Resumo O aumento na produtividade deve estar atrelado ao controle efetivo dos custos de produção. Assim, o controle químico e seletivo das plantas daninhas é um método adequado, pois proporciona economia de trabalho e energia, demanda pouca mão de obra e permite o controle durante todo o ciclo de cultivo. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a sensibilidade da cultura do abacateiro aos efeitos fitotóxicos da aplicação de herbicidas em pós-emergência. O experimento foi instalado utilizando-se de sementes de abacate da cultivar Margarida e conduzido em casa de vegetação no Setor de Fruticultura do Departamento de Agricultura, da Universidade Federal de Lavras. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos ao acaso, com 4 repetições e 8 tratamentos e cada parcela experimental foi composta por três mudas. Os herbicidas paraquat, oxyfluorfen, fomesafem, carfentrazone-ethyl e glyphosate causaram danos às mudas de abacateiro e não devem ser recomendados com base na dosagem comercial utilizada. O paraquat causou a morte das plantas em 30 dias após a aplicação. Os tratamentos com Fluasifope-p- butílico e Imazetapir demonstraram ser os mais promissores para uso em área de implantação de pomares de abacateiros pois causaram menores danos à cultura.

Abstract An increase in crop productivity should be linked to the effective control of production costs. Thus, the chemical and selective control of weeds is an appropriate method because it saves labor and energy, requires little manpower, and allows control throughout the crop cycle. The present study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity of avocado seedlings to the phytotoxic effects of postemergence herbicide application. The experiment was carried out on avocado seeds of the cultivar Margarida in a greenhouse in the fruit sector of the Department of Agriculture, Federal University of Lavras. The experimental design was randomized block design, with four replicates and eight treatments, and each experimental plot consisted of three seedlings. The herbicides paraquat, oxyfluorfen, fomesafem, carfentrazone-ethyl, and glyphosate caused damage to avocado seedlings and should not be recommended based on the commercial dosage used. Paraquat caused the plants to die within 30 days after application. Fluazifop-p-butyl and imazethapyr proved to be the most promising for use in avocado orchards because they caused less damage to the crop.

Abstract Cholesterol is a lipid molecule of great biological importance to animal cells. Dysregulation of cholesterol metabolism leads to raised blood total cholesterol levels, a clinical condition called hypercholesterolemia. Evidence has shown that hypercholesterolemia is associated with the development of liver and heart disease. One of the mechanisms underlying heart and liver alterations induced by hypercholesterolemia is oxidative stress. In this regard, in several experimental studies, gold nanoparticles (AuNP) displayed antioxidant properties. We hypothesized that hypercholesterolemia causes redox system imbalance in the liver and cardiac tissues, and AuNP treatment could ameliorate it. Young adult male Swiss mice fed a regular rodent diet or a high cholesterol diet for eight weeks and concomitantly treated with AuNP (2.5 μg/kg) or vehicle by oral gavage. Hypercholesterolemia increased the nitrite concentration and glutathione (GSH) levels and decreased the liver’s superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Also, hypercholesterolemia significantly enhanced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and GSH levels in cardiac tissue. Notably, AuNP promoted the redox system homeostasis, increasing the SOD activity in hepatic tissue and reducing ROS levels in cardiac tissue. Overall, our data showed that hypercholesterolemia triggered oxidative stress in mice’s liver and heart, which was partially prevented by AuNP treatment.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar os efeitos do estresse oxidativo sobre a sinalização da insulina em tecido cardíaco de camundongos obesos. Métodos Utilizaram-se 30 camundongos Swiss subdivididos igualmente (n=10) em três grupos: Grupo Controle, Grupo Obeso e Grupo Obeso Tratado com N-acetilcisteína. Após estabelecidas a obesidade e a resistência à insulina, os camundongos obesos foram tratados diariamente, durante 15 dias, via gavagem oral, com N-acetilcisteína na dose de 50mg/kg. Resultados Observaram-se maiores níveis de glicose sanguínea, conteúdos de nitrito e carbonil, e menores níveis proteicos de glutationa peroxidase e proteína quinase B fosforilada no Grupo Obeso quando comparado a seu respectivo controle. Por outro lado, o tratamento com N-acetilcisteína se mostrou eficiente em diminuir os níveis glicêmicos, os conteúdos de nitrito e carbonil, e aumentar significativamente os níveis proteicos de glutationa peroxidase e proteína quinase B fosforilada, quando comparados ao Grupo Obeso. Conclusão Obesidade e/ou dieta hiperlipídica levam a estresse oxidativo e à resistência à insulina no tecido cardíaco de camundongos obesos, e o uso da N-acetilcisteína como estratégia metodológica e terapêutica sugeriu haver relação entre ambos.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the effects of oxidative stress on insulin signaling in cardiac tissue of obese mice. Methods Thirty Swiss mice were equally divided (n=10) into three groups: Control Group, Obese Group, and Obese Group Treated with N-acetylcysteine. After obesity and insulin resistance were established, the obese mice were treated with N-acetylcysteine at a dose of 50mg/kg daily for 15 days via oral gavage. Results Higher blood glucose levels and nitrite and carbonyl contents, and lower protein levels of glutathione peroxidase and phosphorylated protein kinase B were observed in the obese group when compared with their respective control. On the other hand, treatment with N-acetylcysteine was effective in reducing blood glucose levels and nitrite and carbonyl contents, and significantly increased protein levels of glutathione peroxidase and phosphorylated protein kinase B compared to the Obese Group. Conclusion Obesity and/or a high-lipid diet may result in oxidative stress and insulin resistance in the heart tissue of obese mice, and the use of N-acetylcysteine as a methodological and therapeutic strategy suggested there is a relation between them.

Candida glabrata has emerged as a common cause of serious life-threatening fungal infections, largely owing to their low susceptibility to azole antifungals. Recent guidance indicates the use of echinocandins as the first-choice drug for the treatment of systemic infections of C. glabrata; however, C. glabrata resistance to echinocandins is reportedly increasing. Herein, we present the induction of anidulafungin resistance in planktonic and sessile cells of C. glabrata and the development of fluconazole cross-resistance. MICs of 21 clinical C. glabrata strains were determined by a broth microdilution method using anidulafungin and fluconazole. Biofilm formation on a tracheal catheter was determined using 1- × 1-cm2 polyvinyl polychloride catheter fragments. Induction of anidulafungin resistance in planktonic and sessile cells and evaluation of its stability were performed by exposing the strains to successively higher concentrations of the antifungal. The induction resulted in strains strongly resistant to anidulafungin (MICs: 1-2 µg/mL) and fluconazole (≥64 µg/mL). Most of the sessile cells of C. glabrata presented slightly reduced susceptibility compared with the planktonic cells. Clinically, this cross-resistance could lead to therapeutic failure while using fluconazole in patients previously exposed to subinhibitory concentrations of anidulafungin for extended periods.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aquatic exercise on mental health, functional autonomy and oxidative stress parameters in depressed elderly individuals. METHODS: Initially, ninety-two elderly individuals were included in the study and were allocated into the depression group (n=16) and nondepression group (n=14). Both groups engaged in the aquatic exercise program for 12 weeks, including two weekly sessions (45 min/session) at a low intensity (between 50% and 60% of maximal heart rate or Borg scale scores of 13 to 14) throughout the intervention. All outcomes were evaluated at baseline and 12 weeks later. RESULTS: The patients were 63.5±8.8 years old. The following scores were decreased after training in the depressed group: depression (53%), anxiety (48%), and Timed Up & Go (33%). The following scores increased: Berg Balance Scale (9%) and flexibility (44%). Regarding the blood-based parameters, there were decreases in protein carbonylation (46%) and nitric oxide (60%) and increases in glutathione (170%) and superoxide dismutase (160%) in the depression group (p<0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The aquatic exercise program reduces depression and anxiety, improves functional autonomy and decreases oxidative stress in depressed elderly individuals.

Lonchophylla bokermanni é conhecida para três localidades na porção sul da cadeia de montanhas da Serra do Espinhaço, com todos os registros no Cerrado de Minas Gerais. Com base em registros recentes provenientes de duas localidades na Caatinga da Bahia, nordeste do Brasil, registramos a espécie na porção norte da Serra do Espinhaço. Os novos registros ampliam a distribuição da espécie em mais de 840 km, representando o primeiro registro de L. bokermanni para a Caatinga. As novas localidades reportadas estão sob grande pressão antrópica. Assim, a ampliação da distribuição não deve inibir estratégias de conservação para a espécie.

Lonchophylla bokermanni is known from three localities in the southern portion of the Serra do Espinhaço, all located in the Cerrado of Minas Gerais. Based on recent material from two localities in the Caatinga of Bahia, northeastern Brazil, we report the species occurrence in the northern portion of Serra do Espinhaço. These new records extend the species distribution by more than 840 km and represent the first records of L. bokermanni in the Caatinga biome. The localities we report here are under severe anthropic pressure, and this distribution extension should not inhibit conservation efforts for the species.

ABSTRACT Griseofulvin (GF) and terbinafine (TF) are commonly used drugs to treat dermatophytosis, a fungal infection of the skin. Today there is an increase in drug resistance to these antifungals which highlight the need for alternative synergistic therapies. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of GF and TF were determined against fungi clinical isolates from local hospitals with values ranging 0.03-2.0 µg mL-1 and 0.24-4.0 µg mL-1, respectively. A checkboard test was used to determine the combination of GF:TF which could induce an additive effect against the fungi isolates Multidrug-resistant isolates showed susceptibility after treatment with 16:2 µg mL-1 GF:TF. An MTT assay further verified that GF and TF combinations have greater additive effect against pathological and multidrug-resistant isolates than antifungals alone. Herein we disclose GF:TF combinations that could constitute as a possible new anti-dermatophyte therapy.

The per-O-acetylation of D-ribono-1,4-lactone and representative carbohydrates through the combination of acetic anhydride and molecular sieves under solvent-free conditions is demonstrated. The use of 13X/KCl molecular sieves as the heterogeneous catalyst was found to be more efficient than the excess of pyridine normally employed in the conventional method, giving high yields of the expected peracetylated product after 3 h at 25 ºC or 1 h at 50 ºC. The transformation can be carried out in gram scale and in an open flask. Additionally, the catalyst is readily separated from the reaction medium and can be reutilized without significant loss of activity. This green procedure for acetylation was extended to D-ribonolactone derivatives and natural carbohydrates. To demonstrate the synthetic utility of the method, 2,3,5-tri-O-acetyl-D-ribonolactone was selected as the substrate for the regioselective alcoholysis of acetyl group catalyzed by Candida antarctica lipase B in EtOH to selectively produce 2,3-di-O-acetyl-D-ribonolactone in gram scale.

Adjustment of seeding schemes is one of the crop management techniques that most influences grain yield components. This work aimed to characterize the potential grain yield and its components in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes with contrasting tillering ability under different seeding densities and environments. Five experiments were conducted in split-plot design, each with ten cultivars (main plot), sown in five distinct seeding densities (subplots). Experiments were sown in three locations in southern Brazil in the years 2005, 2006 and 2007. The grain yield per plot and its yield components: number of fertile tillers, weight of 1,000 grains, ear weight and number of grains per ear were evaluated. Genotypes with reduced tillering ability expressed an increase in grain yield with an increase in seeding densities, however showing a reduction in ear weight. The number of grains per ear did not affect grain yield but was highly influenced by seeding densities. The compensatory effect was expressed by the weight of a thousand grains as a function of the experimental conditions in which the genotypes were evaluated, regardless of seeding densities used. Results pointed to differences among cultivars tested in specific locations and years.

O objetivo do trabalho foi determinar a capacidade combinatória de três genitores de aveia branca (UPF 18, URS21 e URS 22) e estimar a heterose dos híbridos F1 nas condições, com e sem estresse hídrico. Os resultados indicaram grande efeito do ambiente sobre os caracteres avaliados (ciclo, área foliar, estatura de planta, produção de grãos por planta, massa da panícula principal e número de grãos da panícula principal), sendo o ambiente sem estresse o mais eficiente para seleção de genótipos superiores. Com base nas capacidades geral e específica de combinação, a cultivar URS 22 mostrou-se apropriada para redução do ciclo e da estatura enquanto UPF 18 exibiu incrementos da área foliar, massa da panícula principal e número de grãos da panícula principal. O cruzamento específico entre URS 22 e URS 21 mostrou ser o mais promissor para seleção de genótipos superiores.

The goal of this work was to determine the combining ability of three white oat parental genotypes (UPF 18, URS21 and URS 22) and to estimate the heterosis of F1 hybrids in two conditions, with and without water stress. The results indicate a large effect of the environment on the evaluated characters (cycle, leaf area, plant stature, grain yield per plant, main panicle weight and number of grains of the main panicle). The condition without stress was the most efficient for the selection of superior genotypes. Based on the general and specific combining ability, the cultivar URS 22 was shown to be indicated for cycle and stature reduction, while UPF 18 lead to increases in leaf area, main panicle weight and number of grains of the main panicle. The specific cross URS 22 x URS 21 was the best for the selection of superior genotypes.

A aveia preta no Brasil tem apresentado um forte incremento em área cultivada, principalmente com o advento da semeadura direta, rotação de culturas e adoção de sistemas agropecuários. Mesmo com estas características existem poucos trabalhos de pesquisa voltados para esta cultura, especialmente quanto a caracteres de importância agronômica e a identificação de genótipos adaptados às necessidades do produtor agrícola. Diante disto, o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar caracteres relacionados à produção de forragem e dormência de sementes em populações de aveia preta originadas de cruzamentos artificiais realizados entre linhagens derivadas da cultivar "Preta Comum" e cultivares comerciais da espécie. Dois experimentos foram desenvolvidos no inverno de 2008, no município de Capão do Leão (RS), o primeiro com o objetivo de testar caracteres forrageiros e o segundo, para medir caracteres das sementes, como rendimento e nível de dormência. Os resultados indicaram que a hibridação artificial intensificou a variabilidade genética melhorando a expressão dos caracteres forrageiros, de rendimento de sementes e nível de dormência nas sementes. O caráter estande de plantas evidenciou elevada relação com a produtividade de matéria seca em estádios de desenvolvimento precoce das plantas; em fases mais adiantadas o número de afilhos teve maior contribuição na produção de biomassa. De modo geral, nas hibridações artificiais houve respostas diferenciadas para rendimento de sementes e nível de dormência, variando com os genitores utilizados na obtenção das populações.

The area sown to black oat in Brazil has experienced a dramatic growth as a consequence of the expansion of minimum tillage, crop rotations and crop-livestock systems. This growth was not accompanied by research work providing data on the relevant agronomic traits from this forage grass, which would eventually lead to the creation of new varieties meeting the growers' demands. This work evaluated traits related to forage production and seed dormancy in black oat populations originating from artificial breeding between pure lines derived from the "Preta Comum" variety and commercial varieties from this species. Two experiments were carried out during the winter of 2008, at the Capão do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul State, one to assess forage production traits and the second to measure seed traits such as yield and dormancy levels. The results showed that artificial breeding enhanced genetic variability through improvement on the expression of forage traits, seed yield and dormancy levels. In relation to the former, plant stand was highly associated to dry matter production during the early stages of seedling development and establishment, while tiller production remained the major component explaining biomass production later stages of forage production. Artificial breeding produced large differences on seed-related traits such as yield and dormancy level, suggesting the existence of adequate levels of variability for these traits among the parent lines.

Objetivou-se, no presente trabalho, através de correlação de Pearson e análise de trilha, identificar variáveis para caracterizar porta-enxertos ananizantes para a cultura da pereira (Pyrus communis L.). Neste experimento foram utilizadas 49 plantas de pereira, plantadas nos canteiros do Departamento de Fitotecnia da FAEM/UFPel. As plantas foram avaliadas na época do seu crescimento vegetativo, segundo parâmetros descritos em instruções do Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento. Pela correlação de Pearson, as variáveis VP, NRP, HCP e FCNPRCL se destacaram. Na análise de trilha, a variável número de lenticelas obteve maior efeito positivo sobre VP, NRP e FCNPRCL, a variável ramificação do ramo demonstrou-se com efeito positivo sobre HCP, sendo essas duas variáveis consideradas eficazes no processo de seleção de porta-enxerto juntamente com as variáveis básicas.

The objective of this work was to identify, through the Pearson correlation and path analysis, variables to characterize rootstocks suitable for the cultivation of the pear (Pyrus communis L.). In this experiment 49 pear specimens were used, planted in flowerbeds at the Phytotechny Department. The plants were evaluated at the time of growth, according to parameters described in the instructions of the Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento. According to the Pearson correlation, the variables VP, NRP, ETA and FCNPRCL stood out. In path analysis, the variable number of lenticels had a more positive effect on VP, NRP and FCNPRCL, variable branch of the industry had a more positive effect on ETA. Both variables were considered effective in the process of selection of rootstock together with the basic variables.

Os objetivos do trabalho foram determinar a adaptabilidade e estabilidade do rendimento de grãos de dez genótipos de trigo (Triticum aestivum L.), contrastantes para o caráter potencial de afilhamento, implantados em diferentes densidades de semeadura. Os experimentos foram realizados nas safras agrícolas de 2005, 2006 e 2007, no município de Capão do Leão (RS) e na safra de 2007 nos municípios de Pato Branco (PR) e Ijuí (RS) Utilizou-se o delineamento de parcelas divididas, com a parcela composta pelo fator cultivar, e as subparcelas pelas densidades de semeadura, com 50, 200, 350, 500 e 650 sementes aptas por metro quadrado. O estudo da adaptabilidade e estabilidade foi realizado por meio do método de Eberhart e Russell. A modificação da densidade de semeadura e o favorecimento do ambiente de cultivo afetaram intensamente os parâmetros de adaptabilidade e estabilidade do caráter rendimento de grãos. Foram constatados genótipos adaptados a todas as densidades de semeadura (FUNDACEP 29 - exceto para 650 sementes m-2), ou com adaptabilidade especifica e comportamento previsível apenas em ambientes favoráveis (CD 114) e ambientes desfavoráveis (CD 108), indicando a necessidade de um ajuste adequado da densidade de semeadura para a resposta e previsibilidade de comportamento quanto ao rendimento de grãos em trigo.

The objectives of this work were to determine the grain yield adaptability and stability of ten wheat genotypes (Triticum aestivum L.), contrasting for the character tillering potential, conducted in different seeding densities. The experiments were conducted in the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 in Capão do Leão -RS and in Pato Branco-PR and Ijuí-RS in the year 2007. A split-plot design was used considering the genotype as the plot and seeding density as the sub-plot. The seeding densities used were 50, 200, 350, 500 and 650 viable seeds m-2. The analyses of adaptability and stability were performed using the method proposed by Eberhart and Russell. The changes in seeding density and location intensely influenced the adaptability and stability parameters for grain yield. Genotypes adapted to various seeding densities were found (FUNDACEP 29 - except for 650 seeds m-2), as well as those with specific adaptability and a predictable performance only in favorable (CD 114) and unfavorable (CD 108) environments, indicating the need of an adequate fitting of seeding density to the performance predictability for grain yield in wheat.

Um dos fatores abióticos que interferem fortemente no crescimento e desenvolvimento da aveia preta (Avena strigosa Schreb.) é o nível de alumínio (Al) livre presente na solução dos solos de elevada acidez, que, depois de absorvido, afeta células e organelas em nível morfológico, citogenético e fisiológico, prejudicando consequentemente, a produtividade das plantas. Neste sentido, genótipos de aveia preta foram submetidos ao estresse por alumínio em condições de hidroponia com o objetivo de determinar o caráter mais efetivo para a seleção de plântulas desta espécie em ambiente controlado. Além disto, teve como propósito caracterizar distintas constituições genéticas de aveia preta visando a composição de blocos de cruzamento e auxiliar na recomendação de genótipos em ambientes com elevada concentração deste elemento químico, além de estabelecer a concentração ideal de alumínio que possibilite melhor eficiência na detecção do nível de tolerância ao alumínio em condição hidropônica. O delineamento experimental adotado foi o completamente casualizado num esquema fatorial 5 x 10 (dose x genótipo), adotando o método de avaliação proposto por Camargo e Oliveira, em 1981, empregando cinco níveis de alumínio: 0, 5, 10, 20 e 40 mg L-1, adicionados na fonte Al2(SO4)3.18H2O. O caráter comprimento de raiz e as doses 10 e 20 mg L-1 de Al3+ proporcionaram a melhor diferenciação entre os genótipos em relação à tolerância ao alumínio. A cultivar de aveia preta IAPAR 61 evidenciou grande sensibilidade ao Al, ao contrário da PRETA COMUM e da EMBRAPA 140, que expressaram elevada tolerância à presença do elemento tóxico no ambiente de cultivo.

Aluminum content (Al) available in soil solution with high acidity is one of the abiotic factors that strongly intervenes with the growth and development of black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.). After its assimilation, cells and organelles are affected at morphological, cytogenetic and physiological levels, causing low plant grain yields. In this study, black oat genotypes were subjected to aluminum stress under hydroponic conditions to determine the most effective character for the selection of seedlings in controlled environment. Moreover, other objectives were to characterize distinct genetic compositions of black oats aiming the establishment of crossing blocks; to improve the accuracy of genotype recommendation for environments with high presence of this chemical element, and to establish the aluminum concentration that allows the scoring of aluminum tolerance under hydroponic conditions. Adopting the Camargo and Oliveira, in 1981, methodology, five aluminum levels: 0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg L-1, with addition of Al2(SO4)3.18H2O, were used. The experimental design was complete randomized blocks with three replications in 5 x 10 factors (dose x genotype). The character root length and the doses 10 and 20 and mg L-1 of Al3+ provided the best differentiation between the genotypes regarding aluminum tolerance and sensibility. The black oat cultivar IAPAR 61 evidenced high aluminum sensibility, contrasting with genotypes PRETA COMUM and EMBRAPA 140, which expressed high tolerance in the presence of the toxic element in the culture environment.

O ajuste da densidade de semeadura é uma das técnicas culturais que mais influenciam o rendimento de grãos, bem como outros caracteres agronômicos. O objetivo do trabalho foi determinar o estande ideal de plantas em que se possa obter o máximo rendimento de grãos em genótipos que apresentem diferente capacidade de afilhamento e, estabelecer a relação das constituições genéticas utilizadas com o afilhamento e outros caracteres de interesse agronômico como massa de mil grãos. Dois experimentos foram conduzidos no município de Capão do Leão/RS, nos anos de 2005 e 2006. Foram testadas dez cultivares de trigo inicialmente classificadas como de reduzido e de elevado potencial de afilhamento, sendo conduzidos no delineamento de parcelas subdivididas. Os resultados apontaram a necessidade da recomendação de cultivares testadas em mais de um ano de cultivo, principalmente quando utilizados genótipos contrastantes para o caráter número de afilhos férteis. Com relação ao estande ideal de plantas, independente do ano, a densidade de semeadura dos genótipos com reduzido potencial de afilhamento, relacionada com o ponto máximo de rendimento de grãos, está entre 417 e 555 sementes m-2, proporcionando também maior massa de mil grãos. Por outro lado, o estande ideal dos genótipos com elevado afilhamento, está entre 221 a 422 sementes m-2. Além disso, genótipos com baixo potencial de afilhamento propiciam a melhor relação direta do número de afilhos férteis com o rendimento de grãos da cultura, com efeito inverso na massa de mil grãos.

Seeding density adjustments is one of the practices that most influence grain yield, as well as other agronomic traits. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the ideal plant stand to achieve the maximum grain yield in genotypes showing differential tillering ability. Also, to establish the associations between the genotypes used with tillering and other agronomically important traits as weight of a thousand grains. Two experiments were conducted in 2005 and 2006 in Capão do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Five low (JURITI, BR 18, CEP 29, BR 18 and CD 108) and five high (CD 114, SAFIRA, FIGUEIRA, BRS 177 and UMBU) tillering potential wheat cultivars were tested for two years on a split-plot design. The results indicate the need for recommending cultivars based on more than one year of cultivation, especially when dealing with contrasting genotypes for the trait fertile tillers. Regarding the ideal plant stand, seeding density of low tillering ability genotypes ranges from 417 to 555 seeds m-2, in order to obtain maximum yield and grain weight. On the other hand, for high tillering ability genotypes, the ideal stand ranges from 221 to 422 seeds m-². These results were year independent. Furthermore, low tillering ability genotypes showed a closer association of number of fertile tillers with grain yield. However, an inverse association was found between number of fertile tillers and weight of a thousand grains.