Pectis brevipedunculata is native species and widely available in dry and semi-arid ecosystems showing high biotechnological potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the circadian and seasonal chemical variation of the essential oil (EO) of P. brevipedunculata, as well as its acaricide effect on Rhipicephalus microplus larvae. Aerial parts were collected and submitted to the hydrodistillation process, and the chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). For the assays with R. microplus, the larval immersion test was performed. The main constituents were citral (75% of the EO), followed by α-pinene and limonene. In the seasonality analysis, the highest yields were in the months of April (2.08%) and August (2.05%), while in the study of circadian rhythm, the percentage was 2.0% at 6 p.m. in the rainy season, and 1.2%, dry season at 6 p.m. Concerning acaricidal activity (50% lethal concentration (LC50)), the April (1.17 mg mL-1), March (1.28 mg mL-1), June (1.37 mg mL-1), and October (1.27 mg mL-1) oils obtained were the most active and assays performed with circadian rhythm revealed in the rain season (April) at 6 p.m. and dry season (September) at 12 a.m. LC50 values of 1.75 and 1.75 mg mL-1, respectively. Additionally, this EO is selective to non-target organisms, i.e., ladybeetles and lacewing.

DiGeorge syndrome is a disorder caused by a microdeletion on the long arm of chromosome 22. Approximately 1% of patients diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome may have an absence of a functional thymus, which characterizes the complete form of the syndrome. These patients require urgent treatment to reconstitute T cell immunity. Thymus transplantation is a promising investigational procedure for reconstitution of thymic function in infants with congenital athymia. Here, we demonstrate a possible optimization of the preparation of thymus slices for transplantation through prior depletion of thymocytes and leukocyte cell lineages followed by cryopreservation with cryoprotective media (5% dextran FP 40, 5% Me2SO, and 5% FBS) while preserving tissue architecture. Thymus fragments were stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C for 30 days or one year. The tissue architecture of the fragments was preserved, including the distinction between medullary thymic epithelial cells (TECs), cortical TECs, and Hassall bodies. Moreover, depleted thymus fragments cryopreserved for one year were recolonized by intrathymic injections of 3×106 thymocytes per mL, demonstrating the capability of these fragments to support T cell development. Thus, this technique opens up the possibility of freezing and storing large volumes of thymus tissue for immediate transplantation into patients with DiGeorge syndrome or atypical (Omenn-like) phenotype.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho reprodutivo dos perdizes de asas vermelhas em cativeiro utilizando diferentes sistemas de acasalamento durante três épocas de reprodução. Os dados foram coletados de agosto a março, durante três épocas de reprodução da espécie. Dez casais e quatro grupos de perdizes de asas vermelhas foram selecionados aleatoriamente para a formação do sistema de acasalamento monogâmico e poliginoso, respectivamente, com coleta de ovos de ambos os sistemas. Os traços avaliados foram o número de ovos por fêmea, a quebra dos ovos e a fertilização dos ovos. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente pelo método dos mínimos quadrados e pela regressão logística. Os animais na estratégia de acasalamento de casais foram superiores (P<0,05) em termos de número de óvulos por fêmea, em comparação com a estratégia de acasalamento do grupo. Foi observada uma alta taxa de quebra de ovos (P<0,05) nos grupos perdizes de asas vermelhas. Ovos de animais em estratégia de acasalamento de casais foram 5,24 e 11,5 mais propensos a serem fertilizados do que os de estratégia de grupo em duas épocas de reprodução. Em geral, a eficiência reprodutiva em termos de baixa quebra de ovos, alta produção de ovos e fertilidade foi observada para os tinâmicos de asas vermelhas do sistema de acasalamento monogâmico.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of red-winged tinamous in captivity using different mating systems during three breeding seasons. The data were collected from August to March during three breeding seasons of the species. Ten couples and four groups of red-winged tinamous were randomly selected for formation of the monogamous and polygynous mating system, respectively, with egg collection from both systems. The traits evaluated were number of eggs per female, egg breaking and egg fertilization. Data were statistically analyzed by the least square method and logistic regression. Animals in couples mating strategy were superior (P<0.05) in terms of number of eggs per female compared to the group mating strategy. High egg breaking rate (P<0.05) in the red-winged tinamous groups was observed. Eggs of animals in couples mating strategy were 5.24 and 11.5 more likely to be fertilized than those of group strategy in two breeding seasons. In general, the reproductive efficiency in terms of low egg breaking, high egg production and fertility was observed for red-winged tinamous from the monogamous mating system.

In early 2021, Brazil saw a dramatic recurrence in Covid-19 cases associated to the spread of a novel variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the P1 variant. In light of previous reports showing that this variant is more transmissible and more likely to infect people who had recovered from previous infection, a retrospective analysis was conducted to assess if the early 2021 Covid-19 wave in Brazil was associated with an increase in the number of individuals presenting with a more severe clinical course. Fifty-one thousand and fourteen individuals who underwent telemedicine consultations were divided into two groups: patients seen on or before January 31, 2021, and on or after February 1, 2021. These dates were chosen based on the spread of the P1 variant in Brazil. Referral to the emergency department (ED) was used as a marker of a more severe course of the disease. No differences were seen in the proportion of patients referred to the ED in each group nor in the odds ratio of being referred to the ED from the 1st of February 2021 (OR=0.909; 95%CI: 0.81-1.01). Considering the entire cohort, age had an impact on the odds of being referred to the ED, with individuals older than 59 years showing twice the risk of the remaining population and those less than 19 years showing a lower risk.

RESUMO A fita nasal é amplamente utilizada em equinos durante o exercício, porém seus resultados são controversos e pouco conhecidos em animais que disputam provas de resistência. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar se o uso da fita nasal influencia a população de células alveolares por meio de lavado broncoalveolar, volume corrente e fluxo de ar nasal. Foram utilizados seis equinos da raça Árabe, que realizaram dois testes de longa duração em esteira, sendo um teste com a fita e outro sem a fita nasal. Fluxo e volume respiratório foram mensurados durante o teste; duas horas após o término do exercício, foi realizado lavado broncoalveolar para realização de citologia da secreção pulmonar. Foi verificada maior porcentagem de neutrófilos após o exercício nos animais que se exercitaram com a fita nasal (P<0,05), indicando que o turbilhonamento na passagem do ar através da cavidade nasal pode ter diminuído, permitindo que partículas maiores se depositassem em porções mais distais do sistema respiratório, induzindo uma resposta neutrofílica mais intensa. Não houve diferenças entre os parâmetros ventilatórios analisados entre os animais quando correram com ou sem a fita nasal (P>0,05). O uso da fita nasal parece influenciar alguns parâmetros, durante e após o exercício, em animais que realizam provas de longa duração. Outros estudos devem ser realizados para verificar se essa influência pode melhorar o desempenho desses animais em exercícios predominantemente aeróbicos.

ABSTRACT The nasal strip is widely used in horses during exercise, but effects of using a nasal strip are controversial and little is known about its effect on horses undergoing endurance events. The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of nasal strips influences alveolar cell population assessed by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), tidal volume, and nasal airflow rate. Six Arabian horses were subjected to two low intensity tests on a treadmill, with and without application of a commercial external nasal strip. Tidal volumes and airflow rates were measured during the test; two hours after the test, BAL was performed to assess cytology of pulmonary secretions. The lavage fluid showed increased neutrophil count after exercise in animals with the nasal strip (P<0.05). This suggests that turbulence of airflow through the nasal cavity may have diminished with nasal strip use, thus allowing larger particles to be deposited more distally in the respiratory system, inducing a more intense neutrophilic response. No differences in tidal volumes or airflow rates were observed between groups (with or without nasal strips) during the test (P>0.05). The use of nasal strips seems to influence alveolar cell population during and after exercise in horses after low intensity exercise tests. Further studies are needed to verify whether alveolar cell population is related to poor exercise performance in horses.

Abstract This study evaluated the ability of resistance training (RT) of moderate intensity to promote vascular changes in insulin-induced vasodilation in healthy animals. Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control (CON) and trained (eight weeks of training, performing 3 sets with 10 repetitions at 60% of maximum intensity). Forty-eight hours after the last session of the RT, the animals were sacrificed and vascular reactivity to insulin in the absence and presence of LY294002 (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitors (PI3K), L-NAME (nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors) and BQ123 (endothelin A antagonist (ET-A) receptor). In addition, phenylephrine (Phe)-induced vasoconstriction in the absence and presence of L-NAME was also evaluated. The RT group showed greater vasodilation in maximal response compared to the CON group. After PI3K inhibition, vasodilation was reduced in both groups. However, when the NOS participation was evaluated, the RT group showed contraction in relation to the CON group, which was abolished by BQ123. In addition, the RT group had an increase in nitrite levels compared to the CON group. When the Phe response was evaluated, there was a reduction in tension in the RT group compared to the CON group. The results suggest that RT improves vascular reactivity.

Introdução: A consulta aberta (CA) destina-se à resolução de situações agudas, urgentes ou que necessitem de rápida resolução, existindo poucos estudos que a caracterizem. O presente estudo tem como objetivo a caracterização da CA médica de uma Unidade de Saúde Familiar (USF) relativamente aos seus utilizadores, padrão de afluência, motivos de consulta e sua adequação. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo observacional, transversal e analítico, de uma amostra por conveniência de CA realizada durante uma semana por mês, aleatória, entre 01.06.2015 e 31.05.2016. Aplicou-se um questionário elaborado pelos autores e procedeu-se à análise descritiva e exploratória dos dados. Resultados: Recolheram-se dados de 1171 CA (taxa de participação de 63%). A maioria dos utentes era do sexo feminino (62%), com 40-44 anos (9,5%; p<0,001) e isenta de taxa moderadora (57,9%; p<0,001). A maior afluência verificou-se em julho e agosto de 2015, e março de 2016 (p<0,001), à segunda-feira (23%) e às 9, 11, 14 e 15 horas (p<0,001). Foram considerados adequados 88% dos motivos de consulta. Discussão: Apesar de limitações na colheita de dados, o desenho do estudo é robusto (tamanho e seleção amostral, teste piloto). As principais conclusões apontam para a necessidade de adequar a resposta nos períodos de maior afluência e aumentar a oferta de CA dos médicos de família. Este estudo poderá constituir um ponto de partida para melhorias na resposta em CA noutras unidades funcionais inseridas noutros contextos sociodemográficos.

Introduction: The walk-in appointment (WA) intends to give an answer to situations that are considered acute, urgent or that require quick-resolution. This study aims to characterize a Family Health Unit’s WA in what concerns its users, affluence pattern, reasons, and adequacy of appointment. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive analysis study was performed using a convenience sample from all unit’s WAs provided during a random week per month between June 1, 2015, and May 31, 2016. A questionnaire designed by the authors was applied and data were analyzed in a descriptive and exploratory way. Results: Data from 1171 WAs was collected (participation rate of 63%). Most users were females (62%), 40-44 years old (9.5%, p<0.001) and exempt of consultation payment fees (57.9%, p<0.001). The highest affluence occurred in July and August 2015 and in March 2016 (p<0.001); on Monday (23%); and at 9/11 a.m. and 2/3 p.m. (p<0.001). The reasons for the WAs were considered adequate in 88% of the cases. Discussion: Despite some limitations, the performed study is robust and considered adequate (size and sample selection, as well as a pilot test). The main conclusions show the need to adapt the response of the unit’s WAs during peak periods and increase the response of each family physician’s WAs. This study could be a starting point for improvements in other primary care units’ WAs involved in other socio-demographic contexts.

Abstract This study evaluated whether resistance training (RT) could prevent glucocorticoid-induced vascular changes. Wistar rats were divided into groups: control (CO), dexamethasone (DEX), and Dexamethasone+RT (DEX+RT). On the eighth week, dexamethasone was administered in the DEX and DEX+RT groups. Thereafter, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples were used to assess the lipid profile, glucose and insulin. Vascular reactivity to insulin and phenylephrine (Phe) were evaluated. The DEX+RT group presented an improvement in the lipid profile, fasting glucose, and insulin levels compared to the DEX group. In addition, vasodilation was reduced in the DEX group compared to the CO group, and was increased in the DEX+RT group. After inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, DEX group showed contraction, in which it was in the DEX + RT group. When nitric oxide synthase (NOS) participation was evaluated, the DEX group presented a contraction compared to the CO group, with no contractile effect in the DEX+RT group. Moreover, vasoconstriction caused by NOS inhibition was abolished by BQ123 (endothelin receptor antagonist). In respect Phe response, there was an increase in tension in the DEX group compared to the CO group, being reduced in the DEX+RT group. The results suggest that RT prevented damage to vascular reactivity.

ABSTRACT Caddisflies are a highly diverse group of aquatic insects, particularly in the Neotropical region where there is a high number of endemic taxa. Based on taxonomic contributions published until August 2019, a total of 796 caddisfly species have been recorded from Brazil. Taxonomic data about Brazilian caddisflies are currently open access at the “Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil” website (CTFB), an on-line database with taxonomic information on the animal species occurring in Brazil. The order Trichoptera at CTFB includes a catalog of species recorded for the country, with synonymic lists, distribution throughout six biomes, 12 hydrographic regions, and 27 political states (including Federal District) from Brazil. The database is constantly updated to include newly published data. In this study, we reviewed the taxonomic effort on Brazilian caddisflies based on data currently in CTFB database. The accumulation curve of species described or recorded from the country, by year, shows a strong upward trend in last 25 years, indicating that it is possible that there are many more species to be described. Based on presence/absence of caddisfly species at three geographic levels (biomes, hydrographic regions, and states), second order Jackknife estimated at least 1,586 species occurring in Brazil (with hydrographic regions as unities), indicating we currently know about 50% of the Brazilian caddisfly fauna. Species distribution by Brazilian biomes reveals that the Atlantic Forest is the most diverse, with 490 species (298 endemic), followed by the Amazon Forest, with 255 species (101 endemic). Even though these numbers may be biased because there has been more intense collecting in these two biomes, the percentage of endemic caddisfly species in the Atlantic Forest is remarkable. Considering the distribution throughout hydrographic regions, clustering analyses (UPGMA) based on incidence data reveals two groups: northwestern basins and southeastern. Although these groups have weak bootstrap support and low similarity in species composition, this division of Brazilian caddisfly fauna could be related to Amazon-Atlantic Forest disjunction, with the South American dry diagonal acting as a potential barrier throughout evolutionary time.

ABSTRACT. The objectives were to evaluate the biodiversity of bees, forage behavior and their effect on fruit production in the gherkin crop (Cucumis anguria L.) in the campus of the University Center Moura Lacerda in two years. The frequency and type of collection of the insects in the flowers was observed by counting from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in the first 10 minutes of each time, for three distinct days in each year. The percentage of fruiting was quantified in 25 female flowers covered with nylon compared to the 25 female flowers uncovered in the two years. The flowers were visited by the Africanized honey bees Apis mellifera and the native bees Plebeia sp., Exomalopsis sp. and Melissodes sp., and the Africanized honey bees presented higher frequency and constancy with a higher number of visits in the male flowers compared to the female ones and these visits occurred between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Without the visitation of the bees there was no fruit production, and both the Africanized honey bee and the native ones when collecting nectar and pollen, visited both female and male flowers, carrying pollen in their body, being considered important pollinators of this culture.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the intra- and interobserver reproducibility of manual segmentation of bone sarcomas in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies and to compare manual and semiautomatic segmentation methods. This retrospective study included twelve osteosarcoma and eight Ewing sarcoma MRI studies performed prior to any therapeutic intervention. All cases were histopathologically confirmed. Three radiologists used 3D-Slicer software to perform manual segmentation of bone sarcomas in a blinded and independent manner. One radiologist segmented manually and also performed semiautomatic segmentation with the GrowCut tool. Segmentation exercises were timed for comparison. The dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and Hausdorff distance (HD) were used to evaluate similarity between the segmentation results and further statistical analyses were performed to compare DSC, HD, and volumetric results. Manual segmentation was reproducible with intraobserver DSC varying from 0.83 to 0.97 and HD from 3.37 to 28.73 mm. Interobserver DSC of manual segmentation showed variation from 0.73 to 0.97 and HD from 3.93 to 33.40 mm. Semiautomatic segmentation compared to manual segmentation resulted in DSCs of 0.71−0.96 and HDs of 5.38−31.54 mm. Semiautomatic segmentation required significantly less time compared to manual segmentation (P value ≤0.05). Among all situations compared, tumor volumetry did not show significant statistical differences (P value >0.05). We found excellent intra- and interobserver agreement for manual segmentation of osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma. There was high similarity between manual and semiautomatic segmentation, with a significant reduction of segmentation time using the semiautomatic method.

RESUMO Com frequência, infecções virais são associadas a problemas da reprodução em rebanhos de bovinos de corte e leite de todo o mundo. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar variáveis de manejo que possam constituir fatores de risco da infecção por BoHV-1 e/ou por BVDV em rebanhos leiteiros com histórico de problemas da reprodução em vacas mestiças em manejo extensivo e sem histórico de vacinação prévia para o controle de IBR e BVD. Anticorpos neutralizantes anti-BoHV-1, anti-BVDV e para ambos os vírus simultaneamente foram identificados em 62,5% (165/264), 45,1% (119/264) e 31,4% (83/264), respectivamente, das amostras analisadas. Os fatores de risco associados à infecção por BoHV-1 foram rebanhos com número total de fêmeas superior a 100, presença de ordenha mecânica, não utilização de inseminação artificial na reprodução e a compra infrequente de animais. Para BVDV, os fatores de risco foram aptidão mista (leite/corte) do rebanho, presença de ordenha mecânica, ausência de quarentena para os animais recém-adquiridos, presença de piquete de parição e a não utilização de inseminação artificial. Para a infecção simultânea (BoHV-1/BVDV), a presença de ordenha mecânica aumentou o risco em 3,36 vezes, e o uso de inseminação artificial reduziu em 56% o risco de infecção nos rebanhos avaliados.

ABSTRACT Viral infections are frequently associated with reproductive problems in dairy and beef cattle worldwide. The aim of this study was to verify managerial practices that may constitute risk factors associated with infection by BoHV-1 and/or BVDV in dairy herds with a history of reproductive disease in extensively reared dairy cows without a previous history of vaccination against IBR and BVD. Neutralizing antibodies anti-BoHV-1, anti-BVDV or both were detected in 62.5% (165/264), 45.1% (119/264), and 31.4% (83/264), respectively, in the samples analyzed. The risk factors associated with infection by BoHV-1 were herds with more than 100 cows, the presence of mechanical milking, the non-utilization of artificial insemination, and the infrequent acquisition of animals. Risk factors associated with BVDV were dual-purpose herds (milk and beef), these include the utilization of mechanical milking, absence of quarantine for newly acquired animals, the presence of picket calving, and the absence of artificial insemination. For simultaneous infections by both viruses (BoHV-1 and BVDV) the use of mechanical milking increased the chance of infection 3.36-fold while the use of artificial insemination reduced the risk of infection by 56% in these herds.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito da adição de plasma seminal de garanhões de alta e baixa fertilidade sobre a congelabilidade e a viabilidade de espermatozoides do ejaculado (EJ) e do epidídimo (EP) de garanhões subférteis. Foram utilizados seis garanhões com histórico de subfertilidade. Após coleta, espermatozoides do ejaculado foram divididos em três alíquotas: BotuSêmen® (EJ-CT); plasma seminal de alta qualidade espermática (EJ-PS1); e plasma seminal de baixa qualidade espermática (EJ-PS2). O mesmo protocolo foi realizado com espermatozoides da cauda do epidídimo após orquiectomia (EP-CT; EP-PS1; EP-PS2). Foram realizadas avaliações da cinética espermática pelo CASA e análises de integridade de membrana, acrossoma, fragmentação de DNA, capacitação espermática e peroxidação espermática por citometria de fluxo. Não foram observadas diferenças na cinética espermática entre EJ e EP, logo após a descongelação. Porém, foi observada maior (P<0,05) porcentagem de células com membranas plasmática e acrossomal íntegras nos grupos EP (EP-CT:31,7±7,5b; EP-PS1:35,2±7,0b; EP-PS2:33,9±7,2b) em comparação aos grupos EJ (EJ-CT:15,1±4,9a; EJ-PS1:11,7±4,5a; EJ-PS2:13,1±5,2a). Adicionalmente, foram observadas diferenças no índice de fragmentação de DNA (EJ-CT:2,6±0,6a; EJ-PS1:2,4±0,8a; EJ-PS2:3,0±0,8a; EP-CT:1,4±0,4b; EP-PS1:1,2±0,3b; EP-PS2:1,3±0,2b). Concluiu-se que a adição de 20% de plasma seminal, oriundo de animais férteis ou subférteis, previamente à congelação de espermatozoides epidídimários de animais subférteis não interfere na qualidade espermática.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the addition of seminal plasma from high and low fertility stallions on sperm viability of frozen-thawed sperm cells from ejaculate and from epididymal tail of subfertile stallions. Six stallions with a history of subfertility were used. After collection, ejaculate spermatozoa were divided into three aliquots: Botu-Semen® (EJ-CT); High-quality seminal plasma (EJ-PS1); Low-quality seminal plasma (EJ-PS2). The same was done with sperm cells from epididymis tail after orchiectomy (EP-CT; EP-PS1; EP-PS2). Evaluations of sperm kinetics were assessed by CASA and membrane and acrosome integrity, DNA fragmentation, sperm capacitation and sperm peroxidation were assessed by flow cytometry. After thawing, no differences were observed between ejaculated sperm (EJ) and epididymal sperm (EP) in any CASA evaluations. However, higher (P< 0.05) percentage of cells with intact plasma and acrossomal membranes was observed in EP groups (EP-CT:31.7±7.5b; EP-PS1:35.2±7.0b; EP-PS2:33.9±7.2b) compared to EJ groups (EJ-CT:15.1±4.9a, EJ-PS1:11.7±4.5a, EJ-PS2:13.1±5,2a). In addition, differences in DNA fragmentation index were observed (EJ-CT:2.6±0.6a; EJ-PS1:2.4±0.8a; EJ-PS2:3.0±0.8a; CT:1.4±0.4b; EP-PS1:1.2±0.3b; EP-PS2:1.3±0.2b). It was concluded that the addition of 20% seminal plasma from fertile or subfertile animals prior to the freezing of epididymal spermatozoa from subfertile animals does not interfere in sperm quality.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de diferentes doses de dois bioestimulantes sobre a produtividade e a estrutura do dossel do capim Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu na fase de estabelecimento. O estudo foi realizado na Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, Parauapebas, Pará, Brasil. Um módulo de 35 parcelas de 25m² foi estabelecido. Utilizou-se delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso, composto de sete tratamentos e cinco repetições cada. Os tratamentos incluídos no controle foram: 0,5, 1 e 2kg/ha de bioestimulante A (BIOST.A); 0,25; 0,5 e 1L/ha de bioestimulante B (BIOST.B). Foram realizadas três coletas. Os dados para a aplicação dos dois bioestimulantes foram analisados separadamente, utilizando-se organização por método variável Dummy e análise de regressão. A aplicação de 2kg/ha BIOST.A resultou em incrementos de 842kg/ha na massa de forragem. A aplicação do BIOST.B na grama marandu resultou em aumento linear na produção de massa do caule. A aplicação de 2kg/ha BIOST.A no estabelecimento de erva de marandu resultou em maiores taxas de crescimento, acumulação de forragem e proporção de caule no dossel.

ABSTRACT The aim was to evaluate the effect of different doses of two biostimulants on the productivity and canopy structure of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu grass in the establishment fase. The study was conducted in Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, Parauapebas, Pará, Brazil. One module of 35 plots of 25m² were established. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with seven treatments and five replicates. The treatments included a control, 0.5, 1, and 2kg/ha of biostimulant A (BIOST.A); and 0.25, 0.5, and 1L/ha of biostimulant B (BIOST.B). Three collections were performed. The data for application of the two biostimulants were analyzed separately, using the Dummy variable method and regression analysis. The application of 2kg/ha BIOST.A resulted in increases of 842kg/ha in the forage mass. The application of BIOST.B on Marandu grass resulted in a linear increase in stem mass. The application of 2kg/ha BIOST.A in the establishment of Marandu grass result in higher growth rates, forage accumulation, and stem proportion in the canopy.

RESUMO Diferentes horários de irrigação resultam em diferentes taxas de transpiração, devido à disponibilidade de água e sua interação com a demanda evapotranspirativa. O déficit de pressão de vapor é um indicador preciso da capacidade evaporativa da atmosfera e pode afetar as plantas, devido ao movimento da água no sistema contínuo solo-planta-atmosfera. Objetivou-se avaliar o crescimento, produtividade e eficiência do uso da água de pimentões submetidos a horários (08:00 h e 14:00 h) e níveis de reposição hídrica (60 %, 80 %, 100 %, 120 % e 140 % da necessidade hídrica da cultura - ETc) baseados na demanda evapotranspirativa. O aumento nos níveis de irrigação puderam ser ajustados ao modelo linear para as variáveis número de frutos por planta, peso médio e total de frutos por planta, comprimento dos frutos e peso seco da raiz, do caule e total. A irrigação às 14:00 h aumentou o peso total e médio e o número de frutos por planta, bem como o comprimento dos frutos, se comparada à irrigação às 08:00 h, além de aumentar a produtividade em 50,82 % (2.343,0 g planta-1 para 3.533,6 g planta-1) e a eficiência do uso da água em 55,64 %. Em áreas sujeitas à escassez de água, o estabelecimento de horários de irrigação baseados em práticas de manejo de irrigação pode aumentar a produtividade e a eficiência no uso de água em pimentões.

ABSTRACT Different irrigation times result in variable transpiration rates, due to the water availability and its interaction with the evapotranspiration demand. The vapor pressure deficit is an accurate indicator of the atmosfere evaporative capacity and can affect plants because of the movement of water in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum system. This study aimed to evaluate the plant growth, yield and water-use efficiency of bell peppers under irrigation times (8 a.m. and 2 p.m.) and water replacement levels (60 %, 80 %, 100 %, 120 % and 140 % of the crop water requirement - ETc) based on the evapotranspiration demand. The increase in the irrigation levels could be fit to linear models for the variables number of fruits per plant, mean and total fruit weight per plant, fruit length, and root, stem and total dry weight. Irrigation at 2 p.m. increased the total and mean fruit weight and number of fruits per plant, as well as fruit length, if compared to the irrigation at 8 a.m., besides increasing the yield by 50.82 % (2,343.0 g plant-1 to 3,533.6 g plant-1) and the water-use efficiency by 55.64 %. In areas subjected to water shortages, establishing irrigation times based on irrigation management practices can increase the water-use efficiency and yield for bell peppers.