ABSTRACT Heterobostrychus aequalis (Waterhouse, 1884) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) is considered a severe pest for wood and wood products in regions where it is established. In Brazil, so far, there are no records of its establishment. Therefore, this work reports the interception of this Bostrichidae in the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, on pallet wood from India. It also defends the maintenance of this insect as an absent quarantine pest (A1), by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply. It also conducts a discussion that addresses the efficiency of wood treatments, usually used to prevent the spread of quarantine pests in environments where there is international transit of wood, demonstrating that they may not be efficient in this regard, especially for insect species that have the capacity to lay eggs on dry wood. In this context, it also suggests population monitoring, combined with inspections, as an aid measure for the early detection of this pest in an environment where there is international transit of wood.

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the effect of thermal modification and nano-zinc oxide (nano-ZnO) particle impregnation on the deterioration of Caribbean pine wood under field conditions. Samples were thermally-modified at various temperature levels (control, 180 °C, 200 °C, and 220 °C). Nano-ZnO impregnation was done with an aqueous solution at 1,5 % in an autoclave under two-steps of pressure and vacuum. Unmodified and thermally-modified, non-impregnated and nano-ZnO impregnated samples were exposed to deterioration for five months in field tests. A deterioration index was used to evaluate the health condition of the samples. The mass loss and occurrence of termite tunnels in percentage were also determined. The nano-ZnO impregnation improved the resistance of unmodified wood to field-deterioration. The thermal modification at 180oC, and 200ºC increased the wood deterioration and nano-ZnO impregnation did not improve their resistance. Unmodified and 220 ºC modified samples had a lower mass loss by xylophages than other thermal treatments regardless of the nanoparticle impregnation. The nano-ZnO impregnation decreases the occurrence of termite tunnels in unmodified, 200 ºC and 220 ºC-modified samples.

RESUMO: Rica em compostos orgânicos, a madeira é suscetível ao ataque de diversos agentes deterioradores por ser reconhecida como suprimento necessário de energia. Entre esses agentes, destacam-se os fungos, cujo início de ataque pode se dar ainda na árvore, antes do abate e nas diversas fases posteriores. Os fungos são agentes biológicos que necessitam de compostos orgânicos como fontes de alimento e, por essa razão, degradam grande parte dos componentes químicos da madeira. As madeiras, quando atacadas por fungos, sofrem grandes perdas de valor, afetando suas propriedades mecânicas e estéticas. Os fungos são considerados um dos principais responsáveis pelos maiores prejuízos na indústria madeireira e são classificados como manchadores, emboloradores e apodrecedores. Praticamente, a madeira pode estar em uso em uma variedade de ambientes; sabendo-se que as condições ideais de desenvolvimento de um fungo são diferentes para cada espécie, a madeira ficará suscetível ao ataque por diferentes espécies de fungos. Ou seja, o fato de uma ou mais espécies de fungos serem encontradas deteriorando a madeira está diretamente relacionado às condições em que ela se encontra. Dessa forma, torna-se importante saber como avaliar os ataques feitos por fungos, os sintomas a serem considerados para identificar o tipo de organismo e o estágio do ataque, bem como as medidas de controle e prevenção desses organismos.

ABSTRACT: Wood is rich in organic compounds; thus, it is susceptible to attacks by several deteriorating agents because they acknowledge such attacks as a necessary energy supply. Fungi stand out among these agents since they can attack the wood in trees (before felling) and in several post-felling stages. Fungi are biological agents that use organic compounds as food sources, and that is the reason why they degrade most chemical components found in wood. Wood attacked by fungi suffers significant value loss, since these degrading agents affect their mechanical and aesthetic properties. Fungi — which are classified as staining, molding and rotting — are one of the main responsible for the biggest losses in the timber industry. Wood can be virtually used in a whole range of environments, a fact that makes it susceptible to attacks by different fungal species, since the ideal conditions for fungal development change from species to species. In other words, the fact that one or more fungal species are capable of deteriorating wood is directly related to conditions wood is subjected to. Thus, it is essential knowing how to evaluate fungal attacks, symptoms to be taken into consideration at the time to identify the type of attacking organism and the attack stage, as well as the control and prevention measures to be applied to these organisms.

RESUMO: Pachira aquatica (Malvaceae), conhecida como munguba, é cultivada para arborização de muitas cidades brasileiras. No campus de Seropédica da UFRRJ, observou-se o desfolhamento de um espécime de Pachira aquatica, com a presença de larvas, pré-pupas e pupas de besouro da subfamília Hyperinae, que foram criadas em laboratório até a emergência dos adultos; esses insetos foram identificados como pertencentes à espécie Phelypera griseofasciata Capiomont (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Essas formas imaturas (n=86) foram novamente coletadas nesse mesmo espécime e criadas em laboratório para verificar a ocorrência de parasitismo. Foram obtidos 128 adultos de Jaliscoa nudipennis Bouček (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), responsáveis por 44,2% do parasitismo total. A razão sexual foi de 0,70, portanto, o maior número de descendentes foi de fêmeas. Observaram-se ainda os dimorfismos inter e intrasexuais em J. nudipennis quanto ao formato da cabeça e às características das asas. Este estudo trata-se do primeiro registro de ambas as espécies de insetos associadas a Pachira aquatica no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

ABSTRACT: Pachira aquatica (Malvaceae), known as munguba, is cultivated for afforestation of many Brazilian cities. In Seropédica campus of UFRRJ, it was observed the defoliation of one specimen of Pachira aquatica with presence of larvae, pre-pupae, and pupae of beetle of the subfamily Hyperinae, which were reared in laboratory until the emergence of the adults; these insects were identified as belonging to the species Phelypera griseofasciata Capiomont (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). These immature forms (n=86) were again collected in this same specimen and reared in laboratory to verify the occurrence of parasitism. It was obtained 128 adults of Jaliscoa nudipennis Bouček (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), responsible for 44.2% of total parasitism. The sex ratio was 0.70, so the highest number of offspring was of females. Intersexual and intrasexual dimorphisms were also observed in J. nudipennis regarding the shape of the head and characteristics of the wings. This study is the first record of both insect species associated with Pachira aquatica in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

RESUMO: Bemisia tabaci é conhecida no Brasil desde 1923, relatada em cultivos de algodão, soja, tomate e feijoeiro, promovendo prejuízos econômicos por ser transmissora de viroses. São praticamente inexistentes os trabalhos que analisam sua ocorrência em ambiente florestal. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a ocorrência de B. tabaci em quatro fragmentos florestais de Mata Atlântica no estado do Rio de Janeiro, bem como registrar seus hospedeiros nesses ambientes. Em cada fragmento de Mata Atlântica foi demarcada uma área com cerca de um hectare, delimitada com o uso de imagens obtidas do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). Ao longo das inspeções mensais nos fragmentos florestais, os vegetais que apresentavam moscas-brancas foram marcados e inspecionados a toda nova visita. Adotaram-se critérios de coleta para garantir padronização do esforço amostral em todos os fragmentos. A análise do número médio de moscas-brancas foi feita pelo teste não paramétrico de Kruskal-Wallis, com posterior aplicação do pós-teste de Dunn, ambos a 5% de significância. Foram realizadas 216 coletas e capturadas 1.126 ninfas de quarto instar de B. tabaci nos quatro fragmentos de Mata Atlântica ao longo dos 24 meses. Registraram-se, pela primeira vez, os hospedeiros: Caesalpinia pluviosa Benth, Tradescantia zebrina Linn., Impatiens walleriana Linn., Cupania sp. e Talisia esculenta Klotzsch & O. Berg. O período seco (inverno) promove estímulos para o aumento da população de B. tabaci em fragmentos florestais.

ABSTRACT: Bemisia tabaci has been known in Brazil since 1923, in cotton, soybean, tomato and bean crops, and it leads to economic losses due to the transmission of different viruses. Studies focused on analyzing the incidence of this pest in forest environments remain scarce in the literature. Thus, the aims of the current study were to investigate the incidence of B. tabaci in four Atlantic forest fragments in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, as well as to record its hosts in these environments. An area of approximately one hectare was delimited for each Atlantic forest fragment based on images provided by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Plants presenting whiteflies were tagged throughout monthly inspections conducted in each forest fragment in order to be checked during the following visits. Collection criteria were adopted to assure sampling standardization in each fragment. The mean number of whiteflies was analyzed through the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test, which was followed by Dunn’s post-hoc test, both at 5% significance level. The total of 216 collections were conducted and 1,126 B. tabaci fourth-instar nymphs were collected in four Atlantic forest fragments over 24 months. The following hosts were recorded for the first time: Caesalpinia pluviosa Benth, Tradescantia zebrina Linn., Impatiens walleriana Linn., Cupania sp. and Talisia esculenta Klotzsch & O. Berg. The dry period (winter) enabled the increase of B. tabaci populations in the herein investigated forest fragments.

RESUMO: São praticamente inexistentes os trabalhos que analisam a ocorrência de moscas-brancas em ambientes florestais, o que não é justificável, em vista da importância ecológica e agronômica desse grupo de insetos. Objetivou-se avaliar a ocorrência de Aleyrodidae em três fragmentos de Mata Atlântica no estado do Rio de Janeiro, no período entre maio/2013 e maio/2014. Propõe-se chave taxonômica para cinco gêneros. Coletaram-se 1.212 pupários e identificaram-se cinco gêneros e sete espécies de moscas-brancas ocorrendo em nove hospedeiros. Aleuropleurocelus cecropiae foi o único aleirodídeo registrado simultaneamente, ocorrendo em Cecropia hololeuca, nos três ambientes avaliados, com registros inferiores nos dois fragmentos considerados menos antropizados. Ainda, registrou-se pela primeira vez Aleurothrixus floccosus em Handroanthus ochraceus e em Mangifera indica. Também se procedeu ao primeiro registro de Bemisia tabaci em Commelina benghalensis e Caesalpinia pluviosa. Minutaleyrodes minuta sobre Syzygium cumini é, igualmente, o registro de uma nova ocorrência.

ABSTRACT: Studies that analyze the occurrence of whiteflies in forest environments are virtually non-existent, which is not justifiable given the ecological and agronomic importance of this insect group. The study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of Aleyrodidae collected from May/2013 to May/2014 in three Atlantic forest fragments in state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Of all, 1,212 puparia were collected, and five genera and seven species of whiteflies occurring in nine hosts were identified. Aleuropleurocelus cecropiae was the only aleyrodid registered simultaneously occurring in Cecropia hololeuca in the three environments, with lower records in the two fragments considered as less anthropized. For the first time, Aleurothrixus floccosus was registered on Handroanthus ochraceus and Mangifera indica. In addition, it was observed the first register of Bemisia tabaci on Commelina benghalensis and Caesalpinia pluviosa. Minutaleyrodes minuta on Syzygium cumini was also the register of a new occurrence.

RESUMO O monitoramento de insetos é atividade relevante no processo de avaliação da sanidade de povoamentos florestais, bem como em estudos ecológicos. Dessa forma, geralmente, os levantamentos são realizados utilizando-se armadilhas de captura. Em especial para os grupos Scolytinae e Platypodinae, são empregadas armadilhas de impacto, iscadas com álcool 96 ºGL. Sendo assim, este trabalho tem o objetivo de descrever um novo modelo desse tipo de equipamento, denominado SEMIFUNIL. O projeto propõe o uso de materiais alternativos na fabricação da armadilha: garrafa PET de 2000 mL, mangueira plástica, prato plástico e arame, buscando com isso redução de custos.

ABSTRACT The insect monitoring is a relevant activity in the process of assessing forest stands health, as well as in ecological studies. Thus, in general, surveys are conducted using capture traps; for the Scolytinae and Platypodinae especially, groups impact traps are used, baited with alcohol 96 ºGL. This paper aims to describe a new trap model, denominated SEMI-FUNNEL. The project suggests the use of alternative materials in the trap manufacturing: 2000 mL PET bottle, plastic hose, plastic plate and wire, thereby seeking the reduction of costs.

The objective was to evaluate the elasticity dynamic modulus reduction (MOEd) and deterioration of E. grandis thermorectificated wood by exposure to environmental weathering. Six trees were used to obtain 14 logs of 2,4m, with seven from external (sapwood) and the others from internal (heartwood) part of the trunk. A total of 84 wood samples of 2,5x 5x 50cm were made, with half from the inner and the other from the external trunk portion. 14 treatments were evaluated with six replicates composed of thermorectificated wood submitted two differents times (2 and 4 hours) and three temperatures (200, 215 and 230˚C). An ultrasound Stress Wave Timer device was used to evaluate MOEd and the mass measured by weighing. Samples remained in the decay test field for ten months, and monthly inspected and recorded to xylophogous organism’s occurrence. At the end of this period MOEd and mass were revaluated. The central portion of wood samples were more deteriorated, with mass losses and stiffness losses ranging from (8-56%) and (18-91%), respectively. Lower values were observed in the wood coming from the external portion, with mass losses and stiffness ranging from (3-10%) and (8-20%), respectively. The thermorectificated wood samples were more damaged by action the termites and less by the action of fungi, compared to controls.

A sensitive and efficient colorimetric method was optimized for detection of esterase enzymes produced by endophytic fungi for development of High-Throughput Screening (HTS). The fungi were isolated and obtained previously from plant species of Cerrado and Atlantic Forest located in areas of environmental preservation in the State of Sao Paulo / Brazil, as part of the project "Chemical and biological prospecting endophytic fungi associated to plant species of Cerrado and Atlantic Forest". The compounds ethyl butyrate, ethyl acetate and methyl propionate were used as standards esters which were hydrolyzed by extracellular enzyme from endophytic fungi (EC. 3.1.1.1 -carboxylesterases) for production of carboxylic acids. Thus, the reduction of the pH increases the protonated indicator concentration (bromothymol blue), changing the color of the reaction medium (from blue to yellow), that can be observed and measured by spectrophotometry at 616 nm. The methodology with acid-base indicator was performed on 13 microorganisms, aiming Periconia atropurpurea asapotential source of esterase for biotransformation of short chain esters. The results also evidenced that this methodology showed to be efficient, fast, cheap, having low consumption of reagents and easy development, and can be applied to screen carboxylic-ester hydrolases in a large number of microorganisms.

SESQUITERPENES PRODUCED BY ENDOPHYTIC FUNGUS Phomopsis cassiae WITH ANTIFUNGAL AND ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE INHIBITION ACTIVITIES. Two new diastereoisomeric cadinanes sesquiterpenes 3,9-dihydroxycalamenene (1-2), along with the known 3-hydroxycalamen-8-one (3) and aristelegone-A (4), were isolated from ethyl acetate extract of Phomopsis cassiae, an endophytic fungus in Cassia spectabilis. Their structures, including relative stereochemistry, were determined on the basis of detailed interpretation of 2D NMR spectra and comparison with related known compounds. Compounds 1-4 displayed antifungal activity against the phytopathogenic fungi Cladosporium cladosporioides and C. sphaerospermum, as well as inhibition of acetylcholinesterase.

Cerambicídeos que promovem a queda de galhos ou fustes podem causar danos a diversas espécies florestais, sejam em plantios econômicos ou mesmo em árvores utilizadas em arborização. O cerambicídeo Coccoderus novempunctatus é um destes agentes. O dano realizado pela larva propicia a queda de ramos de muitas espécies florestais e, no caso ora avaliado, em fustes de Cassia siamea ou parte destes. Esta é uma espécie florestal utilizada em arborização e recuperação de áreas perturbadas ecologicamente. O trabalho teve o objetivo de diagnosticar os danos de C. novempunctatus em C. siamea, através da diagnose das lesões e da quantificação do volume de madeira dos fustes por ele seccionados. Cinco parcelas foram demarcadas em mata secundária, onde a atuação do inseto havia sido registrada. Os fustes de C. siamea, cortados pelo inseto, tiveram seu diâmetro no ponto da secção mensurado bem como o comprimento total. Os volumes de madeira foram calculados utilizando-se o método de Smalian. O diâmetro médio no ponto da secção e o comprimento médio de fustes de C. siamea, cortados por C. novempunctatus foi 9,07 cm e 6,31 m, respectivamente. O volume médio de madeira, destes fustes, com casca e sem casca foi 0,0261 e 0,0218 m³, respectivamente.

Cerambycids that promote breaking of branches or stems may cause damage to several forest species, in economical plantings or even in trees used in urban afforestation. Coccoderus novempunctatus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is one of these cases. The damage accomplished by the larvae propitiates the fall branches of many forest species, and in the case evaluated in this study, can cause fall of Cassia siamea stems or part of these. Cassia siamea is a forest specie used in afforestation and in recovery of ecologically disturbed areas. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the damages caused by C. novempunctatus on C. siamea through lesions diagnoses and volume quantification of wood of stems sectioned by it. Five plots were demarcated in a secondary forest where the insect action had been registered. C. siamea stems cut by insect had their diameter in the cut point measured as well as total length. Wood volumes were calculated by using the Smalian method. Average diameter in the cut point, and the average length of C. siamea stems cut by C. novempunctatus was 9.07 cm and 6.31 m, respectively. Average wood volume of these stems with and without bark was 0.0261 and 0.0218 m³, respectively.

A hidrólise de lactose de soro de leite, resultando em glicose e galactose, apresenta-se como uma alternativa para ampliar as possibilidades de uso comercial deste insumo. Para ser aplicado em escala industrial, o processo deve ser operado de modo contínuo. Reporta-se o estudo de um sistema objetivando hidrólise de lactose de soro de leite através de um reator com enzima imobilizada. b-Galactosidase de Aspergillus oryzae foi imobilizada em sílica, sendo avaliadas a estabilidade e atividade. Os melhores resultados de imobilização foram obtidos usando glutaraldeído como ativante do suporte e estabilizador da enzima. A proporção otimizada entre enzima e suporte foi 15-20 mg.g-1. Foram estudadas formas de tratamento do soro (microfiltração, tratamento térmico e ultrafiltração), objetivando eliminação de material suspenso, e avaliando os efeitos na operação de reator de leito fixo. A ultrafiltração foi o melhor tratamento, na busca de uma solução de substrato apropriada para o reator contínuo.

Hydrolysis of whey lactose to glucose and galactose by immobilized galactosidase comes as an alternative to enlarge the possibilities of commercial use of this feedstock. To be applied at industrial scale, the process should be performed continuously .This work aimed to study the hydrolysis of whey lactose by an immobilized enzyme reactor. b-Galactosidase from Aspergillus oryzae was immobilized on silica and activity and stability were evaluated. The best immobilization results were attained by using glutaraldehyde as support's activator and enzyme stabilizer. The optimized enzyme proportion for immobilization was 15-20 mg g-1 of support. Treatments of whey were performed (microfiltration, thermal treatment and ultrafiltration), seeking the elimination of sludge, and the effects on operating the fixed bed reactor were evaluated. Ultrafiltration was the best treatment towards a proper substrate solution for feeding the reactor.

Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar algumas propriedades físicas e mecânicas da madeira de Eucalyptus urophylla S.T. Blake "Eucalipto" (Myrtaceae), Melia azedarach L. "Cinamomo" (Meliaceae), Lophantera lactescens Ducke, "lanterneira" (Malpighiaceae), Pinus elliottii Engelm. "Pinus" (Pinaceae) e Inga marginata Wild "Inga" (Mimosaceae), submetidas ao processo de degradação em razão da exposição à intempérie no período de 12 meses, as madeiras foram colocadas em dois ambientes com características edafoclimáticas diferenciadas, isto é, foram montados dois campos de apodrecimento, sendo um dentro de uma mata secundária e outro a céu aberto, em um pasto formado por gramíneas rasteiras. Na avaliação, adotou-se um índice de deterioração médio, para expressar a degradação causada pelos fatores bióticos, nos corpos-de-prova oriundos de toras expostas nos respectivos ambientes. As determinações da densidade aparente, bem como da resistência à flexão (módulo de elasticidade (MOE) e ruptura (MOR)) e compressão paralela às fibras da madeira, foram realizadas antes e depois da exposição à intempérie. Os resultados indicaram que ocorreram reduções diferenciadas nas propriedades avaliadas. As diminuições significativas da densidade ocorreram somente nos corpos-de-prova oriundos das madeiras expostas dentro da mata, bem como as reduções nos módulos de elasticidade e ruptura foram mais acentuadas nas madeiras procedentes desse ambiente. A resistência à compressão da madeira apresentou-se com reduções maiores, também nesse ambiente.

The objective of this work was to evaluate some physical and mechanical properties of Eucalyptus urophylla S.T. Blake - Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae), Melia azedarach L. - Chinaberry (Meliaceae), Lophantera lactescens Ducke - "Lanterneira" (Malpighiaceae), Pinus elliottii Engelm. - Slash Pine (Pinaceae), Inga marginata Wild - Inga (Mimosaceae), subjected to the degradation process caused by the exposition to atmospheric conditions over a period of 12 months, in two environments with different edafoclimatic characteristics, i.e., two decaying fields were set up, one within a secondary forest and the other in an open field, a pasture composed by low grass. For the evaluation, we adapted an average decay index, to express the degradation caused by biotic factors in specimens from wood exposed to both environments. The determination of apparent density, as well as the resistance to beding in the modulus of elasticity (MOE) and rupture (MOR) and parallel compression to wood fiber, was carried out before and after the exposure to atmospheric conditions. The results showed the occurrence of different reductions in the evaluated properties. Significant reductions in density occurred only in the wood originated from inside the forest, as well as reductions in the Modulus of elasticity and rupture were more accentuated in wood originate from this environment. Resistance to compression has also shown major reductions in the same environment.

A simple, fast and low-cost methodology was optimized, seeking preparation of a crude pig liver esterase (PLE) concentrate. Basically, the method consisted of the following steps: liver homogenization, acetone washing, enzyme extraction and purification/concentration. Starting from 1 kg of fresh liver more than 200 kU of PLE suspension were obtained after 8 hours, at an estimated cost of US$0.21/kU. The PLE concentrate thus obtained was stable, showing 96-100% of the initial activity after 7 months in refrigerator at 4°C.

Dois novos metabólitos, 2,4-diidroxi-5,6-dimetil benzoato de etila (1) e phomopsilactona (2) foram isolados de Phomopsis cassiae, um fungo endofítico de Cassia spectabilis. As estruturas destes compostos foram elucidadas por dados espectrométricos de 1D e 2D RMN, EM e IV. As substâncias 1 e 2 exibiram forte atividade antifúngica contra os fungos fitopatogênicos Cladosporium cladosporioides e C. sphaerospermum, bem como citotoxidade contra a linhagem celular de tumor cervical humano (HeLa), em experimentos in vitro.

Two new metabolites, ethyl 2,4-dihydroxy-5,6-dimethylbenzoate (1) and phomopsilactone (2) were isolated from Phomopsis cassiae, an endophytic fungus in Cassia spectabilis. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR, MS and IR spectral data. Compounds 1 and 2 displayed strong antifungal activity against the phytopatogenic fungi Cladosporium cladosporioides and C. sphaerospermum, as well as cytotoxicity against human cervical tumor cell line (HeLa), in in vitro assays.