Metal additive manufacturing has evolved to a manufacturing process used in different industries. Especially in highly complex applications with small batches, such as aerospace or tooling, laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) has become established. But one of its major limitations is the size of the build chamber, which is limited to around 800 x 400 x 500 mm for the largest machine that is currently available. One solution to overcome this size limitation is to weld additive manufactured parts. While it has been proven for different materials that conventional welding processes can be applied to LPBF manufactured parts, the resulting weld seam quality for AlSi10Mg is still insufficient. By using laser welding in a vacuum, which is a newly developed and highly efficient laser welding process, the quality of the weld seams, especially in terms of porosity, can be improved. This technology is used to produce weld seams that are then tested for their mechanical properties. Finally, a solution for combining LPBF parts with conventional aluminium alloys is presented.

Metaal toevoegingsvervaardiging het ontwikkel tot 'n vervaardigingstegniek wat in verskeie bedrywe gebruik word. Dit is veral die geval in baie komplekse toepassings met 'n klein produksielot soos in die lugvaart of gereedskapstuk vervaardigingsbedrywe. Een van die ernstige beperkings van laser poeierbedfusie, een van die gevestigde vervaardigingstegnieke, is die grootte van die kamer - die grootste masjien is beperk tot 'n kamer van 800 x 400 x 500 mm. Een manier om hierdie probleem op te los, is om toevoegingsvervaardigde onderdele aan mekaar vas te sweis. Alhoewel daar al bewys is dat konvensionele sweistegnieke geskik is vir laser poeierbedfusie vervaardigde onderdele, is die sweisgehalte vir AlSi10Mg onvoldoende. 'n Nuwe sweistegniek, naamlik lasersweis binne 'n vakuum, verbeter die gehalte van sweisnate, veral die porositeit. Die sweisnate wat met hierdie sweistegniek gevorm word, word in hierdie artikel getoets om hul meganiese eienskappe te bepaal. Daar word dan n oplossing om laser poeierbedfusie vervaardigde onderdele aan mekaar vas te sweis voorgehou.

Abstract Background: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a global health problem. Increased sympathetic outflow, cardiac arrhythmogenesis and irregular breathing patterns have all been associated with poor outcomes in CHF. Several studies showed that activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) play a key role in CHF pathophysiology. Interestingly, potassium (K+) supplemented diets showed promising results in normalizing RAS axis and autonomic dysfunction in vascular diseases, lowering cardiovascular risk. Whether subtle increases in dietary K+ consumption may exert similar effects in CHF has not been previously tested. Accordingly, we aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary K+ supplementation on cardiorespiratory alterations in rats with CHF. Methods: Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent volume overload to induce non-ischemic CHF. Animals were randomly allocated to normal chow diet (CHF group) or supplemented K+ diet (CHF+K+ group) for 6 weeks. Cardiac arrhythmogenesis, sympathetic outflow, baroreflex sensitivity, breathing disorders, chemoreflex function, respiratory– cardiovascular coupling and cardiac function were evaluated. Results: Compared to normal chow diet, K+ supplemented diet in CHF significantly reduced arrhythmia incidence (67.8 ± 15.1 vs. 31.0 ± 3.7 events/hour, CHF vs. CHF+K+), decreased cardiac sympathetic tone (ΔHR to propranolol: - 97.4 ± 9.4 vs. - 60.8 ± 8.3 bpm, CHF vs. CHF+K+), restored baroreflex function and attenuated irregular breathing patterns. Additionally, supplementation of the diet with K+ restores normal central respiratory chemoreflex drive and abrogates pathological cardio-respiratory coupling in CHF rats being the outcome an improved cardiac function. Conclusion: Our findings support that dietary K+ supplementation in non-ischemic CHF alleviate cardiorespiratory dysfunction.

Abstract The objective of this study was to identify polyploid plants from citrus rootstocks and to evaluate the influence of the genetic constitution and of the environment on the frequency of chromosome duplication. Populations obtained from rootstock seeds of Trifoliata [Poncirus trifoliate (L.) Raf], citrumelo 'Swingle' [C. paradise Macf. × P. trifoliate], citrange 'Troyer' [C. sinensis (L.) Osb. x P. trifoliate] and citranges Fepagro 'C13', 'C37' and 'C41' [C. sinensis (L.) Osb. cv. Pêra x P. trifoliata] were evaluated under field and greenhouse conditions. Flow cytometry analysis of 415 field plants and 435 greenhouse plants identified seven (1.69%) and 29 (6.67%) tetraploids, respectively. Differences in the number of tetraploid plants among genotypes and locations were observed in field progenies of 'C 37' (2.12%) and 'C 13' (2.04%) and in greenhouse progenies of 'C 13' (15.52%) and 'C 37' (6%). The frequency of autotetraploidization events in citrus rootstocks is common and appears to be associated to genetic constitution and environmental conditions.

RESUMO Apoda drástica é uma alternativa de controle recomendada para pomares onde há incidência de cancro cítrico (Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri). Objetivou-se avaliar a influência de seis porta-enxertos no crescimento, produção e qualidade dos frutos de laranjeira-de-umbigo 'Monte Parnaso' (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb.), após a realização de poda drástica para erradicação do cancro cítrico. O delineamento foi em blocos ao acaso, com seis tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os porta-enxertos testados foram: laranjeira 'Caipira' (C. sinensis (L.) Osb.), limoeiros 'Volkameriano' (C. volkameriana Pasq.) e 'Cravo' (C. limonia Osb.), citrumeleiro 'Swingle' (C. paradisi Macf. × Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.), tangerineira 'Sunki'(C. sunki Hort. ex Tan.) e citrangeiro 'Troyer'(C. sinensis × P. trifoliata). Foram avaliadas variáveis referentes ao tamanho das plantas, produção e qualidade dos frutos.A maior produção acumulada foi obtida com 'Cravo', 'Volkameriano' e 'Sunki'. 'Cravo' e 'Volkameriano' induziram maior eficiência produtiva, frutos de maior massa média e menor queda de frutos pré-colheita. Todos os porta-enxertos induziram produção de frutos de alta qualidade e tamanhos de copa semelhantes.

ABSTRACT Drastic pruning is an alternative control recommended in orchards affected by citrus canker (Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri). This study aimed at evaluating the influence of six rootstocks on growth, yield and quality of 'Monte Parnaso'(Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb.) navel oranges, after performing a drastic pruning to eradicate the citrus canker. A complete randomized blocks design, with six treatments and four replicates, was used. The following rootstocks were tested: 'Caipira' sweet orange (C. sinensis (L.) Osb.), 'Volkamer' lemon (C. volkameriana Pasq.), 'Cravo' Rangpur lime (C. limonia Osb.), 'Swingle'citrumelo (C. paradisi Macf. x Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.), 'Sunki' mandarin (C. sunki Hort. ex Tan.) and 'Troyer' citrange (C. sinensis x P. trifoliata). Traits related to plant height, yield and fruit quality were evaluated. The largest cumulative yield was obtained from 'Cravo', 'Volkamer' and 'Sunki'. 'Cravo' and 'Volkamer' induced higher production efficiency, fruits with the highest average weight and the lowest pre-harvest fruit drop. All the evaluated rootstocks produced high quality fruits and similar canopy sizes.

Porta-enxertos cítricos tetraploides podem apresentar características morfológicas e desenvolvimento diferenciados comparados a plantas diploides. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar características morfológicas e o crescimento em altura de plantas diploides e tetraploides dos porta-enxertos citrumelo Swingle [C. paradisi Macf. x Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf], citrange Troyer [C. sinensis (L.) Osb. x P. trifoliata] e dos citranges Fepagro C 13 e Fepagro C 37 (C. sinensis cv. Pêra x P. trifoliata) por um período de 12 meses. Plantas diploides (2n=18) e tetraploides (2n=36) oriundas da mesma semente foram identificadas, estabelecidas e avaliadas a cada 45 dias quanto a cor, altura, comprimento do pecíolo, da folha e largura do limbo do folíolo central. Diferenças significativas foram observadas nos caracteres avaliados: a média do comprimento do pecíolo nas plantas diploides foi de 1,78 cm e, nas tetraploides, de 0,99 cm; a média do comprimento das folhas nas diploides foi de 2,32cm e nas tetraploides de 2,95 cm; a média de largura dos folíolos centrais das folhas das plantas diploides foi de 1,33 cm e, nas tetraploides, de 1,69 cm; além disso, as plantas tetraploides apresentaram folhas com coloração mais escura e mais espessas do que as das diploides. Variações foram observadas na altura, com as plantas diploides apresentando maior crescimento que as tetraploides. Portanto, plantas tetraploides apresentam menor tamanho, crescimento em altura mais lento e folhas mais largas e compridas.

Tetraploid citrus rootstocks may present different morphological characteristics and growth when compared to diploid ones. This worked aimed at comparing morphological characteristics and height growth of diploid and tetraploid plants from the rootstocks 'Swingle' citrumelo [C. paradise Macf. x Poncirus trifoliate (L.) Raf], citrange 'Troyer' (C. sinensis (L.) Osb. x P. trifoliata) and citranges 'Fepagro C 13' and 'Fepagro C 37' [C. sinensis cv. Pêra x P. trifoliata] during twelve months. Diploid (2n=18) and tetraploid (2n=36) plants originated from the same seed were identified, cultivated and evaluated every 45 days regarding color, height, petiole length, leaf length and central leaflet width. Significant differences were observed for the evaluated characteristics: the average of petiole length was 1.78 cm in the diploid and 0.99 cm in the tetraploid plants; the average of leaf length was 2.32 cm in the diploid and 2.95 cm in the tetraploid plants; the average of central leaflet width was 1.33 cm in the diploid and 1.69 cm in the tetraploid plants. Moreover, tetraploid plants had darker and thicker leaves than the diploid ones. Variation regarding height was observed and the diploid plants presented higher growth than the tetraploid ones. As tetraploid plants are smaller, have a slow height growth and wider and longer leaves.

Phyllanthus niruri L. (Euphorbiaceae), conhecida como "quebra-pedra", é uma planta medicinal utilizada frequentemente pela população no tratamento de problemas renais. Foram avaliadas as atividades genotóxicas, antigenotóxicas e citotóxicas de um extrato padronizado dessa espécie em ratos. Três grupos de doze animais foram tratados durante trinta dias, por gavagem, com 50, 150 ou 250 mg/kg/dia de solução aquosa do extrato de P. niruri e um grupo controle (n=12) recebeu água destilada pela mesma via. No final do tratamento os grupos foram divididos em dois subgrupos (6 animais/grupo) e receberam uma dose única de ciclofosfamida (50 mg/kg, i.p.) ou de solução salina 0,9% (i.p.). Após 24 horas, a frequência de eritrócitos policromáticos micronucleados (EPCMN) foi avaliada em 1000 EPC. A citotoxicidade foi avaliada pela relação entre eritrócitos policromáticos e normocromáticos (EPC/ENC) e a toxicidade geral foi avaliada através dos parâmetros de ganho de peso corporal, consumo de ração e ingestão hídrica. O extrato seco não provocou alterações significativas no peso corporal, ganho de peso e consumo de ração em relação ao grupo controle, nem alterações na frequência de EPCMN ou citotoxicidade em medula óssea. Dessa maneira, pode-se concluir que P. niruri não apresentou atividades genotóxica, antigenotóxica e/ou citotóxica nas condições experimentais executadas.

Phyllanthus niruri L. (Euphorbiaceae), known as "quebra-pedra" (Portuguese for "stonebreaker"), is an herb used for kidney disorders. In light of its frequent use by the population, the present study aimed to investigate the genotoxic, antigenotoxic and cytotoxic activities of a standardized P. niruri extract in bone marrow rats. Three groups of 12 animals were treated daily by gavage over a period of 30 days, with 50, 150 or 250 mg/kg of P. niruri extract aqueous solution. The control group (n = 12) received tap water. At the end of treatment (day 31), groups were divided into two minor subgroups (n=6/group) and received cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline 0.9% (i.p.). After 24 hours, we evaluated the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes for each animal (MNPCE) at 1000 PCE. Cytotoxicity was evaluated with the PCE/NCE ratio (NEC = normochromatic erythrocytes). General toxicity was assessed during treatment using the parameters of body weight gain, ration and water consumption. The dry extract did not provoke changes in body weight, weight gain, ration and water intake or changes in the frequency of MNPCE or cytotoxicity in bone marrow. We propose that the P. niruri extract used here showed no genotoxic, antigenotoxic and cytotoxic activities under the experimental conditions.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de seis porta-enxertos sobre a produção, a qualidade dos frutos e o crescimento da tangerineira 'Oneco', durante as sete primeiras safras, em Butiá, Rio Grande do Sul. Os porta-enxertos avaliados foram: citrumeleiro 'Swingle' (Citrus paradisi × Poncirus trifoliata), laranjeira 'Caipira' (C. sinensis), citrangeiro 'Troyer' (C. sinensis × P. trifoliata.), limoeiro 'Cravo' (C. limonia), limoeiro 'Volkameriano' (C. volkameriana) e trifoliata 'Flying Dragon' (P. trifoliata var. monstrosa). As plantas enxertadas sobre 'Flying Dragon' apresentaram menor desenvolvimento vegetativo, o que indica as características nanizantes deste porta-enxerto, e obtiveram a maior eficiência produtiva média, apesar da baixa produção. As plantas enxertadas sobre os limoeiros 'Volkameriano' e 'Cravo' apresentaram as maiores alternâncias de produção. Nas condições experimentais avaliadas, os melhores porta-enxertos para a tangerineira 'Oneco' são o citrumeleiro 'Swingle' e o citrangeiro 'Troyer', no que se refere à produção e à qualidade dos frutos.

The objective of this work was to assess the effect of six rootstocks on yield, fruit quality, and growth of 'Oneco' mandarin during the first seven harvesting seasons, in Butiá, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The rootstocks evaluated were: 'Swingle' citrumelo (Citrus paradisi × Poncirus trifoliata), 'Caipira' orange (C. sinensis), 'Troyer' citrange (C. sinensis × P. trifoliata), 'Rangpur' lime (C. limonia), 'Volkamer' lemon (C. volkameriana), and 'Flying Dragon' trifoliata orange (P. trifoliata var. monstrosa). Plants budded onto 'Flying Dragon' had the lowest vegetative development, which indicates the dwarfing characteristics of this rootstock, and had the highest mean production efficiency, despite low yield. Plants grafted on 'Volkamer' lemon and 'Rangpur' lime had the highest alternate bearing. Under the experimental conditions evaluated, the most adequate rootstocks for mandarin 'Oneco' are 'Swingle' citrumelo and 'Troyer' citrange, regarding fruit yield and quality.

Human malignant malaria is caused by Plasmodium falciparum and accounts for almost 900,000 deaths per year, the majority of which are children and pregnant women in developing countries. There has been significant effort to understand the biology of P. falciparum and its interactions with the host. However, these studies are hindered because several aspects of parasite biology remain controversial, such as N- and O-glycosylation. This review describes work that has been done to elucidate protein glycosylation in P. falciparum and it focuses on describing biochemical evidence for N- and O-glycosylation. Although there has been significant work in this field, these aspects of parasite biochemistry need to be explored further.

Estudou-se a prevalência de Salmonella spp. em suínos ao abate e compararam-se os resultados obtidos no isolamento e na sorologia de modo a determinar a fase mais importante de infecção (granja ou transporte/espera pré-abate) em relação ao número de suínos portadores encontrados ao abate. Foram avaliados 40 rebanhos de três diferentes empresas do sul do Brasil, com colheitas de sangue e linfonodos mesentéricos de 20 animais por lote. O soro foi submetido ao ELISA produzido com antígeno somático de Salmonella Typhimurium. A frequência de isolamento variou de 62,5% a 85,0%, enquanto a soroprevalência de 73,8% a 83,2% nos três sistemas amostrados. Os sorovares mais prevalentes foram Agona, Typhimurium e Panama. A infecção dos animais ocorreu nas granjas produtoras de suínos nestes sistemas de produção, pois os lotes apresentaram elevada soroprevalência ao abate. Concluiu-se que o controle da infecção por Salmonella spp. no sul do Brasil deve iniciar-se pela implementação de medidas de profilaxia nas granjas de produção de suínos.

The prevalence of Salmonella in slaughtered swines was evaluated and the results of serology and Salmonella isolation were compared to determine the most important stage of the infection (on-farm or transport and pre-slaughter) in relation to the number of carrier animals found at slaughter. Forty herds from three different swine raisers of the southern region of Brazil were sampled at slaughter. Blood and mesenteric lymph nodes were collected from 20 swines of each herd. Serum samples were submitted to ELISA including somatic antigens of S. Typhimurium. Salmonella was isolated from 62.5% to 85.0% of the animals, while seroprevalence varied from 73.8% to 83.2% in the three swine raisers. Serovar Agona, Typhimurium, and Panama were the most prevalent among the Salmonella isolates. Isolation and serological results demonstrated that Salmonella infection occurred during the on-farm stage, since a high seroprevalence was detected at slaughter. It was concluded that a Salmonella control program in southern Brazil must be started with the implementation of intervention measures at farm level.

Porta-enxertos de citros podem exercer influência sobre a produção de frutos e suscetibilidade das plantas ao cancro cítrico. Este trabalho objetivou selecionar porta-enxertos que induzam elevado índice de produtividade e menor suscetibilidade das copas de laranjeiras-de-umbigo "Monte Parnaso"(Citrus sinensis) à bactéria Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri, causadora do cancro cítrico (CC). O experimento foi desenvolvido em um pomar experimental com 10 anos de idade, plantado em espaçamento de 2,5 x 6,0m, no município de Butiá, no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com sete tratamentos e quatro repetições, usando duas plantas por parcela. Os tratamentos constaram dos seguintes porta-enxertos: limoeiros "Cravo" (C. limonia) e "Volkameriano" (C. volkameriana.), trifoliata "Flying Dragon" (Poncirus trifoliata.), laranjeira "Caipira" (C. sinensis), citrangeiro "Troyer" (C. sinensis x P. trifoliata), tangerineira "Sunki" (C. sunki.) e citrumeleiro "Swingle" (C. paradisi x P. trifoliata). Os parâmetros avaliados foram: incidência de CC em folhas e frutos em toda a planta e em ramos previamente selecionados, em diversas épocas. Verificou-se que as plantas enxertadas sobre citrumeleiro "Swingle" apresentaram o maior índice de produtividade e, à semelhança do "Flying Dragon", a menor incidência de CC, tanto nas folhas como nos frutos. Além disso, verificou-se também que as plantas enxertadas sobre os limoeiros "Cravo" e "Volkameriana", apesar de produzirem as mais elevadas cargas de frutos, foram as mais suscetíveis ao CC.

Citrus rootstocks can exert some influences on fruit production and susceptibility of the plants to citrus canker (CC). This research was performed aiming to select rootstocks which induce higher productivity index and lower susceptibility of 'Monte Parnaso' navel orange (Citrus sinensis) trees to the bacteria Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri. The research was carried out in an experimental orchard, with ten-years-old trees, planted at spacement of 2.5m between trees and 6.0m between rows, located in Butiá city, in the Central Depression of Rio Grande do Sul state. It was used an randomized blocks experimental design, with 7 treatments and 4 replications. The treatments consisted of the following rootstoks: Rangpur lime (C. limonia.), 'Volkameriana' lemon (C. volkameriana.), 'Flying Dragon' trifoliata orange (Poncirus trifoliata), 'Caipira' orange (C. sinensis), 'troyer' citrange (C. sinensis x P. trifoliata), 'Sunki' tangerine (C. sunki.) and 'Swingle' citrumelo (C. paradisi x P. trifoliata). The parameters evaluated were: number of fruits and leaves with citrus canker lesions per plant and at two previously selected and marked branches per plant, at different times . The results revealed that the 'Swingle' citrumelo and 'Flying dragon' rootstocks induced the highest productivity index and, the lowest incidence of citrus canker disease on leaves and fruits. 'Rangpur' lime and 'Volkameriana' lime rootstocks, promoted a heavy crop load, however, showed higher susceptibility to citrus canker disease.

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the vegetative development of citrus rootstock seedlings cultivated under greenhouse conditions with two irrigation systems. The experiment was conducted at the Estação Experimental Agronômica , Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, located in Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from September 2003 to April 2004, totalizing 225 days of experimentation. The experimental design was a split-plot, in a 2x3 factorial, with 4 replications of 22 pots each. In the main plot the irrigation systems was evaluated (micro sprinkler and capillarity) and in the split-plot the citrus rootstocks [Trifoliate orange - Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf., 'C37' citrange - P. trifoliata x Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb. cv. Pêra and 'Rangpur' lime - C. limonia Osb.] were evaluated. The main result showed in conditions of greenhouse citrus rootstock seedlings presented a great vegetative development under irrigation by capillarity in relation to the micro sprinkler. The evaluated citrus rootstock seedling display different vegetative developments, where the 'C37' citrange was more vigorous.

En el presente estudio se evaluó el desarrollo vegetativo de patrones cítricos cultivados en invernadero bajo dos sistemas de riego. El experimento se realizó en la Estação Experimental Agronômica de la Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, ubicada en Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, entre los meses de septiembre de 2003 y abril de 2004, totalizando 225 días de experimentación. El diseño experimental fue de parcelas subdivididas, en factorial 2 x 3, con 4 repeticiones de 22 contenedores cada. En las parcelas principales se evaluaron los sistemas de riego (microaspersión y capilaridad) y en las subparcelas los patrones cítricos Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf., citrangero 'C37' [P. trifoliata x Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb. cv. Pêra] y lima 'Rangpur' (C. limonia Osb.). En condiciones de invernadero los patrones cítricos presentan un desarrollo vegetativo más rápido bajo riego por capilaridad respecto a la microaspersión. Los patrones cítricos evaluados presentan desarrollos vegetativos distintos, donde el citrangero 'C37' supera a los demás.

Estudou-se a associação entre o isolamento de Salmonella sp. do trato intestinal de suínos ao abate e sua presença em tonsilas/linfonodos submandibulares (T/LS), utilizadas no preparo de embutidos. Colheram-se linfonodos mesentéricos (LM), conteúdo intestinal (CI) e T/LS de 90 animais. Em 71 (79%) deles isolou-se Salmonella sp. em pelo menos uma das amostras coletadas. Observou-se associação entre amostras de T/LS positivas e isolamento de Salmonella sp. a partir de LM e/ou CI (P<0,001), com odds ratioLTpositivo 5,6. T/LS de outros 75 animais foram processados separadamente, verificando-se associação (P< 0,0001) entre T/LS e isolamento de Salmonella. Os sorovares mais encontrados foram Typhimurium e Bredeney. Conclui-se que a presença de Salmonella sp. no trato gastrintestinal é fator de risco para a contaminação de partes da carcaça utilizadas na fabricação de embutidos.

The association between Salmonella sp. isolated from the intestinal tract of pigs at slaughter and its presence in tonsils/mandibular lymph nodes (T/MDL) used in the sausage manufacture was assessed. In a trial mesenteric lymph nodes (LM), intestinal contents (IC) and T/MDL were collected from 90 animals. Salmonella sp. was isolated from 71 (79%) animals in at least one of the samples. T/MDL contaminated samples were correlated with Salmonella sp. isolated from LM and/or IC (P<0.001), with odds ratioLTpositive 5.6. In other trial, T/MDL of 75 animals processed separately, were associated with isolation of Salmonella sp (P< 0.0001). The serovars more prevalent were Typhimurium and Bredeney. It was concluded that Salmonella sp. presence in the intestinal tract is a risk factor for contamination of the portions of carcasses used in sausage manufacture.

A erosão é a forma mais prejudicial de degradação do solo. Além de reduzir sua capacidade produtiva para as culturas, ela pode causar sérios danos ambientais, como assoreamento e poluição das fontes de água. Contudo, usando adequados sistemas de manejo do solo e bem planejadas práticas conservacionistas de suporte, os problemas de erosão podem ser satisfatoriamente resolvidos. Com o propósito de obter informações quantitativas sobre o assunto, para servirem de guia nos planejamentos conservacionistas de uso da terra, realizou-se um experimento de erosão sob chuva natural, em Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico típico textura muito argilosa, no município de Santo Ângelo, região das Missões (RS), de dezembro de 1994 a maio de 1996, objetivando quantificar as perdas de solo e água causadas por erosão hídrica. Os tratamentos consistiram dos métodos de preparo do solo convencional, reduzido e semeadura direta, avaliados sob as condições "solo com fertilidade corrigida" nas classes de declividade de 0-0,04; 0,04-0,08 e 0,08-0,12 m m-1 (com gradientes médios de, respectivamente, 0,035; 0,065 e 0,095 m m-1) e "solo com fertilidade atual" na classe de declividade de 0,04-0,08 m m-1. As operações de preparo do solo e semeadura foram efetuadas todas transversalmente ao declive, exceto para o tratamento-testemunha (preparo convencional, sem cultivo, continuamente descoberto e sem crosta), no qual as operações de aração e gradagem foram realizadas no sentido do declive. A seqüência de culturas utilizada na avaliação da erosão foi constituída de dois ciclos culturais de soja (Glycine max, L.), no período de primavera-verão de 1994/95 e 1995/96, e um de aveia preta (Avena strigosa, S.), no período de outono-inverno de 1995. O índice de erosividade das chuvas (EI30) calculado no período experimental (1,5 ano) foi de 10.236 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 e concentrou-se, repetidamente, em 1995 e 1996, nos meses de janeiro a março, perfazendo, acumuladamente nestes duplos períodos, 70 % do total. Perdas significativas de solo por erosão hídrica (até 80 Mg ha-1 em um único ciclo cultural) ocorreram somente no preparo convencional sem cultivo e estabelecido no sentido do declive (testemunha), embora o solo na parcela tenha apresentado um valor de erodibilidade muito baixo (fator K igual a 0,0091 Mg ha h MJ-1 mm-1 ha-1 ). Sob cultivo, porém em valores bem mais baixos, as perdas de solo continuaram sendo as maiores no preparo convencional (ao redor de 13,0 Mg ha-1 em 1,5 ano), notadamente nas classes de declividade média e alta, ficando o preparo reduzido com as intermediárias (ao redor de 4,0 Mg ha-1 em 1,5 ano) e a semeadura direta com as menores (ao redor de 1,0 Mg ha-1 em 1,5 ano), enquanto as perdas de água foram todas muito baixas e pouco diferenciadas. A condição "solo com fertilidade corrigida" aumentou muito a quantidade de fitomassa aérea produzida pelas culturas e, conseqüentemente, a massa de resíduos culturais, a percentagem de cobertura morta do solo e as perdas de solo por erosão hídrica, especialmente no preparo convencional; contudo, ela praticamente não influenciou as perdas de água. Apesar das operações de preparo do solo e semeadura em contorno, fertilidade do solo melhorada e alta resistência do solo à erosão, o sistema de produção aveia preta-soja em preparo convencional apresentou, em declives superiores a 0,04 m m-1, perdas anuais de solo por erosão muito próximas ao limite tolerável, já no curto comprimento de rampa de 21 m utilizado nas parcelas experimentais deste estudo.

Erosion is the most deleterious form of soil degradation. Besides reducing the productivity capacity for crops, it can cause serious environmental problems, such as sedimentation and pollution of water sources. Yet the use of sound soil management systems and well-planned support conservation practices can solve erosion problems satisfactorily. In order to obtain quantitative information on the subject as guidelines for conservation plans, an erosion experiment under natural rainfall was conducted on a very clayey soil (Typic Haplortox), in Santo Ângelo, region of Missões, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, December 1994 through May 1996, to quantify soil and water losses caused by rainfall erosion. Treatments of conventional tillage, reduced tillage, and no-till were evaluated under conditions of "soil with improved fertility" in slope-steepness classes of 0-0.04, 0.04-0.08, and 0.08-0.12 m m-1 (with average slope gradients of, respectively, 0.035, 0.065, and 0.095 m m-1) and of "soil with actual fertility" in the 0.04-0.08 m m-1 slope-steepness class. A crop sequence of two soybean (Glycine max, L) cycles (spring-summer 1994/95 and 1995/96) followed by black oat (Avena strigosa, S.) (fall-winter 1995) was used for an evaluation of erosion. Tillage and planting operations were performed along contour lines in all plots, except for the Wischmeier's unit plot, where plowing and disking operations were performed up and down the slope. The calculated rainfall erosivity index EI30 of the experimental period (1,5 year) was 10.236 MJ mm ha-1 h-1. Both in 1995 and 1996 a concentration in the period between January and March accumulated 70% of the total rainfall. Only under conventional tillage with no cropping and in vertical direction (control plot) there were great soil losses by rainfall erosion (up to 80 Mg ha-1 in a single crop cycle), although the soil in the plot presented a very low erodibility value (K-factor of 0.0091 Mg ha h MJ-1 mm-1 ha-1 ). Under cropping, though in much lower values, soil losses were also highest in conventional tillage (about 13.0 Mg ha-1 in 1,5 years), markedly in medium and high slope-steepness classes. Intermediate soil losses were associated with reduced tillage (about 4.0 Mg ha-1 in 1,5 year), and the lowest with no-till (about 1.0 t ha-1 in 1,5 year), while water losses were all very low and little differentiated. The condition "soil with improved fertility" greatly increased the crop aerial biomass, consequently the crop residue mass and, thus, the percentage of mulch covering the soil and soil loss by rainfall erosion, especially in the conventional tillage, although it did not appreciably affect water losses. In spite of tillage and planting operations along contours, improved soil fertility, and a relative high resistance of soil to erosion, the black oat-soybean crop in conventional tillage presented annual soil losses by rainfall erosion that lay very close to the tolerable level on slopes steeper than 0.04 m m-1, even in the short slope-length of 21 m used in the experimental plots of this study.

A tangerineira-'Montenegrina' (Citrus deliciosa Ten.), devido às boas características de sabor, conservação e colheita tardia dos frutos, é muito apreciada e cultivada no Rio Grande do Sul. Os pomares comerciais são praticamente formados por mudas enxertadas sobre Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. Devido à escassez de informações relativas à combinação desta cultivar com outros porta-enxertos, bem como sua propagação por estaquia, esta pesquisa objetivou estudar o comportamento inicial de plantas enxertadas sobre citrange 'Troyer' (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb. x P. trifoliata), citrumelo 'Swingle' (C. paradisi Macf. x P. trifoliata) e P. trifoliata e de plantas propagadas por estaquia. O experimento foi instalado na Estação Experimental Agronômica da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, em junho de 1989, delineado em blocos casualisados, com cinco plantas úteis por parcela e quatro repetições. Os resultados compreenderam as primeiras safras ocorridas de 1993 a 1998. O citrumeleiro 'Swingle' foi o porta-enxerto que melhores resultados apresentou, aumentando a eficiência produtiva da tangerineira-'Montenegrina', cultivada na Depressão Central do Rio Grande do Sul, sendo que o Poncirus trifoliata diminuiu o desenvolvimento vegetativo das copas e induziu baixa eficiência produtiva. A propagação por estaquia não ofereceu vantagens em relação à enxertia sobre citrumeleiro 'Swingle' e citrangeiro 'Troyer'.

The mandarin 'Montenegrina' (Citrus deliciosa Ten.) yield from plants propagated either by grafting or cutting was evaluated at the 'Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul' experimental agronomic station, southern Brazil, from 1993 to 1998. Three rootstocks were used in the grafted plants. The rootstocks studied were: 'Swingle' citrumelo [Citrus paradisi Macf. x Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.] 'Troyer' citrange (Citrus sinensis x P. trifoliata) and trifoliate orange (P. trifoliata). The work was done using a randomized blocks design, with four replicates and five useful plants per plot. The yield and fruits number per plant were evaluated from 1993 to 1998. The 1995 yield was not significative due to alternation. 'Swingle' citrumelo rootstock promoted higher productive efficiency in 'Montenegrina' mandarins. Trifoliate orange decreased the vegetative development but induce low productive efficiency in 'Montenegrina' mandarins. Cutting was a worse plant propagation strategy than grafting when 'Swingle' citrumelo and 'Troyer' citrange were used as rootstocks.