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The runout of newly cultivated areas in the world without recurring to the deforestation, demand a necessity to improve yield to sustain a growth population which demands each time more food. To avoid that is necessary to solve the main issues which cause crop productivity reduction, such as lodging which causes yield reduction in many major crops such as wheat, barley, rice and oat. In this sense, a study with eight cultivars evaluated morphological traits of the stem as crown diameter, internal and external diameter of the first four basal internodes, the length of internodes, peduncle and panicle, plant height, and also lodging resistance factor (cLr), green and dry panicle matter. The diameter of the crown does not show differences among the cultivars, the morphological characters which showed correlation and relative contribution with cLr were the internal and external internodes diameters, showing their capacity to be one of morphological traits of the stem to an indirect selection of resistance to lodging in Avena sativa L. The length did not show a good correlation with lodging, probably due to the fact that this trait was the focus of breeders for many years, reaching the plateau, demanding focus in other traits to avoid lodging such as interna and external diameter of internodes. The cultivar URS Brava and IPR Afrodite demonstrated to be a source of lodging resistance in oat.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the resistance reaction of Avena spp. after inoculation of different concentrations of eggs and juveniles of M. javanica and M. incognita. Ten oat genotypes (Avena sativa: UPFPS Farroupilha, UPFA Ouro, IPR Afrodite, AF1345 Ucraniana; A. strigosa: Agro Quaraí, Agro Esteio, Embrapa 139, Iapar 61 Ibiporã, UPFA 21 Moreninha, AF 12202) were evaluated in bioassays for resistance against the root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne javanica and M. incognita. Susceptible (Solanum lycopersicum and Glycine max) and resistant (Crotalaria spectabilis) species were used as control treatments. Depending on the inoculum level, the oats showed a different response to nematodes. All genotypes of oats were resistant to M. javanica when a high inoculum level (5,000 eggs and J2 per plant) was used but under low inoculum level (1,500 eggs and J2 per plant), AF 12202, Iapar 61 Ibiporã, Agro Esteio and Agro Quaraí were susceptible. All genotypes of oats were resistant to the inoculation of 2,900 eggs and J2 of M. incognita, except for ‘Iapar 61’ that showed susceptibility in this concentration. At lower inoculum level (1,500 eggs and J2) Agro Quaraí, Agro Esteio and Iapar 61 Ibiporã were susceptible. The reaction of oats to M. javanica and M. incognita depends on the inoculum level. The resistance reaction at low inoculum density of A. sativa ‘AF 1345 Ucraniana’ and ‘IPR Afrodite’ allows its use in breeding programs in oats and suggests the possibility of management tool in areas infested with both root-knot nematode species.

Even though oats (Avena spp.) have the capacity to produce numerous compounds with the potential to act antagonistically against plant pathogens, studies on the genotypic effect of this crop focusing on their nematicidal activity are limited. The objective of this study was to verify the effect of the aqueous extracts prepared with the biomass of oat genotypes, on the hatching of second-stage juveniles of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne javanica and Meloidogyne incognita). The bioassays were carried out in a completely randomized design with four replications. Eighteen extracts were evaluated, consisting of a combination of six oat genotypes Agro Quaraí, Agro Esteio, Embrapa 139, AF 12202, UPFPS Farroupilha, and AF 1345 Ucraniana, and three extract concentrations (5 %, 10 %, and 20 % w/v). Three additional treatments were added to the study (distilled water, chemical nematicides abamectin, and imidacloprid + thiodicarb). The treatments and the suspension containing nematode eggs were placed in Petri dishes and incubated in a growth chamber for ten days. At the 5 % and 10 % w/v concentration levels, a genotype effect was observed in the hatching of juveniles for both nematode species. For the control of M. javanica the extracts of Embrapa 139 had a better performance, while the extracts of Agro Quaraí and AF1345 Ucraniana performed better when under the control of M. incognita. Thus, oat biomass formation might have the ability to suppress the nematode population in the soil, and could therefore, be used for the management of root-knot nematodes.

Black oat is a plant of multiple uses in the agricultural system, however breeding programs have little success in getting new genotypes, without knowing the exact reason, so this study had the goal to characterize the floral morphology and to evaluate if there is variability in Avena strigosa in its pollen viability. For that, two cultivars of contrasting habit and cycle (IAPAR 61-Ibipora and UPFA 21-Moreninha) were cultivated in the field and in a vase in the city of Passo Fundo, in the north of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Morphological evaluations were performed on the panicle, spikelets and pollen grains of the cultivars. In the cv. IAPAR 61- Ibipora were found the largest lengths of spikelet, rachilla, gulms I, gulms II, palea, ridge and pistil. In the cv. UPFA 21-Moreninha there was found greater length of the rachis, lemma and anther in the apical and greater density of spikelets in the panicle. About the pollen viability, the cultivars do not differ from each other, evidencing that only pollen grains measurements were contrasting.

The structure of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) communities in areas under strawberry cultivation in the Brazilian subtropics has been poorly studied. Thus, we characterized cultivated and native forest soils, of reference-sites in strawberry cultivation in southern Brazil, regarding the AMF community and investigate if there is variability in the diversity in the mycorrhizal communities of these soils. For this, we evaluated eight soils, in a completely randomized design experiment. We observed that the species Claroideoglomus aff. luteum, Claroideoglomus claroideum, C. etunicatum, Funneliformis mosseae and Glomus sp2 were the most frequent. Native forest soils had more fungal species than cultivated soils. Soils little anthropized under strawberry cultivation resembled the natural soils regarding the AMF heterogeneity. We conclude that there are AMF diversity in soils of reference-sites in strawberry cultivation, and that C. claroideum and C. etunicatum are generalist, independent of the ecosystem. This study contributes significantly to our knowledge about the community composition of AMF in soils of reference-sites in the strawberry cultivation in the Brazilian subtropics. Thus, it becomes possible the development of inoculants for this horticultural crop, with the role of making their cultivation more sustainable.

In view of the rapid evolution of Conyza sumatrensis populations resistant to glyphosate, it is necessary to understand the genetic diversity aimed to improve strategies for managing this weed. We investigated the genetic dissimilarity among 15 biotypes of C. sumatrensis from different geographic regions using microsatellite loci. The biotypes, were cultivated in a greenhouse to obtain vegetal material for DNA extraction. Nineteen microsatellite markers (SSR), were developed for C. sumatrensis biotypes. The genetic dissimilarity was estimated by the Jaccard coefficient (JC) and the biotypes grouped by the UPGMA method. The results demonstrated a high dissimilarity (JC = 7.14 to 82.62) of the analyzed material, with the biotypes forming five groups, being one group formed just by the susceptible biotype and in the others grouped by biotypes from distinct locations in the same group The high genetic diversity of C. sumatrensis indicates that the biotypes may show different responses to different management strategies, and that the mechanisms of resistance to herbicides and characteristics of evolution of populations due to adaptability may be some of the factors involved in the genetic variability of the species. Keywords: polymorphism; SSR; tall fleabane; genetic variability RESUMO: Tendo em vista a rápida evolução das populações de Conyza sumatrensis resistentes ao glifosato, é necessário entender a diversidade genética com vistas a melhorar as estratégias de manejo dessa planta daninha. Diante do exposto, objetivou-se com este trabalho investigar a dissimilaridade genética entre 15 biótipos de C. sumatrensis de diferentes regiões geográficas usando marcadores moleculares microssatélites. Os biótipos foram cultivados em casa de vegetação, para obtenção de material vegetal para extração de DNA. Dezenove marcadores microssatélites (SSR) foram desenvolvidos para os biótipos de C. sumatrensis. A dissimilaridade genética foi estimada pelo coeficiente de Jaccard (JC), e os biótipos, agrupados pelo método UPGMA. Os resultados demonstraram alta dissimilaridade (JC = 7,14 a 82,62) do material analisado, com os biótipos formando cinco grupos. A alta diversidade genética de C. sumatrensis indica que os biótipos podem apresentar distintas respostas a diferentes estratégias de manejo e que os mecanismos de resistência a herbicidas podem ser um dos fatores envolvidos na variabilidade genética das espécies. Palavras-chave: polimorfismo; SSR; buva; variabilidade genética Made available in DSpace on 2021-02-26T12:01:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 0100-8358-PD-38-e020220570.pdf: 449804 bytes, checksum: e87c3ca03e0448545e514f0a87804810 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2020

The recognized allelopathic activity of oats as a soil-cover plant induces the study of the potential of their germplasm. The objective of this study is to verify if there is genotype variability in the Avena spp. with regard to allelopathic activity. Extracts of A. strigosa ‘Agro Quaraí’, ‘Agro Esteio’, ‘Embrapa139’, ‘AF 12104’, ‘AF 12109’, ‘AF 12202’, ‘AF 12209’, A. sativa ‘UPFPS Farroupilha’ and ‘AF 1345 Ucraniana,’ were prepared in three concentrations w/v (5 g, 10 g, and 20 g of dry mass 100 mL-1). The experiment was conducted in a germination chamber for 15 days, with lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) as the recipient plant. There was complete inhibition of germination under 20% w/v extracts and partial inhibition at 10% w/v. Only 5% w/v observed a difference between the genotypes, in which the highest efficiency was obtained from the extracts of white oats and black oats ‘AF 12104’ and ‘Agro Quaraí’, which reduced germination between 92% and 97%. When the concentration increased above 5% w/v the harmful effect on germination was significantly greater. Only in extracts at 5% w/v there was a higher genotypic effect on germination, with variation in the germination rate index, root, and hypocotyl stretching. The genotype that had the least allelopathic effect was AF 12202, with an inhibitory mean in the evaluated attributes of 35%. The other genotypes inhibited the attributes of germination and seedling growth between 66% and 86%. With regard to the variability in the Avenaspp., the allelopathic activity could be applied to obtain cultivars with greater weed suppressive power. RESUMO: A reconhecida atividade alelopática de aveias como plantas de cobertura do solo leva ao estudo do potencial de seus germoplasmas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar se há variabilidade genotípica em Avena spp. quanto à atividade alelopática. Os extratos de A. strigosa Agro Quaraí, Agro Esteio, Embrapa 139, AF 12104, AF 12109, AF 12202, AF 12209 e de A. sativa UPFPS Farroupilha e AF 1345 Ucraniana foram preparados em três concentrações p/v (5, 10 e 20 g de massa seca 100 mL-1). O ensaio foi conduzido em câmara de germinação durante 15 dias, tendo alface (Lactuca sativa L.) como planta receptora. Houve total inibição da germinação sob extratos a 20% p/v einibição parcial a 10% p/v. Somente a 5% p/v observou-se diferença entre os genótipos, em que a maior eficiência foi dos extratos das aveias-brancas e das aveias-pretas AF 12104 e Agro Quaraí, que reduziram a germinação entre 92% e 97%. O efeito deletério sobre a germinação foi significativamente maior à medida que a concentração aumentou acima de 5% p/v, com variação sobre o índice de velocidade de germinação, alongamento radicial e de hipocótilo. O genótipo com menor efeito alelopático foi AF 12202, com inibição média de 35% nos atributos avaliados. Os demais genótipos inibiram a germinação e o crescimento de plântula entre 66% e 86%. A variabilidade em Avena spp. quanto à atividade alelopática pode ser aplicada para obtenção de cultivares com maior poder supressivo das plantas daninhas.

Eragrostis plana (Nees) is an allelopathic plant with invasive potential in South American pastures. To isolate and identify phytotoxic compounds from leaves and roots of E. plana, a bioassay-directed isolation of the bioactive constituents was performed. This is the first report on a new diterpene carbon skeleton, neocassane, and of three new neocassane diterpenes, neocassa-1,12(13),15-triene-3,14-dione, 1; 19-norneocassa-1,12(13),15-triene-3,14-dione, 2; and 14-hydroxyneocassa-1,12(17),15-triene-3-one, 3, identified from the roots. Compounds 1, 2, and 3 inhibited the growth of duckweed by 50% at concentrations of 109 ± 28, 200 ± 37, and 59 ± 15 μM, respectively. Compound 2 was fungicidal to Colletotrichum fragariae, Colletotrichum acutatum, and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The compounds identified here could explain the allelopathy of E. plana. The description of the newly discovered compounds, besides contributing to the chemical characterization of the species, may be the first step in the study of the potential of these compounds as bioherbicides.

The phenological stage, post-harvest processing and quantity of material can interfere in the allelopathic activity of extracts. The objective of this study is to test the allelopathic effect of aqueous extracts of the leaves of Annoni grass (Eragrostis plana), an invader of natural pastures. Twelve extracts were prepared by combining the phenological stage of the plants when harvesting the leaves (vegetative; flowering), post-harvest processing before extraction (fresh; dry at 40 oC), and the amount of plant material (5, 15, and 25 g 100 mL-1 distilled water). Two bioassays were conducted in a germination chamber, with evaluation of germination and growth of seedlings of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and white clover (Trifolium repens). The extracts with higher allelopathic activity were further developed with 15 and 25 g of dried leaves and harvested in plants at the vegetative stage. Germination was attributed to being the greatest contribution to the divergence between the extracts. White clover was more sensitive to extracts, for which 50% to 67% of the extracts were effectively allelopathic (≥50% inhibition); in lettuce, between 8% and 58% of the extracts exhibited this potential. The phenological stage was the factor with a greater individual effect on the allelopathic activity on lettuce and white clover seedlings, and on lettuce germination. The post-harvest processing responded by the greater variation on germination and germination speed index of white clover. The sensitivity of the white clover to extracts of Annoni grass suggests a compromise of its establishment in pastures with the presence of the invader. RESUMO: O estádio fenológico da planta, a quantidade e o processamento do material vegetal são fatores que podem interferir na atividade alelopática dos extratos. Este trabalho teve como objetivo testar o efeito alelopático de extratos aquosos de folhas de capim-annoni (Eragrostis plana), invasora de pastagens naturais. Doze extratos foram elaborados, resultantes da combinação do estádio fenológico das plantas quando da colheita das folhas (vegetativo; florescimento), preparação do material antes da extração (fresco; seco a 40 oC) e quantidade de material vegetal (5, 15 e 25 g 100 mL-1 de água destilada). Foram conduzidos dois bioensaios, em câmara de germinação, com avaliação de germinação e crescimento de plântulas de alface (Lactuca sativa) e trevo-branco (Trifolium repens). Os extratos com maior atividade alelopática foram elaborados com 15 e 25 g de folhas secas oriundas de plantas em estádio vegetativo. A germinação foi o atributo com a maior contribuição para a divergência entre os extratos. O trevo-branco foi mais sensível aos extratos, para o qual 50% a 67% dos extratos foram efetivamente alelopáticos (inibição ≥50%); na alface, entre 8% e 58% dos extratos exibiram esse potencial. O estádio fenológico foi o fator com maior efeito na atividade alelopática sobre plântulas de alface e trevo-branco e na germinação da alface. O processamento pós-colheita respondeu pela maior variação na germinação e no índice de velocidade de germinação do trevo-branco. A sensibilidade do trevo-branco aos extratos de capim-annoni sugere comprometimento de seu estabelecimento em pastagens com a presença da invasora.

International audience; AbstractAllelopathy is an important ecological mechanism in natural and managed ecosystems. Its study is critical to understand natural plant behaviors, to isolate allelochemicals with herbicide potential, and to use the allelopathic genes in transgenic studies. Poaceae is an ecologically dominant plant family and it is economically important worldwide because its chemical diversity represents an important source to discover new molecules. From this viewpoint, Brazil is an interesting place to study, encompassing 197 genera of the Poaceae family, many of them being dominant in various biomes and some being native to Brazil. Here, we review the literature describing allelopathic activities involving grasses of the Poaceae family. We evaluate the experimental conditions used in these studies, we identify the allelochemicals involved, and, finally, we assess the applicability of allelopathy. Our main findings are (1) among the 47 Brazilian species studied for their allelopathic effects, only Bothriochloa barbinodis, Bothriochloa laguroides, Paspalum notatum, and Paspalum urvillei are native to Brazil; (2) 51% of the reviewed studies prepared extracts from the leaves and used lettuce as the target plant; and (3) 64% of the papers identified allelochemicals, of which 67% were phenolic acids. This first bibliographical survey on allelopathy in Poaceae species present in Brazil shows that less than 3% of the Brazilian species have been studied, suggesting it is an incipient research subject. Since this plant family is a valuable source of unknown natural products, refining such studies should contribute to a better understanding of the ecosystem relationships. Identification and isolation of grass allelochemicals should promote environmentally safer compounds with bioherbicide properties, in sustainable agriculture.

Eragrostis plana Nees (Poaceae), known commonly as tough lovegrass, is the most abundant invasive plant found in the rangelands of Southern Brazil. This study is the first to document the anatomical and histochemical features of the leaves and roots of this grass. Five leaf blades and five roots were collected, fixed in formaldehyde, glacial acetic acid, ethanol 70° (FAA 70), sectioned, stained, and photographed under a light microscope. Anatomical analysis of the leaves was supplemented with observations under a scanning electron microscope. Manual cuts were made into fresh material, which was subjected to specific reagents to determine the lipid, phenol, tannin, lignin, alkaloid, and starch presence. The analyses revealed that the leaves are amphistomatic with paracytic stomata, and the epidermis has lignified cells, a Kranz structure, collateral vascular bundles of two sizes, tectors, unicellular and crystalline trichomes. The roots are polyarc with air gaps on the cortical parenchyma, U-thickened endodermal cell walls and a parenchymatic pith with starch storage cells. Leaves and roots contain lipids, phenols, lignins, and alkaloids; starch is only present in the roots. Anatomical and histochemical traits of tough lovegrass suggest that the plant has adapted to survive under biotic and abiotic stress, which enhances its performance in relation to native plants. Key words: Anatomy, histochemistry, invasive.

The Paspalum genus includes several species that are important for livestock in Rio Grande do Sul, such as P. notatum and P. guenoarum , typical of native pastures of the Pampa biome. The aim of this study was to investigate forage production and chemical composition of four ecotypes of these species in relation to the cv. ‘Pensacola’ ( P. notatum ). Ecotypes of P. guenoarum (Azulao and Baio) and P. notatum (Andre da Rocha and Bagual) and the cv. ‘Pensacola’ were evaluated for two years, during which four cuts/year were made. The work was carried out under field conditions at the Agronomic Experimental Station of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (30°05’S; 51°39’W), in a completely randomized design. P. guenoarum stood out for higher productivity and greater tolerance to cold; the Azulao ecotype showed more autumn production in relation to the other ecotypes. Crude protein content ranged from 14 (Baio) to 15% (‘Pensacola’); for neutral detergent fiber, the variation was 68 (Azulao) to 71% (‘Pensacola’) and for acid detergent fiber there was a variation of 38 (‘Pensacola’) to 43% (Baio). The data demonstrates the potential of native genotypes for use as cattle feeding in southern Brazil.

This study was conducted in order to verify if the phenological stage and the nitrogen fertilization interfere in the allelopathic activity and in the concentration of potentially allelopathic phenolic compounds of tough lovegrass (Eragrostis plana). The assay consisted of a bifactor 3 (0.100 and 200 kg N ha-1) x 2 (harvested in vegetative and reproductive stages), in a split plot design. The N doses constituted the main plot and the phenological stage during the harvest the subplots, resulting in six treatments. The tough lovegrass plants derived from each of the treatments were subjected to allelopathy bioassays, in which aqueous extracts of the aerial parts were applied to lettuce cypselae (Lactuca sativa) and to phytochemicals tests when ethanolic extracts were used, with subsequent partition with ethyl acetate, followed by a high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. There was nitrogen x phenological stage interaction on biological and chemical attributes. The allelopathic extracts were, in descending order of inhibition of germination, those from plants harvested at the vegetative stage and fertilized with 100 kg N and at the flowering stage with 200 kg N, which showed the highest catechin concentrations. The caffeic, ferulic, p-coumaric and vanillic acids were in a higher concentration in flowered and fertilized plants with 0 or 200 kg N. The management of the nitrogen fertilization and the harvesting age influence the allelopathic activity and the phytochemical composition of tough lovegrass. RESUMO Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de verificar se a fenologia e a adubação nitrogenada interferem na atividade alelopática e na composição fenólica do capim-annoni (Eragrostis plana). O ensaio constou de um bifatorial 3 (0, 100 e 200 kg N ha-1) x 2 (colheita nos estádios vegetativo e reprodutivo), em arranjo de parcela subdividida. As doses de N constituíram a parcela principal, e o estádio fenológico por ocasião da colheita das plantas, as subparcelas, resultando em seis tratamentos. As plantas de capim-annoni, oriundas de cada um dos tratamentos, foram submetidas a bioensaios de alelopatia, em que extratos aquosos da parte aérea foram aplicados sobre cipselas de alface (Lactuca sativa); e a testes fitoquímicos, quando se utilizaram extratos etanólicos, com posterior partição com acetato de etila, seguido de análise por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. Houve interação nitrogênio x estádio fenológico sobre a alelopatia e a composição química do capim-annoni. Os extratos com maior potencial alelopático foram, em ordem decrescente de inibição na germinação, aqueles oriundos de plantas colhidas no estádio vegetativo e adubadas com 100 kg N e no estádio de florescimento com 200 kg N, que mostraram as maiores concentrações de catequina. Os ácidos cafeico, ferúlico, vanílico e p-cumárico estiveram em maior concentração nas plantas florescidas e adubadas com 0 ou 200 kg N. O manejo da adubação nitrogenada e a fenologia influenciam a atividade alelopática e a composição fenólica do capim-annoni.

Autotoxicity in tough lovegrass has been analyzed in the field, but has never been tested in allelopathy bioassays. Therefore, this study aimed to verify and compare the autotoxicity of leaves and roots from aqueous extracts of tough lovegrass on its germination and early seedling growth. Extracts of green leaves (GL), senescent leaves (SL), and roots (R) at concentrations of 0.05, 0.15, and 0.25 g mL-1 were analyzed on how they affected seed germination and seedling growth. The extracts, regardless of the source or concentration of the material used, have significantly reduced germination percentage, index of germination speed, and root growth of seedlings of tough lovegrass. Effects on mean germination time and shoot length varied according to the origin and concentration of the extracts. GL, at concentrations 0.15 and 0.25 g mL-1, showed the most damaging effect. In tough lovegrass, autotoxicity is a mechanism that may be involved in the control of germination and plant growth, which could explain the distance between their clumps in the field. RESUMO A autotoxicidade no capim-annoni é observada no campo, mas nunca foi testada em bioensaios de alelopatia. Portanto, este estudo teve como objetivo verificar e comparar a autotoxicidade de extratos aquosos de folhas e raízes de capim-annoni na germinação e crescimento inicial de plântulas da mesma espécie. Extratos de folhas verdes, folhas senescentes e raízes de capim-annoni nas concentrações de 0,05, 0,15 e 0,25 g mL-1 foram avaliados quanto ao seu efeito na germinação e crescimento inicial. Os extratos, independentemente da origem ou da concentração do material utilizado, diminuíram significativamente a porcentagem de germinação e o índice de velocidade de germinação e crescimento de raízes de plântulas de capim-annoni. O efeito no tempo médio de germinação e no comprimento da parte aérea variou de acordo com a origem e a concentração dos extratos. Extratos de folhas verdes nas concentrações de 0,15 e 0,25 g mL-1 apresentaram o efeito mais nocivo. No capim-annoni, a autotoxicidade é um mecanismo que pode estar envolvido no controle da germinação e crescimento das plantas, o que poderia explicar a distância entre as touceiras no campo.

Poultry manure is used as fertilizer in natura, but little is known about whether it contaminates the soil with pathogenic organisms. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of organic, organomineral and mineral fertilizers on soil contamination by enteric pathogens, using poultry manure as the organic fertilizer. Manure was applied in field experiments at rates of 7.0 ton. ha-1 (maize crop, 2008/2009), 8.0 ton. ha-1 (wheat crop, 2009) and 14 t ha-1 (maize crop, 2010/2011). Organomineral fertilizer was applied at the same rates but was comprised of 50% manure and 50% mineral fertilizer. At 30 and 70 days after fertilization, the organic fertilizer and the upper 0-5 cm layer of the soil were tested for the presence of helminth eggs and larvae and enteropathogenic bacteria. Fecal and non-fecal coliforms (Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringes) were found in the organic fertilizer, but neither Salmonella spp. nor enteroparasites were detected. The population of enteropathogenic bacteria in the soil was similar among the treatments for all crops at both evaluation times. The population of thermotolerant coliforms in the organic fertilizer was larger than the maximum level allowed in Brazil, but neither the organic or nor the organomineral fertilizer contaminated the soil. RESUMO O esterco de poedeira in natura é utilizado como fertilizante, mas pouco se sabe se esta prática pode contaminar o solo com organismos patogênicos. O objetivo do trabalho foi o de avaliar o efeito da adubação orgânica, organomineral e mineral na contaminação do solo com estes organismos, utilizando o esterco de poedeira como fertilizante orgânico. Foram aplicadas 7,0 (milho 2008/2009), 8,0 (trigo 2009) e 14 t ha-1 (milho 2010/11) de esterco, em experimentos a campo. A adubação organomineral consistiu em 50% destas quantidades e 50% das quantidades aplicadas com fertilizantes minerais. Após 30 e 70 dias da adubação, avaliou-se a ocorrência de ovos e de larvas de helmintos e de bactérias enteropatogênicas no fertilizante orgânico e destes microrganismos na camada de 0-5 cm do Latossolo. Coliformes totais e fecais (Escherichia coli e Clostridium perfringens) foram constatados no fertilizante orgânico, enquanto Salmonella sp e os enteroparasitas não foram detectados. A população de bactérias enteropatogênicas do solo foi similar entre os tratamentos, em todas as culturas e ambas épocas de avaliações. A população de coliformes termotolerantes do fertilizante orgânico foi maior que o máximo permitido no Brasil, mas a adubação orgânica ou organomineral não contaminou o solo.

This study aimed at verifying whether juvenile plants of alfalfa cultivars with different aptitude (grazingtype: Alfagraze and ABT 805; hay-type: Crioula) show morphophysiological differences in order to develop a protocol for early selection for grazing persistence. Two experiments were conducted in a greenhouse, in completely randomized design and three repeplicates. In Experiment 1, plants were evaluated from successive destructive harvests at 60, 90, 120 and 150 days of age. In Experiment 2, plants at 150 days of age were cut to a 10-cm stubble and harvested at 15 and 30 days of regrowth. In Experiment 1, Alfagraze showed the lowest height (19 cm), internode length (1.4 cm) and apical bud accessibility (15.3 cm). Grazing-type cultivars did not differ significantly for subterranean hypocotyl diameter (3.5 mm) on the mean ages, and at 120 days of age they had lower number of leaves (56/plant) and axillary stem (2.5/plant) number as well as aerial dry matter accumulation (DM = 0.99 g/plant) in comparison to Crioula. At 150 days of age, Alfagraze had the lowest aerial dry matter accumulation (0.86 g/plant) compared to the other cultivars (1.8 g/plant). In Experiment 2, Alfagraze had higher leaf number (172/plant) compared to the mean of ABT 805 and Crioula (114/plant). The characters with the highest relative contribution for genetic divergence were number of leaves at 120 days of age (Experiment 1) and at 15 and 30 days of regrowth (Experiment 2) totalizing 71.5%. The highest average Euclidean distance (d = 12.3) was from Alfagraze to Crioula and the smallest from ABT 805 to Crioula (d = 8.92). At the juvenile stage, it is possible to identify some grazing avoidance mechanisms in alfafa, such as the small plant height, lower apical bud accessibility and short internodes, as well as one of the grazing tolerance mechanisms, which is the increase in the number of leaves after cutting. For these characters, early selection is possible and Alfagraze can be used as witness. Este estudo objetivou verificar se plantas jovens de cultivares de alfafa de distinta aptidão (tipo-pastejo: Alfagraze e ABT 805; tipo-feno: Crioula) evidenciam diferenças morfofisiológicas, a fim de desenvolver um protocolo de seleção precoce para persistência ao pastejo. Dois ensaios foram conduzidos em casa-de-vegetação, com delineamento completamente casualizado e três repetições. No Experimento 1 as plantas foram avaliadas a partir de colheitas sucessivas e destrutivas aos 60, 90, 120 e 150 dias de idade. No Experimento 2, plantas com 150 dias foram cortadas a 10 cm da base e avaliadas aos 15 e 30 dias de rebrota. No Experimento 1, a Alfagraze mostrou menor altura (19 cm), comprimento de entrenó (1,4 cm) e acessibilidade da gema apical (15,3 cm). As cultivares tipo-pastejo não diferiram significativamente quanto ao diâmetro do hipocótilo subterrâneo (3,5 mm), na média de idade, e aos 120 dias de idade apresentaram menor número de folhas (56/planta) e hastes axilares (2,5/planta) e acúmulo de massa seca aérea (MS = 0,99 g/planta) em relação à Crioula. Aos 150 dias de idade, a Alfagraze teve menor acúmulo de massa seca aérea (0,86 g/planta) em relação às outras cultivares (1,8 g/planta). No Experimento 2, a Alfagraze apresentou maior número de folhas (172/planta) comparado à média de ABT 805 e Crioula (114/planta). Os caracteres com maior contribuição relativa para divergência genética foram o número de folhas aos 120 dias de idade (Experimento 1), 15 e 30 dias de rebrota (Experimento 2), totalizando 71,5%. A maior distância euclidiana média foi entre Alfagraze e Crioula (d = 12,3) e a menor, entre ABT 805 e Crioula (d = 8,92). Em estádio juvenil, é possível detectar em alfafa alguns mecanismos de evitamento ao pastejo, como pequena altura de planta, menor acessibilidade da gema apical e entrenó curto, bem como um dos mecanismos de tolerância ao pastejo, que é o aumento no número de folhas após o corte. Para estes caracteres a seleção precoce é possível e a Alfagraze pode ser utilizada como testemunha.

The aim of this work was to propose a methodology for commercial classification of gerbera´s capitulum based on the trans flowers overlap coefficient. Three to eight capitula of twenty-eight cultivars of gerbera cut flower and seven non-commercial accesses were used. The width measurement of the trans flowers group (internal ray flower) as well as the sum of the width of the trans and ray flowers (external ray flower) groups were taken from each capitulum. The average of each access and the overlap coefficient were calculated (CS = width of the trans flowers group / Σ of the width of the trans and ray flowers groups) and submitted to the multivariate analysis, to verify the grouping by the average Euclidian distance matrix. It is proposed that gerberas with CS= 0.01 to 0.15 be classified as simple, CS= 0.16 to 0.40 as semi-double and CS superior to 0.41 as double. The overlap coefficient (CS) can be used to systematize the classification of the gerbera capitula, reducing the divergences in the classification and the subjectivity in the decisions of producers, florists and breeders. Objetivou-se neste trabalho propor uma metodologia para classificação comercial dos capítulos de gérbera com base no coeficiente de sobreposição das flores trans. Foram utilizados três a oito capítulos de vinte e oito cultivares de gérbera com aptidão para corte e sete acessos não comerciais. Em cada um dos capítulos realizou-se a medição da largura do conjunto das flores trans (flores do raio interno) e a soma da largura do conjunto das flores trans e do raio (flores do raio externo). Com isso, calcularam-se os coeficientes de sobreposição das flores trans (CS= largura do conjunto das flores trans / Σ da largura do conjunto das flores trans e do raio) e submeteram-se os dados à análise multivariada, com a finalidade de verificar o agrupamento mediante matriz de distância euclidiana média. Propõe-se que gérberas com CS= 0,01 a 0,15 sejam classificadas como simples, CS= 0,16 a 0,40, semidobradas e CS superior a 0,41, dobradas. O coeficiente de sobreposição pode ser utilizado para sistematizar a classificação dos capítulos de gérbera, reduzindo as divergências e a subjetividade nas decisões de produtores, floricultores e melhoristas.

This study was carried out with the objective of describing the aerial and underground organs of birdsfoot trefoil [Lotus corniculatus (São Gabriel and ARS-2620 cultivars)] and big trefoil [Lotus uliginosus (Maku cultivar)]. The plants were cultivated in pots and harvested at 150 and 210 days after sowing. Stems, leaves and roots were prepared in according to conventional anatomical techniques. The anatomical structures of L. corniculatus and L. uliginosus differed in terms of pith cell integrity, starch content in the parenchyma root cell and underground stem cortex. The leaves were amphistomatic, with phenolic idioblasts, small vascular bundles and few conducting elements. The underground system was diffuse, with adventitious shoots that grew in two directions, had no cataphylls, emerged from the ground, and gave rise to aerial stems. The morphological characteristics of the shoot system of both species matched the recent descriptions of soboles.

Este trabalho foi conduzido com o objetivo de verificar o efeito da fertilização com dois tipos de camas sobrepostas de suínos (CSS), à base de casca de arroz (CA) e maravalha (MA), sobre a produção de uma pastagem natural, com predomínio de Axonopus sp. e Paspalum sp., sobressemeada com leguminosas (cornichão e trevo-branco). As camas sobrepostas foram aplicadas em quantidades equivalentes a 180, 360, 540 e 720 kg/ha de P2O5, constituindo quatro níveis de cama de casca de arroz (30, 60, 90 ou 120 t/ha) e quatro níveis de cama de maravalha (20,6; 41,2; 62,2 ou 82,8 t/ha). Foram incluídos dois tratamentos-testemunha: 180 kg/ha de superfosfato triplo (SFT) e ausência de adubação (AA). A sobressemeadura das leguminosas foi realizada em maio de 2004 e, a partir de agosto de 2004, foram realizados nove cortes da pastagem, a cada seis semanas. As maiores produções de matéria seca (MS) anuais (setembro/2004 a agosto/2005) com as aplicações de cama de casca de arroz foram obtidas nos níveis 30 e 60 t/ha e, com cama de maravalha, nos níveis 62,2 e 82,8 t/ha, que resultaram em produções de MS de 8.083 e 8.276 kg/ha, superiores às obtidas com superfosfato triplo (4.091 kg MS/ha) e sem adubação (3.071 MS kg/ha). A produção de MS de trevo-branco aumentou linearmente no outono e no inverno, de acordo com os níveis de adubação com cama de maravalha, mas não variaram com a adubação com cama de casca de arroz. O efeito fertilizante varia entre os tipos de cama sobreposta, que podem influenciar a composição botânica de pastagens mistas de leguminosas-gramíneas. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of two swine deep beddings (SDB): rice husk (CA) and sawdust coarse (MA) on the production of natural pasture. The predominant species in this pasture were Axonopus sp. and Paspalum sp. that was sod-seeded with the forage legumes birdsfoot trefoil and white clover. The SDBs were applied in amounts equivalent to 180, 360, 540, and 720 kg/ha of P2O5. In order to achieve the target P application, different levels of CA (30, 60, 90, and 120 t/ha) and MA (20.6; 41.2; 62.2; and 82.8 t/ha) were applied. Two control treatments were used: mineral fertilization (180 kg/ha of triple superphosphate, TSP) and no fertilization (AA). The legumes were sod-seeded in May/2004. After August/2004, the plants were cut every six weeks and nine cuts were performed. The highest annual (September/2004 to August/2005) dry matter (DM) production was obtained with 30 and 60 t/ha of CA or 62.2 and 82.8 t/ha of MA, with DM productivity ranging from 8,083 to 8,276 kg DM/ha. This productivity was greater than the one obtained with both TSP (4,091 kg DM/ha) and AA (3,071 kg DM/ha). The white-clover DM production increased linearly in the fall and in the winter seasons, as a function of MA and did not change with the CA rates. The results indicated that the CSS type (CA or MA) affects the fertilizing effect of these manures, influencing the production and the botanical composition of the pastures, specially the proportion of grasses and legumes.

Leaf anatomic characterization of populations of Bromus auleticus Trin. Ex Nees (Poaceae). This work was carried out to characterize the leaf anatomy of eight Bromus auleticus populations collected in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and called A5, A6, A8, A17, A23, A26 and A27. Totally expanded leaves were collected from plants in the vegetative stage and were sectioned and stained with basic fuchsine and alcian blue. A single layer of epidermis with a smooth and fi ne cuticle on both surfaces, short tricomes, vascular bundles in three sizes, and the presence of cells with lignifi ed walls along the bundles and on the leaf edge were observed in all populations. The number of bulliform cells varied from three to fi ve, with the exception of population. A25, which ranged from fi ve to eight cells. Three populations presented long tricomes (A6, A23 and A27) and palisade chlorenchyma (A6, A7 and A26), fi ve had grooves on the leaf surface (A8, A17, A23, A26, A27) and homogeneous chlorenchyma (A5, A8, A17, A23, A27), two presented a large intercellular space in the mesofi le (A7 and A17), and two showed a more visible cuticle on the abaxial surface (A7 and A8). These variations could refl ect differences in relation to the nutritive value of the populations and be used in plant breeding programs for the genetic improvement of bromegrass. Este trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar anatomicamente a lâmina foliar de oito populações de Bromus auleticus coletadas no Rio Grande do Sul e denominadas de A5, A6, A7, A8, A17, A23, A26 e A27. Folhas totalmente expandidas foram coletadas de plantas em estádio vegetativo, seccionadas e coradas com fucsina e azul de Alcian. Verificou-se em todas as populações a presença de epiderme uniestratificada, com cutícula lisa e delgada em ambas as faces, tricomas curtos, feixes vasculares de três tamanhos e células com parede lignificada junto aos feixes e no bordo foliar. O número de células buliformes varia de três a cinco, com exceção da população A26, com cinco a oito células. Três populações possuem tricomas longos (A6, A23, A27) e clorênquima em paliçada (A6, A7, A26), cinco exibem sulcos na superfície foliar (A8, A17, A23, A26, A27) e clorênquima homogêneo (A5, A8, A17, A23, A27), duas apresentam amplos espaços intercelulares no mesofi lo (A7, A17) e duas, cutícula mais evidente na face abaxial (A7, A8). Essas variações podem refletir diferenças no valor nutritivo das populações e serem exploradas nos trabalhos de melhoramento genético da cevadilha vacariana.

Regrowth morphophysiology of Baccharis trimera (Less) DC., Asteraceae): Subsidies for control in natural pastures. This experiment was carried out on native grassland in Rio Grande do Sul. The purpose was to compare the vigor of the regrowth of Baccharis trimera after cutting at different heights (7 and 15cm) and phenological stages (V= vegetative; beginning of spring; FE= end of fl owering; end of summer). The design was completely randomized with ten replications, composed by plants. The cuts were on 09/26/02 (V) and 03/14/03 (FE); the regrowth evaluation was made after the plants had achieved thermal sums of 1,525 degreedays (12/12/02) and 1,749 degree-days (06/26/03) for V-stage and FE-stage cuts respectively, by harvestingthe plant shoots. The lowest regrowth was observed in the plants cut in the V-stage (22.9g DM/plant), in which the cutting height had no effect. In the FE-stage there was a signifi cant effect of the cutting height: 21.7g DM/ plant was obtained under 7cm and 75.6g DM/plant was obtained under 15cm. It was concluded that it is better to cut B. trimera in the vegetative stage (beginning of spring) at a height of 15cm to minimize possible damage to valuable forage plants. Mowing realized at the end of the summer, when the plants are in the fl owering stage,needs to be severe (7cm) in order to reduce the basal stem growth. The horizontal underground system of B. trimera is formed by budding roots, and new shoots can be produced from the activation of their dormant buds. O trabalho foi conduzido em área de pastagem natural do Rio Grande do Sul, com o objetivo de avaliar a rebrota da carqueja (Baccharis trimera) a cortes em diferentes alturas (7 e 15cm) e estádios fenológicos (V=vegetativo; início da primavera; FF=fi nal do florescimento; final do verão) e determinar histologicamente a natureza do sistema subterrâneo horizontal da espécie. Os cortes foram em 26/09/02 (V) e 14/03/03 (FF) e a avaliação da rebrota foi realizada aos 1.525 graus-dia (V), em 12/12/02, e aos 1.749 graus-dia (FF), em 26/06/03, mediante a colheita da parte aérea. Houve menor produção de matéria seca (MS) nas plantas cortadas no estádio-V, independente da altura de corte (22,9g MS/planta). No corte do estádio-FF houve efeito significativo da altura de corte: a 7cm obteve-se 21,7g MS/planta e a 15cm, 75,6g MS/planta. Concluiu-se que é melhor cortar a carqueja no estádio vegetativo (primavera) a 15 cm, o que minimizaria os danos às plantas forrageiras desejáveis. A roçada realizada no final do verão, em plantas florescidas, deve ser a menor altura (7cm), a fim de reduzir o crescimento das hastes basilares. O sistema subterrâneo horizontal da carqueja é formado por raízes gemíferas, capazes de gerar novas plantas a partir da ativação de gemas dormentes.

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de comparar cultivares de Lotus spp. de diferentes hábitos de crescimento (L. corniculatus: São Gabriel - semi-ereto; ARS2620 - prostrado; L. uliginosus: cv. Maku - decumbente) cultivados em vasos e submetidos a diferentes alturas (4 - 8 cm) e freqüências (quinzenal - mensal) de corte do 95º ao 233º dia de idade. As maiores produções de massa seca (g/planta) foram obtidas com cortes mensais a 8 cm (Maku = 13,3; S. Gabriel = 11,5; ARS2620 = 7,3). Em níveis intermediários (mensal - 4 cm; quinzenal - 8 cm), o cultivar Maku foi superior aos demais, enquanto, em cortes quinzenais (4 cm), não houve diferença entre os cultivares. O cultivar ARS2620 apresentou menor estatura e maior cobertura verde residual após os cortes. Na condição residual após o último corte, o cultivar Maku superou os demais quanto ao diâmetro da coroa e às produções de MS da raiz primária, subterrânea, aérea e de sóboles. Todos os cultivares foram favorecidos pelo manejo menos intenso, mas apresentaram mecanismos compensatórios ao serem manejados com cortes baixos em menor freqüência ou com cortes freqüentes, mas menos intensos. Os três cultivares apresentaram caules subterrâneos sobolíferos. A sobrevivência do cultivar São Gabriel e o sistema subterrâneo de Lotus spp. foram comprometidos em cortes intensos e freqüentes. This work aimed to compare Lotus spp. cultivars with different growth habits (L. corniculatus: cv. São Gabriel, semi-erect, cv. ARS2620, prostrate, and L. uliginosus: cv. Maku, decumbent), submitted to different height (4 - 8 cm) and cutting frequencies (15 d and 30 d), between the 95th and 233rd days old, grown in pot. Greater DM production (g. plant-1 of DM) was obtained under monthly cutting at 8 cm (Maku = 13.3; S. Gabriel = 11.5; ARS2620 = 7.3). Maku surpassed the others when intermediate levels (monthly cutting-4 cm; fortnighly cutting-8 cm) were used; harvests every 15 d and at 4 cm resulted in no difference among cultivars. The cv. ARS2620 showed the lowest height and the highest residual green canopy after defoliation. After the last cut, the cv. Maku overcame the other cultivars regarding crown diameter, DM of taproot, DM of soboles, DM of underground roots, and shoots. Lenient management favoured all the cultivars but they showed compensatory mechanism when they were submitted to intense and less frequent cutting or under frequent and less intense cutting. The three cultivars showed subterraneum stems of sobole type. The persistence of cv. S. Gabriel and the underground system of Lotus spp. were affected under intense and frequent cutting.

Objetivou-se caracterizar a variabilidade existente e estimar a divergência genética de uma coleção nuclear de trevo-branco formada por 78 acessos. Dezessete plantas de cada acesso foram caracterizadas com base em nove parâmetros (oito morfológicos e um agronômico): estatura das plantas, hábito de crescimento, intensidade de florescimento, comprimento de estolão, número de nós por estolão, comprimento dos entrenós, diâmetro de estolão, produção total de MS e área foliar por planta. Pela estimativa da distância de Mahalanobis, os acessos 1 (PI 195534) e 10 (PI 419325) apresentaram a maior distância (45,4) e os acessos 58 (PI 180491) e 68 (PI 197830), a menor distância (0,19). A área foliar foi a característica com maior contribuição relativa para divergência genética (24%), seguida pela estatura da planta (20%), pela intensidade de florescimento (19%) e pela produção total de MS (15%). A análise de correlação linear simples entre as variáveis mostrou correlação positiva e significativa entre estatura e área foliar (0,92), assim como entre comprimento de estolão e comprimento de entrenós (0,90). This work aimed to evaluate morphological features of the white clover core collection obtained from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), represented by 78 accessions, in order to characterize the existent morphological variability and to estimate the genetic divergence, using nine characters (eight morphological and one agronomic). Seventeen plants from each access were evaluated individually at the Experimental Station of the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul in Eldorado do Sul and characterized in relation to the following characters: plant height, growth habit, flowering intensity, stolon length, node number per stolon, internode length, stolon diameter, total dry matter yield and leaf area per plant. Using the estimate of Mahalanobis´ distance, the results showed that the accessions 1 (PI 195534) and 10 (PI 419325) presented the greatest distance (45.4), while the accessions 58 (PI 180491) and 68 (PI 197830) presented the smallest distance (0.19). The leaf area was the character with the largest individual relative contribution to the genetic divergence (24%), followed by plant height (20%), flowering intensity (19%) and total dry matter yield (15%). There was a positive and highly significant correlation between plant height and leaf area (0.92) and also between stolon length and internode length (0.90).

Foram comparadas, neste estudo, a produção e a seletividade animal de cultivares de capim-elefante em condições de clima frio, em Lages, Santa Catarina. O ensaio constou de 12 cultivares (Mineiro X-23A, Mineiro, Taiwan A-144, CAC-262, Mole da Volta Grande, Teresópolis, Vrukwona, Merckeron Pinda, Turrialba, Porto Rico, Taiwan A-14 e Cameroon), estabelecidas em parcelas de 17,5 m², em um delineamento de blocos casualizados, com três repetições. Cada parcela foi formada por sete linhas espaçadas 0,50 m, considerando-se como área útil as três linhas centrais. Os cortes para avaliação da produção de forragem foram realizados em janeiro, março e maio de 1985 e 1986, sempre que as plantas atingiram cerca de 1,5 m de estatura. A avaliação da seletividade animal foi realizada em janeiro e março de 1987, após o pastoreio, mediante notas atribuídas ao resíduo de forragem na parcela (método Botanal). A análise da variância mostrou efeito significativo de anos e de cultivares para a produção total de forragem, não havendo efeito significativo para a interação desses fatores. Na média dos dois anos, o potencial de produção variou entre 11 t e 21 t MS/ha. Observou-se uma redução de 27% na produção de forragem no segundo ano, com média geral dos cultivares de 12.116 kg MS/ha, que foi significativamente inferior à do ano anterior (16.662 kg MS/ha). O cv. Mineiro X-23A foi o que apresentou a maior produção de forragem, superando 20 t MS/ha. O cv. Porto Rico destacou-se pela maior proporção de folhas e maior seletividade pelos animais e o cv. CAC-262, pela maior estabilidade, ou seja, menor variância nos dois anos de avaliação.

Este trabalho foi conduzido com o objetivo de caracterizar agronomicamente genótipos de cornichão (Lotus corniculatus L.), incluindo oito populações do cv. São Gabriel, um cultivar rizomatoso (cv. ARS-2620) e um cultivar sem rizomas (cv. Trueno). Plantas individuais foram cultivadas e submetidas a sete cortes em condições de campo, durante um ano, em Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Os genótipos apresentaram variabilidade quanto ao comprimento de entrenós, estatura, diâmetro, comprimento de legumes, produção de forragem e valor nutritivo. Na média geral, as populações e o cv. Trueno foram cerca de 50% mais produtivos em relação ao cv. ARS-2620. Os genótipos apresentaram entre 80 e 100% de sobrevivência. O conteúdo de proteína bruta reduziu de 21,8% (estádio vegetativo) para 11,2% (estádio de frutificação). A média geral de fibra detergente ácido foi de 24,2% e a de fibra detergente neutro variou entre 55,3 e 58,8%. This work was carried out to characterize agronomically birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) genotypes, including eight populations derived from the cultivar São Gabriel, one rhizomatous cultivar (ARS-260) and one cultivar without rhizomes (Trueno). Individual plants were submitted to seven cuts under field conditions during one year, at Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The genotypes showed variability relative to internode lenght, height, diameter, legume lenght, forage production and nutritive value. On the average, the populations and the cv. Trueno were about 50% more productive than the cv. ARS-260. The genotypes presented a survival range from 80% to 100%. The crude protein content decreased from 21.8 (vegetative stage) to 11.2% (fruiting stage). The overall mean for acid detergent fiber was 24.2% and the neutral detergent fiber ranged from 55.3% to 58.8%.

A análise da alocação da biomassa e a correlação entre variáveis morfofisiológicas permitem maior entendimento do estabelecimento, produção e persistência de espécies perenes, em trabalhos de melhoramento genético, manejo e ecologia de plantas forrageiras. Este trabalho teve o objetivo de analisar a alocação de biomassa em leguminosas forrageiras (Adesmia latifolia, A. punctata, A. tristis, Lotus corniculatus, L. uliginosus). O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação durante 210 dias (4000 graus-dia); as plantas foram cultivadas em caixas de 1 m2. Nesse período, foram retiradas amostras periódicas para avaliação dos componentes morfológicos e descrição do hábito das espécies. A alocação da biomassa em raízes, caule e folha foi expressa em percentagem de massa seca. A maior alocação em folhas ocorreu nas espécies estoloníferas, A. latifolia (63,53%) e A. punctata (61,42%), que, por sua vez, mostraram a menor alocação em raízes, 10,90 a 14,77 %, respectivamente. Maior alocação de biomassa em caule (39,38%) e raízes (24,39%) foi verificada em L. uliginosus, espécie rizomatosa. Para todas as espécies, o índice de área foliar (IAF) esteve correlacionado positivamente com número de folhas das hastes secundárias e biomassa aérea. A. latifolia e Lotus spp. são exemplos extremos da relativa importância dos componentes morfológicos na formação do IAF e da biomassa. O padrão de acúmulo e alocação de biomassa nas leguminosas estoloníferas é caracterizado, principalmente, pela produção de folhas, indicando a importância do alongamento e enraizamento dos estolões, enquanto em A. tristis e Lotus spp., as frações caule e raízes apresentam igual importância. The biomass allocation analysis and the correlation among morphophysiological variables allow greater understanding of the establishment, yield and persistence of perennial species in plant breeding projects, management and ecology of forage plants. To analyze the biomass allocation of forage legumes (Adesmia latifolia, A. punctata, A. tristis, Lotus corniculatus, L. uliginosus), an experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions for 210 days (4000 degree-days); the plants were cultivated in 1 m2 wooden boxes. Plants were harvested to evaluate the morphological components and to describe their growth habit. The root, stem and leaf biomass allocations were expressed as dry mass percentages. The greatest allocation on leaves occurred for stoloniferous species, A. latifolia (63.5%) and A. punctata (61.4%), which presented the smallest allocation for roots, 10.9 and 14.7%, respectively. Largest stem biomass allocation (39.4%) and roots (24.4%) were found for L. uliginosus, a species with rhizomes. The leaf area index (LAI) was positively correlated with the number of leaves, secondary stems and aerial biomass. A. latifolia and Lotus spp. are extreme examples of the relative importance of morphological components in the formation of LAI and biomass. The accumulation pattern and forage allocation of stoloniferous legumes are mainly characterized by leaf production, pointing out the importance of stolon elongation and rooting, while for A. tristis and Lotus spp., the stem and root fractions had the same importance.

Caracteres morfologicos e fenologicos sao utilizados na selecao, cruzamentos e descricao de genotipos, sua instabilidade frente a alteracoes ambientais pode determinar o seu valor na etapa de protecao de cultivares. Este trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de verificar a expressao de descritores morfologicos e fenologicos e, consequentemente, a dissimilaridade entre cultivares de aveia-branca (Avena sativa L.) em dois periodos de cultivo. Para isso, cinco cultivares, protegidas e oriundas de quatro obtentores e, aqui, codificadas (G1, G2, G3, G4 e G5), foram semeadas dentro do periodo recomendado para a cultura no sul do do Brasil (outono-hibernal) e fora desse periodo (hiberno-primaveril), com intervalo de quarenta dias. O experimento foi estabelecido em campo, em blocos casualizados, com tres repeticoes. As cultivares foram avaliadas quanto a 42 descritores (15 quantitativos e 27 qualitativos). Os dados quantitativos foram submetidos a analise de variância, seguida da comparacao de medias, e a analise multivariada, por meio da geracao da distância euclidiana media. Os dados qualitativos foram submetidos a determinacao da moda, seguida da obtencao do indice de similaridade. A relacao entre as cultivares foi ilustrada por meio de dendrogramas. Foi calculado o indice de estabilidade dos descritores. A interacao genotipo x ambiente foi observada em 28 descritores. A estabilidade de expressao, a alteracao no periodo de cultivo, foi maior nos descritores qualitativos (44%), quando comparada aos quantitativos (7%). Os descritores qualitativos mais estaveis foram: cor do lema, pilosidade do no superior, posicao da folha-bandeira, pilosidade da base do grao, comprimento dos pelos basais do grao e comprimento da raquila. O descritor quantitativo mais estavel foi o comprimento da folha-bandeira. O atraso no periodo de cultivo da aveia-branca, de outono-hibernal para hiberno-primaveril, reduz o ciclo da cultura e modifica a expressao da maioria dos descritores, alterando a dissimilaridade fenotipica entre cultivares.

This study aimed to evaluate tough lovegrass leaf and root extracts antimicrobial activity. The extracts (plant material: solvent, 1:10) were prepared by maceration with methanol:water (1:1) during ten days followed by a concentration in a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure. The extracts were resuspended in water containing 1% of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) to obtain a final concentration of 100 mg/mL and then filtered through a sterilizing membrane with 0.22μm. The antibacterial activity of the leaf and root extracts were evaluated against pathogenic and phytopathogenic bacteria by agar well diffusion and microdilution broth methods for the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) determination. The antifungal activity of tough lovegrass leaf and root extracts were evaluated by micelial growth inhibition and conidial germination inhibition. The extracts presented low antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Xanthomonas translucens, but the leaf extracts presented significant antifungal activity against the phytopathogenic fungus Drechslera tritici-repentis. The results support the continuity of the study in improving the effectiveness of the active extract for a possible use in pharmacology and agronomy and in attempting to determine the probable active antimicrobial compound.

The existence of variability is a prerequisite for genetic improvement in plants. Globe artichoke is a high nutritious vegetable with medical value, representing a profitable alternative for rural producers. This research was conducted with the aim of evaluating the phenotypic variability in a commercial cultivar of artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus L) established from seeds. Field plants were assessed when primary head reached commercial stage. An amount of 21 quantitative and 5 multicategoric characters were assessed. The quantitative data were submitted to multivariate analysis.For quantitative characters the distance between individuals varied from 3.0 to 50.9, revealing high intrapopulation variability. The greater relative contribution characters for genetic divergence were the primary head fresh mass (79.88%) and bottom fresh mass (8.43%). This indicates the possibility of plant selection for head quality in this population. The clustering analysis through UPGMA method, based on quantitative characters, allowed the formation of five groups. For multicategoric traits, the similarity among individuals varied from 1.22% to 100%. Within the existing population variability, it was possible to select plants with superior quantitative traits desirable for in natura consumption, as primary head fresh weight and length, bottom fresh mass, bract basis length and width, as well as non-quantitative traits as round head shape, absence of thorn and presence of violet color in the head A existência de variabilidade é um pré-requisito para o melhoramento genético em plantas. A alcachofra é uma hortícola de alto valor nutritivo e medicinal, representando uma alternativa rentável para os produtores rurais. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a variabilidade fenotípica de uma cultivar comercial de alcachofra (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus L) estabelecida por sementes. As plantas foram cultivadas no campo e avaliadas quando o capítulo primário atingiu o estádio comercial. Foram avaliados 21 caracteres quantitativos e cinco multicategóricos, com posterior análise multivariada. Para os caracteres quantitativos, a distância entre os indivíduos variou de 3 a 50,9, revelando elevada variabilidade intrapopulacional. Os caracteres com maior contribuição relativa para divergência genética foram a massa fresca do capítulo primário (79,88%) e massa fresca do fundo (8,43), indicando a possibilidade de seleção de plantas com qualidade de capítulo nesta população. A análise de agrupamento pelo método UPGMA, com base nos caracteres quantitativos, permitiu a formação de cinco grupos. Para as variáveis multicategóricas, similaridade entre os indivíduos variou de 1.22% a 100%. Foi possível selecionar indivíduos com características superiores quanto aos principais caracteres quantitativos desejáveis para o consumo in natura, como: massa fresca e comprimento do capítulo primário, massa fresca de fundo, comprimento e largura da base das brácteas, comprimento das brácteas externas, bem como características não quantitativas como capítulo de formato circular, ausência de espinhos e presença de cor violeta no capítulo Fil: Reolon da Costa, Angela. Universidad de Passo Fundo; Brasil Fil: Scheffer Basso, Simone Meredith. Universidad de Passo Fundo; Brasil Fil: Ferrari Grando, Magali. Universidad de Passo Fundo; Brasil Fil: Cravero, Vanina Pamela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

The morphogenesis of giant missionary grass (Axonopus jesuticus x A. scoparius) was evaluated in this study in response to the application of 0, 40, 80, 120, 160, and 200m³ ha-1year-1 of pig slurry, calculated to provide 0, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500kg N ha-1year-1, respectively. The experiment was carried out in the field, at Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil, in 2010-2011. The doses were fractioned in four applications, performed after the pasture cuttings, during the growth season of the grass. Morphogenetic evaluations were performed weekly between 10/26/2010 and 12/07/2010 (spring), 12/14/2010 and 01/11/2011 (late spring/early summer), 01/18/2011 and 02/07/2011 (summer), and 02/15/2011 and 03/21/2011 (late summer). The leaf senescence, leaf elongation, and pseudoculm elongation rates, canopy and pseudoculm heights, leaf blade length, and tillering increased because of fertilization. The application of pig slurry as a source of nitrogen alters the tissue flow of giant missionary grass, which requires attention to pasture management in order to maximize the efficiency of forage use and to prevent losses of herbage by leaf senescence. A morfogênese da grama-missioneira-gigante (Axonopus jesuticus x A. scoparius) tirar itálico dos parentes foi avaliada neste estudo em resposta à aplicação de doses de 0, 40, 80, 120, 160 e 200m³ ha-1ano-1 de dejeto líquido de suínos, calculadas para suprir 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 e 500kg de N ha-1ano-1, respectivamente. O experimento foi realizado no campo, em Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brasil, em 2010-2011. As doses foram fracionadas em quatro aplicações, após os cortes da pastagem, durante a estação de crescimento da gramínea. As avaliações morfogenéticas ocorreram semanalmente entre 26/10/2010 e 07/12/2010 (primavera), 14/12/2010 e 11/01/2011 (final da primavera/início do verão), 18/01/2011 e 07/02/2011 (verão), e 15/02/2011 e 21/03/2011 (final do verão). As taxas de senescência foliar, alongamento foliar e alongamento do pseudocolmo, a altura do dossel e do pseudocolmo, o comprimento de lâmina foliar e o afilhamento foram incrementados como resultado da fertilização. A aplicação de dejetos de suínos como fonte de nitrogênio altera o fluxo de tecido de grama-missioneira-gigante, o que requer atenção ao manejo da pastagem para maximizar a eficiência de uso da forragem e prevenir perdas por senescência.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a morfogênese da grama-tapete (Axonopus affinis) adubada durante dois anos com dejeto líquido de suínos (DLS). Na média de dois anos, foram aplicados 0, 51, 102, 153, 204 e 255m³ de DLS ha-1, calculados para prover 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 e 500kg de N/ha/ano, respetivamente. A morfogênese foi avaliada na primavera e verão de 2008-2009 e 2009-2010, considerando-se como temperatura basal 10°C para cálculo da soma térmica no intervalo entre as amostragens. Houve aumento linear no número de perfilhos, taxa de alongamento de perfilhos, taxa de expansão foliar e índice de área foliar em função das doses de DLS. Não houve efeito da adubação na taxa de alongamento de pseudocolmo (0,004cm GD-1), taxa de aparecimento foliar (0,004 folha perfilho-1 GD-1) e filocrono (274GD). This study aimed to evaluate the morphogenesis of carpet grass fertilized for two years with pig slurry (PS). On the average of two years were applied 0, 51, 102, 153, 204 and 255m³ of PS ha-1, calculated to provide 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500kg of N ha-1 year-1, respectively. The morphogenesis was evaluated in the spring and summer of 2008-2009 and 2009-2010, considering 10°C as threshold temperature to evaluate the thermal sum in degree-days (DD) between the samplings. The fertilization linearly increased the tiller number, tiller elongation rate, leaf elongation rate and leaf area index. There was no effect of the fertilization on pseudoculm elongation rate (0.004cm DD-1), leaf appearance rate (0.004 leaf tiller-1 DD-1) and phyllochron (274DD).

This study had the objective of assessing the genetic divergence in giant missionary grass (Axonopus jesuiticus x A. scoparius) germplasm based on morphological and agronomic traits. Five accessions were evaluated in the field: V14337, V14403, V14404, V14405 and V14406. Three contrasting groups were formed using the UPGMA clustering method: V14337 and V14404 formed one group, V14403 and V14405 formed another, and V14406 was isolated from the other accessions. The most striking traits for the identification of the accessions were the height of the plant and the change color of the leaf. Only V14406 accession had purplish green leaves. The other four accessions differed with regards to plant height and dry matter production, with superiority of V14337 and V14404 accessions. The high similarity, as assessed by the mean Euclidean distance, suggests that V14337 and V14404 share the same genotype. The genotypic variability among accessions indicates their potential use in breeding programs. Este estudo teve como objetivo acessar a divergência genética em germoplasma de grama-missioneira-gigante (Axonopus jesuiticus x A. scoparius) com base em caracteres morfológicos e agronômicos. Cinco acessos foram avaliados no campo: V14337, V14403, V14404, V14405 e V14406. Três grupos contrastantes foram formados pelo método de agrupamento UPGMA: V14337 e V14404 formaram um grupo, V14403 e V14405 formaram outro, e V14406 ficou isolado dos demais acessos. Os caracteres morfológicos mais evidentes para identificar os acessos foram a altura da planta e a alteração da cor da folha. Somente o acesso V14406 apresentou folhas verde-púrpuras. Os outros quatro acessos diferiram quanto à altura da planta e produção de matéria seca, com superioridade dos acessos V14337 e V14404. A elevada similaridade, acessada pela distância euclidiana média, sugere que V14337 e V14404 compartilham o mesmo genótipo. A variabilidade genotípica entre os acessos indica seu uso potencial em programas de melhoramento genético.

The phytochemical profile and antimicrobial activity of cultivar (cv.) extracts of Lotus uliginosus (cvs. Trojan and Serrano), L. tenuis (cv. Larrañaga) and L. corniculatus (cv. São Gabriel) were investigated. The phytochemical analysis revealed tannins, coumarins and flavonoids in all extracts, with variations among cultivars, showing genotypic variability. By High Performance Liquid Chromatographic method, the cvs. Larrañaga and São Gabriel showed the highest percentage of catechin and epicatechin, respectively, and presented rutin, which was not detected in the other ones. These genotypes showed antifungal activity but not antibacterial one. The cv. Larrañaga inhibited the mycelia growth of Alternaria sp. and Fusarium graminearum while the cv. São Gabriel was active only against Alternaria sp. The cultivars showed the greatest amounts of secondary metabolites and demonstrated significant activity against filamentous fungi. The results provide a direction for further research about pharmacological use of Lotus spp. O perfil fitoquímico e a atividade antimicrobiana de extratos de cultivares (cvs.) de Lotus uliginosus (cvs. Trojan e Serrano), L. tenuis (cv. Larrañaga) e L. corniculatus (cv. São Gabriel) foram investigados. A análise fitoquímica revelou taninos, cumarinas e flavonoides em todos os extratos, com variação entre os cvs., demonstrando variabilidades genotípicas. Pelo método de Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência, os cvs. Larrañaga e São Gabriel apresentaram os maiores percentuais de catequina e epicatequina, respectivamente, e apresentaram rutina, que não foi detectada nos demais. Tais genótipos apresentaram atividade antifúngica, mas não mostraram atividade antibacteriana. O cv. Larrañaga inibiu o crescimento micelial de Alternaria sp. e Fusarium graminearum enquanto o cv. São Gabriel foi ativo somente contra Alternaria sp.. Os cultivares que apresentaram as maiores quantidades de metabólitos secundários, demonstraram atividade significativa contra fungos filamentosos. Os resultados fornecem indicativos para futuras pesquisas sobre a utilização farmacológica de Lotus spp.

Condensed tannins are formed by monomers of procyanidins and prodelfinidins, where the proportion and concentration of their monomers varies according to the plant species and environmental conditions. In Lotus spp., condensed tannins prevent tympanism in ruminants that feed on them. This study aimed to evaluate the concentration of procyanidins and their monomers, catechin and epicatechin in the genotypes of Lotus L. grown in soil with different saturations of aluminum. A two-factor (genotype × Al saturation) assay was performed, where the genotypes São Gabriel, Ganador, and UFRGS (Lotus corniculatus L.); Serrano (Lotus uliginosus); and El Rincón (Lotus subbiflorus) were cultivated in soil with an Al saturation of 0-20%. The procyanidins were evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography, which was previously validated for catechin and epicatechin. The concentration of procyanidins and the proportion of epicatechin:catechin were affected by the genotype × environment interaction. In L. corniculatus and L. subbiflorus, the concentration of procyanidin was significantly higher when they were grown in the soil with an Al saturation of 20% compared to that when they were grown in the soil with 0% Al saturation, but the opposite effect was observed in L. uliginosus. The proportion of epicatechin:catechin decreased in plants grown in soil without Al, and only the UFRGS genotype maintained a similar proportion under both the soil acidity conditions. The predominant monomer was epicatechin, which varied from 57% to 75% according to the soil in which the plants were grown.

This study evaluated the morphological development of two populations of tough lovegrass during 120 days of continuous growth (Experiment I), and the regrowth of one population under the combination of cutting height (5 cm and 10 cm) and phenological stage at the first cutting (vegetative and beginning of flowering; Experiment II). In Experiment I, plants were harvested at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days of growth; in Experiment II, three cuttings were carried out at every 30 days, and the plants were harvested four weeks after the previous one. In Experiment I, the populations did not differ for morphological development, showing a linear increase in height and tiller number, and a quadratic trend for root and shoot dry matter (DM). At 120 days of growth, plants presented 10 basal tillers and 80 leaves, strongly compressed at the base and no sign of senescence. In Experiment II, there was no significant cutting height × phenological stage interaction, but cuttings at 5 cm reduced plant size and yield. Cuttings started at the vegetative stage decreased the root (3.06 g DM/plant) and stubble dry matter (1.17 g DM/plant), compared with 6.84 g and 3.99 g DM/plant, respectively, with cuttings started at the flowering stage. Tough lovegrass shows basal architecture, basal bud renovation, leaves densely compressed in the tiller base, high belowground allocation, and elongation of internodes only in reproductive stage. Mechanical control is an alternative method to minimize its growth, especially if it is carried out early in the growing season and at low cutting height.

In this study, the phenotypic diversity of five accessions of giant missionary grass (Axonopus jesuiticus × A. scoparius) was evaluated by using morphophysiological traits. Accessions V 14337, V 14403, V 14404, V 14405 and V 14406 are hybrids derived from spontaneous crossing that occurred in Vale do Itajai, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Plants were cultivated in greenhouse and evaluated at 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210 and 240 days of growth. Variation was observed for dry matter production, phenology and morphological traits, showing the possibility of selection. Flowering started at 210 days of growth and only in accessions V 14337 and V 14404. The Mahalanobis distance among accessions ranged from 35.64 (V 14403 and V 14405) to 183.38 (V 14337 and V 14405), and three groups were formed, based on 17 vegetative morphophysiological traits evaluated in plants with 180 days of growth: G1 (V 14403, V 14405), G2 (V 14406) and G3 (V 14337, V 14404). Group I presented the greatest dry matter production of stolon and aboveground, which were the traits with the largest relative contribution to genetic divergence, 38.67% and 38.31%, respectively. Accessions V 14403 and V 14405 are the most promising for agronomic evaluations that address their records as forage cultivars.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the response of five birdsfoot trefoil populations (Lotus corniculatus L.), selected under severe and intense grazing (P38, P37, P9 and P3) or cutting (population Corte), one rhizomatous population from Morocco and two cultivars, São Gabriel (Brazil) and ARS 2620 (USA), to different cutting intervals (20 and 40 days). The trial was carried out in a greenhouse for 224 days. The plants were submitted to the treatments during four months, when it was made four and two cuttings for the 20 and 40 day intervals, respectively. In the following months, aerial part of the plants was totally removed and after 70 days of regrowth, evaluation of roots and aerial section were performed. Analysis of variance and multivariate analysis was performed, obtaining the Mahalanobis distance (Md), dendogram by UPGMA method and the relative contribution of the characters for genetic divergence. There was no genotype × cutting interval interaction and the genotypes presented a reduction on dry matter yield of roots, crown and aerial sections, number of stems and plant height when submitted to frequent cuttings. The most divergent genotypes were Marrocos and P9 (Md = 108.7) and the most similar ones were São Gabriel and P37 (Md = 7.8). The results suggest exclusion of the population P9 because of its weak performance and the utilization of the populations Corte and P37 as progenitors in the birdsfoot trefoil breeding program. Root dry matter accumulation and plant height were the characters that contributed most to genetic divergence and they can be used for selection works.

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of extracts of leaf and roots of tough lovegrass (Eragrostis plana) on seedling growth of white clover (Trifolium repens), in two experiments. The first experiment was conducted as a pilot test, in which two concentrations (30 and 60%) of leaf aqueous extract were tested. In Experiment II, source (leaf/root) and concentration (5 and 10%) of the extracts were combined. Distilled water was used as control in both trials. Fifty seedlings at 7 days of age were placed in gerbox containers on filter paper moistened with extracts and incubated at 25°C for 14 days. In the first experiment, percentage of normal seedlings decreased by 82.5% and 100% at the concentrations of 30% and 60%, respectively, which indicated the need to increase the dilution of the extracts. In the subsequent experiment, the extracts from the two sources, at 10% of concentration, reduced by 78% the percentage of normal seedling and increased the percentage of abnormal seedlings, which reached 27%. At 5% concentration, the leaf extract was the most deleterious treatment, resulting in greater mortality (M=27.6%) and abnormality (A=19.5%) of seedlings, compared to the root extract (M=4.8%; A=9.5%) and the control (M=2.4%; A=0.25%). The morphological changes caused by the extracts were radicle necrosis, retention of cotyledons and absence of secondary roots. The results suggest that allelopathic compounds from leaves and roots of tough lovegrass differ in chemical nature and/or concentration. Este estudo foi realizado para investigar o efeito do extrato de folhas e raízes de capim-annoni-2 (Eragrostis plana) no crescimento de plântulas de trevo-branco (Trifolium repens), em dois experimentos. O primeiro experimento foi conduzido como teste-piloto, no qual foram testadas duas concentrações (30% e 60%) de extrato aquoso de folhas. No experimento II houve uma combinação de fonte (folhas e raízes) e concentração (5% e 10%) dos extratos. Água destilada foi utilizada como testemunha em ambos os ensaios. Cinqüenta plântulas com sete dias de idade foram colocadas em caixas gerbox, sobre papel-filtro umedecido com os extratos, e incubadas a 25ºC durante 14 dias. No primeiro experimento, o percentual de plântulas normais decresceu em 82,5% e 100% nas concentrações de 30% e 60%, respectivamente, o que indicou a necessidade de se aumentar a diluição dos extratos. No experimento subseqüente, os extratos das duas origens, a 10% de concentração, reduziram em 78% o percentual de plântulas normais e aumentaram o percentual de plântulas anormais, que atingiu 27%. A 5% o extrato de folha foi o tratamento mais deletério, resultando em maior mortalidade (M=27,6%) e anormalidade (A=19,5%) de plântulas, comparado ao de raiz (M=4,8%; A=9,5%) e à testemunha (M=2,4%; A=0,25%). As alterações morfológicas causadas pelos extratos foram necrose da radícula, retenção dos cotilédones e ausência de raízes secundárias. Os resultados sugerem que os compostos alelopáticos de folhas e raízes do capim-annoni-2 diferem quanto à natureza química e/ou concentração.

Neste trabalho objetivou-se selecionar as melhores populações de cevadilha vacariana (Bromus auleticus) mediante avaliação do seu desempenho agronômico e de caracteres morfológicos relacionados à persistência. Oito populações oriundas de quatro municípios do Rio Grande do Sul (Santana do Livramento: A5, A6, A23 e A26; Uruguaiana: A7, A8; Júlio de Castilhos: A17; Quaraí: A27) foram cultivadas em linhas de 5 m, contendo entre 12 e 15 plantas. O transplante foi realizado no dia 16/6/2004 e as avaliações, iniciadas aos 125 dias após o transplante. As plantas foram avaliadas quanto ao hábito de crescimento, à produção de sementes e de matéria seca (MS) e à composição química nos anos 2004 e 2005. Uma vez que o ciclo de crescimento da espécie é hibernal, não foi possível avaliar no primeiro ano a produção de matéria seca. Durante o outono-inverno do segundo ano, as plantas foram submetidas a cinco cortes em intervalos de 31 a 47 dias. Verificou-se variabilidade interpopulacional quanto a hábito (semi-prostrado a ereto), número de panículas (9 a 200/linha), circunferência (29,3 a 36,5 cm/planta), produção (0,6 a 77,2 g/linha) e peso de 1.000 sementes (4,7 a 6,6 g), produção de MS média por corte (137 a 421 g/linha) e total (686 a 2105 g/linha), proteína bruta (14,3 a 21,8%), fibra em detergente ácido (21 a 28,3%), fibra em detergente neutro (53,4 a 58,9%) e hemicelulose (25 a 33,2%). As populações A5, A23 e A26, pelo melhor desempenho agronômico, e a população A8, pela presença de rizomas, são indicadas para continuidade do programa de melhoramento da espécie. The objective of this work was to select the best bromegrass populations (Bromus auleticus) by analyzing their agronomic performance and morphological characteristics linked to persistence. Eight populations originated from four different municipalities from the state of Rio Grande do Sul (Santana do Livramento: A5, A6, A23 and A26; Uruguaiana: A7, A8; Júlio de Castilhos: A17; Quaraí: A27) were cultivated on 5-m rows containing from 12 to 15 plants. The plants were transplanted on 06/16/2004, and evaluations started 125 days transplantation. The plants were evaluated in relation to growth habit, seed and dry matter (DM) production and chemical composition during the years of 2004-2005. Due to the winter growth habit of this species, it was not possible to evaluate the DM production on the first year. During the fall-winter period of the second year, the plants were submitted to five cuts, with intervals from 31 to 47 days. Inter-population variability was observed and related to growth habit (semi-decumbent to tall), number of panicles (9 to 200/row), circumference (29.3 to 36.5 cm/plant), DM production (0.6 to 77.2 g/row) and weight of 1000 seeds (4.7 to 6.6 g), mean DM production per cut (137 to 421 g/row), total DM production (686 to 2105 g/row), crude protein (14.3 to 21.8%), acid detergent fiber (21.0 to 28.3%), neutral detergent fiber (53.4 to 58.8%) and hemicellulose (25.5 to 33.25). Populations A5, A23 and A26, due to their better agronomic performance, and population A8 due to the presence of rhizomes, are indicated for further evaluations in the species improvement program.

Neste trabalho, objetivou-se verificar a resposta de populações de alfafa à desfolhação. Avaliaram-se duas populações de alfafa Crioula (tipo-feno), selecionada em estádio de plântula de acordo com o comprimento do segundo entrenó (EC = 1,5 cm; EL = 2,5 cm) e uma do cultivar Alfagraze (tipo-pastejo). As plantas foram cultivadas em vasos nos meses de março a agosto de 2005 e submetidas a uma combinação de altura (2 e 8 cm) e freqüência de corte (semanal, quinzenal e mensal) durante 141 dias. Não houve diferença quanto à produção da matéria seca (MS) aérea sob cortes semanais e quinzenais. Com cortes mensais, a população Crioula-EL, com maior altura e quantidade de hastes, superou as demais. Os cultivares Alfagraze e Crioula-EC foram similares quanto à quantidade de MS subterrânea. As populações de alfafa diferiram na resposta ao manejo de corte e apresentaram declínio gradual na MS quando submetidas a cortes mais freqüentes, com maior sobrevivência do cultivar Alfagraze em comparação aos cultivares Crioula-EC e Crioula-EL. O cultivar Alfagraze diferiu das populações do cultivar Crioula e apresentou menor altura, maior diâmetro, maior proporção de hastes da coroa e maior alocação de MS na parte subterrânea, portanto, estas características estão relacionadas ao tipo-pastejo. O comprimento do entrenó da plântula poderia ser utilizado complementarmente para selecionar populações de alfafa com maior aptidão ao pastejo, o que torna possível obter populações com variabilidade de produção de matéria seca e sobrevivência. This work aimed to evaluate the performance of alfalfa populations in response to defoliation. Two populations of alfalfa cv. Crioula (hay-type) and one population of alfalfa cv. Alfagraze (grazing-type) were evaluated, being selected at seedling stage according to the length of the second internode (EC=1.5 cm; EL=2.5 cm). The trial was performed in pots, between February and August/2005. The populations were harvest at two cutting intensities (2 and 8 cm) and three cutting frequencies (weekly, fortnightly and monthly) during 141 days. There was no difference on shoot dry matter (DM) yield between weekly and fortnightly cuttings; the Crioula-EL, under monthly cuttings was the tallest and had higher amount of stems, surpassing the others. There was similarity between the cultivar Alfagraze and Crioula-SI regarding underground DM biomass. Alfalfa populations responded differently to defoliation management, with a gradual decline on DM yield under more frequent cuttings and a higher survival of plants from Alfagraze compared to Crioula-EC and Crioula-EC. Alfagraze cultivar differed from the Crioula populations, presenting shorter plants, higher proportion of stems originate from the crown and a higher allocation of DM to the underground parts, indicating that these characteristics belong to a grazing-type alfalfa. The length of seedling internodes could be used as a complementary morphological marker to select alfalfa populations more adapted to grazing. In this way, it is possible to obtain populations with DM yield variability and survival.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da altura (10 e 20 cm) e do intervalo de cortes (30 e 45 dias) na produção de MS, na composição química e na persistência do capim-melador (Paspalum dilatatum Poir. biótipo Virasoro) em condições de campo. As plantas foram cortadas nove e seis vezes, respectivamente, nos intervalos de corte de 30 e 45 dias, no período de setembro de 2003 a junho de 2004. A produção de MS total não diferiu entre as alturas nem entre os intervalos de corte (média de 2.017 g MS/linha). Houve efeito da interação estação de MS ´ altura de corte: não houve diferença entre primavera e verão sob cortes a 10 cm (997 g/linha); na altura de corte de 20 cm, a produção obtida no verão (938 g MS/linha) foi maior que a da primavera (761 g MS/linha), enquanto, a 10 cm, os cortes na primavera proporcionaram maior produção (1.030 vs 761 g MS/linha a 20 cm). No outono, a produção de MS foi muito baixa (125 g MS/linha). A produção de folhas aumentou sob cortes freqüentes (30 dias) e intensos (10 cm). Nos cortes feitos a intervalos de 30 dias, houve maior teor de PB (14,7%) e menores teores de FDA (43,8%) e FDN (67,8%). Os cortes não evitaram o florescimento precoce, intenso e contínuo das plantas, que alocaram, em média, 27% da MS em folhas e 68% em caules+inflorescências. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of the cutting height (10 cm and 20 cm) and cutting interval (30 days and 45 days) in the DM production of dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum Poir. biótipo Virasoro) cultivated under field conditions. Plants were cut between September/2003 and June/2004, nine and six times, for the 30 d and 45 d cutting interval, respectively. The total DM yield did not differ among treatments, with an average of 2,017 g DM/row. There was a significant interaction between season and cutting height, with no difference observed between summer and spring at 10 cm height (997 g DM/row); at 20 cm cutting height, however, there was a higher yield on the summer (938 g DM/row) than in the spring (761 g DM/row); during the spring, the 10 cm cutting height enhanced the DM production (1,030 g DM/row) in relation to the 20 cm cutting height (761 g DM/row). The fall DM production was low (125 g DM/row). The leaf yield increased under frequent (30 days) and intense (10 cm) cutting. The highest CP concentration (14.7%) and the lower ADF (43.8%) and NDF (67.8%) concentrations were obtained under the frequency of 30 days. The cutting management did not affect the early, continuous, and intense flowering of the plants, which allocated an average of 27% of DM to the leaves and 68% to the stems + inflorescences.

Este trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de analisar aspectos fenológicos e produtivos de leguminosas nativas (Adesmia latifolia, A. tristis) e exóticas (Lotus corniculatus, L. uliginosus, Trifolium repens), em função do estádio fenológico no primeiro corte: vegetativo (CEV) e florescimento (CEF). As plantas foram estabelecidas em monocultura, no campo, e avaliadas entre maio/2000 e setembro/2001, em Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul. Após o primeiro corte, as plantas foram desfolhadas em intervalos de 45 dias. Foram realizadas nove desfolhações no manejo CEV e sete no CEF. O estádio fenológico no primeiro corte influenciou a produção de massa seca (MS) de T. repens (CEV= 9.000 kg/ha de MS, CEF = 7.000 kg/ha de MS) e A. tristis (CEV = 4.000 kg/ha de MS, CEF = 8.000 kg/ha de MS). O L. corniculatus produziu cerca de 15.000 kg/ha de MS e A. latifolia, de 2.000 a 3.000 kg/ha de MS, independentemente do manejo. O L. uliginosus não floresceu, produzindo 7.000 kg/ha de MS no manejo CEV. As espécies nativas mostraram baixa persistência, com morte de plantas (A. tristis) e estolões (A. latifolia) no final da estação de crescimento. A maior produção de T. repens foi na primavera e a das espécies de Lotus, no verão. This work had the objective to evaluate phenological and productive aspects of native (Adesmia latifolia, A. tristis) and exotics legumes (Lotus corniculatus, L. uliginosus, Trifolium repens) as for the phenological stage on first-cutting: vegetative (CEV) and flowering (CEF). The plants were established as monoculture in the field and evaluated between May/2000 and September/2001, in Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul. After the first cutting the plants were defoliated in 45 days intervals. There were nine cuttings in CEV-management and seven in the CEF-management. The phenological stage on first-cutting modified significantly (P

O cornichão cv. São Gabriel é uma importante leguminosa hiberno-primaveril para o sul do Brasil, cuja principal limitação é a baixa persistência sob pastejo. Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, avaliar oito populações desse cultivar, selecionadas sob pastejo ou corte, comparando um genótipo rizomatoso (cv. ARS-2620) com um cultivar uruguaio sem rizomas (cv. Trueno), com a finalidade de verificar a variabilidade morfológica e caracteres vinculados à tolerância ao pastejo. Foram conduzidos dois ensaios em casa-de-vegetação, com plantas cultivadas em vasos, até alcançarem o florescimento pleno. Foi observada variabilidade morfofisiológica no germoplasma, como morfologia das folhas, dos caules e das coroas, assim como hábito de crescimento. Somente no cv. ARS-2620 foram observados rizomas típicos, mas todos os genótipos apresentaram hastes subterrâneas. O cv. ARS-2620 foi susceptível a ácaros, observando-se sintomas de antracnose (Colletotrichum sp.) em duas populações. A variabilidade morfofisiológica das populações do cv. São Gabriel poderá ser explorada em programas de melhoramento do cornichão. The birdsfoot trefoil cv. São Gabriel is an important winter-spring growing legume in the Southern Brazil, which main limitation is the low persistence under grazing. The objective of this work was to evaluate eight populations of this cultivar, selected under grazing or cut, comparing with one rhizomatous genotype (cv. ARS-2620) and a cultivar from Uruguay without rhizomes (cv. Trueno), with the purpose to evaluate the morphological variability and characters linked to grazing tolerance. Two assays were conducted in the greenhouse with plants grown in pots until the full flowering stage. It was observed morphological variability in the germplasm, with variation in the leaf, stem and crown morphology as well as in growth habit. Only in the cv. ARS-2620 was observed typical rhizomes, but all the genotypes showed subterraneous stems. The cv. ARS-2620 was susceptible to mites and two populations showed symptoms of anthracnose (Colletotrichum sp.). The morphophysiological variability of the cv. São Gabriel populations can be used in a birdsfoot trefoil breeding programs.

Objetivou-se quantificar a produção e o valor nutritivo do capim-elefante (cv. Cameroon), em Lages, Santa Catarina, identificando possíveis limitações à sua utilização e demonstrando sua viabilidade na região. O ensaio foi conduzido entre 1982 e 1985, no qual o capim-elefante foi estabelecido em parcelas, dispostas em delineamento de blocos ao acaso. Os tratamentos constaram da soma dos dias de crescimento até o momento dos cortes, a fim de se estabelecer a curva de crescimento. A produção de massa seca (MS) acumulada foi avaliada a partir do 42o dia após o corte de uniformização, sendo que as parcelas foram cortadas em seqüência, a cada 21 dias, até completarem 210 dias de crescimento, respeitando-se um resíduo de 50 cm. A capacidade de rebrotação dentro do período também foi avaliada a cada 21 dias. Os dados foram submetidos a análises de variância e de regressão. O acúmulo de massa seca do capim-elefante foi significativamente dependente dos dias de crescimento, com taxas de 185 e 65 kg/ha/dia de MS, em 1983/84 e 1984/85, respectivamente. No primeiro período, obtiveram-se aos 210 dias 31.132 kg/ha de MS, sendo 3.310 kg/ha de MS aos 63 dias iniciais. Em 1984/85, as plantas acumularam o equivalente a um terço da MS obtida no ano anterior, provavelmente por problemas nutricionais e déficit hídrico. Na avaliação das rebrotações, as maiores produções foram obtidas com plantas de 42 (1.149 kg MS/ha) e 63 dias (1.259 kg/ha de MS). Na média dos dois períodos, foram obtidos até 20% de PB e 65% de DIVMS. Apesar do clima frio, o capim-elefante é uma alternativa viável como forrageira para o Planalto Catarinense. This work aimed to quantify the yield and nutritive value of elephantgrass (cv. Cameroon), in Lages, Santa Catarina, with the objective to identify possible limitations to its production and to show its viability in the region. The trial was carried out from 1982 to 1985, when the elephantgrass was established in plots in a complete block design. The treatments were the sum of growing days up to the evaluation day, in order to establish a growth curve. The accumulated dry matter (DM) started 42 days after an uniformization cut and the plots were cut in sequence every 21 days, up to complete 210 days of growth, always leaving a 50 cm stubble. The regrowth ability in each period was also evaluated every 21 days. Data were submitted to variance and regression analyses. The elephantgrass dry matter accumulation was significantly dependent of days of growth, showing growth rates of 185 and 65 kg DM/ha/day on 1983/84 and 1984/85, respectively. In the first growing period, it was obtained 31,132 kg DM/ha with 210 days of growth and 3,310 kg DM/ha in the first 63 days of growth. In 1984/85, the plants accumulated about one-third of that obtained in the previous year, probably due to nutritional problems and to a drought spell. In the regrowth evaluations, the highest yields were obtained with plants growing for 42 (1,149 kg DM/ha) and 63 days (1,259 kg DM/ha). The two years average of crude protein and in vitro dry matter digestibility was 20% and 65%, respectively. Although the cold climate, the elephantgrass is a viable alternative for the Santa Catarina highlands.

A introdução de leguminosas hibernais é uma das práticas mais importantes para incrementar a quantidade, a qualidade e a sustentabilidade de pastagens perenes no Sul do Brasil. Durante os anos de 2000 e 2001, foi avaliado o comportamento de seis leguminosas temperadas (Adesmia latifolia - nativa, Lotus corniculatus, L. subbiflorus, L. uliginosus e Trifolium repens - cv. Yi e Regal), em mistura com festuca (Festuca arundinacea). Entre a semeadura e o último corte decorreram 475 dias, sendo realizados seis cortes: no outono-inverno/2000, foi feito um corte; na primavera-verão, três e, no outono-inverno/2001, dois cortes. Os intervalos entre cortes variaram entre 43 a 91 dias, sendo menores na estação estival. No total do período experimental obtiveram-se, na média das misturas, 15.038 kg/ha de MS, sendo que, na primavera-verão foram produzidos cerca de 54% desse total, com taxa de crescimento média de 46 kg/ha/dia de MS. Nos meses de outono-inverno de 2000 e 2001, foram obtidas taxas de 22 e 24 kg/ha/dia de MS. O cornichão e o trevo-branco cv. Yi foram as leguminosas mais produtivas, sendo que a primeira destacou-se na primavera-verão (3.500 kg/ha de MS) e a última participou com 86,3% na mistura no outono-inverno/2001, com 2.300 kg/ha de MS. As misturas contendo essas leguminosas apresentaram a menor quantidade de invasoras e produziram, respectivamente, 13.663 e 11.184 kg/ha de MS, sendo 82 e 71% desses totais compostos das leguminosas, festuca e azevém. A. latifolia não teve bom estabelecimento e sua participação foi de 0,84% no primeiro corte. L. subbiflorus teve uma boa participação no primeiro ano (37%), mas desapareceu no segundo ano. L. uliginosus mostrou boa persistência, produzindo 1.400 kg/ha de MS no outono/2001. Overseeding temperate legumes is one of the most practices to increase the quantity, quality and sustainability of perennial pastures in Southern Brazil. During the years of 2000 and 2001 the response of six temperate legumes (Adesmia latifolia (wild), Lotus corniculatus, L. subbiflorus, L. uliginosus and Trifolium repens cv. Yi and cv. Regal) was evaluated in mixture with tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). There was a period of 475 days between sowing date and the last cut and six cuts were made; on the autumn-winter/2000 only one cut was made, on the spring-summer, three cuts and on the autumn-winter/2001, two cuts. The intervals between cuts ranged between 43 and 91 days, being reduced in the warm season. During the total assay period, the average of the mixtures yielded 15038 kg/ha of DM; in the warm season 54% of this total was produced, with an average growth rate of 46 kg/ha/day of DM. In the cold season of 2000 and 2001 this rate was of 22 and 24 kg/ha/day of DM. The birdsfoot trefoil and white clover cv. Yi were the most productive legumes; the former was the best in the warm season (3500 kg/ha of DM) and the last participated with 86,3% in the mixture in the autumn-winter/2001, with 2300 kg/ha/day of DM. The mixtures containing these legumes presented the smallest quantity of weeds and produced 13663 and 11,184 kg/ha of DM respectively, being 82% and 71% of these totals composed of legumes, fescue and ryegrass. A. latifolia did not have a good establishment and its contribution was only 0,84% in the first cut. The L. subbiflorus had a good establishment on the first year, but it disappeared from the mixture in the second year. L. uliginosus had a good establishment and persistence producing up to 1400 kg/ha of DM in the autumn/2001.

The effect of the aluminum in root has been evaluated by linear and weight measurements, but remains to be understood about the influence of this element on branching configuration of the root system. This study had the objective to assess the aluminum toxicity in roots of 21-day-old seedlings of three forage legumes, Adesmia latifolia, Trifolium repens and T. pratense (Fabaceae), by topological analysis. The legumes were grown in Oxisol treated or not with dolomite lime, which resulted in two Al saturation and pH: (a) Al= 0 %, pH= 6.2; (b) Al= 16 %, pH= 4.8. Number of first-order roots, external links (magnitude), total links in the longest unique path (altitude), total links in the primary root (altitude of primary root), total exterior path length, total links, internal links, branching points, and proportion of branching in primary root were determined. The topological variables were significantly reduced by Al, regardless to the legumes. The altitude-slope on magnitude showed that there was a more randomized branching configuration in seedlings grown in acid soil. A. latifolia was the most plastic species, with reducing of the slopes from 0.9758 (Al-absence) to 0.6858 (Al-presence), showing herringbone and randomized branching, respectively. The effect of aluminum (Al) on roots has been evaluated based on linear and weight measurements, but how this element influences the branching configuration of the root system remains unknown. The objective of this study was to assess aluminum toxicity in the roots of 21-day old seedlings from three forage legumes using topological analysis: Adesmia latifolia, Trifolium repens and T. pratense. The legumes were grown in dystrophic Red Latosol that had either been treated or not treated with dolomitic lime. This resulted in two Al saturation and pH treatments: (a) Al= 0%, pH= 6.2; and (b) Al= 16%, pH= 4.8. The following attributes were determined: number of first-order roots, external links (magnitude), total links in the longest unique path (altitude), total links in the primary root (primary root altitude), total exterior path length, total links, internal links, branching points and proportion of branching in the primary root. The topological variables were significantly reduced by Al for all of the legume species. There was a more randomized or dichotomous branching configuration in the seedlings grown in acid soil and A. latifolia was the most plastic of the species.