RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar as comunidades dos fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMAs) presentes em solos sob ecossistemas de silvipastagens, pastagens e mata de cerrado, além de avaliar a influência do sistema de uso do solo, textura do solo e da sazonalidade na dinâmica das comunidades destes fungos, no município de Alta Floresta D’Oeste - RO. As amostras de terra foram coletadas aleatoriamente na profundidade de 0 a 20 cm, em cada um dos ecossistemas em Julho/2010 (período seco) e Janeiro/2011 (período chuvoso). Após extraídos, os esporos foram contados e identificados. Estimou-se a densidade dos esporos e a densidade de cada espécie de FMA. Calcularam-se a frequência de ocorrência de cada espécie, o índice de diversidade de Shannon e o índice de diversidade de Simpson. Realizou-se uma análise multivariada de agrupamento baseado no número de indivíduos das espécies dos FMAs. Houve tendência de um maior número de esporos no ecossistema de mata de Cerrado independente da textura do solo ou da estação do ano, quando comparado as áreas de pastagem e silvipastagem. A espécie de Glomus macrocarpum apresentou 100% de frequência de ocorrência na estação chuvosa em ambas as texturas do solo. A influência da textura e da sazonalidade na composição e diversidade da comunidade dos FMAs foi mais expressiva no ecossistema de mata de Cerrado. O clima, a textura do solo, o manejo e o sistema de uso do solo afetam a composição e diversidade de espécies de FMAs.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to identify communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in soils under pasture, silvopasture, and Cerrado forest ecosystems, and evaluate the effects of land use system, soil texture, and seasonality on the dynamics of AMF communities, in Alta Floresta D'Oeste, Rondônia, Brazil. Samples of the soil 0-20 cm layer were randomly collected in each ecosystem in July, 2010 (dry season) and January, 2011 (rainy season). Spores were extracted, counted, and identified. The spore density and density of each species of AMF were estimated. The frequency of occurrence, Shannon diversity index, and Simpson diversity index were calculated for each species. Multivariate clustering analysis was carried out, considering the number of AMF of each species. The results showed a trend of higher number of spores in the Cerrado forest ecosystem, regardless of the soil texture or season, when compared to pasture and silvopasture areas. The Glomus macrocarpum species presented 100% frequency of occurrence in the rainy season in both soil textures. The effects of texture and seasonality on the composition and diversity of AMF communities was more expressive in the Cerrado forest ecosystem. The climate, soil texture, and land use and management affected the composition and diversity of AMF species.

ABSTRACT. The present study aimed to select efficient arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) for sugarcane growth and P nutrition in four soils that spontaneously contained dark septate endophytes (DSE). The effect of nine AMF isolates was evaluated individually in sugarcane presprouted seedlings (SP81-3250) grown under greenhouse conditions for a 120-day period. The isolates that stimulated plant growth in the soils with low P availability were Acaulospora colombiana (ACOL), Claroideoglomus etunicatum (CETU), Gigaspora margarita (GMAR), Rhizophagus clarus (RCLA) and Scutellospora calospora (SCAL). Compared to the Yellow Argisol, which had the highest P level, the Red-Yellow Argisol, with an intermediate P content, increased plant height. Compared to the other treatments, inoculation with ACOL, RCLA, and SCAL resulted in higher foliar P content in plants grown in soils with high to intermediate P levels. Root colonization by AMF and DSE was verified in the plants, with the coexistence of both fungal groups in the same plant and/or root fragment. However, AMF colonization was low compared to DSE colonization. The cooccurrence of DSE and AMF was higher in the plants inoculated with ACOL, RCLA, SCAL, and Dentiscutata heterogama. ACOL, CETU, GMAR, RCLA, and SCAL are AMF isolates that have the potential to establish a mycorrhizal inoculant for sugarcane that would be effective in several soils.

Abstract Abiotic stress is one of the major limiting factors for plant development and productivity, which makes it important to identify microorganisms capable of increasing plant tolerance to stress. Dark septate endophytes can be symbionts of plants. In the present study, we evaluated the ability of dark septate endophytes isolates to reduce the effects of water stress in the rice varieties Nipponbare and Piauí. The experiments were performed under gnotobiotic conditions, and the water stress was induced with PEG. Four dark septate endophytes were isolated from the roots of wild rice (Oryza glumaepatula) collected from the Brazilian Amazon. Plant height as well as shoot and root fresh and dry matter were measured. Leaf protein concentrations and antioxidant enzyme activity were also estimated. The dark septate endophytes were grown in vitro in Petri dishes containing culture medium; they exhibited different levels of tolerance to salinity and water stress. The two rice varieties tested responded differently to inoculation with dark septate endophytes. Endophytes promoted rice plant growth both in the presence and in the absence of a water deficit. Decreased oxidative stress in plants in response to inoculation was observed in nearly all inoculated treatments, as indicated by the decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity. Dark septate endophytes fungi were shown to increase the tolerance of rice plants to stress caused by water deficiency.

Abstract In order to obtain an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) native inoculum from Sierra de Moa and determine the most appropriate conditions for its big scale production, four light and temperature combinations were tested in three plant species (Calophyllum antillanum, Talipariti elatum and Paspalum notatum). Growth and development parameters, as well as the mycorrhizal functioning of the seedlings were evaluated. The natural light treatment under high temperatures (L-H) was the most suitable for the growth and development of the three plant species, showing the highest total biomass values, mainly of root, and a positive root-shoot ratio balance. This treatment also promoted higher values of root mycorrhizal colonization, external mycelium and AMF spore density. A total of 38 AMF species were identified among the plants and environmental conditions tested. Archaeospora sp.1, Glomus sp.5, Glomus brohultii and G. glomerulatum were observed in all the treatments. The L-H condition can be recommended for native inoculum production, as it promotes a better expression of the AM symbiosis and an elevated production of mycorrhizal propagules.

Abstract The family Leguminosae comprises approximately 20,000 species that mostly form symbioses with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB). This study is aimed at investigating and confirming the dependence on nodulation and biological nitrogen fixation in the specie Piptadenia gonoacantha (Mart.) Macbr., which belongs to the Piptadenia group. Two consecutive experiments were performed in a greenhouse. The experiments were fully randomized with six replicates and a factorial scheme. For the treatments, the two AMF species and three NFB strains were combined to nodulate P. gonoacantha in addition to the control treatments. The results indicate this species’ capacity for nodulation without the AMF; however, the AMF + NFB combinations yielded a considerable gain in P. gonoacantha shoot weight compared with the treatments that only included inoculating with bacteria or AMF. The results also confirm that the treatment effects among the AMF + NFB combinations produced different shoot dry weight/root dry weight ratios. We conclude that AMF is not necessary for nodulation and that this dependence improves species development because plant growth increases upon co-inoculation.

RESUMO A matéria orgânica do solo é uma importante fonte primária de nutrientes às plantas e influencia a infiltração, retenção de água, suscetibilidade à erosão e agregação do solo. No entanto, esse processo está condicionado à qualidade e quantidade da matéria orgânica aportada. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência do desastre ambiental causado pela chuva em áreas de produção de oleráceas na região Serrana do Rio de Janeiro. Foram selecionadas as seguintes áreas: A1: sem impacto (testemunha); A2: soterramento total e cultivo de aveia + ervilhaca; A3: transbordamento do rio e cultivo de milheto + girassol; A4: transbordamento do rio e grande deposição de areia com cultivo de aveia-preta; A5: transbordamento do rio com grande deposição de areia e sem cultivo; e A6: transbordamento do rio em pequena escala e sem cultivo. As propriedades edáficas analisadas foram: textura; densidade do solo (Ds); densidade de partículas (Dp); diâmetro médio ponderado (DMP) e diâmetro médio geométrico (DMG) de agregados estáveis em água; pH(H2O), Al3+, Ca2++Mg2+, Na+, H+Al, K, P e carbono orgânico total (COT); e frações granulométricas e químicas da matéria orgânica. Os maiores valores de DMP e DMG foram observados nas áreas A3 e A6, que seguem a mesma tendência dos maiores teores de argila. Os teores de COT e suas frações químicas e físicas apresentaram diferenças em relação à testemunha com os menores valores verificados nas áreas que foram submetidas ao impacto pelo transbordamento do rio e grande deposição de areia. As áreas que foram impactadas pelo soterramento com predomínio da fração argila apresentaram valores semelhantes ou superiores aos da testemunha. As variáveis foram selecionadas e avaliadas por meio da análise de componentes principais, que evidenciou distinção entre as áreas estudadas, com separação entre elas associada à textura do solo e densidade de partículas.

ABSTRACT Soil organic matter is an important primary source of nutrients for plants and influences infiltration, water retention, susceptibility to erosion, and soil aggregation. However, this process is conditioned on the quality and quantity of organic matter supplied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the environmental disaster caused by rain in areas of horticulture production in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro. The following areas were selected: A1- no impact (control); A2 - totally covered by landslide and cultivation of oats + vetch; A3 - river overflow and cultivation of millet + sunflower; A4 - river overflow and extensive deposition of sand and growing of black oats; A5 - river overflow with extensive deposition of sand and no cultivation; and A6 – river overflow on a small scale and no cultivation. The soil properties analyzed were texture; bulk density (BD); particle density (Pd); mean weight diameter (MWD) and geometric mean diameter (GMD) of water-stable aggregates; pH(H2O), Al3+, Ca2++Mg2+, Na+, H+Al, K, P, and total organic carbon (TOC); and particle size and chemical organic matter fractions. The highest values of the DMG and DMP were observed in areas A6 and A3, which also have the highest clay contents. The TOC content and its chemical and physical fractions showed differences compared to the control, with the lowest values observed in areas that underwent the impact of river overflow and extensive sand deposition, since the areas that were affected by landslide with predominance of the clay fraction showed values similar or superior to reference values. Principal component analysis clearly showed a distinction among the areas studied, and this distinction is clearly associated with soil texture and particle density.

In this study, we evaluated the growth of the liverwort Lunularia cruciata, inoculated or not with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) Glomus proliferum (15 spores per Petri dish), in Strullu-Romand Variant (SRV) medium modified and enriched with humic acid (HA) at different concentrations (0, 20, 40 and 80 mg C L−1), as well as the sporulation of the AMF. We assessed the absolute growth rate (AGR) and relative growth rate (RGR) at inoculation, as well as at 7, 14, 21, 28, 43, 52 and 60 days after inoculation (DAI), whereas we assessed sporulation at 25, 43, 60 and 70 DAI. The main determinant of L. cruciata growth was the presence of AMF. With and without G. proliferum inoculation, respectively, the AGR peaked at 39 and 42 DAI, and the RGR was 0.0474 and 0.0387 cm² cm−2 d−1. Doses of 20 and 80 mg C L−1 of HA had a positive influence on the growth of L. cruciata. With and without HA, respectively, the AGR peaked at 38 and 39 DAI, and the RGR was 0.0484 and 0.0422 cm² cm−2 d−1. The sporulation of G. proliferum, which was as high as 199 spores plate−1, was influenced by HA, especially at 20 and 80 mg C L−1.

Os experimentos objetivaram avaliar em condições de casa de vegetação o biocontrole dos fitopatógenos Rhizoctonia solani (RS) e Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. phaseoli (FOP) em alface (Lactuca sativa L.) cultivar Regina, e feijão-vagem (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar Alessa, respectivamente, utilizando como agentes antagonistas, 10 isolados de Trichoderma spp. selecionados em testes in vitro. Foram feitos biopreparados à base de arroz previamente colonizado por isolados de Trichoderma spp. e posteriormente triturados. Para a realização dos testes, os biopreparados foram inoculados previamente na proporção de 10(9) conídios.mL-1, em substrato comercial para produção de mudas. Após sete dias, os patógenos foram introduzidos separadamente em duas concentrações distintas: R. solani na proporção de 144 mg de meio de arroz por kg de substrato e F. oxysporum f.sp. phaseoli inoculado na forma de suspensão contendo 4,75 x 10(6) conídios.mL-1. Avaliou-se a influência dos biopreparados na % de damping-off de pós-emergência em plantas de alface e a severidade de murcha em plantas de feijão-vagem. O biopreparado referente ao isolado T-03 foi o mais eficiente no controle de R. solani em plantas de alface cultivar Regina, por ter reduzido a incidência de damping-off de pós-emergência nessa cultura. Por outro lado, nenhum dos biopreparados apresentou efeito antagonista satisfatório à F. oxysporum f.sp. phaseoli em plantas de feijão-vagem.

The experiments aimed to evaluate under greenhouse conditions the biocontrol of plant pathogens Rhizoctonia solani (RS) and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. phaseoli (FOP) in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cultivar Regina and in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar Alessa, respectively, using as antagonistic agents 10 Trichoderma spp. isolates selected from in vitro tests. Inoculants were prepared with rice previously colonized by Trichoderma spp. and subsequently ground. For the tests, the antagonists were previously inoculated at a ratio of 10(9) conidia mL-1 on commercial substrate for seedling production. Following seven days, the pathogens were separately introduced at two different concentrations: R. solani at a ratio of 144 mg rice medium per kg of substrate and F oxysporum f.sp. phaseoli inoculated as a suspension containing 4.75 x 10(6) conidia mL-1. The influence of antagonists on % post-emergence damping-off in lettuce and the severity of wilt in common beans were evaluated. The biopreparation with T-03 isolate was most effective in controlling R. solani in lettuce cultivar Regina, for having reduced the incidence of post-emergence damping-off in this culture. On the other hand, none of the biopreparations showed satisfactory antagonistic effect on F. oxysporum f.sp. phaseoli in common bean plants.

Estudou-se a comunidade de nematoides do solo em quatro sistemas de manejo no Sistema Integrado de Produção Agroecológica (SIPA): pasto, capoeira, figo com Paspalum notatum e horta. As amostras de solo foram coletadas a cada quatro meses durante um ano. A comunidade de nematoides foi identificada e descrita com os parâmetros: riqueza de famílias, diversidade de Shannon-Weaner, de dominância de Simpson, além da diversidade trófica e dominância trófica. Os fitoparasitas e bacteriófagos dominaram as comunidades de nematoides nas áreas. Os onívoros foram menos abundantes em todos os sistemas estudados. O sistema pasto apresentou maior diversidade de famílias de nematoides enquanto que, no sistema capoeira se encontraram valores de diversidade baixos, porém constantes no tempo, indicando condição de maior estabilidade. A ação antrópica induzida pelo manejo modificou a distribuição trófica em benefício dos nematoides bacteriófagos, normalmente associados à maior taxa de decomposição da matéria orgânica. Nematoides fitoparasitas e bacteriófagos foram dominantes nos sistemas estudados, o que sugere a influência de densidade radicular elevada no pasto e alta taxa de mineralização na horta. A distribuição relativa de grupos tróficos de nematoides do solo confirmou ser uma eficiente forma de se determinar o nível de perturbação de solos submetidos a distintos manejos.

Soil nematode communities were studied in four differents crop systems at the Integrated System of Agroecological Production. Soil samples were collected at four-month intervals during one year, with three replications for each location. Nematode communities were measured by the following parameters: family richness, Shannon-Weaner's index, Simpson's index, trophic diversity (T) and dominance index (Ig). These data were submitted to ANOVA statistical analysis at 5% level of Tukey's test. The population of bacterivores and herbivore nematodes was high in all areas. Omnivores were found in lower abundance in all systems. The highest diversity of nematode families was found on pasture. In forests, the values of richness and abundance were always lower but constant in time, suggesting an ecosystem of higher stability. Soil management induced the proliferation of bacterivores usually associated with higher decomposition rates of organic matter. Herbivores and bacterivores were dominant in all systems, suggesting it is important to have high root (for pasture) or high decomposition rates (for horticulture system). The relative distribution of trophic groups of soil nematodes proved to be a good way to determine the level of perturbation of ecosystems.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos de diferentes sistemas agrícolas na comunidade de nematóides de uma área do Sistema Intergrado de Produção Agroecológica (SIPA) de Seropédica, Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Os tratamentos consistiram nos seguintes cultivos: 1- abacaxi; 2-feijão; 3- consórcio milho/feijão; 4- araruta; 5- pasto sujo e 6- capoeira. Os parâmetros avaliados foram: Abundância relativa, Grupos tróficos, índices de Shannon, Dominância, Equitatividade, IM, IM2-5, e a Análise faunística dos nematóides. A abundância relativa dos nematóides flutuou entre 0,02 e 0,59, o número de gêneros variou entre 4 e 14 e a riqueza acumulada foi de 21 gêneros. 79% dos nematóides encontrados foram fitófagos, 14,5% bacteriófagos, 4,7% onívoros-predadores e 1,1% micófagos. Os índices que avaliaram a comunidade de nematóides permitiram estabelecê-los como bioindicadores da qualidade dos sistemas de cultivos. O sistema araruta apresentou as melhores condições agroecológicas devido aos valores elevados dos índices de Shannon, Equitatividade, IM, IM2-5 e altos valores de IS.

This study had the objective to evaluate the effects of different agricultural systems in the community of nematodes in an area of the organic farm in Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro State. The treatments consisted of the following cultivations: 1 - pineapple; 2-bean; 3 - consortium corn/bean; 4 - araruta; 5 - pasture and 6 - capoeira. The appraised parameters were: Relative abundance, trophic group, index of Shannon, Dominance, Equitativity , MI, MI2-5, and the faunistic analysis of the nematodes. The relative abundance floated between 0.02 and 0.59, the number of genus varied between 4 and 14 and the accumulated wealth it was of 21 genus. 79% of the nematodes are plant feeders, 14.5% bacterial-feeders, 4.7% omnivorous-predators and 1.1% fungal-feeders. The indices that evaluated the nematodes community allowed establishing them as bioindicators of the quality of the systems of cultivations. The system araruta presented the best agroecological conditions, due to the high values of the indexes of Shannon, Equitatividade, MI, MI2-5 and higher values of SI.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a composição das comunidades de FMAs em áreas revegetadas com Acacia mangium após a mineração de bauxita na região de Porto Trombetas, PA. Foram coletadas amostras de solo compostas nos períodos seco e chuvoso, em áreas revegetadas com Acacia mangium, que receberam inóculos de Glomus clarum e Gigaspora margarita, com 1 e 5 anos de idade. Os solos foram revegetados sem a reposição do horizonte superficial orgânico. Os esporos dos fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMAs) foram extraídos e identificados através de suas características morfológicas. Analisou-se a densidade de esporos e de espécies em cada amostra, a densidade relativa e a freqüência de ocorrência de cada espécie por período de amostragem, além do índice de abundância e freqüência (IAF). Sob o plantio de mudas de A. mangium, a densidade de esporos de FMAs foi elevada e aumentou com a idade, enquanto o número de espécies não variou. Glomus clarum produz alta densidade de esporos na fase inicial do plantio e declina com o tempo, e Gigaspora margarita não esporula nas condições edafoclimáticas locais. A maioria das espécies de FMA não apresenta o mesmo padrão de esporulação nos períodos seco e chuvoso.

The objective of this work was to monitor the establishment of Gigaspora margarita and Glomus clarum in reclaimed areas after the bauxite mining in Porto Trombetas, PA, Brazil. Soil samples were collected during the dry and rainy periods under one and five-year-old Acacia mangium trees grown from seedlings that had been inoculated with Glomus clarum and Gigaspora margarita. The exposed subsoil was managed without replacing the organic soil layer. FMA spores were extracted and identified through their morphologic characteristics. Spore density and frequency of each species were determined in each sampling The index of abundance and frequency (IAF) were estimated for all samples. Under A. mangium the arbuscular micorrhizae fungi (AMF) spore density was high and increased with age, whereas the number of species was constant. Glomus clarum had the highest density whereas Gigaspora margarita the lowest. Most of the AMF fungi showed different patterns of sporulation during the rainy and dry seasons.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a composição e a diversidade de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMA) em áreas em processo de revegetação na região de Porto Trombetas, PA. Coletaram-se amostras compostas de solo em revegetação com 2, 4, 6, 12 e 16 anos, em subsolo exposto sem vegetação e em floresta primária, nos meses de agosto de 1998 (estação seca) e abril de 1999 (estação chuvosa). Os esporos de FMA foram extraídos e identificados taxonomicamente. Analisou-se a densidade relativa, a freqüência de cada espécie e os índices de Shannon-Wiener e de Simpson. Os resultados indicaram que a densidade de esporos de FMA não diferiu significativamente em razão da estação do ano. O número de espécies foi maior no período seco, na floresta primária e na área revegetada aos 2 anos de idade. Entre as espécies de FMA recuperadas, Glomus macrocarpum e Acaulospora mellea foram as que apresentaram maior ocorrência. A diversidade de espécies de FMA foi mais alta e a dominância de espécies foi mais baixa na área revegetada com 2 anos de idade. O retorno do horizonte superficial orgânico com o plantio de mudas micorrizadas é uma prática eficiente para a produção de esporos em subsolo resultante da mineração de bauxita.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the structure and diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in revegetated areas at Porto Trombetas, Pará, Brazil. Composite samples were collected in August (dry season) and April (wet season) in areas with top soil after 2, 4, 6, 12 and 16 years of revegetation, in area without the top soil or vegetation, and in a pristine forest. The AMF spores were extracted, and the species identified. The relative density and frequency of occurrence of each species, the Shannon-Wiener and Simpson indexes were calculated. The results indicated that the density of AMF spores did not differ significantly with season. However, the number of AMF species was significantly higher in the dry season at the pristine forest and in the area two years after revegetation. Among the AMF species, Glomus macrocarpum and Acaulospora mellea were represented in higher numbers. After two years of planting, the diversity was highest and the dominance of AMF species was lowest. The addition of top soil with the planting of mycorrhizal seedlings were efficient to colonize areas with AMF after open cast bauxite mining.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a capacidade infectiva das espécies de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMA) e relacionála com o número mais provável (NMP) de propágulos infectivos e número de esporos extraídos diretamente do campo. Amostras de solo foram coletadas em áreas degradadas pela mineração de bauxita com cobertura de 2, 6, 12 e 16 anos após revegetação e em uma área de floresta primária, em Porto Trombetas, PA. Os esporos de FMA foram extraídos e identificados taxonomicamente por suas características morfológicas. A maioria das espécies apresentou comportamento diferente nas áreas em estudo. Glomus macrocarpum foi a que apresentou infectividade mais rápida e alto potencial infectivo, nos solos das cinco áreas estudadas. Esta espécie também apresentou alto NMP de propágulos e alto número de esporos em todas as áreas estudadas. A capacidade infectiva das espécies não está relacionada com a densidade de propágulos. As espécies de FMA possuem diferentes graus de tolerância às condições de solo e se comportaram de maneira diferente de acordo com a idade da revegetação.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the infective capacity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) species and relate it to the most probable number (MPN) of infective propagules and number of spores extracted directly from the field. Soil samples were taken from areas degraded by bauxite mining, 2, 6, 12 and 16 years after reforestation and from an area of primary forest. The spores were extracted and morphologically identified. Most of the species had different behavior for the areas of study. Glomus macrocarpum showed fast infectivity in soils with high infective potential, independently of the soil origin. This species also showed high MPN values of infective propagules and high number of spores in all areas. The infective capacity of the species did not relate to the density of infective propagules. AMF species have different degrees of tolerance to the soil conditions and they behaved in different ways, according to the age of the revegetation.

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to examine, for the first time, a possible relationship between the biological activity and the nutrient content in different parts of Vernonia scorpioides. Nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous concentrations were measured in extracts from roots, stalks and leafs. Although, extracts from roots, produced the highest amount of compounds with biological activity, they presented small quantities of micro-nutrients. It was concluded that there is a direct relationship between nutrition and secondary metabolites, which are stimulated at any rate when a nutritional deficit takes place.

RESUMO Com o objetivo de se verificar uma possível relação entre: atividade biológica de Vernonia scorpioides, planta medicinal de potente atividade antifúngica, e níveis de alguns elementos nutricionais, foram realizadas dosagens de N-amino, N- total, potássio e fósforo em raízes, caules e folhas através de processos analíticos clássicos. Nas raízes, onde é obtido o extrato mais ativo, foram encontrados os menores teores de nutrientes, sugerindo uma relação inversamente proporcional a atividade antifúngica para ela descrita.