the suitability of waste for land application. The toxicity of a textile sludge compost was investigated using seed germination and plant growth bioassays using soybean and wheat. Compost samples were mixed with water (seed germination bioassay) or nutrient solution (plant growth bioassay) at concentrations of 0, 19, 38, 76 and 152 g L-1. No negative effects were observed after five days of compost water-extract in relation to soybean and wheat seed germination. After fifteen days, under a hydroponics system, plant growth had harmful effects of the compost at concentrations above 38 g L-1. Textile sludge compost presented great phytotoxicity under hydroponics condition and the soybean and wheat were sensitive for evaluation of organic wastes in plant growth bioassays.
Oxidative stability of biodiesel from soybean oil fatty acid ethyl esters
Authors: Ferrari Roseli Ap. , Oliveira Vanessa da Silva , Scabio Ardalla
Published: September 2007

Biodiesel consists of long-chain fatty acid esters, derived from renewable sources such as vegetable oils, and its utilization is associated to the substitution of the diesel oil in engines. Depending on the raw material, biodiesel can contain more or less unsaturated fatty acids in its composition, which are susceptible to oxidation reactions accelerated by exposition to oxygen and high temperatures, being able to change into polymerized compounds. The objective of this work was to determine the oxidative stability of biodiesel produced by ethanolysis of neutralized, refined, soybean frying oil waste, and partially hydrogenated soybean frying oil waste. The evaluation was conducted by means of the Rancimat® equipment, at temperatures of 100 and 105ºC, with an air flow of 20 L h-1. The fatty acid composition was determined by GC and the iodine value was calculated. It was observed that even though the neutralized, refined and waste frying soybean oils presented close comparable iodine values, biodiesel presented different oxidative stabilities. The biodiesel from neutralized soybean oil presented greater stability, followed by the refined and the frying waste. Due to the natural antioxidants in its composition, the neutralized soybean oil promoted a larger oxidative stability of the produced biodiesel. During the deodorization process, the vegetable oils lose part of these antioxidants, therefore the biodiesel from refined soybean oil presented a reduced stability. The thermal process degrades the antioxidants, thus the biodiesel from frying waste oil resulted in lower stability, the same occuring with the biodiesel from partially hydrogenated waste oil, even though having lower iodine values than the other.
Acclimatization of micropropagated Heliconia bihai (Heliconiaceae) plants
Authors: Rodrigues Paulo Hercílio Viegas , Lima Ana Maria Liner Pereira , Ambrosano Gláucia Maria B. , Dutra Maria de Fátima Batista
Published: September 2007

To evaluate the behavior of micropropagated heliconia seedlings during the acclimatization process using different substrates and shade levels, seedlings of H. bihai (Lobster Claw I) were planted in plastic trays using the substrates: washed sand, vermiculite (medium texture), and PlantMax® Horticultura, and shade cloths with percentages of 0% (full sun), 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, and 80% of shade in relation to full sun. Best results were obtained for washed sand and PlantMax substrates at shade conditions starting from 50%, especially at 70% and 80%. Pre-existing roots from in vitro rootings were not functional, not presenting secondary roots, and showing root tissue necrosis. Acclimatized seedlings developed new roots. This finding suggests that this plant can be acclimatized without going through a laboratory rooting stage.
Norms for the diagnosis and recommendation integrated system for Signal grass
Authors: Silveira Cristiane Prezotto , Nachtigall Gilmar Ribeiro , Monteiro Francisco Antonio
Published: September 2007

The Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) has been proved efficient as a method for nutritional diagnosis in several crops. However there is a lack of information on the use of DRIS for tropical forage grass. The aim of this paper was to establish norms for interpretation of results of analysis from recently expanded leaf laminae of Brachiaria decumbens Stapf. (Signal grass), through the DRIS method. To establish DRIS norms, concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn and the relative production obtained in six experiments conducted in greenhouse using nutrient solution and silica as substrate were considered. DRIS indices were calculated using two criteria in order to choose the ratio order of nutrients: F value - ratio of variance for the relationships among nutrients between the reference group and the low productivity group; and R value - correlation coefficients between the productivity values and the relationship among the pairs of nutrients, and three forms of calculation for the functions of nutrients (methods of Beaufils, of Jones, and of Elwali & Gascho). The two criteria to choose the ratio order of nutrients selected different ratios between pairs of nutrients; the nutrient concentrations were positively and significantly correlated with the respective DRIS indices, except for N; and DRIS norms are useful for the nutritional diagnosis of the ten studied nutrients in leaf laminae of Signal grass.
Características das raízes e do amido de Pachyrhizus ahipa em diferentes épocas de plantio e estádios de desenvolvimento da planta
Authors: Leonel Magali , Ferrari Tainara Bortolucci , Sarmento Silene Bruder Silveira , Oliveira Marcelo Alvares de
Published: September 2007

De forma geral, as características do amido variam não somente com a planta de origem, mas também com o estádio de desenvolvimento desta. Neste trabalho objetivou-se avaliar a influência da época de plantio e estádio de desenvolvimento da planta de ahipa sobre as características físico-químicas das raízes, tamanho de grânulos do amido e suas propriedades viscográficas. Constatou-se influência do estádio de desenvolvimento da planta nas características físico-químicas das raízes e do amido, independentemente da época de plantio. A melhor época para o plantio de Pachyrhizus ahipa é outubro e a colheita deve ser feita no máximo com 9 meses, adotando-se o procedimento de retirada das flores a partir dos 3 meses.
Utilization of nitrogen from green manure and mineral fertilizer by sugarcane
Authors: Ambrosano Edmilson José , Trivelin Paulo Cesar Ocheuze , Cantarella Heitor , Ambrosano Gláucia Maria Bovi , Schammass Eliana Aparecida , Guirado Nivaldo , Rossi Fabrício , Mendes Paulo Cesar Doimo , Muraoka Takashi
Published: September 2007

Given their potential for biological nitrogen fixation, legumes used as green manure are an alternative source of nitrogen to crops, and can supplement or even replace mineral nitrogen fertilization. The utilization of nitrogen by sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) fertilized with sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) and ammonium sulphate (AS) was evaluated using the 15N tracer technique. Amounts of 195.8 kg and 70 kg N per hectare, respectively, of sunn hemp and AS were added in the following treatments: without green manure and without AS; without green manure, with AS -15N; with green manure-15N and with AS; with green manure-15N, without AS; with green manure and with AS-15N. Four samples from the leaves +3 were collected and 2 m of the sugar cane row were harvested to estimate crop yield. The results for N contents (g kg-1), isotopic abundance of N (atoms % 15N) in leaf +3 samples, and sugarcane productivity were used to calculate cumulative N, nitrogen in the plant derived from the fertilizer-Ndff (% and kg ha-1), as well as percent recovery of fertilizer N (R%). Sugarcane was analysed and pol and total recovered sugar calculated. The highest Ndff percentages were observed eight months after sugarcane planting for treatments containing green manure without mineral N, and green manure with mineral N, at 15.3 and 18.4%, respectively. The best nitrogen recovery was observed during harvest, 18 months after planting; the treatment containing mineral fertilizer showed 34.4% recovery, while the sum between mineral N plus green manure N showed 40.0%. Treatments containing green manure plus mineral N changed soil attributes, by increasing Ca and Mg contents, sum of bases, pH, and base saturation, and decreasing potential acidity. In the plant, those treatments increased Ca and K contents.
Resistance induction in wheat plants by silicon and aphids
Authors: Gomes Flávia Batista , Moraes Jair Campos de , Santos Custódio Donizete dos , Goussain Márcio Marcos
Published: September 2007

The pest greenbug Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) stands out among the factors limiting Brazilian wheat production. Chemical control is predominant in aphid management making the production dependent on insecticides. The effect of silicon and previous infestation with aphids on the induction of resistance to the greenbug was evaluated in wheat plants. Treatments consisted of control; fertilization with calcium silicate; plant infestation with aphids; fertilization with calcium silicate + plant infestation with aphids. A free-choice preference test was performed 35 days after seedling emergence; the aphid's intrinsic rate of population increase (r m) was also determined, and the activities of three enzymes (peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase) involved in plant defense were quantified. Silicon fertilization and the previous infestation with aphids induced wheat plant resistance to the greenbug.
Soil preparation and nutrient losses by erosion in the culture cucumber
Authors: Amaral Sobrinho Nelson Moura Brasil do , Mazur Nelson
Published: September 2007

Minimum tillage reportedly reduce erosion, avoid soil degradation and improve crop productivity. This study aimed to determine how tillage operations may affect either nutrient accumulation or nutrient losses by erosion. The study was, carried out from December, 2000 to March, 2001, in the watershed of the Caetés River, in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil (22º25'43"S, 43º25'07"W). The experiment was set up in sandy clay Kandiudult soil, 60% slope, under cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) crop. Soil samples were collected before planting and after harvest, on 22.0 X 4.0 m Greeoff plots. After each rainfall, fine sediments carried by runoff were deposited into two collecting tanks in a row, installed at the end of each plot, and were later dried, weighed and stored for analyses. Treatments (n = 4) were characterized by different tillage systems: (i) downhill plowing followed by the burning of crop residues (DPB); (ii) downhill plowing with no burning of the crop residues (DPNB); (iii) animal traction contour plowing, with strips of guinea grass planted at a spacing of 7.0 m (AT); and (iv) minimum tillage (MT). Samples of the soil-plowed layer were collected before planting and after harvest, between the rows and from the plants. Total concentration of Ca, Mg, K and P were determined after extraction with nitric perchloride digestion. Labile P and exchangeable K were extracted with the Mehlich 1 extractant solution. The MT system reduced losses of both exchangeable bases (15%) and P (8%), and affected the distribution of labile and organic P. Crop residues left on soil surface in the MT system, resulted in increased organic matter content. Downhill plowing, the most used tillage operation in the region, resulted in the greatest losses of Ca, Mg, K, and P.
Plot size and experimental unit relationship in exploratory experiments
Authors: Oliveira Sérgio José Ribeiro de , Storck Lindolfo , Lopes Sidinei José , Lúcio Alessandro Dal'Col , Feijó Sandra , Damo Henrique Perin
Published: September 2007

Quality of field experiments data dependent upon adequate experimental design. This study investigated the relationship between the size of the basic unit for exploratory experiments and the optimum plot size, and the experiment precision with potato crop. Tuber yield of 24 rows, 144 mounds, were used to arrange experimental units of one, two, three, four, six, eight and 12 mounds. Tuber yield data of different mounds were used to arrange plot sizes with different numbers of basic units. The model CV(x)=A/X B was adjusted, in which CV(x) was the coefficient of variation among plots with different numbers of basic units. Optimum plot size was estimated with the modified maximum curvature method of the function CV(x)=A/X B, allowing completely random design. Experimental precision was estimated though the Hatheway method for different experimental arrangements. Based upon the modification of the maximum curvature method, for a fixed total experimental area, experimental unit size of potato initial experiments affects optimum plot size estimations with the same experimental precision and variable number of treatments.
Fee - fishing operation evaluation at Nothwest São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Lopes Ruy Bessa , Landell Filho Luiz de Carvalho , Dias Carlos Tadeu dos Santos
Published: September 2007

Fee-fishing operations developed recently in Brazilian agricultural scenery in a rather disordered manner. This study, carried out at the northwest region of São Paulo State, Brazil, focuses on the productive performance of fee-fishing system. Several visits were made monthly to nine fee-fishing establishments, for six months. A questionnaire by owners targeting 13 indicators of the operation's productive performance. Data were submitted to multivariate analysis (MANOVA), principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis. MANOVA indicated significant differences between the fee-fishing operations. The PCA analyses indicated, from the higher coefficient eigenvectors, three attributes for the lakes, such as productive system, fishery management and operational administration. The cluster analyses classified the fishing lakes in four groups. The indicators angler frequency (AF), stocking density (SD), stocking biomass (SB), total capture (TC) and capture/lake/day (CLD), which are part of the attribute productive system, were the most important indicators of "fee-fishing" operations performance in this study.
Bioavailability of cadmium and lead in a soil amended with phosphorus fertilizers
Authors: Mendes Alessandra Monteiro Salviano , Duda Gustavo Pereira , Nascimento Clístenes Williams Araújo do , Silva Michelangelo Oliveira
Published: September 2007

Phosphorus fertilizers are essential to obtain high productivity, however, they contain heavy metals that can contaminate the soil and threat the health of animals and humans. The present study focused the determination of Cd and Pb concentrations in different phosphorus fertilizers as well as the absorption of these heavy metals by velvet green bean grown on soil amended with such fertilizers. The experiment was set up as a completely randomized design in a factorial scheme. The factors were four phosphorus sources (triple superphosphate-TS, Yorin thermophosphate-YT, Araxa rock phosphate-AP, and Gafsa rock phosphate-GP) applied at five rates (0, 92, 183, 275, and 366 kg ha-1 of P2O5). The data obtained were submitted to variance and regression analysis. Lead availability to velvet bean was not altered as a result of fertilizer application. On the other hand, Cd uptake was significantly increased with addition of the tested fertilizers. Such an increase was a function of the rate. The highest Cd contents in shoots was reached by YT and TS applications, whereas the lowest one resulted from rock phosphate treatments. All the phosphorus sources tested increased Cd uptake in the first harvest. For the second harvest, Cd content in the shoot was detected only in plants grown on TS and GP amended soils.
Effectiveness of phosphate fertilizers of diffrent water solubilities in relation to soil phophorus adsorption
Authors: Prochnow Luís Ignácio , Quispe Jack Fernando Santos , Francisco Eros Artur Bohac , Braga Graziela
Published: September 2007

Phosphate fertilizers should match soil attributes to enhance agronomic effectiveness and recovery by plants. The purpose of this study was to test the agronomic effectiveness of P sources varying in water solubility on two soils differing widely in P adsorption capacity (PAC). Soils selected for the study were Oxisols with very low available P and presenting low and high PAC (Ox-LPAC and Ox-HPAC, respectively). Both were limed to pH 5.4 in a greenhouse study conducted utilizing corn as the test crop. Treatments consisted of the two soils interacting with five P sources (monocalcium phosphate - MCP, low-grade single superphosphate - LG-SSP, multimagnesium phosphate - MMP, Arad phosphate rock - PR and a P impurity in triple superphosphate - H14), and four rates of P (12.5, 25.0, 50.0 and 100.0 mg kg-1). A control with no P was added for each soil. The treatments were arranged as blocks with three replicates. Plants were harvested 45 d after germination. Dry-matter yield and P uptake were measured and the relative agronomic effectiveness (RAE) compared with MCP as the standard. When applied in low rates of P (12.5 and 25.0 mg kg-1) the RAE of the alternative sources was higher in the soil with high PAC (45, 66, 39 and 65% in the Ox-HPAC for the LG-SSP, MMP, PR and H14, respectively, as opposed to 24, 40, 14 and 47% in the Ox-LPAC). Results suggest that sources of P with low water solubility can be agronomically more effective in soils with high PAC.
Nitrogen fixation and growth response of Alnus rubra amended with low and high metal content biosolids
Authors: Gaulke Linda S. , Henry Charles L. , Brown Sally L.
Published: September 2007

Forest application of biosolids offers a potential environmentally friendly alternative to landfilling. This two-year investigation was designed to analyze the effects of elevated soil metal concentration resulting from the land application of biosolids on the symbiotic, nitrogen (N) fixing relationship between Alnus rubra Bong. (red alder) and Frankia. High metal biosolids and a modern-day composted biosolid applied at high loading rates of 250, 500, and 1000 Mg ha-1, were used to represent a worst-case scenario for metal contamination. The high metal biosolids were obtained before the current regulations were formulated and had been lagooned prior to use in this study. Total cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in the high metal biosolids were 45, 958, and 2623 mg kg-1 respectively. These metal concentrations are above current regulatory limits in the US. The compost was made using biosolids that are currently produced and had Cd, Pb and Zn of 0.8, 20 and 160 mg kg-1 respectively. Trees were harvested and analyzed for rate of N fixation (as measured by acetylene reduction activity), biomass, and foliar metals. Soils were analyzed for available N, total carbon and N, pH and total Cd, Pb and Zn. Rates of N fixation were not affected by soil amendment. In year 2, shoot biomass of trees grown in both the compost and high metal amendments were higher than the control. Shoot biomass increased with increasing amount of compost amendments, but decreased with increasing amount of high metal amendments. There was no relationship between soil metal concentration and plant biomass. Foliar Cd and Pb were below detection for all trees and foliar Zn increased with increasing amount of both compost and high metal amendment, with concentrations of 249 mg kg-1 for trees grown in the compost amendment and 279 mg kg-1 for the high metal amendment. The results from this study indicate that the growth of A. rubra benefited from both types of biosolids used in the study and that the Alnus/Frankia relationship was not negatively impacted by metal concentrations resulting from the high metal biosolids amendments.
Nitrogen fixation and growth response of Alnus Rubra following fertiliztion with urea or biosolids
Authors: Gaulke Linda S. , Henry Charles L. , Brown Sally L.
Published: September 2007

Nitrogen fertilization of forests using biosolids offers a potentially environmentally friendly means to accelerate tree growth. This field study was designed to analyze the effects of nitrogen fertilization on the symbiotic, nitrogen (N)-fixing relationship between Alnus rubra Bong. (red alder) and Frankia. Anaerobically digested, class B biosolids and synthetic urea (46% N) were applied at rates of 140, 280 and 560 kg ha-1 available N to a well-drained, sandy, glacial outwash soil in the Indianola series (mixed, mesic Dystric Xeropsamments). Plots were planted with A. rubra seedlings. At the end of each of two growing seasons trees were harvested and analyzed for the rate of N fixation (as acetylene reduction activity), biomass and foliar N. At year 1, there was no N fixation for trees grown with urea amendments, but control (17 µmol C2H4 g-1 hr-1) and biosolids (26-45 µmol C2H4 g-1 hr-1) trees were fixing N. At the end of year 2, all trees in all treatments were fixing N (7 µmol C2H4 g-1 hr-1, 4-16 µmol C2H4 g-1 hr-1, and 20-29 µmol C2H4 g-1 hr-1 for control, urea and biosolids respectively). Trees grown with biosolids amendments were larger overall (year 1 shoot biomass 10 g, 5 g, and 23 g for control, urea, and biosolids respectively, year 2 shoot biomass 50 g, 51 g, and 190 g for control, urea, and biosolids respectively) with higher concentrations of foliar N for both years of the study (year 1 foliar N 26 g kg-1, 27 g kg-1, and 40 g kg-1 for control, urea, and biosolids respectively, year 2 foliar N 17 g kg-1, 19 g kg-1, and 23 g kg-1 for control, urea, and biosolids respectively). Trees grown with urea amendments appeared to use the urea N over Frankia supplied N, whereas the biosolids trees appeared to be able to use both N in biosolids and N from Frankia. The results from this study indicated that the greater growth of A. rubra may have been responsible for the observed higher N demand. Biosolids may have supplied other nutrients to the trees to support this accelerated growth.