Infections in fruits caused by fungi reduce the quantity and quality of food for human consumption, in addition to causing economic losses. In this sense, this study aimed to address the effects of eugenol nanocapsules (NCs) based on chitosan and carboxymethylcellulose in protecting nectarines against Monilinia fructicola, a brown rot agent, a worldwide important disease. NCs were prepared by layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly starting from an anionic template and deposition with up to two polymeric layers. The hydrodynamic diameters ranged from 158 nm (nanoemulsion), 360 nm (one polymeric layer) to 398 nm (two polymeric layers). NCs presented, during the in vitro release, the release of eugenol following a first order process. In addition to being in the region of stability (zeta potential ca. |30| mV), the capsules showed good adhesion to the nectarine surface. In relation to brown rot, the eugenol NCs with chitosan proved to be the best formulation compared to nanoemulsion and NCs with two polymeric layers for its control, increasing the probability that the fruits remain without symptoms, even after 7 days. Therefore, this study demonstrated that chitosan NCs containing eugenol could be an alternative to preserve fruit for longer periods in post-harvest.

A mariposa-oriental Grapholita molesta Busck (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) é uma das pragas-chave do pessegueiro no Estado do Paraná, danificando frutos e ramos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a flutuação populacional e os danos provocados por G. molesta em pomares cultivados nos sistemas de produção convencional (PC) e integrada (PI) no município da Lapa (PR). A área experimental foi cultivada com pessegueiro 'Chimarrita' e o monitoramento do inseto, realizado com armadilhas de feromônio do tipo Delta, no período de 2002 a 2004. Foram avaliados os danos nos frutos em três fases fenológicas do pessegueiro e a flutuação populacional da praga, relacionando-os com a tomada de decisão de controle. Mediante o monitoramento da praga, reduziu-se em 58% a aplicação de inseticidas no sistema PI em relação ao convencional, e os danos não diferiram em ambos os sistemas. Conclui-se ser possível o manejo de G. molesta em pomares cultivados no sistema de produção integrada na região de Lapa, Paraná.

Larvae of the oriental fruit moth Grapholita molesta is one of the most important pest of peaches orchards in Paraná State, causing fruit and branch damages. The objective of this research was to assess the fluctuation of G. molesta and damage caused by at three phenological phases of peach orchards managed using the conventional (CP) and integrated production (IP) management systems in the municipatility of Lapa, State of Paraná, Brazil, from 2002 to 2004. The experimental area was cropped with the 'Chimarrita' peach tree and the pest was monitored with Delta type pheromone traps. Fruit damage and pest fluctuation were assessed at three phenological stages of the orchard and related to the decision for control. The results showed that the monitoring permitted a 58% reduction in insecticides in the IP system compared to the conventional system. However, the damage was not significantly different between the two systems. It is concluded that it is possible to manage G. molesta in orchards using the integrated production system in that region .