Abstract: This research evaluated, in vivo, the accuracy of three electronic apex locators - EALs (Root ZXII, E-PEX and FIND) in teeth with vital pulp submitted to biopulpectomy, preserving the periodontal stump. For this study, 90 single-rooted teeth with extraction indication were selected. After positive pulpal cold sensitivity test, pulp chamber access was performed. The cervical and middle thirds of root canals were instrumented with Reciproc R25, and the K#15 file was used as a standard instrument to determine working length, forming 2 groups: Constriction (insertion of the instrument until the apical constriction limit) and Foramen (insertion of the instrument until the foramen and then repositioning at constriction, without removing the file from the canal). The hand file was stabilized with a light-cured flow resin. After extraction, the samples were analyzed through microCT SkyScan 1272, with CTAN software, which evaluated the proximity between the tip of the file to the apical constriction, providing data for comparative analysis using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the abilities of the EALs to detect the apical constriction after reaching the foramen with Root ZX II showing higher accuracy (89%). However, there was no difference in the accuracy of the three EALs in detecting the apical constriction without reaching the foramen. Based on the present results, we conclude that EALs may show accurate measures in detecting apical constriction and foramen, even without damaging the periodontal stump in biopulpectomy.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a biocompatibilidade, biomineralização e maturação das fibras de colágeno induzidas por Resorbable Tissue Replacement (RTR®; fosfato β-tricálcico [TCP]), Bioglass (BIOG; vidro bioativo) e DM Bone® (DMB; hidroxiapatita e β-TCP) in vivo. Sessenta e quatro tubos de polietileno com ou sem (grupo controle; GC) os materiais (n=8/grupo/período) foram implantados aleatoriamente em tecido subcutâneo de 16 ratos machos Wistar (quatro por rato), pesando entre 250 a 280g. Os ratos foram mortos após 7 e 30 dias (n=8), e as amostras foram removidas para análise da inflamação utilizando hematoxilina-eosina; avaliação da biomineralização utilizando coloração de von Kossa (VK) e luz polarizada (LP); e maturação das fibras colágenas, utilizando picrosirius red (PSR). Os dados não-paramétricos foram analisados pelos testes de Kruskal-Wallis e Dunn, e os paramétricos pelo teste de one-way ANOVA (p<0.05). Aos 7 dias, todos os grupos induziram inflamação moderada (p>0,05). Aos 30 dias, houve inflamação leve nos grupos BIOG e GC, e inflamação moderada nos grupos RTR e DMB, com diferença significativa entre os GC e RTR (p<0,05). A cápsula fibrosa foi espessa aos 7 dias, e predominantemente fina aos 30 dias em todos os grupos. Todos os materiais exibiram estruturas positivas para VK e LP. Fibras colágenas imaturas foram predominantes aos 7 e 30 dias em todos os grupos (p>0,05), embora o DMB exibiu fibras mais maduras do que o BIOG aos 30 dias (p<0,05). RTR, BIOG e DMB foram biocompatíveis, induzindo inflamação que reduziu com o tempo, e biomineralização no tecido subcutâneo de ratos. O DMB exibiu mais fibras colágenas maduras do que o BIOG em período mais longo.

Abstract This study evaluated the biocompatibility, biomineralization, and collagen fiber maturation induced by Resorbable Tissue Replacement (RTR®; β-tricalcium phosphate [TCP]), Bioglass (BIOG; bioactive glass), and DM Bone® (DMB; hydroxyapatite and β-TCP) in vivo. Sixty-four polyethylene tubes with or without (control group; CG) materials (n=8/group/period) were randomly implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of 16 male Wistar rats (four per rat), weighting 250 to 280 g. The rats were killed after 7 and 30 days (n=8), and the specimens were removed for analysis of inflammation using hematoxylin-eosin; biomineralization assay using von Kossa (VK) staining and polarized light (PL); and collagen fiber maturation using picrosirius red (PSR). Nonparametric data were statistically analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests, and parametric data by one-way ANOVA test (p<0.05). At 7 days, all groups induced moderate inflammation (p>0.05). At 30 days, there was mild inflammation in the BIOG and CG, and moderate inflammation in the RTR and DMB groups, with a significant difference between the CG and RTR (p<0.05). The fibrous capsule was thick at 7 days and predominantly thin at 30 days in all groups. All materials exhibited structures that stained positively for VK and PL. Immature collagen fibers were predominant at 7 and 30 days in all groups (p>0.05), although DMB exhibited more mature fibers than BIOG at 30 days (p<0.05). RTR, BIOG, and DMB were biocompatible, inducing inflammation that reduced over time and biomineralization in the subcutaneous tissue of rats. DMB exhibited more mature collagen fibers than BIOG over a longer period.

Abstract In endodontic treatment, regardless of the instrumentation technique, the presence of a smear layer covering contaminated dentin walls is always a concern. Thus, irrigation plays an essential role in reducing bacterial load. To enhance irrigation effectiveness, different ultrasonic activation methods and the use of different tips have been studied. This study assessed the cleaning capacity of the novel NiTi ultrasonic tip for smear layer removal using ultrasonically activated irrigation (UAI) with passive or continuous ultrasonic irrigation (PUI or CUI, respectively), compared with conventional irrigation. Forty-five single-rooted human mandibular premolars were decoronated to a standardized length of 16 mm. Instrumentation was performed using the Genius system up to size 50.04 and irrigated with 3% NaOCl. The specimens were divided into three groups (n = 15) according to the final irrigation activation technique: conventional irrigation (CI), as control group; PUI; and CUI, following the manufacturer’s protocol. The samples were longitudinally cleaved and analyzed under a scanning electron microscope for smear layer removal according to a cleanliness score for the cervical, middle, and apical thirds. Data were evaluated by means of the Kruskal-Wallis and Tukey’s tests, with a 5% level of significance. UAI enhanced cleaning compared to conventional irrigation, mainly at the apical third. CUI showed the best results, with statistically significant lower scores than PUI and CI (p < 0.05). Final irrigant activation with the NiTi tip showed better cleaning capacity than conventional irrigation. In addition, CUI resulted in better smear layer removal than PUI.

Abstract: This study aimed to assess the cyclic fatigue resistance of Genius and EdgeFile X1 reciprocating instruments compared with WaveOne Gold Primary. Twenty Genius (Ultradent) 25.04, 20 Genius 30.04, 20 EdgeFile X1 (EdgeEndo) and 20 WaveOne Gold Primary (Dentsply Maillefer) instruments were included in this study and tested in a static cyclic fatigue testing device, which has an artificial stainless steel canal with a 60° angle of curvature and a 5-mm radius of curvature. All instruments were operated in reciprocation mode until fracture occurred. The number of cycles to failure (NCF) was calculated and time to fracture (TF) was recorded in seconds using a digital chronometer. The mean and standard deviations of NCF and TF were calculated for each reciprocating system and the data were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance and to Dunn's test (p < .05) using SigmaPlot software (Systat software, CA, USA). The fractured surfaces of five instruments from each brand were randomly examined and microphotographed by a low-vacuum environmental scanning electron microscopy – SEM (Tabletop Microscope TM3030, Hitachi, Japan) to confirm the cyclic fatigue fracture. EdgeFile exhibited the highest cyclic fatigue resistance, followed by both Genius files (p < .05). Within the limitations of this in vitro study, EdgeFile X1 instruments had significantly higher cyclic fatigue resistance than did Genius and WaveOne Gold Primary instruments. The cyclic fatigue resistance of both Genius files was higher than that of WaveOne Gold Primary.

Abstract: Based on aroeira's (Myracrodruon urundeuva) antimicrobial activity and a future trend to compose intracanal medication, the aim of this study was to assess in vivo inflamatory tissue response to the extracts by edemogenic and histological analysis containing inactivated facultative and anaerobic microorganisms. For edema quantification, eighteen animals were divided into three groups (n = 3, periods: 3 and 6 hours) and 0.2 mL of 1% Evans blue per 100 g of body weight was injected into the penile vein under general anesthesia. After 30 min the animals received a subcutaneous injection in the dorsal region of aqueous or ethanolic extract of aroeira or saline (control) containing inactivated bacteria. Samples were collected, immersed in formamide for 72h, and evaluated by spectrophotometry (630 m). For histological analysis, polyethylene tubes with the extracts were implanted in the dorsal of 30 male rats. Analysis of the fibrous capsule and inflammatory infiltrate were performed after 7 and 30 days. The aqueous extract group induced less edema in both postoperative periods compared to the other groups, but the differences were not significant (p > 0.05). Tissue repair was significantly better after 30 days than after 7 days (p < 0.01). The aqueous solution showed less inflammatory response than the ethanolic solution (p < 0.05), with tendency for better results than control after 7 days. After 30 days, the response to both extracts was similar to control. The aqueous and ethanolic aroeira extracts containing inactivated microorganisms showed a trend for better results than saline, even when associated with microorganisms, and facilitated the tissue repair process.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate edemogenic activity and subcutaneous inflammatory reaction induced by Psidium cattleianum leaf extracts associated with Ca(OH)2. Thirty male Wistar rats, split equally into three groups [aqueous extract + Ca(OH)2; ethanolic extract + Ca(OH)2; and propylene glycol + Ca(OH)2], were assessed every 3 h or 6 h (five animals in each period). Under general anesthesia, 0.2 mL of 1% Evans blue per 100 g of body weight was injected into the penile vein and each combination to be evaluated was subcutaneously injected into the dorsal region 30 min thereafter. Edemogenic activity was analyzed by spectrophotometry (λ=630 nm). For inflammatory reaction analysis, 50 rats received four polyethylene tubes (three experimental groups) and an empty tube (control group). The assessments were made at 7, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days, followed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and by the assignment of scores for evaluation of tissue response intensity. Ethanolic extract + Ca(OH)2 yielded the largest edemogenic activity at 3 h. Intergroup differences at 6 h were not significant. The histological analysis showed progressive repair over time (p<0.05) and aqueous and ethanolic extracts produced similar responses to those of the control and Ca(OH)2 + propylene glycol groups. Psidium cattleianum leaf extracts used as Ca(OH)2 vehicles evoked similar tissue response when compared to Ca(OH)2 associated with propylene glycol.

Abstract Obturation of the root canal system aims to fill empty spaces, promoting hermetic sealing and preventing bacterial activity in periapical tissues. This should provide optimal conditions for repair, stimulating the process of biomineralization. An endodontic sealer should be biocompatible once it is in direct contact with periapical tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rat subcutaneous tissue response to implanted polyethylene tubes filled with Smartpaste Bio, Acroseal, and Sealapex and investigate mineralization ability of these endodontic sealers. Forty Wistar rats were assigned to the three sealers groups and control group, (n = 10 animals/group) and received subcutaneous implants containing the test sealers, and the control group were implanted with empty tubes. After days 7, 15, 30, and 60, animals were euthanized and polyethylene tubes were removed with the surrounding tissues. Inflammatory infiltrate and thickness of the fibrous capsule were histologically evaluated. Mineralization was analyzed by Von Kossa staining and polarized light. Data were tabulated and analyzed via Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn’s test. All tested materials induced a moderate inflammatory reaction in the initial periods. Smartpaste Bio induced the mildest inflammatory reactions after day 15. No difference was observed among groups after days 30 or 60. Von Kossa-positive staining and birefringent structures observed under polarized light revealed a larger mineralization area in Sealapex-treated animals followed by Smartpaste Bio-treated animals. At the end of the experiment, all tested sealers were found to be biocompatible. All sealers induced biomineralization, except Acroseal, which induced a mild tissue reaction.

São poucas as pesquisas de tolerância de leguminosas de cobertura do solo a herbicidas visando selecionar produtos que sejam seletivos a estas plantas e que apresentem controle satisfatório das plantas daninhas. Com o objetivo avaliar a tolerância de quatro leguminosas a herbicidas, instalou-se um experimento em condições de casa-de-vegetação. As leguminosas foram plantadas em sacos plásticos de dois litros, contendo substrato homogeneizado com duas sementes das leguminosas Pueraria phaseoloides, Desmodium ovalifolium, Mucuna aterrima e Mucuna cochinchinensis. Os herbicidas aplicados foram 2,4-DB, em pós-emergência, e alachlor, imazaquin e pendimethalin em pré-emergência. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial de 4x4x5x4 com quatro espécies de leguminosas, quatro herbicidas e cinco doses de cada herbicida, respectivamente, repetidos quatro vezes. Aos trinta e seis dias após o plantio a Pueraria phaseoloides mostrou-se tolerante aos herbicidas alachlor e imazaquin e suscetível ao 2,4-DB e pendimethalin. O Desmodium ovalifolium foi suscetível aos herbicidas nas doses usadas, exceto o alachlor. A Mucuna aterrima apresentou tolerância ao alachlor, imazaquin e pendimethalin e foi suscetível ao 2,4-DB. Os herbicidas alachlor e imazaquin não foram fítotóxicos à Mucuna cochinchinensis, enquanto 2,4-DB e pendimethalin causaram severas injúrias.

There is little research regarding to tolerance of soil cover legumes to herbicides. Products that are selective to these plants and show satisfactory control of harmful plants are still scarce. This paper has the objective to evaluate the tolerance to herbicide of four legume plants. The experiment was installed in a greenhouse. The four legumes were sowed in a 2 kg plastic bag. The substratum was homogenized with two seeds of Pueraria phaseoloides, Desmodium ovalifolium, Mucuna aterrima and Mucuna cochinchinensis. The herbicides applied were 2,4-DB, in post-emergence and alachlor, imazaquin and pendimethalin in pre-emergence. The statistical experimental method used was completely randomized in a factorial experiment (4x4x5x4) with four legume species, four herbicides and five doses of each herbicide with four replications. Thirty six days after sowing, P. phaseoloides showed tolerance to the herbicides alachlor and imazaquin and susceptibility to 2,4-DB and pendimethalin. D. ovalifolium was susceptible to herbicides except the alachlor. M. aterrima showed tolerance to alachlor, imazaquin and pendimethalin and was susceptible to 2,4-DB. The herbicides alachlor and imazaquin were not phytotoxic to M. cochinchinensis. However, severe injury was observed with the use of 2,4-DB and pendimethalin.

Objetivou-se determinar a influência de diferentes temperaturas constantes (20, 25, 30 e 35°C) e alternadas de 12 / 12 horas (20:30°C e 20:35°C) na germinação de sementes de uma população cultivada de cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) na ausência de luz. Foram avaliadas a percentagem de germinação e o índice de velocidade de germinação (I.V.G.). Os tratamentos com temperaturas alternadas foram similares, com 68,7% e 65,5% de germinação e com 33,7 e 32,7 de I.V.G., respectivamente. Nos tratamentos com temperaturas constantes a germinação foi baixa, com percentagens de germinação entre 0 e 1%.

The objective of this study was to determine the influence ofconstant (20, 25, 30 and 35°C) and alternating (12 / 12 hours:20:30°C and 20:35°C) temperatureson seed germinationin a cultivated population of Orinoco apple (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) in the absense of light. Percentage of germination and germination velocity index (G.V.I.) were evaluated. The 20:35°C and 20:30°C alternating temperatures presented similar germination, 68.7% and 65.5%, and G.V.I., 33.7 and 32.7, respectively. Germination at constant temperature was very much reduced, varying from 0 to 1 %.

Entre as espécies tropicais que produzem tubérculos encontra-se Pachyrrhizus tuberosus, conhecida popularmente como feijão-macuco ou jacatupé. Objetivou-se avaliar o crescimento da espécie correlacionando o desenvolvimento de órgãos da planta na fase vegetativa, de floração, de frutificação e da formação das raízes tuberosas, bem como avaliar a importância do tutoramento e da eliminação da inflorescência no desenvolvimento da planta e na produção das raízes tuberosas. O estudo foi realizado em área de várzea do Rio Solimões, no período de agosto de 1993 a maio de 1994, tendo-se verificado um total de 1.925 mm de chuva, temperatura média de 26ºC e umidade relativa 86,5%. Foi estudado o comportamento de três genótipos (definidos como 1, 2 e 3), submetidos a quatro formas de manejo: com e sem tutoramento das plantas e com e sem poda das inflorescências. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso em esquema fatorial 3 x 2 x 2 (respectivamente introduções, tutoramento e retirada das inflorescências). Foram utilizadas três repetições e as parcelas mediram 15,5 x 25,0 metros. O tratamento tutorado promoveu acúmulo da matéria seca dos frutos e do caule, resultando em maior peso da matéria seca da parte aérea. De maneira geral, no tratamento tutorado houve incremento ordenado das partes aérea e subterrânea. As taxas de crescimento dos genótipos estudados apresentaram um mesmo padrão de desenvolvimento das plantas. Houve tendência das plantas tutoradas de apresentarem maior crescimento relativo. A poda das inflorescências promoveu aumento considerável do peso das raízes tuberosas, chegando a aumentar em até 4,6 vezes, em comparação com o tratamento com inflorescências. Além de aumentar o peso da matéria seca das folhas, a poda das inflorescências favoreceu também um aumento nos teores de clorofilas a, b e total, aos 160 dias após a semeadura. Pelos resultados obtidos nesse trabalho, concluímos que o tutoramento das plantas, associado à remoção das inflorescências, favoreceu o desenvolvimento do feijão macuco.

Pachyrrhizus tuberosus, popularly known as yam bean, ("feijão-macuco" or "jacatupé" in portuguese) is one of the tropical food plant species bearing edible tuberous roots. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the plant's growth, correlating the development of the plant parts in the vegetative, flowering, fruiting and tuberous root formation stages, as well as assessing the importance of staking the plants and pruning the inflorescence in the development of the plant and in the yield of tuberous roots. The study was carried out in a Rio Solimões' floodplain area from August 1993 to May 1994, with 1,925 mm of rainfall, 26ºC average temperature and 86.5% relative humidity. The behavior of three genotypes, identified as 1, 2 and 3, which were submitted to four kinds of plant management: with and without staking the plants and with and without pruning the inflorescences. The experimental design was completely randomized blocks in a factorial scheme of 3 x 2 x 2 (genotypes, staking, and inflorescences pruning, respectively) with three replications. Plots measuring 15.5 x 25.0 m were used. The staking treatment increased the plant and stems dry matter weight. Usually there was a steady increase of the above and below ground parts with staking. Growth rates were similar to all genotypes. Staked plants showed a tendency to higher relative growth. The pruning of the inflorescences promoted up to 4.6 fold increase in the tuberous roots weight. In addition to raising the leaves dry matter weight, inflorescence pruning also furthered an increase in the a, b and total chlorophyl grades 160 days after sowing. According to results obtained, it was concluded that staking plants associated with the pruning of the inflorescences improved the development of the "feijão-macuco".

Entre as espécies que produzem tubérculos amiláceos nas condições tropicais, encontra-se Pachyrrhizus tuberosus, leguminosa conhecida popularmente como feijão macuco ou jacatupé. Propôs-se estudar alguns aspectos fisiológicos do desenvolvimento dessa espécie em uma area de várzea. Foi estudado o comportamento de três introduções (2.2, 1.2 e 1.1.6) da coleção do programa de melhoramento de hortaliças do Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia - INPA (definidas como 1, 2 e 3), submetidas a duas formas de manejo: com e sem tutoramento das plantas e com e sem poda das inflorescências. A poda das inflorescências resultou em um aumento nos teores de xilose, glicose, açúcares redutores, proteínas e aminoácidos ao longo do desenvolvimento. Foram observadas variações nos teores de xilose, açúcares redutores e proteínas entre as introduções estudadas. O teor de amido nas raízes tuberosas não mostrou variação ao longo do desenvolvimento, em nenhum dos tratamentos estudados.

Among the species of plants that produce tuberous starched roots in the tropical region, Pachyrrhizus tuberosus, leguminous plant, which is popularly named “feijão macuco”, “jacatupé” or yam bean. This study proposed to identify some physiological aspects of the yam bean cultivated in foodplain areas (várzeas). Three different genetic materials (2.2, 1.2 and 1.1.6) studied by the breeding program of National Institute for Amazonian Research (INPA) (numbered 1, 2 and 3), were submitted to two different kinds of cultivation methods: with and without tutoring and with and without inflorescence pruning. Inflorescence pruning improved the xilose, glicose, reduced sugars, protein and aminoacid contents. The genetic materials did not present differences in terms of plant development, but some variations of xilose, reduced sugars and protein contents were observed among them. The starch content in the roots did not present variation during the plant growth under any of the treatments studied.

No presente estudo são apresentados e discutidos os níveis de N, P, H, Ca, Mg, Na e SO4, além da percentagem de carbono orgânico nas partes vegetativas do aría (Calathea allouia (Aubl.) Lindl.). Os dados foram obtidos por espectroscopia de emissão de plasma, análise por injeção em fluído e volumetria.

In this paper, are described the level nutrients of vegetative sections (leaf, rhizome, root and tuber) of "aría" (Calathea allouia) and organic carbon yield.

A produção de mamona é de grande importância econômica para o Brasil Entretanto, não existem informações sobre o comportamento da espécie na Amazônia. Para obter algumas informações a respeito, foram comparadas três variedades comerciais e uma "população" coletada nas proximidades de Manaus, tendo-se obtido produções médias/lha da ordem de 1090 Kg, 950 Kg, 802 Kg e. 635 Kg para a "população" Manaus e para as variedades Guarani, IAC - 38 e Campinas, respectivamente, sendo que a variedade Campinas diferiu estatisticamente da "população" Manaus, Os resultados obtidos sugerem a necessidade de implantação de um programa de melhoramento da mamoeira, antes que se possa recomendar seu cultivo na Região Amazônica.

The production of castor bean is of great importance to Brazil. However, there are no data available about its performance in the Amazonian region. In this study, three commercial varieties and one "population" selected near Manaus, were compared. The average/ha yield was 1.090 kg, 956 kg, 802 kg and 635 kg for Manaus, Guarani, IAC-3S and Campinas varieties respectively. Campinas was statistically different from Manaus. The results suggest that a improvement, program is necessary before the castor bean can be recommended for cultivation in the Amazon region.

Resumo A importância dos tubérculos de ariá como alimento alternativo para a Região Amazônica vem sendo demonstrada através de inúmeros trabalhos. São desconhecidos, no entanto, os processos referentes ao armazenamento dos tubérculos, ou seja, a preservação do estado natural de vida, visando à comercialização e ao consumo. Métodos simples, adaptados ao pequeno produtor da região foram utilizados, a fim de determinar a perda de peso e caracteristicas internas e externas dos tubérculos, por um período de dez semanas. Os tratamentos constaram do acondicionamento dos tubérculos recém-colhidos em paneiro (espécie de cesto de vime), saco plástico fechado (com furos), saco de estopa e em geladeira, sendo os três primeiros deixados à temperatura ambiente. Os resultados mostraram que o armazenamento em geladeira, a despeito de reduzir a perda de água, mostrou-se ineficiente a partir da sétima semana, tanto para preservação interna como para a manutenção do aspecto comercializável. Os demais tratamentos conservaram os tubérculos em condições de comercialização por um período superior a dez semanas, apesar do tratamento em saco de estopa, por permitir uma maior aeração, ter decaído mais rapidamente em peso.

SUMMARY The importance of ariá tubers as alternative food for the Amazon region has been showed by several scientific papers. However, the tuber storage methods for trading and consumption are unknown. During ten weeks, simple methods adapted to the conditions of small farmers of the region were tested to determine the loss of weight and changes in internal and external characteristics ot the tubers. The following treatments were utilized for the storing of the recently harvested tubers: paneiro (a type of cane basket), plástic bags with perforations, tow bags and freezer. The first three treaments were left at atmospheric temperature. The results showed that the storage in a freezer, in spite of reducing the loss of water, is not efficient after the seventh week for internal preservation and maintenance of a good trading aspect. The other treatments preserved the tubers in good trading conditions for periods greater than ten weeks, although the treatment with tow bags, wich allowed a better aeration of the tubers, also caused them to loose weight more rapidly.

Resumo Foi realizado um estudo, a fim de avaliar, preliminarmente, os efeitos produzidos na mesofauna do solo sob preparo convencional para a agricultura (aração e gradagem) e sob aplicação do herbicida Paraquat (de contato e não residual), em comparação com uma área agrícola coberta por vegetação rasteira pós cultivo. Os resultados mostraram que os grupos predominantes em todos os três ambientes são Ácaros, Colêmbolas e Formigas e que modificações nos fatores abióticos podem acarretar diminuição no número de indivíduos, bem como no número total de grupos. O grupo das Colêmbolas revelou-se o mais sensível às modificações do meio, sendo mais drasticamente influenciados pela aração do que pela aplicação do pesticida.

Summary This study was done to obtain a preliminary evaluation of the effects on the soil mesofauna of conventional agricultural soil preparation (plowing and dinking) and of the application of non-residual contact herbicide in comparison with an agricultural área after cultivation, covered with weeds. The results showed that the predominant mesofauna groups, in all three environments, are Mites. Colembola and Ants and that modifications in the abiotic factors can cause a reduction in the number of individuals, as well as in the types of mesofauna present. The Colembolas were more sensitive to the modifications of the environment being more drastically influenced by plowing than by application of the herbicide.