ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to verify the repeatability of the expression of forage characters in intraspecific hybrids of Paspalum notatum Flügge to aid early selection. Across five harvests, plant height, tiller population density, leaf dry matter, stem dry matter, inflorescence dry matter, total dry matter, and growth habit were quantified for five parents, 189 hybrids, and a commercially available cultivar as a control (n = 195). Analysis of variance, principal components analysis, and structural analysis methods were used to determine the repeatability coefficients. The repeatability coefficients ( ρ ^) for all evaluated characteristics generated by the different methods were between 0.05 (ANOVA II) and 0.95 (PCACov). For most of the characteristics studied, repeatability coefficients and determination coefficients were considered high. The repeatability coefficients estimates obtained for the eight characteristics evaluated with the ANOVA I and II methods were almost always lower than those obtained by PCA and structural analysis methods. Based on the covariance matrix, the principal component method generated higher estimates than those produced by ANOVA or structural analysis. Assuming a minimum 80% reliability to verify the relative superiority of the hybrids across all assessed traits, the five harvests proved adequate for selecting the optimal plant materials to advance to the next phase of the breeding program. However, reliable early selection for leaf dry matter, leaf:stem ratio, and total dry matter required a minimum of two harvests. The genetic parameters (h2 and CVg) showed a favorable scenario for direct selection to increase forage production.

ABSTRACT The rational use of N fertilization is essential to increase the recovery efficiency and crop productivity and decrease the cost of production. The objective of this study was to assess forage yield (TDM), tillers population density (TPD) and N use efficiency (NUE) in six Paspalum notatum Flüggé genotypes in response to N fertilization. The experimental design involved randomized blocks on a subdivided plot design. In 2014-2015 the TDM was higher for the C22 and B26 hybrids (P < 0.0001), which were similar to each other, with an average of 6173 kg DM ha-1 yr-1. In 2015-2016 the TDM of the genotypes ranging from 7053 to 13773 kg DM ha-1 yr-1, for pastures fertilized with 0 and 480 kg N ha-1 yr-1, respectively. An interaction was found between Genotype × N fertilization level (P = 0.0155) for TDM in 2016-2017. In the years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 the C22 hybrid standed out as the genotype with the highest tiller production in response to N fertilization. In the year 2014-2015 NUE was higher (P = 0.0015) in the N fertilization levels N60, being of 15.5 kg DM kg-1 N. In the years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 the NUE was higher at fertilization level N120 (P < 0.05), being of 21.1 and 31.5 kg DM kg-1 N, respectively. The C22 hybrid was distinct as the genotype with the highest DM yield and superior tillering characteristics. The N fertilization level of 120 kg N ha-1 yr-1 promoted greater NUE in all P. notatum genotypes

RESUMEN El uso de especies forrajeras adaptadas al entorno local permite un manejo más sencillo y una mayor producción y estabilidad. También permite la conservación de los recursos genéticos naturales, la reducción de los costos y riesgos de producción, lo que resulta en una mayor sostenibilidad del sistema. La calidad del forraje no puede considerarse tan importante como la producción de biomasa en muchos sistemas forrajeros. Sin embargo, cuando las plantas forrajeras constituyen la mayor parte o la totalidad de la dieta para rumiantes, asume una importancia sustancialmente mayor. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el contenido de proteína cruda (PC) de los híbridos de P. plicatulum x P. guenoarum, en una región del sur de Brasil en el bioma de Pampa. Los híbridos evaluados fueron: 10202, 1020104, 102084, 102080, 1020133, 102058, 102069 (P. plicatulum "4PT" x P. guenoarum "Azulão"), 103063, 10308, 103042, 103040, 103061, 103087, 103093, 103031, 103020, 103084 y 103037 (P. plicatulum "4PT" x P. guenoarum "Baio"). Los análisis de PC se realizaron en las hojas de los genotipos en cada cosecha. El híbrido 102069 presentó el mejor contenido de PC en comparación con los otros genotipos en ambos años. Estos resultados son alentadores para los estudios de cría de forrajes con especies del género Paspalum.

ABSTRACT The use of forage species adapted to the local environment allows an easier management, and greater production and stability. It also allows the conservation of the natural genetic resources, and the reduction of the costs and risks of production that further result in higher sustainability of the system. Forage quality may not be considered as important as biomass production in many forage systems. However, when forage plants constitute most or all of the ruminant diet it assumes substantially greater importance. Therefore, the goal of this study was to evaluate the crude protein (CP) content of hybrids of P. plicatulum x P. guenoarum, in a region of Southern Brazil in the Pampa biome. The hybrids evaluated were: 10202, 1020104, 102084, 102080, 1020133, 102058, 102069 (P. plicatulum "4PT" x P. guenoarum "Azulão"), 103063, 10308, 103042, 103040, 103061, 103077, 103087, 103093, 103031, 103020, 103084, and 103037 (P. plicatulum "4PT" x P. guenoarum "Baio"). The CP analyzes were performed on the leaves of the genotypes in each harvest. The hybrid 102069 "Azulão" presented the best CP content (16.4%) compared to the other genotypes in both years. These results are encouraging for forage breeding studies with species of the genus Paspalum.

ABSTRACT: For many decades, animal production in southern Brazil has been based on native forage grasses. Paspalum notatum Flügge (bahiagrass) is one of the most frequently used native grass in southern Brazil. The native germplasm of P. notatum is tetraploid and displays apomictic reproduction; hence, chromosome doubling of sexual diploid accessions is required to facilitate hybridization. The main goal of this study was to evaluate forage production and other agronomical evaluation of P. notatum intraspecific hybrids in order to obtain new varieties that could be registered and/or protected and launched as new cultivars in the future. Three tetraploid sexual genotypes were crossed with the ecotypes Bagual and André da Rocha. Biomass production (leaf, stem, and inflorescence fractions), plant growth habit, plant height, number of tillers, and frost damage were evaluated in the resulting hybrids. The general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were calculated for the six families generated. We evaluated 196 hybrids and the most productive yielded 42 % more total dry mass than the most productive parent (ecotype Bagual), and Bagual production was seven-fold higher than that of cultivar ‘Pensacola’. The highest GCA values were observed for Bagual and Q4205. No correlation was observed between leaf coloration and the frost effect or regrowth in the following winter. Similarly, no correlation between plant growth habit and dry mass production was observed. The reproduction mode of the most productive hybrids are currently being analyzed in larger plots to identify apomictic and sexual genotypes for future registration and protection.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to assess the genetic diversity among accessions of Paspalum notatum based on morphological marker traits and identify those morphological traits that contribute most to the variability among accessions. Fifty-three accessions were evaluated for the following traits: length, width, color, and pubescence of sheath; length, width, insertion angle, color of midrib, and pubescence of leaves; number, length, and angle of racemes; length of flowering stems; and plant growth habit (erect or prostrate). Multivariate analysis of the quantitative morphological data based on the Mahalanobis distance and UPGMA method grouped the accessions into 19 heterogeneous clusters. The relative contribution of each trait to cluster formation was obtained using the Singh method. Qualitative morphological traits were used to construct a dendrogram based on Jaccard's similarity, generating 13 clusters. Based on the morphological traits investigated, there is high genetic variation among accessions of P. notatum, demonstrating that these accessions have a good potential for a breeding program. Length of racemes, width of sheath, length of flowering stems, and length of leaves were found to contribute most to the variability among accessions. A number of traits contributed to a lesser degree. The set of characters used are representative of the vast phenotypic plasticity observed in P. notatum, a diversity which is likely to be related to the species apomictic form of reproduction and the origin of the accessions.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the variability and expression of the components of seed yield in twenty-three apomictic Paspalum plicatulum × Paspalum lepton hybrids and two male parent plants (P. lepton). We used a randomized block design with genotypes individually arranged into ten blocks. The variables were: number of total tillers/plant, number of vegetative tillers/plant, number of reproductive tillers/plant, percentage of reproductive tillers, number of racemes/inflorescence, number of seeds/inflorescence, weight of a thousand seeds, and seed yield. We assessed genetic variability using multivariate procedures: generalized Mahalanobis distance, Tocher's clustering optimization method, and quantification of the relative contribution of the variables. The quantification of variability, based on the components of seed yield of Paspalum plicatulum × Paspalum lepton hybrids, allows the formation of six groups of genotypes using Tocher's method, with high means for the characteristics studied. Weight of a thousand seeds and number of seeds/inflorescence were the traits that most contributed to the genetic dissimilarity. Genetic crosses involving genotype 10E5052 from group VI and 10E4071 from group V could be undertaken to isolate high yielding segregants, since these genotypes have high seed yielding potential.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a expressão de caracteres agronômicos e a tolerância ao frio de híbridos apomíticos de Paspalum plicatulum x P. guenoarum, bem como estimar suas correlações fenotípicas, em duas regiões edafoclimáticas distintas. O estudo foi conduzido em diferentes locais e anos de avaliação, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições. Foram avaliados quatro híbridos interespecíficos de Paspalum, dois genótipos de P. guenoarum e a cv. Aruana (Panicum maximum), utilizada como testemunha. Os híbridos H12, H13, H20 e H22 apresentaram superioridade para os caracteres agronômicos avaliados e tolerância ao frio, em relação às cvs. Rojas e Aruana e ao ecótipo Azulão, e são indicados para novas etapas de avaliação, como estimativas da produção de sementes e estudos de DHE e VCU, visando o lançamento como novas cultivares. As estimativas de correlações fenotípicas são importantes ferramentas para a seleção de progênies, com destaque para o caráter MSF que apresentou alta correlação positiva com os caracteres MST, DPP, rebrote e altura, indicando ser desnecessária a realização de separação morfológica, economizando tempo e mão de obra em um programa de melhoramento de forrageiras.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of agronomic characteristics and tolerance to cold in apomictic Paspalum plicatulum x P. guenoarum hybrids, and estimate their phenotypic correlations in two different regions of soil and climate. The study was conducted at different locations and evaluated in different years, in a randomised block design with three replications. Four interspecific hybrids of Paspalum and two genotypes of P. guenoarum were evaluated, with the Aruana cultivar (Panicum maximum) used as a control. The H12, H13, H20 and H22 hybrids proved to be superior in tolerance for cold and the agronomic traits evaluated relative to the Rojas and Aruana cultivars and the Azulão ecotype, and are suitable for new stages of assessment, such as estimates of seed production and studies of DHS and VCU, with a view to their release as new cultivars. Estimates of phenotypic correlations are important tools in progeny selection, especially the characteristic of LDM, which showed a high positive correlation with the characteristics TDM, PDP, regrowth and height, demonstrating that carrying out morphological separation is unnecessary, saving time and labour in a forage breeding program.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of photoperiod on the forage yield by ecotypes and intraspecific hybrids of P. notatum. Tetraploid ecotypes from the United States Department of Agriculture and the National University of the Northeast in Argentina, in addition to six intraspecific hybrids, totaling 19 ecotypes, were assessed. The materials evaluated were subjected to an extended photoperiod (14 h of light) and natural photoperiod from July 2011 to October 2012. The experimental design was a completely randomized factorial scheme of 19 × 2 (ecotypes × photoperiod) consisting of five replicates. The materials were influenced differentially by the variation in photoperiod, with one group showing high sensitivity, whereas another, smaller group, was insensitive to this factor. The use of materials with differentiated responses to photoperiod in different climatic regions can be an important tool to increase forage yield of Paspalum notatum.

Abstract This study evaluated the mode of reproduction, the meiotic behavior and the pollen viability of three tetraploid plants (2n=4x=40) originated from somatic chromosome duplication of Paspalum notatum plants. The plant WKS 3 changed the mode of reproduction after duplication and became apomictic. The plants WKS 63 and WKS 92 confirmed sexual mode of reproduction identical to that of the original genotype. The analyzed plants presented meiotic abnormalities related to tetraploidy, and the chromosome pairing were variable, but it did not hinder the meiotic products, which were characterized by regular tetrads and satisfactory pollen fertility, ranging from 88.7 to 95.7%. Results show that all plants are meiotically stable and that they can be used in intraspecific crosses in the breeding program of Paspalum notatum.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a variabilidade de híbridos interespecíficos de Paspalum plicatulum x P. guenoarum por meio do desempenho agronômico e tolerância ao frio, bem como estimar as correlações fenotípicas de diferentes caracteres ligados à produção de forragem. Foram utilizados 20 híbridos, um acesso de P. guenoarum , um de P. plicatulum e a cultivar 'Pensacola' ( P. notatum ). As avaliações foram realizadas em plantas individuais, em delineamento completamente casualizado, com cinco repetições. Os genótipos de Paspalum apresentam variabilidade para massa seca total, massa seca de folhas e relação folha: colmo e na tolerância ao frio. É possível selecionar os híbridos 08Q01 e 08Q44 para novas etapas dentro de um programa de melhoramento de forrageiras. As estimativas de correlações fenotípicas podem auxiliar na seleção de genótipos com caracteres agronômicos superiores.

ABSTRACT: The goal of this study was to assess the variability of Paspalum plicatulum x P. guenoarum interspecific hybrids in terms of agronomic performance and their tolerance to cold conditions, as well as to estimate the correlation of different phenotypic characters associated with forage production. Twenty hybrids plants were used, besides one access P. guenoarum , one of P. plicatulum and the cultivar 'Pensacola' ( P. notatum ). Assessments were performed on individual plants, in a completely randomized design with five repetitions. Paspalum genotypes presented variability in total dry matter, leaf dry mass, leaf: stem ratio, and tolerance to cold. We suggest selection of the hybrids 08Q01 and 08Q44 for new stages within a forage improvement program. Estimates of phenotypic correlation may aid in the selection of genotypes with better agronomic traits.

The objective of this study was to analyze the adaptability and the stability in apomictic genotypes of the genus Paspalumacross the main characters of forage interest evaluated in different years and locations. The experiment was conducted in the years 2010 and 2011 in the municipalities of Eldorado do Sul and Augusto Pestana, RS, Brazil, in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Analyses of adaptability and stability were calculated by the Traditional and the Eberhart and Russel method. The genotypes of P. guenoarumBaio anda Azulão shows high biomass production but adapted to favorable environments and reduced stability. The genotypes of P. lepton28C show the total dry mass specific adaptability to unfavorable environment and in the dry leaf adaptability with stability

Paspalum notatum é uma das mais importantes espécies das pastagens nativas do Sul do Brasil, que é a principal fonte forrageira para a pecuária. Os ecótipos nativos são tetraploides e de reprodução apomítica, o que impede o registro e a proteção de cultivares. Porém, uma variedade cultivada, Paspalum notatum var. saurae (cultivar Pensacola) é diplóide e sexual. O objetivo deste trabalho foi de poliploidizar artificialmente plantas de cv Pensacola, para serem utilizadas como genitores femininos em cruzamentos com genitores masculinos tetraploides e apomíticos. Plântulas e sementes foram tratadas por imersão com soluções de colchicina por tempo de exposição variável. Três plantas confirmaram número cromossômico tetraploide. As plantas polyploides obtidas serão avaliadas quanto ao modo de reprodução; se confirmarem ser sexuais, serão utilizadas nos esquemas de cruzamentos com plantas apomíticas nativas para obtenção de novos híbridos intraespecíficos.

Paspalum notatum is one of the most important native grassland species of southern Brazil, and the main forage source for livestock. The native ecotypes are tetraploid and have apomictic reproduction, which prevents the registration and protection of plant varieties. However, the cultivated variety Paspalum notatum var. saurae (cultivar Pensacola) is diploid and sexual. The objective of this study was to artificially produce polyploid cv. Pensacola plants, to be used as female parents in crosses with male tetraploid and apomictic parents. Seedlings and seeds were immersed in colchicine solutions for different periods. A tetraploid chromosome number was confirmed in three plants. The reproduction mode of the resulting polyploid plants will be assessed; if confirmed to be sexual, they can be used in crosses with native apomictic plants to breed new intraspecific hybrids.

As transformações nas condições sociais de trabalho surgidas nas últimas décadas restringiram a disponibilidade do contato profissional-paciente, levando a uma fragmentação e desumanização do cuidado à saúde. Dessa necessidade surgiu o programa Recrutas da Alegria (RA), da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (Furg), com a ideia de "formar um profissional diferente", com o intuito de horizontalizar as relações com a equipe hospitalar e a abordagem dos pacientes. O RA é promovido pelos cursos da área de saúde da Furg e é uma ação de extensão. As atividades são desenvolvidas na Ala Pediátrica do Hospital Universitário Dr. Miguel Riet Corrêa Júnior (HU). Esta experiência demonstrou que a humanização não é um fato isolado, não acontece em apenas um ambiente, mas constitui comportamentos e atitudes que se refletem na atuação dos acadêmicos. O programa permite aos acadêmicos questionar o papel do médico e do estudante do curso de Medicina, bem como valorizar as histórias que vão além da história clínica, compreendendo o paciente como um todo.

The transformations that have arisen in the social conditions of work over recent decades have restricted contact between the medical professional and the patient, leading to a fragmented and dehumanized health care. This need gave rise to the Recrutas da Alegria (RA - Recruits of Happiness) program at the Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), with the idea of "training a different professional" in order to horizontalize relations with hospital staff and the patients' approach. The RA is promoted by FURG courses in the area of health and is an outreach initiative. The activities are developed in the Pediatric Wing of the Dr. Miguel Riet Corrêa Júnior Teaching Hospital. This experience has demonstrated that humanization is not a one-off occurrence, it does not occur in just one environment, but rather constitutes behaviours and attitudes reflected in students' work. The program enables students to question the role of the doctor and of the student doctor, as well as focusing on patient's histories that extend beyond their medical history, understanding the patient fully.

Red clover is one of the most utilized forage in agriculture and contains many of the isoflavones known for their human health benefits. The objectives of this study were: i) to quantify, using HPLC analysis, isoflavones in 77 accessions from the USDA core collection and a Brazilian line; ii) to verify possible relationships depending on their origin, improvement status or maturity type and; iii) to verify the seasonal variation. The isoflavone mean contents were 29.27 µg g-1 of dry material for daidzein, 163.69 µg g-1 for genistein, 11353.29 µg g-1 for formononetin and 6568.8 µg g-1 for biochanin A. Clustering was mainly influenced by the total amount of isoflavones and partially due to maturity type, improvement status and geographic origin. The seasonal evaluation demonstrated an increase of concentration during winter, and decrease during spring. These results highlighted accessions that can be used to develop new varieties with low or high isoflavones concentration.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a variabilidade genética e a expressão de caracteres de interesse forrageiro em espécies de Paspalum. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em diferentes locais e anos de cultivo, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições. Foram avaliados cinco acessos de P. nicorae e dois de P. guenoarum, além da cultivar Pensacola (P. notatum), utilizada como testemunha. Foram quantificados os seguintes caracteres: relação folha/colmo, índice de colheita e massa de matéria seca total, de folhas e de colmo. Tanto os efeitos principais (genótipos, anos e locais de cultivo) quanto a interação entre os fatores tiveram influência significativa sobre os caracteres avaliados. Os acessos avaliados apresentam variabilidade genética em caracteres de interesse forrageiro, bem como desempenho variável de acordo com o local e o ano de cultivo. A produção de matéria seca total e de folhas são os caracteres que mais contribuem para a detecção da variabilidade genética observada, independentemente do ano de avaliação.

The objective of this work was to determine the genetic variability and the expression of traits of interest for forage production in species of Paspalum. The experiments were carried out in different locations and crop years in randomized block design with three replicates. Five accessions of P. nicorae and two of P. guenoarum were evaluated, besides the cultivar Pensacola (P. notatum), used as a control. The following traits were determined: leaf/stalk ratio; harvest index; and total, leaf, and stalk dray matter. Both main effects (genotype, years, and locations) and the interactions among factors had significant influence on the evaluated traits. The evaluated accessions showed genetic variability in traits of interest for forage production, and their performance varied according to the location and year of cultivation. Total and leaf dry matter production are the traits that most contribute to the detection of the observed genetic variability, regardless of the year of evaluation.