This paper describes the evaluation of the total concentration of Ba, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Pb e Zn and the bioaccessible fraction of Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn in samples of grape skins from different cultivars (Vitis Viníferas Tannat and Cabernet Sauvignon) by MIP OES. For the determination of total concentration, acid decomposition with a reflux system adapted to the digestion tubes in the oxidizing medium of HNO3 and H2O2 were used. The accuracy of the method was verified by recovery tests, whose values ranged from 80 to 120%, as well as through a comparative method in closed system. Bi, Cd and Cr showed values for total content below the LOD or below the values acceptable for health while Pb is higher than 0.2 mg kg-1, for both cultivars. To evaluate the bioacessible fraction, the gastrointestinal system was simulated using an in vitro procedure, and its performance was assessed considering the bioaccessible fraction (supernatant) and the non-bioaccessible fraction, whose sum should be closed to the total concentration, and the results obtained were between 81 and 120%. Both cultivars showed similar values for the bioaccessible fractions (~13.5 – 53% of the total content).

This paper presents a study involving the development of a new mini polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) vessel project for biological sample preparation in micro scale in closed system with microwave radiation for subsequent determination of Cd, K, Mg and Na by atomic spectrometry techniques. All experiments were carried out in micro quantities of samples (up to 20 mg) and reagents (300 µL of HNO3) for 5 min at 350 W. Certified reference materials of biological samples (bovine muscle and liver) were used to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed system and the results obtained were in agreement with the certified value at 95% of confidence (t -test). Relative standard deviations (RSD) were lower than 8.0% for all elements. The proposed method is not only easy and fast, but it is also based on the use of an inexpensive system for sample digestion.

This paper describes a sample preparation method for domestic ceramics, based on the acid decomposition assisted by ultrasound for further determination of Cu, Fe, Mg and Zn by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry technique. The main optimized conditions were: particle size (25 µm); sample mass (25 mg) and the acid volume (0.5 mL of HNO3 and 0.5 mL of HF). The samples were placed in an ultrasonic bath for 2 hours at 40 ºC. The method was employed for eight commercial samples of domestic ceramic, which showed different concentrations for all analytes investigated, showing the existing variety of raw materials. The method showed good accuracy and precision, attested by the addition and recovery test, with values of 87 to 112% for all analytes and relative standard deviation lower than 3.0%.

In the first part of this paper, two acid decomposition procedures for the determination of Al, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn and Zn contents in yerba mate samples by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) were compared. Using a reflux system, the samples were treated with a mixture of HNO3 and H2O2 for 3 hours at 220 °C in the digester block. The results from five commercial yerba mate samples were compared with the results obtained from microwave digestion. Good agreement between the procedures at a 95% confidence level was obtained with relative standard deviation (RSD) values lower than 10.0%. The accuracy was evaluated using addition and recovery experiments (80.5 to 112.8%). In the second part, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Pb and Zn concentrations were evaluated in the yerba mate infusion. The results showed that elements such as Na, K, Mg and Zn are easily transferred to the hot water used for the infusion. For Pb and Cd, the concentrations found in the analyzed samples were lower than the values established by Brazilian legislation.

This paper describes the evaluation of a method for determination of Cd and Pb in xanthan gum samples by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GF AAS) using NH4H2PO4 as the chemical modifier. The sample preparation was performed using a reflux system adapted in the digestion tubes. With this system it was possible to increase the temperature of the digester block above the boiling point of the reaction medium, preventing loss of analyte and excessive evaporation of acids during heating. Samples were digested with HNO3 for 3 h in a digester block at 220 ºC. The limits of detection for Cd and Pb were 2.2 and 33.8 ng g-1, respectively. The RSDs for both analytes were, on average, lower than 5.0% and accuracy was verified by recovery tests, yielding values in the 83-100% range.

Mariposa-oriental, Grapholita molesta Busk, e moscas-das-frutas, Anastrepha fraterculus L., são importantes pragas de macieira em clima Subtropical no sul do Brasil e o controle é normalmente realizado com inseticidas. Uma estratégia alternativa para o controle de G. molesta é confusão sexual, por meio de feromônios. Estratégias de confusão sexual, usando uma baixa densidade de dispersores (20) por hectare, foram testados em comparação com pesticidas convencionais para o controle de G. molesta em pomares comerciais de maçã Gala em Fraiburgo, SC, por um período de cinco anos. O período médio de eficiência em campo da formulação na interrupção de acasalamento, durante cinco anos, foi de 113 dias. Neste período, o índice de interrupção de acasalamento em parcelas de confusão sexual foi de 84,8 %. Danos à Gala por larvas de mariposa-oriental foi baixa (<0,1%) em parcelas de confusão sexual, mas não diferiram das parcelas convencionais, exceto no terceiro ano. O uso da formulação de confusão sexual permitiu uma redução média de 5,2 tratamentos com inseticidas por ano em pomares de Gala durante o período de eficiência em campo. Foi necessário aplicar 1,0 e 1,2 aplicações de inseticidas para o controle de G. molesta e A. fraterculus, respectivamente. Confusão sexual com uma baixa densidade de difusores provou ser uma alternativa eficaz aos métodos convencionais para o controle de G. molesta em pomares de maçã Gala em clima Subtropical no sul do Brasil .

The oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta Busck, and fruit flies, Anastrepha fraterculus L., are the important apple pests under Subtropical climate in Southern Brazil, and control is normally accomplished with insecticides. An alternative strategy for the control of G. molesta is mating disruption, through the use of pheromones. Mating disruption strategies using a low density of dispensers (20) per hectare were tested in comparison with conventional pesticides for control of G. molesta in commercial Gala apple orchards in Fraiburgo, SC, for a period of five years. The average field efficiency period of mating disruption formulation over five years was 113 days. In this period the mating interruption index on mating disruption plots was 84.8% over five years. Damage to Gala apples by oriental moth larvae was low (<0.1%) in mating disruption plots but did not differ from conventional plots, except in the third year. The use of mating disruption allowed for an average reduction of 5.2 insecticide treatments per year in Gala orchards during field efficiency period. It was necessary to apply 1.0 and 1.2 applications of insecticide to control of G. molesta and A. fraterculus, respectively. Mating disruption with a low density of diffusers proved to be an effective alternative to conventional methods for control of G. molesta in Gala apple orchards in subtropical climate in southern Brazil.

Methanolic transesterification of oils and fats was carried out in a two steps procedure, under basic and acidic catalysis. Palm, soybean, canola, corn, rice, grapeseed, sunflower, peanut, pequi and olive oils, besides tallow and lard were used as feedstock. Specific gravity, relative viscosity, thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography were used to characterize the biodiesel. Biodiesel was obtained in high yield and purity. Results were used to discuss the following key-concepts: 1 - triglycerides, composition and properties; 2 - nucleophilic acyl substitution under basic and acid conditions, 3 - thin layer chromatography, 4 - gas chromatography and its quantitative methods.

Grapholita molesta e Bonagota cranaodes são duas importantes pragas de pomares de macieira controlada por inseticidas. O objetivo deste estudo foi testar duas formulações de Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) para o controle desses tortricídeos. Parcelas de macieira 'Fuji' foram pulverizadas com Dipel PM e Dipel SC, nas concentrações de 100 ml por100 L de calda. A eficiência do Btk foi comparada com os inseticidas tebufenozide (Mimic 240 SC - 90 ml por 100 L) e clorpyrifos (Lorsban 480 BR - 150 ml por 100 L). Duas vezes por semana, eram avaliadas as capturas de pragas em armadilha do tipo Delta. As avaliações de danos nos frutos foram realizadas antes e na colheita, sendo classificados os frutos em função do agrupamento em cachopa e a sua localização na planta. Os tratamentos com Btk tiveram mais danos do que os químicos. Houve uma tendência de maiores danos na parte interna, próximo ao tronco das macieiras e o agrupamento dos frutos não influenciou na presença de danos. Ambas as formulações de Dipel foram eficientes quando comparados com Mimic e Lorsban.

Grapholita molesta and Bonagota cranaodes are two key pests in apple orchards controlled by insecticides. The objective of the present study was to test two formulas of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki to control these tortricid moths. Plot of 'Fuji' apple trees were sprayed with Dipel PM and Dipel SC, at a concentration of 100ml por 100 l liquid. The efficiency of Btk was compared with the insecticides tebuphenozide (Mimic 240 SC - 90 ml por 100 L) and chlorpyrifos (Lorsban 480 BR - 150 ml por 100 L). The capture of pests in a Delta-type trap was assessed twice a week. Fruit damage was evaluated pre- and post- harvest and the fruit were classified by branch-end clustering and location on the plant. The treatments with B. thuringiensis were more damaged than those with chemical treatments. There tended to be more damage in the internal part, close to the apple tree trunk and the fruit clustering did not influence damage occurrence. Both Dipel formulations was efficient in relation of Mimic and Lorsban.

O ácaro-vermelho da macieira, Panonychus ulmi (Acari: Tetranychidae), é uma importante praga na cultura da macieira em Fraiburgo - SC, e o controle biológico aplicado foi implantado em meados dos anos 90. O objetivo deste trabalho foi demonstrar os benefícios econômicos da utilização do controle biológico no manejo do ácaro-vermelho. A avaliação foi realizada em dois pomares comerciais de macieiras. Em um deles, foi implantado o controle biológico aplicado de ácaros, baseado na liberação do ácaro predador Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae), seleção de inseticidas e manejo de ervas invasoras, e o outro pomar seguiu o manejo convencional de artrópodes, baseado na aplicação de produtos químicos para o controle de insetos, ácaros fitófagos e ervas invasoras. A análise econômica mostrou que os custos com mão-de-obra e máquinas foram semelhantes em ambos os pomares, entretanto os custos com acaricidas foram significativamente inferiores no pomar onde o manejo foi o controle biológico, demonstrando que, apesar da necessidade de investimentos em instalações para a criação do ácaro predador e custos de manutenção das mesmas, a estratégia biológica foi economicamente viável.

Red spider mite, Panonychus ulmi (Acari: Tetranychidae) is a significant pest in apple tree in Fraiburgo, Santa Catarina (SC) and applied biological control was implemented in the mid-nineties. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the economic benefits of biological control in the management of red spider mite. The assessment was carried out in two commercial orchards, one of which was subjected to biological control of spider mite by releasing the predator Neoseiulus californicus, insecticide selection and weed management, and the other to conventional arthropod management, based on the application of chemicals to control insects, phytofagous mites and weed. Economic analysis showed that the costs for labor and machines were similar in both orchards; however acaricide costs were significantly lower in the orchard subjected to biological control, demonstrating that despite the need for investment in predator mite breeding apparatus and maintenance costs, the biological strategy was economically viable.

O parasitismo de pulgão lanígero por Aphelinus mali (Hald.) foi avaliado em pomares de macieira, contendo as variedades Gala e Fuji, em Fraiburgo, Santa Catarina. Foram avaliadas colônias de pulgão lanígero em 16 plantas de cada variedade, durante um ano, iniciando-se em agosto de 1999. Foi anotado o número de pulgões que se apresentavam no estágio de múmia ou apresentavam o orifício de emergência do parasitóide. Os resultados mostraram que A. mali parasitou mais de 50% dos pulgões lanígeros, nas quatro estações do ano. Concluiu-se que, nestas porcentagens de parasitismo, não é necessária nenhuma intervenção química para o controle do pulgão lanígero, em ambas as variedades.

The parasitism of the woolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum Hausmann) by Aphelinus mali (Hald.) was evaluated in apple orchards cultivated with the varieties Gala and Fuji in Fraiburgo County, State of Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil. Colonies of the woolly apple aphid were evaluated during one year on 16 apple trees of each variety, starting in August 1999. The number of aphids at the mummy stage or presenting the orifice of the parasitoid emergence was recorded. Results have shown that A. mali parasitized more than 50% of the woolly apple aphids and occurred during the four seasons. It was concluded that that under these conditions no chemical control against the aphid is necessary for the apple varieties Gala and Fuji.

Avaliou-se a influência do manejo de plantas daninhas sobre o deslocamento de ácaros tetraniquídeos (Panonychus ulmi e Tetranychus urticae) e do ácaro predador Neoseiulus californicus em um pomar de macieira 'Gala', onde foi implantado o controle biológico do ácaro vermelho, P. ulmi, por meio de liberações massais de N. californicus. As parcelas tiveram as plantas daninhas manejadas de três formas: sem manejo, com roçadas manuais e com herbicidas. As populações de ácaros foram avaliadas sobre as plantas daninhas, Plantago tormentosa e Erigeron sp, e sobre as folhas de macieira. As maiores populações de N. californicus foram observadas nas parcelas onde os manejos proporcionaram desenvolvimento de plantas daninhas na linha de plantio. Na parcela manejada com herbicida, houve maior população de ácaros tetraniquídeos sobre as macieiras, provavelmente, devido ao reduzido número de N. californicus. P. tormentosa foi o hospedeiro preferencial do ácaro predador. Concluiu-se que o manejo de plantas daninhas, na linha de plantio das macieiras, assume um importante papel no equilíbrio entre as populações de ácaros.

The influence of weed management on tetranychid mites (Panonychus ulmi and Tetranychus urticae) and phytoseids movement was evaluated. Neoseiulus californicus populations were released in an apple orchard for biological control of tetranychid mites. Three kinds of weed management were used: no weed control at all, manual control and control with herbicide. The mites were evaluated in Plantago tormentosa, Erigeron sp, and apple tree leaves. The highest population of N. californicus was observed where weed was not controlled. Tetranychid mites populations were abundant on apple trees when herbicide was used, probably due to the low population of N. californicus. P. tormentosa was the preferred host of phytoseids. The conclusion was that weed management plays an important role in the regulation of mite species in apple orchards.