Resumen La agricultura tradicional enfrenta desafíos de sostenibilidad para satisfacer la demanda de alimentos de la población mundial, debido a diversos factores como el cambio climático y la erosión del suelo. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue realizar una evaluación financiera de cultivos de microgreens en cuartos de producción a nivel doméstico bajo condiciones ambientales controladas, a través de dos sistemas de producción diferenciados a partir del suministro energético: Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) y paneles solares. El estudio se efectuó en tres etapas: 1) desarrollo de microgreens en cuartos de cultivo con humedad y temperatura controladas y cálculo de rendimiento agrícola, 2) estimaciones del consumo energético requerido en el proceso de germinación y costo económico asociado, y 3) evaluación financiera del proyecto en los sistemas citados. Los microgreens se desarrollaron en 15 días. Los rendimientos fueron 0.38, 0.38, 0.41, 0.43 y 0.38 kg m-2 para alfalfa (Medicago sativa), betabel (Beta vulgaris), brócoli (Brassica oleraceae var. italica), pasto de trigo (Triticum eastivum) y rábano (Raphanus sativus), respectivamente. El consumo energético del equipo para mantener las condiciones ambientales en el cuarto de producción fue de 188.4 kWh. Para el sistema fotovoltaico se requirieron ocho paneles solares de 320 kW. Los costos fijos fueron $ 24,103.96 pesos mexicanos (MXN) (sistema CFE), y $ 48,471.75 MXN (sistema paneles solares); los gastos variables fueron $ 1.32 MXN (ambos sistemas). El valor presente neto indicó la rentabilidad del proyecto en nueve (sistema CFE) o 14 meses (sistema paneles solares); el margen de utilidad operativa fue 34.7 % en ambos casos. La ejecución del proyecto disminuye las presiones sobre el agua y el suelo, y contribuye con los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible de la Agenda 2030 de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas.

Summary Traditional agriculture faces sustainability challenges to meet the food demand of the world population, due to various factors such as climate change and soil erosion. The aim of this research was to financially evaluate microgreen crops in production rooms under controlled environmental conditions through two production systems differentiated by the energy supply: Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) and solar panels. The study was carried out in three stages: 1) production of microgreens in cultivation rooms with controlled humidity and temperature, and calculation of agricultural yield; 2) estimation of the energy consumption required in the germination process and associated economic cost, and 3) financial evaluation of the project in the cited scenarios. The microgreens developed in 15 days. Yields were 0.38, 0.38, 0.41, 0.43 and 0.38 kg m-2 for alfalfa (Medicago sativa), beetroot (Beta vulgaris), broccoli (Brassica oleraceae var. italica), wheat grass (Triticum eastivum) and radish (Raphanus sativus), respectivaly. The energy consumption of the equipment to maintain environmental conditions in the production room was 188.4 kWh. Eight 320 kW solar panels were required for the photovoltaic system. Fixed costs were $ 24,103.96 Mexican pesos (MXN) (CFE system) and $ 48,471.75 MXN (solar panels system); variable costs were $ 1.32 MXN (both systems). The net present value indicated the project profitability in nine (CFE system) or 14 months (solar panels system); the operating profit margin was 34.7 % in both cases. The implementation of the project reduces pressure on water and soil, and contributes to the sustainable development goals of the United Nations Organization 2030 Agenda.

Abstract The objective of this study was to characterize cabbage production systems in four rural cooperatives in Jinotega, with emphasis on socioeconomic, agronomic, and phytosanitary aspects. A prospective, cross-sectional, non-experimental study was carried out, 60 production systems were evaluated, the information obtained proceeding from primary sources (surveys and interviews), the variables were subjected to a descriptive analysis. The age of the producers was in the range of 20 to 80 years, their main economic activity is agriculture, with levels of initial literacy levels, housing conditions are in the range of fair to good, the cultivated area ranges between 0,34 to 5,0 hectares, they have training, the main crop management practices were: weed management, soil preparation, use of traps, monitoring of pests and diseases, use of certified seeds, use of resistant varieties, stubble management and irrigation. The main diseases are: Rhizoctonia spp Xanthomonas spp, Alternaria spp and Mycosphaerella spp and insect pests Plutella xylostella L, Brevicoryne spp and Mites. All controlled through synthetic chemical management.

Resumen El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo caracterizar sistemas productivos de repollo en cuatro cooperativas rurales en Jinotega, con énfasis en aspectos socioeconómicos, agronómicos y fitosanitarios. Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, transversal de tipo no experimental, se evaluaron 60 sistemas de producción, la información obtenida fue de fuentes primarias (encuestas y entrevistas), las variables fueron sometidas a un análisis descriptivo. La edad de los productores estuvo en un rango de 20 a 80 años, su principal actividad económica es la agricultura, con niveles de educación inicial, las condiciones de la vivienda están en el rango de regular a buena, el área cultivada oscila entre 0,34 a 5,0 ha, cuentan con capacitación, las principales prácticas de manejo del cultivo fueron: manejo de arvenses, preparación del suelo, uso de trampas, monitoreo de plagas y enfermedades, uso de semillas certificadas, variedades resistentes, manejo de rastrojo y riego. Las principales enfermedades son: Rhizoctonia spp, Xanthomonas spp, Alternaria spp y Mycosphaerella spp y plagas insectiles Plutella xylostella L. Brevicoryne spp y ácaros. Todas controladas mediante el manejo químico sintético.

Resumo O consumo e o cultivo da couve de folha crespa no Brasil são recentes e mostram-se escassas as informações sobre sistemas de produção e sua aceitação pelo consumidor. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar as características sensoriais de couves de folhas crespas cultivadas em sistemas convencional e hidropônico, considerando os tratamentos: cultivo sistema convencional, sem adubação (A), sistema convencional com fertilizantes orgânicos (C, E) e sistema hidropônico (F). As colheitas foram realizadas aos 60, 90 e 120 dias após plantio para as plantas cultivadas em sistema convencional e, aos 30 dias, para o sistema hidropônico. Foi analisado o teor do índice de clorofila total e realizada a análise sensorial de ordenação de diferença e aceitação. O índice de clorofila nas couves de folhas crespas no sistema convencional foi menor em relação ao da couve cultivada em sistema hidropônico. Para teste de ordenação, a cor verde foi mais escura na couve crespa produzida em sistema convencional e, para os demais atributos (aroma, gostos doce e amargo, e crocância), não houve diferença significativa.

Abstract The consumption and cultivation of curly kale in Brazil is recent and information on production systems and their acceptance by the consumer are scarce. The aim of this work was to evaluate the sensory characteristics of curly kales cultivated using the conventional and hydroponic systems, considering the treatments: cultivation under the conventional system, without fertilization (A), conventional system with organic fertilizers (C, E) and hydroponic system (F). The harvests were performed at 60, 90 and 120 days after planting for the plants cultivated using the conventional system and at 30 days for the hydroponic system. The total chlorophyll index content and the sensory analyses of ranking of difference and acceptance were analyzed. The lowest chlorophyll index in the curly kales was verified for the one cultivated under the hydroponic system. In the ranking test, the darkest green color was obtained for the curly kale produced using the conventional system and for the attributes aroma, sweet and bitter taste and crunchiness, there was no significant difference.

Resumo: A análise computadorizada de imagens de plântulas se apresenta como técnica eficiente na avaliação da qualidade de lotes de sementes de várias espécies, sendo um método de rápida resposta, com metodologia de simples execução e reprodução. Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa verificar a possibilidade de utilização da análise computadorizada de imagens de plântulas na detecção de possíveis diferenças de vigor entre lotes de sementes de brócolis e comparar com os testes de vigor tradicionalmente utilizados. Foram utilizadas sementes de dois cultivares, Piracicaba Precoce e Ramoso Santana, representados por dez lotes de cada. A pesquisa consistiu da utilização do sistema computadorizado de imagens de plântulas (Seed Vigor Imaging System - SVIS®) para detectar possíveis diferenças de vigor de sementes de brócolis durante o armazenamento, por doze meses, com três avaliações (antes do armazenamento, 6 e 12 meses de armazenamento a 20 ºC e 45-50% UR). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com oito repetições de 25 sementes. Os dados referentes às avaliações foram submetidos à análise de variância e as comparações de médias realizadas pelo teste de Scott-Knott ao nível de 5% de probabilidade de erro. É possível detectar diferenças de vigor entre lotes de sementes de brócolis pela análise computadorizada de imagens de plântulas, com o SVIS®, de forma semelhante aos testes tradicionais de vigor.

Abstract: The computerized image analysis of seedlings constitutes an efficient technique to evaluate the quality of seed lots, since it is quick in responding, has a simple execution and reproduction. The goal of this research was to verify the efficiency of the computer image analysis of seedlings to detect vigor differences among broccoli seed lots and compare them with other traditionally used vigor tests. Computerized image analysis were performed by the Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS®), using 3-day-old seedlings and the results were compared to germination at first count, seedling emergence, accelerated aging and electrical conductivity tests. Evaluations were performed in three experimental periods (before storage, 6 and 12 months of storage at 20 °C and 45-50% RH). A completely randomized design with eight replications of 25 seeds was used. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared by Scott-Knott test at 5% error probability. It is concluded that it is possible to detect vigor differences among broccoli seed lots by the computerized image analysis of seedlings with SVIS®, similarly to traditional vigor tests.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la influencia de preparados en altas diluciones en el crecimiento de plántulas y producción de brócoli en sistema orgánico. Fueron realizados tres experimentos en diseño completamente al azar (invernadero) y dos experimentos en diseño de bloques completos al azar (campo), todos con cuatro repeticiones y nueve tratamientos. Los tratamientos fueron preparados de Arnica montana, Silicea terra, Carbo vegetabilis y Sulphur en 6CH o 30CH, como testigo fue utilizado agua. En invernadero fueron evaluadas: altura de planta, longitud de raíz, diámetro de tallo, masa fresca y seca de la parte aérea y de la raíz. En campo fueron evaluadas: masa fresca y seca de inflorescencias, altura de plantas y diámetro de tallo. Silicea terra 30CH aumentó en las plántulas el diámetro de tallo, longitud de raíz, masa seca de la parte aérea y de la raíz. Sulphur 6CH incrementó masa fresca y seca de las inflorescencias. Silicea terra 6CH, Carbo vegetabilis 30CH y Sulphur 30CH aumentaron la altura de las plantas en experimentos de campo. Esto sugiere que preparados en altas diluciones pueden ser utilizados para aumentar la producción de biomasa y otras características deseables en el cultivo orgánico del brócoli.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evalúate the influence of high dilution preparations on seedlings growth and production of broccoli under organic system. Three experiments were conducted in a greenhouse with completely randomized design. Two others experiments were conducted under field conditions, and the experimental design was randomized in blocks. Both designs were done with four replications and nine treatments. The treatments consisted of high dilution preparations of Arnica montana, Silícea terra, Carbo vegetabilis and Sulphur at 6CH or 30CH, water was used as control. In greenhouse, plant height, root length and stem diameter of seedlings were evaluated, along with the fresh and dry mass of shoot and root. In field, fresh and dry mass of inflorescences, plant height and stem diameter were evaluated. Silicea terra at 30CH increased the stem diameter, root length and dry mass of shoot and root in the broccoli seedlings. Sulphur at 6CH increased the fresh and dry mass of broccoli inflorescences. Silicea terra at 6CH, Carbo vegetabilis, and Sulphur at 30CH increased the plant height in field experiments. This suggests that high dilution preparations can be utilized to increase the biomass production and others desirable characteristics of broccoli crop under organic system.

Resumo A produção de culturas hortícolas em plantio direto e em rotação com plantas de cobertura reduz a dependência do fertilizante nitrogenado devido ao aumento de matéria orgânica do solo e pela fixação biológica pelas leguminosas. Dessa forma, objetivou-se estudar níveis de fertilização nitrogenada e plantas de cobertura na produção de tomate e brócolis cultivados em plantio direto. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento de parcelas subdivididas com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos constituíram-se de plantas de cobertura, crotalária e milheto e quatro níveis de fertilização nitrogenada de cobertura (0, 50, 100 e 200 kg/ha de N) tanto para o cultivo do tomateiro quanto para o brócolis. Realizou-se todo manejo do solo em plantio direto. Para o tomateiro, foram avaliados o crescimento das plantas, o teor de nitrato dos brotos e frutos e produtividade comercial e não comercial. Para o brócolis, foram avaliados o crescimento das plantas e a produtividade. Houve efeito de interação entre plantas de cobertura e doses de nitrogênio no crescimento do tomateiro medido aos 100 dias após o transplante, para a altura da haste principal, quantidade de pencas de frutos, massa seca de folhas e diâmetro do caule. A máxima produção de frutos foi conseguida com 137 kg/ha de N e a máxima produtividade comercial com 134 kg/ha de N quando o tomateiro foi cultivado sobre a palha de crotalária. A concentração de nitrato nos brotos do tomateiro, quando cultivado sobre a palha de milheto, aumentou linearmente com as doses de nitrogênio. No cultivo do brócolis, a maior produção de massa fresca da inflorescência foi com 96 kg/ha de N quando cultivado na palha de milheto.

ABSTRACT The production of horticultural crops in no-tillage and in rotation with cover crops reduces the dependency in nitrogen fertilizer, due to increased soil organic matter and by biological fixation performed by legumes. Thus, the aim of this work was to study rates of nitrogen fertilization and cover crops in the agronomic performance of tomato and broccoli grown under no-tillage. The experiment was conducted in a split plot design with four replications. Treatments consisted of cover crops, sunn hemp and millet, and four rates of nitrogen fertilization (0, 50, 100 and 200 kg/ha of nitrogen), for both the tomato and broccoli crops. All soil management was performed in no-tillage. For tomato crops we evaluated the plant growth, the nitrate concentration of sprouts and fruits and yield of commercial and non commercial fruits. For broccoli we evaluated plant growth and yield. There was an interaction effect between cover crop and nitrogen rates to tomato growth measured at 100 days after transplanting, for plant height, number of fruit bunches, dry mass of leaves and diameter of the stalk. The tomato commercial fruit number and yield showed maximum values with 137 and 134 kg/ha of N respectively, on the sunn hemp straw. The nitrate concentration of the tomato sprouts was linearly increasing with the increase of nitrogen rates, when grown on the millet straw. For broccoli production, the maximum fresh mass of commercial inflorescence was with 96 kg/ha of N, when grown on the millet straw.

Estudou-se o efeito da temperatura de armazenamento e do processamento mínimo sobre a atividade da fenilalanina amônia-liase (PAL), peroxidase (POD) e polifenol oxidase (PPO), em folhas de couve (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) por 15 e 9 dias, nas condições de 5 ± 1ºC e de 10 ± 1ºC, respectivamente. O amarelecimento e a perda de turgescência foram as principais causas para a redução da qualidade visual das folhas inteiras, enquanto nas folhas minimamente processadas apresentaram também, escurecimento, que coincidiu com o aumento na atividade da POD e PPO nas duas temperaturas estudadas. A atividade da PAL em folhas minimamente processadas mantidas a 5ºC mais que dobrou até o segundo dia de conservação em relação às conservadas a 10ºC. O processamento mínimo influenciou a atividade da PAL, POD e PPO. Todas as enzimas avaliadas, aumentaram a atividade durante a conservação, seja no início, no caso da PAL, ou no final, para a PPO e POD, indicando que as mudanças no metabolismo fenólico desempenha um papel importante no declínio da qualidade de couve. A conservação a 5ºC retardou as alterações no metabolismo fenólico, embora nessa temperatura, a atividade da PAL foi maior, em grandeza numérica, em relação às folhas armazenadas à 10ºC.

We studied the effects of storage temperature on the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in minimally processed kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) that was stored for 15 and 9 days at 5 ± 1ºC and 10 ± 1ºC, respectively. The main visual evidence for quality loss in whole leaves was yellowing and loss of turgescence. Minimally processed leaves presented significant browning, indicating increased POD and PPO activities. The PAL activity in minimally processed leaves stored at 5ºC was fourfold higher than that of whole leaves after two days of storage. We showed that minimal processing influenced PAL, POD and PPO activities. The activity of all enzymes studied increased during storage, indicating that changes in phenolic metabolism play an important role in the decline of kale quality. PAL activity increased rapidly at the beginning of storage and exhibited a reduced rate of increase over time, while the PPO and POD activities increased continuously over time. The storage at 5 ° C was a great ally in delaying changes in phenolic metabolism; however, the absolute PAL activity was higher at 5 than at 10ºC.

This research aimed to evaluate the agronomic quality indicators in broccoli production systems in San Andrés Mixquic, D. F., where the crop is planted in 950 ha during two or three year cycles. Mixquic is the largest producer in the Federal District, and one of the leading providers in the Central de Abasto in Mexico City. Fieldwork was conducted in 20 farmers' fields, monitoring agronomic plots, soil sampling and broccoli. Five sampling sites were selected in each plot, determining: density and yield. With heads samples, in the laboratory we measured perimeter, diameter, weight and colour of the heads. The agronomic quality parameters are within the defined quality standards for marketing in fresh in the domestic market NMX-FF 046-1982 of the Ministry of Trade and Industry (SFI, 1982), which states that for quality Mexico Extra and No. Mexico 1, the equatorial diameter of the plant should be larger than 7 cm and with the buds closed and the inflorescence is compact. The average yield of broccoli was 13.2 t ha-1 with a variation between 7.5 and 19.9 t ha-1.

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo evaluar los indicadores de calidad agronómica de brócoli en los sistemas de producción de San Andrés Mixquic, D. F. donde el cultivo de brócoli se siembra en 950 ha, durante dos y hasta tres ciclos al año. Mixquic es el principal productor en el Distrito Federal, y uno de los principales abastecedores en la Central de Abasto de la Ciudad de México. El trabajo de campo se realizó en 20 parcelas de agricultores, donde se hizo seguimiento agronómico de parcelas, muestreo de suelo y de brócoli. Se seleccionaron cinco sitios de muestreo en cada parcela, se determinaron: densidad de población y se estimó rendimiento. Con muestras de cabezuelas, en laboratorio se midió: perímetro, diámetro, peso y color de cabezuela. Los parámetros agronómicos de calidad se encuentran dentro de los estándares de calidad definidos para su comercialización en fresco para el mercado nacional NMX- FF-046-1982 de la Secretaría de Comercio y Fomento Industrial (SFI, 1982), que establece que para la calidad México Extra y México Núm. 1, el diámetro ecuatorial del florete debe ser mayor de 7 cm y que se encuentre en punto sazón cuando las yemas están cerradas y la inflorescencia esté compacta. El rendimiento promedio de brócoli fue 13.2 t ha-1 con una variación entre 7.5 y 19.9 t ha-1.

Cabbage is preferentially consumed in natura and in many cases is produced conventionally, leaving traces of chemical residues which can cause direct effects on the health of the consumer and the farmer. The aim was to evaluate the influence of high dilutions preparations on growth and production under organic system of cabbage evaluating seedlings and plants in field. The study was composed of five experiments with nine treatments and four replications. Three greenhouse and two field experiments were carried out in a randomized complete block design. The treatments were prepared of Arnica montana, Silicea terra, Carbo vegetabilis and Sulphur at 6CH and 30CH in high dilutions, water being used as control. Sulphurat 6CH increased the height and root length in comparison with a control, in two of the three experiments with cabbage seedlings. Silicea terra at 30CH and Sulphur at 6CH increased the production and the dry mass of cabbage heads. Arnica montana at 6CH and 30CH also increased the dry mass. In conclusion, Sulphurat 6CH stands out as promising for improving the quality of cabbage seedlings as much as the production and dry mass of cabbage heads in field conditions, these last characteristics also being improved by Silicea terra at 30CH.

El repollo es consumido preferencialmente in natura y en muchos casos es producido de manera convencional, dejando trazas de residuos químicos, lo cual puede generar afecciones directas sobre la salud del consumidor y del agricultor. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar la influencia de preparados homeopáticos en altas diluciones en el crecimiento de plántulas y en la producción de repollo, en sistema orgánico. El trabajo fue compuesto por cinco experimentos para estudiar nueve tratamientos con cuatro repeticiones siendo la conducción de tres experimentos en invernadero, utilizando el diseño experimental de bloques completos al azar, y de dos experimentos en el campo utilizando el diseño experimental de bloques al azar. Los tratamientos estudiados fueron los preparados de Arnica montana,Silicea terra, Carbo vegetabilisy Sulphur en la 6CH y 30CH (orden de dilución centesimal hahnemanniana); y agua como testigo. Sulphur6CH aumentó en dos de los tres experimentos la altura y la longitud de raíz en relación al testigo, en plántulas de repollo. Silicea terra 30CH y Sulphur6CH aumentaron la producción y la materia seca de cabezas de repollo cultivadas en campo, así como, Arnica montana 6CH y 30CH también incrementaron la materia seca de cabezas. Se concluyó que Sulphur6CH se destacó como promisorio para mejorar la calidad de las plántulas de repollo, así como en la producción y materia seca de cabezas de repollo en condiciones de campo siendo estas últimas características también mejoradas por Silicea terra30CH.

The biological parameters, hosts and associated vegetable crops of the parasitoid Aphelinus abdominalis Dalman were determined. Samples were taken from the crops of Brassica oleraceae L. var capitata, Brassica oleracea var. botrytis, Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla, Solanum melongena L. y Vigna unguiculata L. growing in the horticultural areas of the Organoponic Alamar, . The average duration (days) of the cycle of development, longevity and life cycle of the progeny obtained from an adult female of A. abdominalis, as well as the percentage of parasitoidism and emergence were determined in the laboratory at a temperature of 21,5 ± 0,69°C and RH of 68,8 ± 1,46%. A. abdominalis was only found associated with Myzus persicae on Beta vulgaris var. cicla, a species of easy recognition in the field by presenting a shiny black pupa. The duration of the development cycle was 21 ± 0,33 days, the longevity 1,91 ± 0,09 days and the life cycle 23,24 ± 0,24 days. The insect parasitoidism was over 50% and the emergence of adult parasitoids was higher than 90%.

Se determinaron los parámetros biológicos del parasitoide Aphelinus abdominalis Dalman, los hospedantes y cultivos hortícolas a los que se asocia. Para ello se realizaron muestreos en áreas hortícolas del Organopónico Alamar (La Habana, Cuba), en cultivos de Brassica oleraceae L. var capitata, Brassica oleracea var. botrytis, Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla, Solanum melongena L. y Vigna unguiculata L. A nivel de laboratorio, con una temperatura de 21,5 ± 0,69°C y una HR de 68,8 ± 1,46 %, se determinó la duración media (días) del ciclo de desarrollo, longevidad y el ciclo de vida de la progenie obtenida de una hembra adulta de A. abdominalis, así como el porcentaje de parasitoidismo y emergencia. A. abdominalis solo se halló asociado a Myzus persicae (Zulzer) sobre Beta vulgaris var. cicla, especie de fácil reconocimiento en campo por presentar una pupa negra y brillante. La duración del ciclo de desarrollo fue de 21±0,33 días, la longevidad 1,91 ± 0,09 días y el ciclo de vida 23,24 ± 0,24 días. El parasitoidismo del insecto estuvo por encima del 50% y la emergencia de parasitoides adultos fue superior al 90%.

The exhaustion of food resources which occurs during the ontogenetic growth of Ascia monuste orseis (Godart) results in the dispersion of older larvae to nearby plants in order to complete their development, which might expose these animals to the nutritional variation of the hosts found. This study aimed to verify whether the food ingested in the beginning of the development influences the larvae host preference and whether the shift to a new host can affect the digestion and performance of A. monuste orseis, using two natural hosts: kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) and rocket (Eruca sativa), or kale and cabbage (B. oleracea var. capitata). Larvae were reared throughout their larval development on a single host or on two different hosts. When a host change was tested, larvae were reared for four instars on a host, and offered the other host plant in the fifth instar. Development time, percentage of pupation and emergence, pupal weight, fecundity and digestive indices were evaluated. The change in feeding preference for kale and for rocket in the fourth instar, when those were the original hosts, respectively, shows that prior experience plays a major role in food preference of immature A. monuste orseis. The shift can be beneficial for larval development, depending on the order of the hosts; in general, larvae fed on kale at the end of the development showed better performance. Our results presented strong evidence of a considerable phenotypic plasticity in A. monuste orseis for host preferences.

CONTEXTO: O repolho (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) é uma planta de folhas herbáceas pertencente à família Brassicaceae, nativa na costa sul e oeste da Europa. Usado na culinária por seu valor nutritivo, possui conhecida atividade anti-inflamatória. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a atividade antiulcerogênica do extrato aquoso de Brassica oleracea var. capitata (AEB), a fim de validar os conhecimentos etnobotânico do uso da espécie em distúrbios gástricos. MÉTODO: Úlceras gástricas foram induzidas em ratos pela administração oral de ácido acetilsalicílico. O potencial gastroprotetor de AEB (0,250, 0,500 e 1,000 mg.kg-1/peso) foram comparados com omeprazol (20 mg.kg-1/peso). RESULTADOS: As análises dos estômagos indicaram que o tratamento com AEB inibiu a progressão da lesão gástrica. A atividade gastroprotetora foi evidenciada por sua significativa inibição da progressão da úlcera induzida por agentes químicos, com o máximo de 99,44% eficácia (250 mg.kg-1/peso) frente a úlceras gástricas induzidas por ácido acetilsalicílico. CONCLUSÕES: O AEB demonstrou atividade cicatrizante de úlceras gástricas, o que justifica a inclusão da espécie em tratamentos de distúrbios gástricos. Estudos futuros estão em andamento para determinar quais os mecanismos antiulcerogêncios estão envolvidos com a gastroproteção.

CONTEXT: The cabbage (Brassica oleraceae var. capitata) is an herbaceous and leafy plant which belongs to the Brassicaceae family, native to coastal southern and Western Europe. Used in cooking for its nutritional value also has known anti-inflammatory activity. OBJECTIVE We studied the antiulcerogenic activity of aqueous extract of Brassica oleracea var. capitata (AEB) in order to validate ethnobotanical claims regarding the plant use in the gastric disorders. METHOD: Acute gastric ulcers were induced in rats by the oral administration of acetylsalicylic acid. The gastroprotective potential of the AEB (0.250, 0.500 and 1.000 mg.kg-1/body weight) was compared with omeprazole (20 mg.kg-1/body weight). RESULTS: The stomach analysis indicated that treatment with AEB inhibited the gastric damage. The gastroprotective activity as evidenced by its significant inhibition in the formation of ulcers induced by chemical agent with a maximum of 99.44% curation (250 mg.kg-1 body weight) in acetylsalicylic acid-induced ulcers. CONCLUSIONS: The AEB demonstrated good antiulcerogenic activities which justify the inclusion of this plant in the management of gastric disorders. Further experiments are underway to determine which antiulcer mechanisms involved in gastroprotection.

Plasmodiophora brassicae es un patógeno de plantas de la familia Brassicaceae que presenta notoria habilidad de sobrevivencia en suelo y alta capacidad de infección, lo cual reduce considerablemente el rendimiento de los cultivos. El presente estudio se realizó para contribuir al conocimiento del proceso infeccioso de este patógeno en el repollo, una especie de interés económico para Colombia, pues la información disponible es incipiente y desactualizada. A fin de determinar el daño a nivel celular se practicaron cortes histológicos en plantas con infecciones naturales; adicionalmente, se hicieron pruebas de patogenicidad con el fin de hacer un seguimiento de los síntomas iniciales de la enfermedad bajo condiciones controladas. Los resultados indicaron la presencia de plasmodios multinucleados en las células del cortex y la peridermis, así como engrosamiento y rotura de la pared celular en raíces de repollo infectadas, además de pérdida en la diferenciación de los tejidos, principalmente del cortex, comparado con tejidos sanos de plantas no infectadas. La inoculación de plántulas de repollo con esporas latentes de P. brassicae en concentraciones de 1 · 10(7) y 1 · 10(8) esporas mL-1, mediante inmersión y adición de inóculo en el sustrato, indujo mayor crecimiento lateral y menor crecimiento longitudinal de las raíces comparado con plantas no inoculadas, además de la presencia de plasmodios jóvenes a los 28 días de la inoculación.

Plasmodiophora brassicae is a plant pathogen of the Brassicaceae family, which presents a remarkable ability to survive in soil and high capacity of infection, significantly reducing crop yields. The present histopathologycal study conducted with the aim of contributing to knowledge of the infection cycle of the pathogen, showed the presence of multinucleated plasmodia at cortex and periderm cells level in infected cabbage roots, as well as thickening and disruption of cell wall. As a result of this disarray was observed in diseased tissues, mainly in the cortex, compared with healthy tissues in uninfected plants. The inoculation cabbage seedlings with dormant spores of P. brassicae at concentrations of 1 · 10(7) and 1 · 10(8) spores mL-1 by immersion and spray, induced a higher growth and less growth longitudinal lateral roots compared with uninoculated plants as well as presence of young plasmodia at 28 days after inoculation.

O manejo da irrigação em áreas sob escassez hídrica é imperativo para o incremento da eficiência do uso da água, particularmente em áreas susceptíveis a salinização e a elevadas demandas atmosféricas. Neste estudo avaliou-se o efeito da cobertura morta e de intervalos de irrigação utilizando-se água moderadamente salina sobre a produtividade do repolho e sobre suas variáveis relacionadas, em vale aluvial no semiárido. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 3 x 2, com 4 repetições, mediante a aplicação de intervalos de irrigação de 12, 24 e 48 h, com utilização de uma fração de lixiviação de 20%, e presença ou ausência de cobertura morta sobre o solo. Verificou-se que as produtividades foram afetadas pelos intervalos de irrigação e pela presença da cobertura morta. A máxima eficiência uso da água foi obtida aplicando-se o intervalo de irrigação de 12 h com cobertura morta, correspondendo a 110,49 Mg ha-1 mm-1, em consequência da menor variação da umidade ao longo do experimento. A relevância da cobertura morta ficou evidenciada para o tratamento com intervalo de irrigação de 48 h, tendendo a controlar as perdas de umidade e manter a produtividade do repolho.

The irrigation management in areas under water scarcity is imperative to increase the water use efficiency particularly in areas with salinization risk and high atmospheric demands. In this study, effect of mulching and irrigation intervals was evaluated using moderately saline water on cabbage yield and on its related variables in an alluvial valley in the semiarid. The experimental design was in random blocks using a 3 x 2 factorial scheme, with 4 replications, adopting irrigation application intervals of 12, 24 and 48 h, and a leaching fraction of 20%, and considering mulching presence or absence on the soil. It was verified that productivities have been affected by the irrigation interval and by mulching. The maximum water use efficiency was obtained with irrigation frequency of 12 h and mulching adoption, corresponding to 110.49 Mg ha-1 mm-1, associated to a lower soil moisture variation along the experiment. Mulching relevance was highlighted for the irrigation interval equal to 48 h, contributing to control moisture losses, and to keep cabbage yield.

Um experimento foi realizado no período de 19 de maio a 17 de setembro de 2008, em Jaboticabal (SP), com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de espaçamentos entrelinhas e entre plantas sobre o crescimento e a produtividade do repolho roxo. O experimento foi instalado sob delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com os tratamentos em esquema fatorial 4 x 3 e três repetições. Foram avaliados os espaçamentos entrelinhas 0,40; 0,60; 0,80 e 1,0 m e os espaçamentos entre plantas 0,30; 0,40 e 0,50 m. Com menores espaçamentos entrelinhas e/ou entre plantas houve redução do número de folhas, da área foliar, massa seca das folhas externas e massa fresca da "cabeça", enquanto o índice de área foliar e a produtividade aumentaram. A maior produtividade (4,56 kg m-2) foi estimada no espaçamento 0,60 m entrelinhas e 0,30 m entre plantas.

An experiment was carried out from May 19 to September 17, 2008, in Jaboticabal, State of São Paulo, Brazil, with the aim of evaluating the effects of spacing between rows (0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 m) and between plants (0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 m) on the growth and yield of cabbage. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with treatments in a factorial scheme 4 x 3, and three replications. Small spacing between rows or between plants reduced the number of leaves, leaf area, dry matter of leaves and head fresh weight, whereas the leaf area index and yield increased. The highest yield (4.56 kg m-2) was obtained with 0.6 m between rows and 0.3 m between plants.