Resumo A sexagem das espécies é uma ferramenta importante para o manejo populacional. Em tartarugas, cágados e jabutis, a sexagem geralmente é feita de acordo com características secundárias, como morfologia do plastrão ou técnicas de eversão do falo. Neste artigo, apresentamos o método de eversão do falo e comparamos sua eficiência com outras técnicas existentes. Este novo método visa encurtar o tempo de manejo e reduzir os efeitos colaterais físicos nos animais, promovendo o manejo clínico e reprodutivo do cágado-de-barbicha (Phrynops geoffroanus) e espécies relacionadas. Uma amostra de cinquenta indivíduos foi coletada na região central do estado do Piauí, Nordeste do Brasil. O método proposto consiste em remover a cabeça de sua posição de repouso. Os métodos que obtiveram índice de sucesso superior a 80% foram comparados entre si quanto ao tempo de estimulação necessário para a eversão do falo. O método aqui proposto alcançou 100% de eficiência na determinação do sexo de espécimes com comprimento de carapaça linear entre 10 e 34 cm. Além disso, quando comparado ao segundo método mais eficiente, reduziu substancialmente o tempo necessário para o manejo dos espécimes (91%), evitando possíveis sequelas nos indivíduos manuseados.

Abstract The sexing of species is an important tool for population management. In tortoises and turtles, sexing is usually done according to secondary characteristics, such as plastron morphology or phallus eversion techniques. In this paper, we present the phallus eversion method and compare its efficiency to other existing techniques. This new method aims at shortening the management time and reducing the physical aftereffects on the animals, fostering the clinical and reproductive management of Geoffroy’s side-necked turtle (Phrynops geoffroanus) and related species. A sample of fifty individuals was taken in the central region of Piauí state, Northeastern Brazil. The proposed method consisted of moving the head from its resting position. The methods achieving a success rate higher than 80% were compared to each other as for the stimulation time required for phallus eversion. The method as here proposed achieved 100% efficiency in the sex determination of specimens with a linear carapace length between 10 and 34 cm. Also, when compared to the second most efficient method, it substantially reduced the time needed for managing the specimens (91%), avoiding possible sequelae in the individuals handled.

Resumo O menor teor de lignina em espécies de plantas com potencial energético resulta na maior facilidade de quebra da celulose, disponibilizando glicose para geração de etanol. Porém, maiores teores de lignina representa um fator de resistência ao ataque de insetos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar como importantes pragas do sorgo energia, Diatraea saccharalis e Spodoptera frugiperda, se comportam quanto à alimentação e desempenho em sorgo bmr-6, um genótipo mutante com menor concentração de lignina. Foram realizados experimentos em laboratório e casa de vegetação, avaliando o desenvolvimento destas pragas nos híbridos de sorgo biomassa bmr 007, 008, TX635 e seus respectivos genótipos isogênicos convencionais (sem o gene bmr). O teor de lignina foi maior nos híbridos não bmr, mas nos parâmetros avaliados nos insetos, houve variação entre os tratamentos, não sendo consistente em apenas um híbrido e nem por ser ou não bmr. A menor sobrevivência de S. frugiperda foi verificada no híbrido BR008 tanto bmr quanto não bmr. As notas de injúria por S. frugiperda no sorgo em casa de vegetação foram altas (>7) em todos os tratamentos. Para D. saccharalis, não houve diferença significativa para a sobrevivência larval em laboratório, mas em casa de vegetação o híbrido BR007 tanto bmr quanto não bmr proporcionaram maior sobrevivência. Diante da necessidade de diversificar a matriz energética e o fato de que não foi comprovada neste estudo maior suscetibilidade dos híbridos bmr a ambas as pragas, estes resultados são promissores para o cultivo desses híbridos de sorgo biomassa para produção de biocombustíveis.

Abstract The lower lignin content in plants species with energy potential results in easier cellulose breakdown, making glucose available for ethanol generation. However, higher lignin levels can increase resistance to insect attack. The objective of this work was to evaluate the susceptibility of a bmr-6 biomass sorghum (a mutant genotype with a lower concentration of lignin) to important pests of energy sorghum, Diatraea saccharalis and Spodoptera frugiperda. Experiments were performed in the laboratory and greenhouse to evaluate the development of these pests on the biomass sorghum bmr hybrids BR007, BR008, and TX635 and their respective conventional near-isogenic genotypes (without the bmr gene). The lignin content was higher in non-bmr hybrids, but the evaluated insect variables varied between treatments, not being consistent in just one hybrid or because it is bmr or not. The lowest survival of S. frugiperda was observed in the BR008 hybrid, both bmr and non-bmr. The S. frugiperda injury scores on plants in the greenhouse were high (>7) in all treatments. For D. saccharalis, there was no difference in larval survival in the laboratory, but in the greenhouse, the BR007 hybrid, both bmr and non-bmr, provided greater survival. Due the need to diversify the energy matrix and the fact that greater susceptibility of the bmr hybrids to either pests was not found in this study, these results hold promise for cultivation of these biomass sorghum hybrids for the production of biofuels.

Resumo A região Neotropical se destaca por possuir a maior riqueza de anfíbios do mundo. Cerca de 625 espécies de anuros são conhecidas na Mata Atlântica. As regiões montanhosas do sudeste do Brasil, denominadas Serra do Mar e Serra da Mantiqueira, são áreas muito importantes para a diversidade de anuros no país, pois abrigam estratos remanescentes da Mata Atlântica que possuem diversas espécies endêmicas. O presente estudo visa ampliar o conhecimento sobre os anuros da Serra da Mantiqueira, especificamente das altas bacias dos rios Preto e Grande. A área de estudo compreendeu 10 centros amostrais. Realizamos 38 campanhas, com duração de dois dias cada. Nesse período, utilizamos a busca ativa como pistas visuais e auditivas. A busca passiva foi composta por armadilhas de queda. Análises bioacústicas foram usadas para determinar as espécies crípticas. A suficiência do esforço amostral foi estimada através da curva de acumulação usando Bootstrap e Jackknife-1 como estimadores. Durante o estudo foram encontradas 55 espécies, sendo 40 delas na bacia do Rio Preto e 44 na bacia do Rio Grande. Vinte e nove espécies foram encontradas em ambas as bacias. A família Hylidae foi predominante, seguida por Leptodactylidae. Além de espécies da Mata Atlântica, o local abriga componentes típicos do bioma Cerrado e brejos de altitude com simpatrias inesperadas. Este inventário amplia a área de ocorrência de Scinax duartei, espécie considerada ameaçada. Embora adjacente ao parque nacional mais antigo do Brasil, a composição de espécies de anuros dessa área era desconhecida até então.

Abstract The Neotropical zone stands out for having the greatest richness of amphibians in the world. About 625 species of anurans are known on Atlantic Forest. The southeastern mountainous regions of Brazil called Serra do Mar and Serra da Mantiqueira, are very important areas for the diversity of anurans in the country because they shelter remaining strata of the Atlantic Forest that have several endemic species. The present study aims to expand the knowledge about the Serra da Mantiqueira anurans, specifically from the Rio Preto and Rio Grande upper basins. The study area comprised 10 sample centers. We realized 38 campaigns, lasting two days each. During this period, we used active search as visual and auditory cues. The passive search was comprised of pitfall traps. Bioacoustic analyses were used to determine the cryptic species. The sufficiency of the sampling effort was estimated through the accumulation curve using Bootstrap and Jackknife-1 as estimators. During the study 55 species were found, 40 of them in the basin of the Rio Preto, and 44 in the basin of the Rio Grande. Twenty-nine species were found in both areas. The Hylidae family was predominant, followed by Leptodactylidae. In addition to species of the Atlantic Forest, the place houses typical components of the Cerrado biome and altitudinal swamps with unexpected sympatries. This inventory expands the area of occurrence of Scinax duartei, a species considered threatened. Although adjacent to the oldest national park in Brazil, the composition of anuran species of this area was unknown until then.

Abstract This study aimed to describe the preparation of Nb2O5 pellets by uniaxial pressing, to investigate the influence of heat treatment at different temperatures (800, 900, and 1000 °C) on the physical, surface, microstructural, and adsorptive properties of the materials, and to assess their potential as reusable adsorbents for methylene blue removal. Specimens treated at 800 °C contained a mixture of monoclinic and hexagonal phases, with a predominance of monoclinic structures. By contrast, heat treatment at 900 °C and above resulted in complete conversion to the monoclinic phase. The surface of Nb2O5 particles contained basic groups, possibly oxygen ions (O-). Experimental investigations showed that methylene blue adsorption followed second-order kinetics, suggesting chemical diffusion as the dominant process. Maximum adsorption occurred at pH 6.0. Pellets remained intact after the adsorption test. A study was carried out to determine the reusability of pellets over five adsorption cycles in methylene blue solutions at different concentrations. The maximum adsorbed concentration was 10.4 mg.L-1. The adsorption capacity of Nb2O5 specimens gradually decreased from 56% in the first cycle to 25% in the fifth cycle. Despite this reduction in removal efficiency, Nb2O5 pellets showed promise as reusable adsorbents in heterogeneous processes because of their high potential adsorption capacity and easy separation from the reaction medium.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of golden mussel flour (GMSF) contaminated with increasing rates of cadmium (Cd) as a replacement for limestone as a Ca source, in broiler chicken feed from 14 to 42 days of age. A total of 60 animals were assigned to four treatments (inclusion rates of Cd: 6.94, 14.55, 22.40, and 30.00 mg Cd kg-1) with five replications in a completely randomized design. At 42 d, blood samples were collected to evaluate serum concentrations of aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin, Ca, P, and Cd. After slaughter, tissues were collected to evaluate Cd concentration in bone parameters. Growth performance of broiler chickens and Cd content in the breast meat were not affected by the inclusion rates of Cd in the GMSF. However, there was an effect of Cd in GMSF on the concentration of Cd in the skin, liver, bones, feathers, and serum; ALT; and total bilirubin. Bone flexibility had a quadratic response to increasing inclusion rates of GMSF; serum Ca concentration increased linearly and there was no effect on serum P concentration. Concentrations of Cd in GMSF above 20 mg kg-1 caused high Cd contamination in broiler tissues. Therefore, it was concluded that Cd concentrations above 6.94 mg kg-i in broiler diets caused high Cd concentrations in meat and organs that are above those permitted for human consumption.

In this work, the local electrochemical activity of the zones coupled by Friction Stir Welding (FSW) of an Al-Cu-Li alloy was studied and the results were correlated to the microstructural characteristics of each zone. Electrochemical studies were carried out in the zones affected by welding using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and scanning electrochemical techniques (namely, SECM - Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy and LEIS - Local electrochemical impedance spectroscopy). The results showed that the welding joint (WJ) is predominantly cathodic relatively to the heat affected zones (HAZ). The HAZ was always anodic and showed the highest electrochemical activities among the tested ones. The high electrochemical activity of the HAZ was associated with the effect of galvanic coupling between the cathodic region (WJ) and the anodic region (HAZ). In addition, the advancing side (AS) presented increased electrochemical activity compared to the retreating one (RS).

ABSTRACT This research aimed to study the effect of light regime on performance and egg quality of white laying hens applied at the start laying phase. A total of 420 Hy line White laying hens, at 19 weeks of age were used, distributed in a completely randomized design, during 5 periods of 28 days, extending from January to June, corresponding to the age of 19 to 38 weeks of age of the birds. Three lighting programs were evaluated: continuous 16 h of light and 8 h of dark (CONT); intermittent program with two 2-min photophases equidistant at 16 h between natural light and 8 h of dark (INT) and continuous program only using decreasing natural light (LND). Feed intake (g/bird/day), egg production (%bird/day), egg weight (g), egg mass (g/bird/day), feed conversion (g/g) and egg density (g/cm3) were evaluated. Feed intake and feed conversion were higher (p<0.05) in birds submitted to the CONT program compared to the LND program, however the CONT and LND programs did not differ (p>0.05) from the INT. Egg production, egg weight, egg mass and egg density were similar (p>0.05) between programs. Intermittent program with two photophases of 2 min equidistant 16 h between natural light can be applied in light layers at the start laying phase without impairing the productive performance and eggshell quality.

Abstract This paper presents an equipment for monitoring synchronous generators condition through characteristics of the time derivative of the external magnetic field. The developed monitoring methodology allows the identification of established or incipient faults, by detecting changes in the magnetic signature of the synchronous generator. In this methodology, the measurement of signals outside the machine gives this equipment a non-invasive characteristic, allowing its monitoring without interfering or disturbing its operation. The developed system includes the specification of magnetic field sensors, signal measurement and processing equipment, as well as software for analysis and monitoring. The validation of the methodology used in this system was carried out through the analysis of experimental data, presenting efficient results in the detection of electrical and mechanical faults in synchronous generators of an experimental test bench and a hydroelectric power plant. As a result, the commercial specification of this equipment was obtained and two units were implemented in a hydroelectric power plant to monitor 305 MVA synchronous generators.

Resumo Biomas tropicais como o Cerrado brasileiro e a Floresta Amazônica apresentam uma grande diversidade de fungos e insetos. As interações entre esses organismos podem ser benéficas para ambos os parceiros. Em riachos, essas interações contribuem para a decomposição da serapilheira. O estudo do trato digestório (TD) de insetos como um habitat para microrganismos fúngicos é uma oportunidade para obtenção de linhagens fúngicas com potencial biotecnológico, podendo trazer luz para o entendimento das relações simbióticas entre esses organismos em florestas tropicais. Esse estudo investigou a comunidade fúngica do TD de larvas de Triplectides (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae) coletados em riachos de baixa ordem nos biomas Cerrado e Floresta Amazônica no Brasil. Foram obtidos 49 isolados fúngicos e identificados entre 32 espécies de 12 gêneros. O gênero Roussoella foi encontrado apenas no DT de insetos em riachos da Floresta Amazônica, enquanto sete gêneros ocorreram apenas no DT de insetos em riachos do Cerrado. O gênero Penicillium (40%) foi o mais frequente. No Cerrado, 78% foram produtoras de CMCase, mais que o dobro da Floresta Amazônica (35%). E 62% foram produtoras de xilanase, no Cerrado, e 71% na Floresta Amazônica. Nesse contexto, a comunidade fúngica do TD de larvas Triplectides pode desempenhar um papel importante na dieta de insetos por quebrar o material lignocelulósico.

Abstract Tropical biomes such as Brazilian Cerrado and Amazon Forest have a great diversity of fungi and insects. Interactions between these organisms can be beneficial to both partners. In streams, these interactions contribute to litter decomposition. Studying the digestive tract (DT) of shredder insects as a habitat for fungal microorganisms is an opportunity to obtain fungal strains with biotechnological potential, which may help to understand the symbiotic relationships between these organisms in tropical forests. This study investigated the fungal community in the DT of larvae of Triplectides (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae) collected in low-order streams in the Cerrado and Amazon Forest biomes in Brazil. Forty-nine fungal isolates were obtained and identified among 32 species and 12 genera. The genus Roussoella was only found in the DT of insects in Amazon Forest streams, while 7 genera only occurred in the DT of insects in Cerrado streams. The genus Penicillium (40%) was the most frequent. In the Cerrado, 78% were producers of CMCase, more than two-fold that in the Amazon Forest (35%). And 62% were producers of xylanase, in the Cerrado and 71% in the Amazon Forest. In this context, the fungal community in the DT of Triplectides larvae may play an important role in the insect diet by breaking down lignocellulosic material.

Resumo A vitamina D desempenha um papel importante na função imunológica e na inflamação e a atividade física demonstra relação próxima à síntese de vitamina D, sendo necessária a fatores imunológicos, ambientais e físicos. Pesquisamos cinco bancos de dados até 20 de fevereiro de 2021. Dois revisores examinaram os estudos, coletaram dados, avaliaram o risco de viés e classificaram as evidências para cada resultado nos estudos, de forma independente e em duplicata. Os endpoints de interesse pré-especificados foram aptidão cardiorrespiratória; Exposição à luz solar; Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC). Incluímos apenas dados de artigos revisados por pares em nossas análises primárias. Em nossa análise primária, houve uma tendência positiva entre 25(OH)D sérico <20 ng/ml e índice de massa corporal., esse resultado deve ser interpretado com cautela, considerando os intervalos de confiança (RR 1,10 IC 95% 0,37 a 1,83. Identificamos 4 evidências de alta qualidade de que níveis de vitamina D e atividade física alta exigiam uma relação direta considerando (quatro ensaios com 2.253) ; RR 0 . (RR 0,0; IC 95% -0,15 a 0,15) (RR 0,59; IC 95% 0,43 a 0,75. Embora as evidências disponíveis até agora, de estudos observacionais de qualidade média, possam ser vistas como uma tendência de associação entre níveis séricos suficientes de 25(OH)D e atividade física, essa relação foi demonstrada. têm um efeito estimulante na síntese de vitamina D, a relação de baixo índice de massa corporal com níveis suficientes de vitamina D não é baseada em evidências sólidas. Aguardamos resultados de estudos em andamento para determinar essa eficácia.

Abstract Vitamin D plays an important role in immune function and inflammation and the physical activity demonstrate relationship near to syntheses of vitamin D, considering to necessary to factors immunologics, environmental and physical. We searched five databases through February 20, 2021. Two reviewers screened the studies, collected data, assessed the risk of bias, and ranked the evidence for each outcome across the studies, independently and in duplicate. The prespecified endpoints of interest were Cardiorespiratory Fitness; Sunlight Exposure; Body Mass Index (BMI). We only included data from peer-reviewed articles in our primary analyses. In our primary analysis, there was a positive trend between serum 25(OH)D <20 ng/ml and body mass index, this result should be interpreted with caution, considering confidence intervals (RR 1.10 95% CI 0.37 to 1.83. We identified 4 high quality evidence that vitamin D levels and high physical activity required a direct relationship considering (four trials with 2,253) ; RR 0. (RR 0.0; 95% CI -0.15 to 0.15) (RR 0.59; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.75. Although the evidence available so far, from observational studies of medium quality, can be seen as showing a trend towards an association between sufficient serum levels of 25(OH)D and physical activity, this relationship has been shown. have a stimulating effect on vitamin D synthesis, the relationship of low body mass index with sufficient vitamin D levels is not based on solid evidence. We await results from ongoing studies to determine this effectiveness.

Resumo Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento das características socioambientais e estudo etnobotânico de plantas medicinais utilizadas por uma comunidade tradicional do nordeste brasileiro, Alagoas, Brasil. O estudo se deu por meio de visitas com aplicação de um questionário contendo perguntas relacionadas aos fatores socio-econômicos e sobre a diversidade das plantas utilizadas como medicinais. O trabalho foi realizado no período de março/2019 a fevereiro/2020, onde foram entrevistadas famílias e catalogadas amostras de plantas para identificação botânica. A população estudada, com 24 entrevistados, foi composta por moradores da comunidade Quilombola Pau D’arco da cidade de Arapiraca - Alagoas. Dos moradores entrevistados, 15 (62,5%) apresentavam idade entre 56 e 80 anos, 11 dos entrevistados cerca de 46%, são naturais da comunidade e 13 (54%) possuíam ensino fundamental incompleto. Ao todo, foram citadas 30 espécies de plantas utilizadas para fins terapêuticos, das quais apresentam maior utilização as plantas contra a hipertensão arterial (Salvia rosmarinus Schleid), diabetes Mellitos (Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth), dor e inflamação (Alternanthera tenella Colla). As espécies citadas estão relacionadas a inúmeras utilizações medicinais, entre os quais predominaram as doenças associadas ao aparelho cardiovascular e processos inflamatórios. O chá é principal forma de preparo das plantas. Percebe-se que as plantas medicinais são amplamente utilizadas por essa comunidade quilombola e o cultivo no quintal é considerado uma tradição.

Abstract The aim of this research is to make a survey of the socio-environmental characteristics and the ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used in a traditional community in the Brazilian Northeast, Alagoas. The study was made based on visits with the application of a questionnaire with questions related to the socio-economic element and on the diversity of plants used in herbal medicine. The research was made from March/2019 to February/2020, where families and interviewed plant exhibitors were interviewed for botanical identification. The studied community, which were 24 interviewees, was compiled by residents of the Quilombola community from Pau D’arco in Arapiraca city - Alagoas. Residents interviewed, 15 (62.5%) attended between 56 to 80 years, 11 interviewees about 46% were born in the community and 13 (54%) had a fundamentally incomplete nature. At the end, there were mentioned 30 plant species used for phytotherapeutic purposes, from which presents bigger usage as plants against arterial hypertension (Salvia rosmarinus Schleid), diabetes Mellitos (Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth), pain and inflammation (Alternanthera tenella Colla), present the biggest number of species in the community. The species cited are related to numerous medicinal uses, among which there will be predominant associations associated with cardiovascular and inflammatory processes. The tea is the main way of preparing plants. It is perceived that medicinal plants are only widely used by this Quilombola community of and growth of the crops in the backyard are considered a tradition.

Resumo O estudo da relação entre fungos e insetos traz importantes contribuições para o conhecimento da biodiversidade fúngica e para o entendimento das interações ecológicas mutualísticas. Este estudo relata a ocorrência de uma comunidade de fungos filamentosos no trato digestivo (TD) de larvas minadoras de insetos do gênero Stenochironomus em riachos de dois biomas brasileiros. Os fungos foram obtidos do trato digestivo de larvas encontradas em troncos e folhas de riachos de baixa ordem na Floresta Amazônica e Cerrado no norte do Brasil. A comunidade fúngica foi triada para atividades xilanolíticas e celulolíticas. A diversidade de espécies fúngicas no TD de larvas possivelmente está relacionada à diversidade de dietas das espécies desse gênero e à diversidade de substratos nos ecossistemas. A diversidade e riqueza de espécies fúngicas foram influenciadas mais pelas diferenças ecológicas entre os locais do que pelos tipos de substratos em que foram coletados (tronco e folha). A maioria dos fungos no TD de larvas de Stenochironomus amostradas em folhas exibiu atividade enzimática celulolítica. Tais resultados reforçam que os micobiomas do DT de larvas de Stenochiromonus produzem enzimas que contribuem para o processo de decomposição de restos vegetais em seus hospedeiros.

Abstract The study of the relationship between fungi and insects brings important contributions to the knowledge of fungal biodiversity and to the understanding of mutualistic ecological interactions. This study reports the occurrence of a community of filamentous fungi in the digestive tract (DT) of mining insect larvae belonging to genus Stenochironomus in streams of two Brazilian biomes. Fungi were obtained from the digestive tract of larvae found on trunks and leaves of low-order streams in the Amazon Forest and Cerrado in the north of Brazil. The fungal community was screened for xylanolytic and cellulolytic activities. The diversity of fungal species in the DT of larvae is possibly related to the diversity of diets of species of that genus and the diversity of substrates in the ecosystems. The diversity and richness of fungal species were influenced by ecological differences between locations more than by the types of substrates in which they were collected (trunk and leaf). Most fungi in the DT of Stenochironomus larvae sampled in leaves exhibited cellulolytic enzyme activity. Such results stress that the mycobiomes of the DT of Stenochiromonus larvae produce enzymes that contribute to the process of breaking down plant remains in their hosts.

Resumo O dimorfismo sexual de Kinosternon scorpioides foi avaliado utilizando-se duas técnicas diferentes (morfometria linear e geométrica) a partir de imagens e medições lineares da carapaça e plastrão de adultos (machos e fêmeas). A morfometria linear indicou que as médias de altura da carapaça, largura da carapaça e plastrão são estatisticamente diferentes entre os sexos, sendo as fêmeas mais largas e altas. Na avaliação da morfometria geométrica, a ANOVA demonstrou que existe variação de tamanho do plastrão, e na forma da carapaça e do plastrão, expressando uma tendência de forma para cada sexo. O dimorfismo sexual, portanto, é verificado para esta espécie, notadamente pelo plastrão. Este trabalho indica uma ferramenta adicional para o conhecimento fenotípico dos animais, contribuindo no estudo de populações ameaçadas.

Abstract The sexual dimorphism of the Kinosternon scorpioides was evaluated using two different techniques (linear and geometric morphometry) from images and linear measurements of the carapace and plastron of adults (male and female). Linear morphometry indicated that the height and width of carapace and plastron are statistically different between sexes, with females being wider and taller. In the evaluation of geometric morphometry, ANOVA demonstrated variation in the size of the plastron and the shape of the carapace and plastron, expressing a tendency in shape for each sex. Sexual dimorphism, therefore, is verified for this species, notably by the plastron. This study indicates an additional tool for the phenotypic knowledge of animals, contributing to the study of threatened populations.

Resumo O entendimento de relações ecológicas e toxicológicas envolvendo culturas geneticamente modificadas (GM) e agentes de controle biológico é de grande importância para discussões relativas à compatibilidade de culturas GM com estratégias de manejo integrado e manejo de resistência de pragas. Este trabalho avaliou o comportamento de busca e a capacidade predatória de Orius insidiosus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) e Doru luteipes (Scudder) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) sobre ovos e lagartas de Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) resistente ou não à proteína Cry1F expressa em milho Bt. Para determinar o tempo de busca foi utilizado um cronômetro que foi disparado até a captura da primeira presa; a capacidade de predação foi avaliada através da contagem das presas remanescentes 24 h após infestação. Também foram avaliadas as injúrias de S. frugiperda em milho transgênico e milho convencional na presença ou ausência dos predadores. Os predadores não foram capazes de distinguir entre presas (ovos ou lagartas) resistentes e suscetíveis, considerando os comportamentos predatórios avaliados. Não houve diferença no tempo de busca e capacidade predatória sobre ovos e lagartas de S. frugiperda resistente ou suscetível entre os predadores. Na presença dos predadores, as notas de injúria de S. frugiperda resistente nas plantas de milho Bt foram menores. Conclui-se que O. insidiosus e D. luteipes não percebem a presença da proteína Cry1F na presa S. frugiperda, o que pode contribuir para o uso integrado de milho GM e controle biológico em programas de manejo integrado e manejo de resistência de pragas.

Abstract Understanding the ecological and toxicological relationship between genetically modified cultivars (GM) and biological control agents is of great importance for discussions related to the compatability of GM cultivars and integrated management strategies for pest resistance. The present study evaluated the search behavior and predatory capacity of Orius insidiosus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and Doru luteipes (Scudder) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) on eggs and caterpillars of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) resistant or not to the protein Cry1F expressed in Bt corn. To determine the search time, a stopwatch was run until the capture of the first prey, predation capacity was evaluated by counting the prey remaining after 24 hours of infestation. The injuries of S. frugiperda in genetically modified and conventional corn in the presence and absence of predators was also evaluated. The predators were not able to distinguish between resistant and susceptible prey (eggs or caterpillars), given the predatory behaviour observed. There was no difference in searching time or predatory capacity between the predators for eggs and caterpillars of either resistant or susceptible S. frugiperda. In the presence of predators, the injury scores for resistant S. frugiperda on the Bt corn plants were lower. It was concluded that O. insidiosus and D. luteipes did not notice the presence of the protein Cry1F in the prey S. frugiperda, which may facilitate the combined use of GM corn and biological control in integrated management programs and for management of pest resistance.