The number of studies on plant compounds with insecticidal activity has increased in recent years, and one of the primary targets of these compounds is leaf-cutter ants, which are considered the most important pests in Brazilian plantations, especially ants of the genus Atta. The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxic activity of the crude extract and fractions of the leaves of Esenbeckia pumila Pohl (Rutaceae) on Artemia salina and Atta sexdens rubropilosa and to perform a phytochemical study of this plant species. The toxicity of the extract and fractions was evaluated by determining the mean lethal concentration (LC50) on A. salina. The insecticidal activity was evaluated by feeding the ants an artificial diet containing the crude extract or fractions, and the results were analyzed using the log-rank test. The substances were isolated by chromatography, and the molecular structure was determined by spectroscopy. In the bioassay with A. salina, the ethanol extract and dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions were highly toxic. The analysis of survival curves indicated that the mortality rate of A. sexdens rubropilosa workers fed different fractions was higher than that of ants fed the control diet, especially the ethyl acetate fraction, with a mean survival time of 3 days and cumulative mortality of 100% on day 21 (p<0.05). The phytochemical study of this plant species allowed isolating the flavonoid rutin and a mixture of the triterpenes α-amyrin, β-amyrin, and lupeol. These results suggest the insecticidal potential of E. pumila on Atta sexdens rubropilosa.

The number of studies on plant compounds with insecticidal activity has increased in recent years, and one of the primary targets of these compounds is leaf-cutter ants, which are considered the most important pests in Brazilian plantations, especially ants of the genus Atta. The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxic activity of the crude extract and fractions of the leaves of Esenbeckia pumila Pohl (Rutaceae) on Artemia salina and Atta sexdens rubropilosa and to perform a phytochemical study of this plant species. The toxicity of the extract and fractions was evaluated by determining the mean lethal concentration (LC50) on A. salina. The insecticidal activity was evaluated by feeding the ants an artificial diet containing the crude extract or fractions, and the results were analyzed using the log-rank test. The substances were isolated by chromatography, and the molecular structure was determined by spectroscopy. In the bioassay with A. salina, the ethanol extract and dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions were highly toxic. The analysis of survival curves indicated that the mortality rate of A. sexdens rubropilosa workers fed different fractions was higher than that of ants fed the control diet, especially the ethyl acetate fraction, with a mean survival time of 3 days and cumulative mortality of 100% on day 21 (p&lt;0.05). The phytochemical study of this plant species allowed isolating the flavonoid rutin and a mixture of the triterpenes α-amyrin, β-amyrin, and lupeol. These results suggest the insecticidal potential of E. pumila on Atta sexdens rubropilosa. | A avaliação de moléculas com atividade inseticida provenientes de plantas que apresentam atividade tóxica ou repelente cresceu nos últimos anos, tendo como um dos principais alvos de estudo as formigas cortadeiras, consideradas as principais pragas das plantações brasileiras, especialmente do gênero Atta. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial tóxico e inseticida do extrato bruto e frações das folhas de Esenbeckia pumila Pohl (Rutaceae) sobre Artemia salina e Atta sexdens rubropilosa e realizar o estudo fitoquímico daquela espécie. A avaliação da toxicidade do extrato e das frações foi realizada em bioensaio com A. salina determinando-se CL50 (Concentração Letal Média). A atividade inseticida foi avaliada pela ingestão do extrato e das frações incorporados a dieta artificial e os resultados foram tratados estatisticamente através do teste log rank. O isolamento de substâncias foi realizado por métodos cromatográficos e as estruturas determinadas pela análise de dados espectroscópicos. No bioensaio contra A. salina, o extrato etanólico e as frações diclorometânica e acetato-etílica se mostraram altamente tóxicas. A análise estatística das curvas de sobrevivência revelou taxas de mortalidade significativas de operárias de A. sexdens rubropilosa quando comparadas à dieta controle, com destaque para a fração acetato-etílica que apresentou sobrevivência mediana (Md) no 3o dia e mortalidade de 100% no 21o dia (p &lt; 0,05). O estudo fitoquímico da espécie levou ao isolamento do flavanoide rutina e de uma mistura dos triterpenos α-amirina, β-amirina e lupeol. Esses resultados sugerem o potencial inseticida de E. pumila sobre Atta sexdens rubropilosa.

Intercropping system and the use of green manure with spontaneous species has been an alternative farming method applied to the productive sector of vegetables in the northeastern semi-arid region. The objective of this work was to determine which amount of Calotropis procera must be incorporated into the soil to provide the highest productive performance of the component crops and increase the profitability of the carrot and cowpea intercropping. The experimental design used was randomized complete blocks with five replicates. The treatments consisted of four amounts of C. procera incorporated into the soil: 10, 25, 40 and 55 t ha-1 on a dry basis. The characteristics evaluated in this intercropping system were: commercial productivity of carrot roots, yield of cowpea green grains, land equivalent ratios for component crops and for the intercropped system, score of the canonical variable of the association, and the economic indicators of gross income, net income, rate of return, and net profit margin. The maximum agronomic efficiency of the carrot x cowpea intercropping was reached at the land equivalent ratio of 1.12, using 43.39 t ha-1 of C. procera biomass incorporated in the soil, while the maximum economic efficiency of the carrot and cowpea crops association was obtained at the net income of R$ 17,856.43 ha-1, in the amount of 40.60 t ha-1 of C. procera biomass added to the soil.

Intercropping system and the use of green manure with spontaneous species has been an alternative farming method applied to the productive sector of vegetables in the northeastern semi-arid region. The objective of this work was to determine which amount of Calotropis procera must be incorporated into the soil to provide the highest productive performance of the component crops and increase the profitability of the carrot and cowpea intercropping. The experimental design used was randomized complete blocks with five replicates. The treatments consisted of four amounts of C. procera incorporated into the soil: 10, 25, 40 and 55 t ha-1 on a dry basis. The characteristics evaluated in this intercropping system were: commercial productivity of carrot roots, yield of cowpea green grains, land equivalent ratios for component crops and for the &nbsp;intercropped system, score of the canonical variable of the association, and the economic indicators of gross income, net income, rate of return, and net profit margin. The maximum agronomic efficiency of the carrot x cowpea intercropping was reached at the land equivalent ratio of 1.12, using 43.39 t ha-1 of C. procera biomass incorporated in the soil, while the maximum economic efficiency of the carrot and cowpea crops association was obtained at the net income of R$ 17,856.43 ha-1, in the amount of 40.60 t ha-1 of C. procera biomass added to the soil. | Sistema consorciado e uso de adubação verde com espécies espontâneas tem sido um método alternativo de cultivo aplicado ao setor produtivo de hortaliças na região semiárida nordestina. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar qual quantidade de Calotropis procera deve ser incorporada ao solo para proporcionar o melhor desempenho produtivo das culturas componentes e aumentar a rentabilidade do consórcio de cenoura e caupi. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos completos casualizados com cinco repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de quatro quantidades de C. procera incorporadas ao solo: 10, 25, 40 e 55 t ha-1, em base seca. As características avaliadas neste sistema consorciado foram: produtividade comercial de raízes de cenoura, produtividade de grãos verdes de caupi, índices de uso eficiente da terra das culturas componentes e do consórcio, escore da variável canônica da associação e os indicadores econômicos renda bruta, renda líquida, taxa de retorno e margem de lucro líquido. A máxima eficiência agronômica do consórcio cenoura x caupi foi alcançada no índice de uso eficiente da terra de 1,12, utilizando-se 43,39 t ha-1 de biomassa de C. procera incorporada ao solo, enquanto a eficiência econômica máxima da associação cenoura x caupi foi obtida com a renda líquida de R$ 17.856,43 ha-1, na quantidade de 40,60 t ha-1 de biomassa de C. procera adicionada ao solo.

The presence of microorganisms, especially during storage, can lead to the rapid deterioration of macauba fruits (Acrocomia aculeata) and reduce the quality of extracted oil for biodiesel production. An alternative to ensure the quality of the oil is the use of ozone gas, a oxidizing agent that has high antimicrobial and sanitizing power. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of high concentrations of ozone gas on macaúba fruit and its effect on the quality of the oil throughout storage for the production of biodiesel. Ozonation was performed 20 days after harvest using fruits with and without the epicarp. Ozone was applied at a concentration of 18.0 mg L-1 and a flow of 1.5 L min-1 for 10 h. After ozonation, the fruits were stored for different periods, and the physical-chemical parameters of the oil were evaluated. The ozonation of fruits without the epicarp visually reduced microorganism attack. In general, the ozonation process of macauba fruits maintained the visual characteristics of the fruits and the physical-chemical characteristics of the oil for biodiesel production compared to untreated fruits. The average acidity values of the oil were lower in the treatments with the ozone gas. Removal of the epicarp tends to facilitate the ozonation process, potentially by improving gas penetration into the fruit.

The presence of microorganisms, especially during storage, can lead to the rapid deterioration of macauba fruits (Acrocomia aculeata) and reduce the quality of extracted oil for biodiesel production. An alternative to ensure the quality of the oil is the use of ozone gas, a oxidizing agent that has high antimicrobial and sanitizing power. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of high concentrations of ozone gas on macaúba fruit and its effect on the quality of the oil throughout storage for the production of biodiesel. Ozonation was performed 20 days after harvest using fruits with and without the epicarp. Ozone was applied at a concentration of 18.0 mg L-1 and a flow of 1.5 L min-1 for 10 h. After ozonation, the fruits were stored for different periods, and the physical-chemical parameters of the oil were evaluated. The ozonation of fruits without the epicarp visually reduced microorganism attack. In general, the ozonation process of macauba fruits maintained the visual characteristics of the fruits and the physical-chemical characteristics of the oil for biodiesel production compared to untreated fruits. The average acidity values of the oil were lower in the treatments with the ozone gas. Removal of the epicarp tends to facilitate the ozonation process, potentially by improving gas penetration into the fruit. | A presença de micro-organismo, especialmente durante o armazenamento, pode levar à deterioração rápida dos frutos de macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata) e reduzir a qualidade do óleo extraído para a produção de biodiesel. Uma alternativa para garantir a qualidade do óleo é o uso de gás ozônio, um poderoso agente oxidante que possui alto poder antimicrobiano e sanitizante. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência do ozônio gasoso em alta concentração (18,0 mg L-1) em frutos de macaúba (com e sem epicarpo) e seu efeito sobre a qualidade do óleo durante todo o armazenamento para a produção de biodiesel. A ozonização foi realizada 20 dias após a colheita, utilizando frutas com e sem epicarpo. O ozônio foi aplicado na concentração de 18,0 mg L-1 e fluxo de 1,5 L min-1 durante 10 h. Após a ozonização, os frutos foram armazenados por diferentes períodos e foram avaliados os parâmetros físico-químicos do óleo. A ozonização de frutos sem epicarpo reduziu visualmente o ataque de micro-organismos. Em geral, o processo de ozonização de frutos de macauba manteve as características visuais dos frutos e físico-químicas do óleo para produção de biodiesel em relação ao controle não tratado. Os valores médios de acidez do óleo foram menores nos tratamentos com o gás ozônio. A remoção do epicarpo tende a facilitar o processo de ozonização, já que a retirada pode facilitar a penetração do gás no fruto.

Brave bean (Capparis flexuosa L.) is a Caatinga species that is used as forage, mainly during the dry season when some plant species lose their leaves. The aim of this study was to assess genetic diversity within and among brave bean populations using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Brave bean leaves were collected from 30 accessions in the following municipalities of Paraíba state, Brazil: Barra de Santa Rosa (BSR), Cuité (C), São João do Cariri (SJC), Damião (D), Baraúna (B), and Picuí (P). DNA extraction followed the standard methodology of CTAB with modifications. RAPD analyses were carried out using 18 primers, and polymorphism of the amplified DNA fragments was visualized using agarose gel electrophoresis. Data were used to calculate Jaccard Similarity Coefficient values, which were then used to group samples with the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean. Cophenetic Correlation Coefficient, Stress, and Distortion Coefficient values were also calculated from these analyses. Band polymorphism was generated with 14 primers, but the sampled populations showed low numbers of polymorphic loci (27 in BSR, 18 in C, 7 in SJC, 9 in D, and 0 in B and P). The highest polymorphic information content was found in samples from the BSR (9 groups), C (22 groups), SJC (7 groups), and D (6 groups) municipalities. In the interpopulation analysis, 34 groups were formed, the matrices of which showed high cophenetic correlations (0.95 to 0.98), but low stress (12.9 to 17.45%) and distortion (3.05%). Therefore, results showed that there was genetic variability both among and within brave bean populations.

Brave bean (Capparis flexuosa L.) is a Caatinga species that is used as forage, mainly during the dry season when some plant species lose their leaves. The aim of this study was to assess genetic diversity within and among brave bean populations using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Brave bean leaves were collected from 30 accessions in the following municipalities of Paraíba state, Brazil: Barra de Santa Rosa (BSR), Cuité (C), São João do Cariri (SJC), Damião (D), Baraúna (B), and Picuí (P). DNA extraction followed the standard methodology of CTAB with modifications. RAPD analyses were carried out using 18 primers, and polymorphism of the amplified DNA fragments was visualized using agarose gel electrophoresis. Data were used to calculate Jaccard Similarity Coefficient values, which were then used to group samples with the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean. Cophenetic Correlation Coefficient, Stress, and Distortion Coefficient values were also calculated from these analyses. Band polymorphism was generated with 14 primers, but the sampled populations showed low numbers of polymorphic loci (27 in BSR, 18 in C, 7 in SJC, 9 in D, and 0 in B and P). The highest polymorphic information content was found in samples from the BSR (9 groups), C (22 groups), SJC (7 groups), and D (6 groups) municipalities. In the interpopulation analysis, 34 groups were formed, the matrices of which showed high cophenetic correlations (0.95 to 0.98), but low stress (12.9 to 17.45%) and distortion (3.05%). Therefore, results showed that there was genetic variability both among and within brave bean populations. | O feijão-bravo (Capparis flexuosa) é uma espécie nativa da Caatinga e é utilizada como forrageira, principalmente na estação seca onde parte das espécies vegetais perdem suas folhas. Objetivou-se estudar a diversidade genética dentro e entre populações de feijão-bravo usando marcadores RAPD. O estudo foi realizado no Laboratório de Biotecnologia Vegetal do CCA/UFPB. Foram coletadas folhas de 30 acessos de feijão-bravo/população nos seguintes municípios do estado da Paraíba: Barra de Santa Rosa (BSR), Cuité (C), São João do Cariri (SJC), Damião (D), Baraúna (B) e Picuí (P). A extração de DNA seguiu a metodologia de utilização do CTAB com modificações. Análises de RAPD foram realizadas usando 18 primers e o polimorfismo de fragmentos de DNA amplificados foi visualizado em gel de agarose após eletroforese. Os dados foram submetidos ao Coeficiente de Similaridade Jaccard, agrupados seguindo a UPGMA e calculou-se o Coeficiente de Correlação Cofenética, Estresse e Distorção. 14 primers geraram polimorfismo de banda, no entanto, as populações apresentaram baixo número de locos polimórficos (27 em BSR, 18 em C, 7 em SJC, 9 em D, 0 em B e P) sendo o maior conteúdo de informação polimórfica foi encontrado nos municípios de BSR (9 grupos), C (22 grupos), São João do Cariri (7 grupos) e D (6 grupos). Formou-se 34 grupos na análise interpopulacional. As matrizes formadas apresentaram altos índices de correlação cofenética (0,95 a 0,98), baixo estresse (12,9 a 17,45%) e distorção (3,05%). Portanto, há variabilidade genética entre e dentro de populações de feijão-bravo.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of bovine biofertilizer on yield and post harvest of the strawberry crop in different growing environments. The experiment was carried out in two cycles of production, in Fortaleza, Ceará. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, arranged in subdivided plots, where the plots were of three cultivated environments (A1 = protected environment with screens, cold-water spraying, and white floor; A2 = environment with full sun, cold-water spraying, and white floor; A3 = environment with full sun, no cold-water spraying, and grey floor). The subplots consisted of five doses of biofertilizer (D1 = 0,0, D2 = 500, D3 = 750, D4 = 1000 and D5 = 1250 mL plant-1 week -1), with five replications. In the two-year period, the dose was higher in the protected environment of the weed type, with nebulization and on the white floor, at the dose of 500 mL week-1 plant-1 in the first cycle and 325 mL week-1 plant-1 in the second cycle. The dose of bovine biofertilizer of 1250 mL week-1 plant-1 promotes a longer duration and duration of the first cycle. During the second cycle, as the bovine biofertilizer doses of 585 and 620 provide higher and lower output than the protected environment. The environment without nebulization and on the floor without painting, the best soluble practices (Brix) in relation to the protected environment of the type screened and a full sun with nebulization.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of bovine biofertilizer on yield and post harvest of the strawberry crop in different growing environments. The experiment was carried out in two cycles of production, in Fortaleza, Ceará. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, arranged in subdivided plots, where the plots were of three cultivated environments (A1 = protected environment with screens, cold-water spraying, and white floor; A2 = environment with full sun, cold-water spraying, and white floor; A3 = environment with full sun, no cold-water spraying, and grey floor). The subplots consisted of five doses of biofertilizer (D1 = 0,0, D2 = 500, D3 = 750, D4 = 1000 and D5 = 1250 mL plant-1 week -1), with five replications. In the two-year period, the dose was higher in the protected environment of the weed type, with nebulization and on the white floor, at the dose of 500 mL week-1 plant-1 in the first cycle and 325 mL week-1 plant-1 in the second cycle. The dose of bovine biofertilizer of 1250 mL week-1 plant-1 promotes a longer duration and duration of the first cycle. During the second cycle, as the bovine biofertilizer doses of 585 and 620 provide higher and lower output than the protected environment. The environment without nebulization and on the floor without painting, the best soluble practices (° Brix) in relation to the protected environment of the type screened and a full sun with nebulization. | Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de diferentes doses de biofertilizante bovino na produtividade e na pós-colheita da cultura do morango em diferentes ambientes de cultivo. O experimento foi desenvolvido, em dois ciclos de produção, em Fortaleza, Ceará. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, arranjados em parcelas subdivididas, onde as parcelas foram três ambientes de cultivo (A1= ambiente protegido do tipo telado, com nebulização com água gelada (temperatura variando entre 18 e 20 °C) e sobre piso branco, A2 = a pleno sol, com nebulização com água gelada e sobre piso branco, A3 = a pleno sol sem nebulização e sobre piso concretado sem pintura) e as subparcelas, cinco doses de biofertilizante (D1=0,0; D2=500; D3= 750; D4=1000; e D5= 1250 mL planta-1. semana-1), com cinco repetições. Nos dois anos, a produtividade foi maior no ambiente protegido do tipo telado, com nebulização e sobre piso branco, na dose de 500 mL semana-1 planta-1 no primeiro ciclo e 325 mL semana-1 planta-1 no segundo ciclo. A dose de biofertilizante bovino de 1250 mL semana-1 planta-1 promovem melhor diâmetro e comprimento do fruto dutante o primeiro ciclo. Durante o segundo ciclo, as doses de biofertilizante bovino de 585 e 620 proporcionam maior comprimento e diâmetro do fruto, respectivamente, no ambiente protegido do tipo telado, com nebulização e sobre piso branco. O ambiente a pleno sol sem nebulização e sobre piso sem pintura, apresentou melhores sólidos solúveis (°Brix) em relação ao ambiente protegido do tipo telado e a pleno sol com nebulização.

Salinity is prejudicial to plant development, causing different types of damage to species, or even between genotypes of the same species, with the effects being aggravated when combined with other types of stress, such as heat stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the tolerance of cowpea genotypes (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) to salt stress at different temperatures. Seeds of the Pujante, Epace 10 and Marataoã genotypes were placed on paper rolls (Germitest®) moistened with different salt concentrations of 0.0 (control), 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0 dS m-1, and placed in a germination chamber (BOD) at temperatures of 20, 25, 30 and 35°C. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomised design, in a 3 × 4 × 5 scheme of subdivided plots, with four replications per treatment. The variables under analysis were germination percentage, first germination count, shoot and root length, and total seedling dry weight. At temperatures of 30 and 35°C, increases in the salt concentration were more damaging to germination in the Epace 10 and Pujante genotypes, while for the Marataoã genotype, damage occurred at the temperature of 20°C. At 25°C, germination and vigour in the genotypes were higher, with the Pujante genotype proving to be more tolerant to salt stress, whereas Epace 10 and Marataoã were more tolerant to high temperatures. Germination in the cowpea genotypes was more sensitive to salt stress when subjected to heat stress caused by the low temperature of 20°C or high temperature of 35°C.

Salinity is prejudicial to plant development, causing different types of damage to species, or even between genotypes of the same species, with the effects being aggravated when combined with other types of stress, such as heat stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the tolerance of cowpea genotypes (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) to salt stress at different temperatures. Seeds of the Pujante, Epace 10 and Marataoã genotypes were placed on paper rolls (Germitest®) moistened with different salt concentrations of 0.0 (control), 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0 dS m-1, and placed in a germination chamber (BOD) at temperatures of 20, 25, 30 and 35°C. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomised design, in a 3 × 4 × 5 scheme of subdivided plots, with four replications per treatment. The variables under analysis were germination percentage, first germination count, shoot and root length, and total seedling dry weight. At temperatures of 30 and 35°C, increases in the salt concentration were more damaging to germination in the Epace 10 and Pujante genotypes, while for the Marataoã genotype, damage occurred at the temperature of 20°C. At 25°C, germination and vigour in the genotypes were higher, with the Pujante genotype proving to be more tolerant to salt stress, whereas Epace 10 and Marataoã were more tolerant to high temperatures. Germination in the cowpea genotypes was more sensitive to salt stress when subjected to heat stress caused by the low temperature of 20°C or high temperature of 35°C. | A salinidade é prejudicial ao desenvolvimento vegetal, causando diferentes danos às espécies, ou até mesmo entre genótipos da mesma espécie, com os efeitos sendo agravados quando combinado a outro estresse, como o térmico. Objetivou-se avaliar a tolerância ao estresse salino de genótipos de feijão-caupi (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) em diferentes temperaturas. As sementes dos genótipos Pujante, Epace 10 e Marataoã foram semeadas em rolos de papel (Germitest®), umedecidos com diferentes concentrações salinas de 0,0 (controle); 1,5; 3,0, 4,5 e 6,0 dS m-1, acondicionados em câmara de germinação (B.O.D.) nas temperaturas de 20, 25, 30 e 35 ºC. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em parcela subdividida no esquema de 3×4×5, com quatro repetições por tratamento. As variáveis analisadas foram porcentagem de germinação, primeira contagem de germinação, comprimento da parte aérea e da raiz e massa seca total da plântula. Nas condições de temperaturas de 30 e 35 °C, o aumento da concentração salina foi mais prejudicial à germinação dos genótipos Epace 10 e Pujante, enquanto para o Marataoã isto ocorreu na temperatura de 20 °C. Na temperatura de 25 °C a germinação e o vigor dos genótipos foram maiores, sendo que, o genótipo Pujante mostrou-se mais tolerante ao estresse salino, enquanto Epace 10 e Marataoã a temperaturas elevadas. A germinação dos genótipos de feijão-caupi foi mais sensível ao estresse salino quando submetidas ao estresse térmico, causado por temperatura baixa de 20 °C ou elevada de 35 °C.