Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos dos manejos do pastejo ponta e repasse combinados a substituição parcial da proteína do suplemento por nitrogênio ureico sobre o consumo e digestibilidade dos nutrientes, composição do leite e balanço de nitrogênio de vacas primíparas da raça Girolanda. As vacas foram alocadas em dois quadrados latinos 4 x 4 compostos de quatro animais cada e quatro tratamentos em um esquema fatorial 2 x 2. Os suplementos foram formulados para um consumo de 0,6% do peso corporal: sem utilização de nitrogênio ureico; ou com 21% de nitrogênio ureico em sua composição. O manejo do pastejo de ponta melhorou o consumo e a digestibilidade dos nutrientes. O suplemento contendo ureia excretou 47% a mais de N urina (g/dia) em comparação ao suplemento sem ureia. A combinação entre o suplemento sem ureia e o manejo de pastejo ponta apresentou maior ingestão e retenção de nitrogênio e maior N retido (%N digerido). A combinação entre o suplemento contendo 21% de nitrogênio ureico e o pastejo de ponta pode ser utilizada sem prejuízos aos parâmetros nutricionais e produtivos das vacas.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the first and last stocking strategies combined with a partial substitution of the protein from the supplement for urea nitrogen on nutrient intake and digestibility, milk composition, and nitrogen balance of primiparous Girolando cows. The cows were allocated to a double 4 × 4 Latin square composed of four animals and four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Supplements were formulated to provide an intake of 0.6% body weight, with and without the inclusion of 21% urea nitrogen in their composition. The first stocking management method improved nutrient intake and digestibility. Supplementation with urea led to a 47% higher excretion of urine N (g/day) than the urea treatment. The combination of the supplement without urea and the first stocking provided higher intake and retention of nitrogen and higher retained-N levels (%digested N). The combination of a supplement containing 21% urea nitrogen and the first stocking can be used without compromising the nutritional and productive parameters of the cows.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the growth and senescence dynamics of Digitaria eriantha cv. Survenola as a response to several canopy heights (25, 35, 45, and 55 cm) of harvests in two seasons of the year (rainy and dry). The experiment was established at the Federal University of Sergipe, in São Cristóvão - SE, Brazil, from 03/26/2015 to 03/28/2016, under a randomized-complete-block design with four replicates. Plots were irrigated, and upon reaching the pre-established canopy heights, they were cut to a 10 cm-residual height. Increasing canopy heights in the dry season led to lower tiller density, for basal and aerial tillers. However, irrespective of tiller type and season, this variable increased after the rest period. Light interception rose with canopy heights (P<0.05) in the dry period and it showed a quadratic response in the rainy season. Greater canopy heights led to a higher (P<0.05) daily leaf senescence rates and daily stem growth rates. Regardless of the season, the total accumulation and net herbage accumulation rates of basal tillers increased as canopy heights did. The greatest canopy height promoted the daily stem production, whereas the lowest height did not allow the grass to express its production potential. The defoliation-height range of 35 to 45 cm is the most recommended, as it favors the control of stem growth and leaf senescence.

Resumen El objetivo del estudio fue conocer la dinámica del crecimiento y senescencia del forraje de Digitaria eriantha Steud. cultivar Survenola al alcanzar diferentes alturas de corte (25, 35, 45 y 55 cm), en dos épocas del año (lluvias y seca). El experimento se condujo en la Universidad Federal de Sergipe, en San Cristóbal-Sergipe, entre el 26/03/2015 y el 28/03/2016, con un diseño de bloques completos aleatorizados y cuatro repeticiones. Las unidades experimentales fueron irrigadas, y al alcanzar las plantas las alturas preestablecidas, se cortaron a 10 cm sobre el nivel del suelo. Las dos alturas de rebrote mayores redujeron en la época seca la densidad poblacional de tallos basales y aéreos; sin embargo, independientemente del tipo de tallo y la época del año, la densidad de población de tallos aumentó durante el período de descanso. La intercepción de luz en la época seca se incrementó (P<0.05) en las alturas de corte mayores, y en la época de lluvias su comportamiento fue cuadrático. Las alturas de corte mayores aumentaron (P<0.05) la tasa diaria de senescencia de las hojas y la tasa diaria de crecimiento de los tallos basales y aéreos. Las tasas de acumulación total y acumulación neta de forraje de tallos basales, independientemente de las épocas, tuvieron una relación positiva con el incremento en las alturas de corte. La mayor altura de corte produjo la mayor producción diaria de los tallos; además, la menor altura de corte no permitió a la gramínea expresar su potencial productivo. El intervalo de defoliación entre las alturas de 35 a 45 cm es el más indicado, pues favorece el control en el crecimiento del tallo y la senescencia de las hojas.

ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to evaluate the activity of invertases and amylases in Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu under various shade and nitrogen fertilization conditions. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse using a 4 x 2 factorial scheme (shading levels of 0, 30, 50, and 80% and fertilization with 0 and 100 kg N ha-1). The activity of the enzymes, cytosol-neutral invertase (Inv-N), vacuole acid (Inv-V) and cell-acidic acid (Inv-CW), reducing sugars (RS), and α and β-amylases were evaluated (α = 0.05). The interaction was significant for Inv-N within the leaf. In the first cycle, the highest activity was in fertilized plants with 30, 50, and 80% shading. For Inv-CW in the 1st cycle, the highest activity occurred with 0, 30, and 50% shading. However, the interaction for Inv-V leaf activity was not significant in the 1st and 2nd cycles. The highest activity observed for Inv-V was in the fertilized plants, suggesting that fertilization increased the enzymatic activity. The activity of the invertases increased both under 30-50% shaded conditions and in full sun. Furthermore, invertase activity was directly linked to the osmoregulatory system. The reduction in RS was related to a low photosynthetic rate, and an increase α and β-amylase was associated with the use of reserve energy sources to meet energetic needs.

ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to verify the activity of invertases in Estilosantes under the influence of cultivation systems and nitrogen fertilization in two seasons. The experiment was conducted in the Xaraés area, where Estilosantes was planted according to a 2 x 2 factorial scheme with two cultivation systems (monoculture and mixed pasture) in the absence or presence of fertilization (75 kg of N ha-1). A randomized block design with four replications was used. The neutral cytosol (Inv-N), vacuole acid (Inv-V) and cell wall acid (Inv-CW) invertase activity and reducing sugar contents in the leaves and stems were evaluated and analyzed by a 5% probability F-test. The interaction between cultivation systems and nitrogen fertilization was significant for Inv-N in the leaves in the summer, such that greater activity occurred in response to the mixed pasture system and nitrogen fertilization. Nitrogen increased the activity of the Inv-N in the stem in both periods, increased the activity of Inv-V in the leaf in the summer, and decreased the activity of Inv-CW in the fall. This cultivation system influenced the activity of Inv-N regardless of the period of the year and did not interfere with the activities of the acid invertases. The invertases did not show regular changes in relation to nitrogen fertilization.

In this experiment the chlorophyll and carbohydrate contents of Arachis pintoi were evaluated to verify if the presence of nitrogen in the soil could contribute to the effectiveness of the establishment of this legume. The design was completely randomized, in a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement, with four N rates (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha-1) and four irrigation levels (25, 50, 75 and 100% of field capacity), with four replications. The biochemical evaluations of chlorophylls a and b and total chlorophyll and total soluble sugars, sucrose and starch were performed. The highest contents of chlorophyll a and b and total chlorophyll in leaves were found at the dose of 120 kg ha-1. The water regime of 25% of field capacity was responsible for the lowest content of reducing sugars and total soluble sugars in leaves, stolons and roots. In the roots, the sucrose contents were higher in these conditions, which can be associated with a slight tolerance of the plant to water stress. The water deficiency was responsible for the decrease of reducing sugars and total N in the whole plant and positively influenced the levels of chlorophyll and sugars in the stolon, promoting growth, especially of shoots, at the beginning of establishment.

The objective was to evaluate the growth of Arachis pintoi fertilized with nitrogen and water deficiency conditions. The study was developed in a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement with four nitrogen levels (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg N/ha) and four irrigation levels (25, 50, 75 and 100% of field capacity), in a completely randomized experimental design, with four replications. High doses of N benefited the production of root shoots while the root increased its production at a dose of 40 kg N/ha. The number of green and senescent leaves were influenced by N fertilization and the water regime, where higher doses of N provided greater total number of green leaves (364 leaves/pot) and the limitation of water resulted in a greater number of senescent leaves (78 leaves/pot). Observing the maximum point, the water regime of 90% of field capacity and 120 kg N/ha favored leaf appearance rate of 1.2 leaves/day and less phyllochron (4.6 days/leaf) at 85% of field capacity and 115 kg N/ha. The dose of 120 kg N/ha resulted in ultimate greater width (1.4 cm) and length (2.4 cm) of the leaf at 100% of field capacity. The final length of stolons showed quadratic effect for N, having greatest length (58.1 cm) at 75 kg N/ha and 100% of field capacity.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen fertilization on the establishment of forage peanut (Arachis pintoi cv. Belmonte) propagated vegetatively. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in a completely randomized design with treatments arranged in a 2 × 4 factorial design - two ages (70 and 85 days after planting) and four nitrogen doses (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg/ha) - with four replications. Morphogenetic and structural characteristics and production were evaluated. The nitrogen accelerated the establishment of the forage peanut with an increase in dry weight of green leaves and stolons. The greatest length of stolons (48.0 cm) was obtained with a dose equivalent to 86 kg N/ha and higher density of stolons (20 stolons/vase) between 78 and 82 kg N/ha. Nitrogen fertilization also reduced the phyllochron from 6.7 to 4.6 days/leaf. These data were more intense at 85 days, suggesting greater photosynthetic contribution during this period related to the large number of leaves after 70 days. Therefore, nitrogen can be an important tool to accelerate the establishment of pure stands of forage peanut.

O leite é um alimento de grande importância nutricional. Além disso, a atividade leiteira pode ser destacada pelo desenvolvimento econômico e social que promove nas propriedades rurais. Dessa forma, objetivou-se, neste trabalho, caracterizar a produção de leite e o manejo sanitário dos animais de propriedades da bacia leiteira da região sudoeste da Bahia. A metodologia proposta foi composta pela aplicação de um questionário, constituído de questões objetivas, a uma amostra de 94 produtores, que fornecem leite para cooperativas ou laticínios da região, cadastrados no diagnóstico inicial das fazendas do programa Geraleite. Os dados obtidos foram importantes para conhecer e comparar o perfil de fazendas leiteiras nessa região. Com a pesquisa, constatou-se que 54,7% dos produtores não fazem anotações zootécnicas e 64,9% não fazem anotações relacionadas à parte econômica. Dos entrevistados, 82% praticam nas propriedades uma ordenha e 18% duas ordenhas por dia, a monta natural não controlada foi o manejo reprodutivo mais utilizado. A média geral da produção de leite nas fazendas foi de 1125 litros de leite/vaca/ano e 3,1 litros/vaca/dia. Essa baixa produtividade deve-se, principalmente, à deficiência tecnológica, animais não especializados e à falta de assistência técnica nas fazendas.

Milk is a food of great nutritional importance. In addition, the dairy can be highlighted by the economic and social development that promotes in the rural properties. Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize milk production and animal health management of properties in the dairy region of the southwestern region of Bahia. The methodology proposed is made by applying a questionnaire with objective questions, using a sample of 94 producers participating in the research that provide milk for dairy cooperatives and dairy in the region registered in the preliminary farm diagnosis in program Geraleite. The data obtained are important to know and to compare the profile of dairy farms in this region, 54.7% of producers did not take husbandry notes and 64.9% did not take notes related to the economics. Of the respondents 82% make one milking and 18% two milkings per day in properties, the natural mating uncontrolled was the reproductive management more used. The average milk production on farms was 1125 liters of milk /cow/year and 3.1 liters/cow/day. This low productivity is due mainly to technological deficiency, non specialized animals and lack of technical assistance in the farms.

O estresse imposto às plantas pelo alagamento do solo constitui uma barreira para o crescimento e produtividade destas. A identificação de cultivares de soja que possam produzir maior teor de isoflavonas torna-se necessária à medida que a soja vem sendo utilizada na alimentação humana e para redução dos riscos de doenças crônicas. Dessa forma, o presente estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de quantificar isoflavonas e proteínas em cultivares de soja submetidas ao alagamento em diferentes estádios de desenvolvimento. As cultivares 'BRS 267', 'BRS 257' e 'BRS 213' foram submetidas a 15 dias de alagamento, nos estádios V6 e V8 e 11 dias sob estresse, no estádio R4. As proteínas no grão foram extraídas e quantificadas e analisadas as eletroforeses em SDS-PAGE. Os isoflavonóides foram extraídos, separados e quantificados por HPLC. A análise por eletroforese das três cultivares revelou o mesmo padrão de bandas relativas às proteínas totais, independente do tratamento utilizado. O alagamento promoveu aumento no teor total de isoflavonas nas plantas alagadas no estádio R4 da cultivar 'BRS 267', permanecendo constante nas demais cultivares.

The stress imposed on plants by soil flooding constitutes a major barrier to growth and productivity. The identification of soybean varieties that produce higher levels of isoflavones, is necessary as soybeans have been used as human food to reduce risks of chronic diseases. Thus, this study was conducted with the objective of quantifying proteins and isoflavones in soybean cultivars subjected to flooding at various stages of development. The cultivars 'BRS267', 'BRS257' and 'BRS213' were subjected to 15 days of flooding, starting at the stages V6 and V8 and 11 days under stress starting at the stage R4. The proteins in the grain were extracted and quantified and analyzed by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. Isoflavones were extracted, separated and quantified on HPLC. The electrophoretic analysis of the three cultivars under study revealed the same pattern of banding relative to the total protein regardless of the treatment. However, it was noted that flooding led to an increase in the total contents of isoflavones in the BRS 267 plants flooded in stage R4, remaining constant in other cultivars.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produção de Brachiaria decumbens diferidos por períodos de 95 e 140 dias. Foram realizados dois ensaios experimentais (95 e 140 dias) e em cada ensaio foram estudadas quatro estratégias de adubação no início e no final do verão (0-0, 100-0, 50-50, 0-100 kg ha-1 de N), respectivamente, com quatro repetições. A maior (p < 0,05) produção anual de matéria seca (MS) foi verificada para a estratégia de adubação com 100 kg ha-1 de N aplicados no início do verão (100-0), nos pastos diferidos com 95 dias. Entretanto, no outono, inverno e primavera, a estratégia de aplicação de 100 kg ha-1 de N no final do verão (0-100), proporcionou maiores (p < 0,05) produções de forragem. A produção diária de matéria seca, quando comparada ao verão, sofreu reduções de 8, 89 e 58% para as estações outono, inverno e primavera, respectivamente, no ensaio de 95 dias de diferimento. Pode-se inferir que a estratégia de aplicação de 100 kg ha-1 no final do verão é uma estratégia adequada para aumentar a produção de matéria seca para os pastos avaliados nos dois períodos de diferimento estudados, reduzindo a curva de sazonalidade da produção anual de forragem.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the production of Brachiaria decumbens deferred for periods of 95 and 140 days. Two experimental trials (95 and 140 days) were carried out and, in each one, four fertilization strategies were studied at the beginning and end of summer (0-0, 100-0, 50-50, 0-100 kg ha-1 of N), respectively, with four replications. The highest (p < 0.05) annual production of dry matter (DM) was verified for the fertilization strategy with 100 kg ha-1 of N applied in early summer (100-0), in pastures deferred for 95 days. However, in autumn, winter and spring, the application strategy of 100 kg ha-1 of N at end of summer (0-100) had greater (p < 0.05) forage production. Daily dry matter production, when compared to that of summer, was reduced by 8, 89 and 58% for autumn, winter and spring, respectively, in the 95-day deferring trial. It can be inferred that the strategy of application of 100 kg ha-1 in late summer is an appropriate strategy to increase dry matter production for grasses in the two studied deferral periods, reducing the curve of seasonal annual forage production.

Diferenças na disponibilidade de radiação podem causar modificações na estrutura e função das folhas do cafeeiro, que podem responder de maneira diferencial à radiação por alterações morfológicas, anatômicas, de crescimento e na taxa fotossintética. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar características morfofisiológicas de cafeeiros (Coffea arabica L. cv. "Oeiras") sombreados por acácia (Acacia mangium Willd.) na época seca e chuvosa no sul de Minas Gerais. As maiores taxas fotossintéticas e maiores espessuras da epiderme adaxial foram observadas na estação chuvosa nas linhas de cafeeiros a pleno sol. O sombreamento influenciou em menor espessura das folhas e em espaços intercelulares maiores no tecido esponjoso. Foi também verificada mudança na forma dos cloroplastos, os quais apresentaram-se mais alongados em folhas de cafeeiros a pleno sol quando relacionados aos arborizados.

Light availability is one of the most important environmental factors affecting leaf structure and functions in coffee plants that can respond differently to radiation by changes in leaf anatomy, morphology, growth and photosynthetic rate. The objective of this research was evaluate some morphophysiological aspects in leaves of coffee (Coffea arabica L. cv. 'Oeiras') cropped under shelter trees in the south of Minas Gerais during the rainy and dry season. The shade caused lower leaves thickness and higher intercellular spaces in spongious tissue. There was also verified a change in chloroplast shape, which showed more elongated in coffee tree kept at full sunlight in relation to that ones maintained on shading.

Objetivou-se verificar o efeito da adubação de 100 g de N/ano/planta, em três épocas (outono-inverno, primavera-verão e outono-inverno/primavera-verão) e três modos de aplicação (folha, solo e folha/solo), no desenvolvimento, na produção e na atividade da redutase do nitrato (RN) da cultivar Rubi-MG com quatro anos de idade. A análise conjunta entre o modo e época de aplicação mostra que o padrão de RN não se altera, sendo no frio maior nas raízes e no calor maior nas folhas. O mesmo aconteceu com o padrão de crescimento, rápido na estação quente/chuvosa e lento no período seco/frio. Em função da época de adubação, concluiu-se que, no outono-inverno, deve-se dar preferência pela aplicação na folha ou folha-solo. Esses modos de adubação foram os mais eficientes na retomada do crescimento. Quando as adubações ocorrerem nos dois períodos, qualquer um dos três modos pode ser utilizado. Apesar da inviabilidade de várias pulverizações, eventualmente, uma ou mais pulverizações com KNO3 podem substituir eficientemente a adubação no solo.

The objective of this work was to verify the effect of the fertilization of 100g N/year/plant, in three periods (autumn-winter, spring-summer and autumn-winter/spring-summer) and three types of application (leaf, soil and leaf/soil) on the development, production and nitrate reductase activity (NR) on four years old Rubi-MG cultivar. The analysis of type and time of application showed no alteration on NR activity being higher on roots in cold weather and higher on leaves in warmer weather. The same was observed with growth pattern, fast in hot/rain season and slow in dry/cold period. During autumn-winter, applications may be performed on leaf or leaf-soil. These types of fertilization were the most efficient during growth recovering. When the fertilization occurred in both periods, any type may be used. Although, several pulverizations are nonviable, one or more pulverization with KNO3 can efficiently replace soil fertilization.

Este trabalho teve por objetivo relacionar aspectos histoquímicos e morfológicos de grãos secos de café com a qualidade destes classificadas como bebida mole, dura e rio. Paralelamente a esses estudos, foram realizadas em cada lote de grãos a lixiviação de potássio, a condutividade elétrica e a atividade da polifenol oxidase. Uma maior lixiviação de potássio, com o conseqüente aumento na condutividade elétrica, mostrou ser um forte indicador de danos na membrana e parede celular. Este dano foi confirmado por fotomicrografias em estudos histoquímicos e morfológicos de grãos de café. Estes estudos mostraram que no café bebida mole havia corpos lipídicos globulares bem definidos no interior dos protoplastos. Com a perda da qualidade da bebida para dura e rio, verificou-se que os lipídeos não mais se apresentaram em corpos lipídicos bem definidos, estavam localizados nas regiões periféricas do protoplasto e algumas vezes extravasados no tecido devido à degradação da parede celular.

This research studied the histological and morphological aspects of the dry grain coffee classified as 'mole, 'dura' and 'rio' beverage. Concomitantly to these studies there were realized in each group of grains, potassium lixiviation, electric conductivity and polyphenol oxidase activity. A higher potassium lixiviation with the consequent increase in electric conductivity showed to be a strong indicator of membrane and cell wall damage. This damage was confirmed by histological and morphological studies of coffee grains. These studies showed that coffee beverage 'mole' had well defined lipidic bodies in the interior of protoplasts. During the beverage quality loss to 'dura' and 'rio', it was observed that lipids did not appear in well defined lipidic bodies like 'mole' coffee beverage, were localized in periphery of the protoplasts and sometimes extravased into the tissue due the degradation in cell wall.

Objetivou-se avaliar o crescimento da plântula e o metabolismo de carboidratos associados ao aumento da tolerância à hipoxia exercido pela presença do cálcio no período de germinação e/ou alagamento de plântulas de milho com diferentes idades. O experimento foi desenvolvido na Universidade Federal de Lavras, MG, em 2002. Cariopses de milho da variedade 'Saracura' (BRS-4154) foram germinadas em água ou solução de CaCl2. Após dois e quatro dias, as plântulas foram submetidas ao alagamento em tubos de PVC com tampão (com ou sem CaCl2) por três dias, sendo então avaliadas a sobrevivência, massa seca e as características bioquímicas. O cálcio aumentou a sobrevivência ao alagamento de plântulas com quatro dias, entretanto, não influenciou naquelas com dois dias. O alagamento reduziu a massa seca das plântulas sem prejudicar sua recuperação pós-estresse, entretanto, o cálcio influenciou no acúmulo de massa seca pós-hipoxia somente em plântulas com quatro dias, mostrando uma recuperação mais rápida dos danos causados no período de alagamento, o que ocorre em plântulas de dois dias de germinação, independentemente desse elemento. Em plântulas mais jovens também houve maior mobilização das reservas de amido, assim como, maior translocação e utilização dessas reservas. O alagamento reduziu drasticamente a atividade da invertase ácida do vacúolo, independentemente da presença do cálcio, comprovando sua não participação nos processos comandados por essa enzima. A redução na atividade das invertases favorece menor concentração de hexoses, diminuindo a respiração anaeróbica e, conseqüentemente, a produção de substâncias tóxicas, aumentando a sobrevida das plântulas em condições de hipoxia.

This research evaluated the plantlet growth and carbohydrate metabolism associated with the increase in hypoxia tolerance caused by calcium presence during germination and/or flooding of maize plantlets with different ages. The experiment was conducted at Universidade Federal de Lavras, MG, in 2002. Maize caryopses (var.'Saracura') were germinated in water or CaCl2. After two and four days, the plantlets were submitted to flooding in PVC tubes with buffer (with or without CaCl2) during three days, being evaluated the survival, dry weight and biochemical characteristics. Calcium increased plantlet survival to flooding at four days, although there was no influence on two-day samples. Flooding reduced the plantlet dry weight without affect on the recovery after stress, therefore calcium influenced dry weight accumulation after hypoxia only in plantlets at four days, showing a faster recovery from damages caused during the flooding period, which also occurs in plantlets treated at two days of germination, but independently of this element. Younger plantlets also showed higher mobilization of the starch reserves, as well as higher translocation and utilization of these reserves. Flooding reduced drastically the vacuole acid invertase activity, independent of calcium presence, demonstrating that it has no participation in the processes coordinated by this enzyme. The reduction in the invertase activity favors a lower hexose concentration, decreasing anaerobic respiration and, consequently, the production of toxic substances, thereby increasing the survival of plantlets in hypoxia conditions.

Uma prática cuja eficiência não foi ainda comprovada cientificamente, é a pulverização dos cafeeiros com solução diluída de sacarose, como fonte de carbono para as plantas. Este trabalho visou estudar o efeito da pulverização de açúcar via folha nos teores endógenos de carboidratos e na atividade das enzimas invertases e sacarose sintase em mudas de cafeeiros (Coffea arabica L.) com baixo (baixo) e alto (normal) nível de reservas de carbono. As pulverizações ocorreram nas concentrações de 0,5 e 1% de sacarose utilizando-se água como testemunha. A aplicação de sacarose a 1% aumentou a concentração de açúcares solúveis totais (AST) em plantas depauperadas, como também aumentou as atividades das enzimas invertase ácida da parede, invertase ácida do vacúolo, invertase neutra do citosol e sacarose sintase. Em plantas com níveis normais de carboidratos não foi observada nenhuma alteração nos teores dos AST, como também nas atividades de tais enzimas. Independentemente dos tratamentos aplicados e do estado fisiológico das plantas, não foram observadas diferenças na transpiração e na condutância estomática, mostrando, desta forma, o controle estomático da transpiração. A fotossíntese foi estimulada a 0,5% e 1% em plantas depauperadas, o que não aconteceu com plantas normais. A pulverização de sacarose em mudas de cafeeiros só é eficiente tratando-se de plantas depauperadas na concentração de 1%.

One management practice of which the efficiency has not yet been scientifically tested is spraying coffee plants with diluted sucrose solutions as a source of carbon for the plant. This paper evaluates the effect of foliar spraying with sugar on the endogenous level of carbohydrates and on the activities of invertase and sucrose synthase in coffee (Coffea arabica L.) seedlings with reduced (low) and high (normal) levels of carbon reserve. The concentrations used were 0.5 and 1.0% sucrose, and water as a control. The use of sucrose at 1.0% caused an increase in the concentration of total soluble sugars in depauperate plants, as well as increased the activity of the following enzymes: cell wall and vacuole acid invertase, neutral cytosol invertase and sucrose synthase. In plants with high level of carbon reserve, no increments in total soluble sugar levels or in enzymatic activity were observed. Regardless of treatments or plants physiological state, no differences in transpiration or stomatal conductance were observed, demonstrating the stomatal control of transpiration. Photosynthesis was stimulated with the use of 0.5 and 1.0 % sucrose only in depauperate plants. Coffee seedling spraying with sucrose is only efficient for depauperate plants, at the concentration of 1.0%.