Organophosphates are prevalent in agrochemicals and chemical warfare agents, posing significant health and safety concerns. These compounds are known for their high chemical stability and to address this issue, nucleophilic catalysts have emerged as a promising solution for their degradation. Herein, we focus on a novel material created through the combined effects of imidazole and crumpled graphene (CG) to develop a nanocatalyst for the neutralization (i.e., degradation) of organophosphates (OPs). The strategy involves the covalent functionalization of CG with imidazole groups without disrupting the three-dimensional structure of CG. This unique combination results in a synergistic effect between neighboring imidazole groups within CG, significantly enhancing the catalytic performance. The catalytic increment (kCAT/kH2O) achieved is in the order of 104, demonstrating the remarkable efficiency of this catalyst. The pioneering and promising use of functionalized CG for addressing concerns with chemical security can boost and be broadened to other applications. agents issue degradation Herein (CG i.e., ie i e (i.e. OPs. OPs . (OPs) threedimensional three dimensional performance kCAT/kH2O kCATkH2O kCATkHO kCAT kH2O kH O (kCAT/kH2O 104 catalyst applications i.e. (i.e (OPs kCATkH kHO 10 i.e 1

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of irrigation systems and water depths on physiological, biochemical and production processes of pear trees grown in the Brazilian semi-arid region. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with 2 × 4 factorial scheme, corresponding to two irrigation systems (drip and microsprinkler) and four irrigation depths (60, 80, 100 and 120% of the crop evapotranspiration - ETc), with four replicates. Water deficit and excess applied to plants are harmful to gas exchange as well as to biosynthesis and accumulation of carbohydrates, amino acids and proteins in leaves, compromising the cultivation cycle of pear plants grown in the Sub-Middle São Francisco region. The irrigation depth of 91.8% ETc promotes the highest production of pear (18.49 kg plant-1) under drip and microsprinkler irrigation systems, under the edaphoclimatic conditions of the Sub-Middle São Francisco region. physiological semiarid semi arid region blocks scheme 60, 60 (60 80 10 120 ETc, , ETc) replicates carbohydrates leaves SubMiddle Sub Middle 918 91 8 91.8 18.49 1849 18 49 (18.4 plant1 plant 1 plant-1 6 (6 12 9 91. 18.4 184 (18. plant- ( 18. (18 (1

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência de sistemas de irrigação e lâminas de irrigação sobre processos fisiológicos, bioquímicos e produtivos da pereira cultivada no Semiárido brasileiro. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com fatorial 2 x 4, sendo dois sistemas de irrigação (gotejamento e microaspersão) e quatro lâminas de irrigação (60; 80; 100 e 120% da evapotranspiração da cultura - ETc), com quatro repetições. A deficiência e o excesso hídrico aplicados às plantas são prejudiciais às trocas gasosas, bem como à biossíntese e acúmulo de carboidratos, aminoácidos e proteínas nas folhas, comprometendo o ciclo de cultivo de pereiras cultivadas na região do Submédio São Francisco. A lâmina de irrigação de 91,8% ETc promove a maior produção de pereira (18,49 kg planta-1) sob sistemas de irrigação por gotejamento e microaspersão, nas condições edafoclimáticas do Submédio São Francisco. fisiológicos brasileiro casualizados 4 microaspersão 60 (60 80 10 120 ETc, , ETc) repetições gasosas carboidratos folhas Francisco 918 91 8 91,8 18,49 1849 18 49 (18,4 planta1 planta 1 planta-1 6 (6 12 9 91, 18,4 184 (18, planta- ( 18, (18 (1

Abstract Many studies about fasciolosis control have been carried out, whether acting on the adult parasite or in Pseudosuccinea columella, compromising the development of the larval stages. The present study aimed to evaluate, under laboratory conditions, the susceptibility of P. columella to Heterorhabditis bacteriophora HP88, during for 24 and 48 hours of exposure. The snails were evaluated for 21 days for accumulated mortality; number of eggs laid; hatchability rate; biochemical changes; and histopathological analysis. We found that exposure induced a reduction in glucose and glycogen levels, characterizing a negative energy balance, due to the depletion of energy reserves as a result of the direct competition established by the nematode/endosymbiont bacteria complex in such substrates. A mortality rate of 48.25% and 65.52% was observed in the group exposed for 24 h and 48 h, respectively, along with significant impairment of reproductive biology in both exposed groups in relation to the respective controls. The results presented here show that P. columella is susceptible to the nematode H. bacteriophora, with the potential to be used as an alternative bioagent in the control of this mollusk, especially in areas considered endemic for fascioliasis, in line with the position expressed by the World Health Organization Health. out stages evaluate conditions P HP88 HP 2 4 laid changes analysis levels balance nematodeendosymbiont endosymbiont substrates 4825 25 48.25 6552 65 52 65.52 respectively controls H mollusk fascioliasis HP8 482 48.2 655 6 5 65.5 48. 65.

Resumo Muitos estudos têm sido realizados sobre o controle da fasciolose, seja atuando no parasito adulto, seja em Pseudosuccinea columella, comprometendo o desenvolvimento das fases larvais. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar, em condições laboratoriais, a suscetibilidade de P. columela à Heterorhabditis bacteriophora HP88, durante 24 e 48 horas de exposição. Os moluscos foram avaliados por 21 dias para mortalidade acumulada; número de ovos postos; taxa de eclodibilidade; alterações bioquímicas; e análise histopatológica. Constatou-se que a exposição induziu a redução nos níveis de glicose e glicogênio, caracterizando um balanço energético negativo, devido ao esgotamento das reservas energéticas, decorrentes da competição direta estabelecida pelo complexo nematoide/bactéria endossimbionte nesses substratos. Foi observada uma taxa de mortalidade de 48,25% e65,52% no grupo exposto por 24 h 48 h, respectivamente, juntamente com comprometimento significativo da biologia reprodutiva em ambos os grupos expostos em relação aos respectivos controles. Os resultados aqui apresentados, mostram que P. columela é suscetível ao nematódeo H. bacteriophora, com potencial para ser utilizada como um bioagente alternativo no controle dess molusco, especialmente em áreas consideradas endêmicas para fasciolose, em linha com a posição expressa pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. fasciolose adulto columella larvais avaliar laboratoriais P HP88 HP 2 4 acumulada postos eclodibilidade bioquímicas histopatológica Constatouse Constatou se glicogênio negativo energéticas nematoidebactéria nematoide bactéria substratos 4825 25 48,25 e6552 e65 52 e65,52 respectivamente controles apresentados H molusco Saúde HP8 482 48,2 e655 e6 5 e65,5 48, e65,

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o efeito sistêmico do látex de Hancornia especiosa na neoformação óssea e mineralização em ratos. Métodos Para isso, primeiro o látex foi coletado, e sua composição foi analisada. No estudo, foram utilizados 30 ratos Wistar machos submetidos simultaneamente a dois procedimentos cirúrgicos: extração de incisivo e criação de um defeito de 2 mm de diâmetro no osso parietal. Os ratos foram divididos em dois grupos: controle sistêmico (CS) e látex sistêmico (XS), aos quais foi administrado, oral e diariamente, 1,5 mL de água ou uma solução contendo 50% de água e 50% de látex por gavagem, respectivamente. Após 15 dias do tratamento, os animais foram eutanizados, e suas amostras, coletadas. Resultados Os resultados foram analisados estatisticamente, e o nível de significância foi fixado em 0,05. Mostramos que o látex de H. speciosa continha cálcio. A administração oral e diária deste látex por 15 dias aumentou o conteúdo de cálcio e fósforo de osso basal e de osso recém-formado no alvéolo mandibular de ratos. Conclusão Este foi um estudo pioneiro, que demonstrou o potencial do látex de H. speciosa no aumento da mineralização óssea. Nossos resultados podem ajudar na concepção e no desenvolvimento de uma droga natural.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the systemic effect of Hancornia speciosa latex on bone neoformation and mineralization in rats. Methods For that, the latex was first collected, and its composition was analyzed. A total of 30 male Wistar rats were used, which were simultaneously submitted to two surgical procedures: extraction of an incisor and creation of a defect with 2 mm in diameter in the parietal bone. The rats were divided into two groups: systemic control (SC) systemic latex (SX) which were administered, orally and daily, 1.5 mL of water or a solution containing 50% of water and 50% of latex by gavage, respectively. After 15 days of the treatment, the animals were euthanized and their samples were collected. Results The results were statistically analyzed, and the level of significance was set at 0.05. We showed that H. speciosa latex contained calcium. The oral and daily administration of the latex for 15 days increased the contents of calcium and phosphorus in the basal bone and newly-formed bone in the mandibular alveolus of rats. Conclusion The present was a pioneer study demonstrating the potential of H. speciosa latex in increasing bone mineralization. Our results may aid in the conception and development of a natural drug.

Two different gold-silica-based nanomaterials were prepared: (i) silica-supported gold nanoparticles (AuNP/SiO2); and (ii) gold-silica core-shell nanoparticles (AuNP@SiO2). Three strategies for sample treatment (S), consisting in acid treatments, were employed: (S1) HNO3; (S2) HNO3 + HCl; and (S3) HF + HNO3 + HCl, applying microwave oven digestion for S2 and S3. From three calibration curves, slope, intercept, and linear correlation coefficient were obtained. The accuracy of the methods was evaluated by comparing the gold contents in a sample determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Finally, the amount of gold for all samples was determined by FAAS. UV-Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to compare the material before and after sample treatment. By comparison, the application of S2 and S3 allowed the presence of gold on or in the silica matrix to be determined and the amount quantified.

Abstract Angiogenesis (budding of new blood vessels) is involved in several processes, including the development of embryos and growth of tumors. Schinus terebinthifolia leaves express an antitumor lectin (SteLL). This work hypothesized that SteLL can interfere with the formation of a vascular network from preexisting vessels. To test this hypothesis, the effect of SteLL on the angiogenesis process was assessed using an in vivo model of yolk sac membrane of Coturnix japonica embryos. SteLL was isolated with purification factor of 46.6. As expected, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) for native basic proteins confirmed the homogeneity and PAGE in presence of dodecyl sodium sulphate revealed a single 14-kDa polypeptide band. The fractal analysis by box counting and information dimension measurements indicated that SteLL at 1.35 mg/mL significantly decreased by ca. 12% the angiogenesis within the C. japonica yolk sac membrane regarding the control. The inhibition of the vascular network formation in the yolk sac membrane resulted in decreased blood supply to the embryos. Consequently, the area of embryos was significantly reduced by 9.2% regarding the control, which corroborated with the antiangiogenic activity of SteLL. The findings implicate SteLL as an antiangiogenic agent and add to the panel of biological activities of this lectin.

Abstract Heterologous in vitro fertilization (IVF) is an important tool for assessing fertility of endangered mammals such as the jaguar, considering difficult access to females for artificial insemination and to obtain homologous oocytes. We aimed to evaluate the fertility of jaguar sperm cryopreserved with different extenders, using domestic cat oocytes to assess the development of hybrid embryos. Semen from four captive jaguars was obtained by electroejaculation. Samples were cryopreserved in powdered coconut water (ACP-117c) or Tris extender containing 20% egg yolk and 6% glycerol. Thawed spermatozoa were resuspended (2.0 × 106 spermatozoa/mL) in IVF medium and co-incubated with cat oocytes matured in vitro for 18 h. Presumptive zygotes were cultured for 7 days. After 48 h, cleavage rate was evaluated, and non-cleaved structures were stained for IVF evaluation. On days 5 and 7, the rate of morula and blastocyst formation was assessed. Data were analyzed using the Fisher exact test (p < 0.05). No difference was observed between ACP-117c and Tris extenders, respectively, for oocytes with 2nd polar body (2/51, 3.9 ± 2.9% vs. 2/56, 3.6 ± 3.1%), pronuclear structures (5/51, 9.8 ± 4.7% vs. 8/56, 14.3 ± 8.0%), and total IVF rates (7/36, 19.4 ± 5.0% vs. 10/37, 27.0 ± 13.8%). All the samples fertilized the oocytes, with 22.9 ± 3.2% (16/70) and 16.7 ± 3.6% (12/72) cleavage of mature oocytes for ACP-117c and Tris extenders, respectively. Morula rates of 4.3 ± 2.3% (3/70) and 5.6 ± 2.2% (4/72) were observed for ACP-117c and Tris, respectively. Only the Tris extender demonstrated blastocyst production (2/12, 16.7 ± 1.5% blastocyst/cleavage). We demonstrated that jaguar ejaculates cryopreserved using ACP-117c and Tris were suitable for IVF techniques, with blastocyst production by ejaculates cryopreserved in Tris. This is a first report of embryos produced in vitro using jaguar sperm and domestic cat oocytes through IVF.

Resumo: O girassol (Helianthus annuus L.) é uma espécie oleaginosa relevante utilizada na alimentação humana e animal e, em múltiplas aplicações industriais. No entanto, as oleaginosas precisam lidar com a perda de vigor quando utilizadas como propágulos, devido à perda da qualidade fisiológica da semente (viabilidade e vigor) causada por eventos de deterioração. Avaliamos no presente estudo os efeitos de técnicas de condicionamento de sementes (água, ácido ascórbico e nitroprussiato de sódio) no vigor, germinação, enzimas antioxidantes e integridade de membrana de sementes de girassol híbrida HELIO 251 armazenadas. Os parâmetros de germinação mostraram que as sementes não condicionadas (controle) atrasaram a germinação em quase 72 h enquanto todas as sementes condicionadas germinaram 100% em 24 h. O extravasamento de eletrólitos e os níveis de malondialdeído foram maiores nas sementes não condicionadas, indicando maior grau de dano à membrana. Um aumento na atividade da catalase e ascorbato peroxidase também foi observado após 8 h de embebição de sementes condicionadas em comparação com sementes não condicionadas. Em relação à superóxido dismutase, não houve diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos após 8 h de embebição, enquanto a maior atividade foi após 24 h de embebição em sementes não condicionadas. Portanto, pode-se concluir que o priming com ácido ascórbico ou nitroprussiato de sódio apresentou melhor desempenho na germinação de sementes de girassol armazenadas, provavelmente decorrente do menor acúmulo de espécies reativas de oxigênio e consequente redução do dano oxidativo devido a um sistema enzimático antioxidante eficiente.

Abstract: Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a relevant oilseed species used as feed in human and animal nutrition and in multiple industrial applications. However, oilseeds need to deal with the loss of vigor when used as a propagule, due to loss of seed physiological quality (viability and vigor) caused by deterioration events. We have evaluated in the present study the effects of seeds priming techniques (water, ascorbic acid, and sodium nitroprusside) on vigor, germination, antioxidant enzymes and membrane integrity of stored sunflower hybrid HELIO 251 seeds. Germination parameters showed that non-primed seeds (control) delayed germination in almost 72 h while all primed seeds germinated 100% in 24 h. Electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde levels were higher in non-primed seeds indicating higher degree of membrane damage. An increase in the activity of catalase and ascorbate peroxidase was also observed after 8 h of imbibition of primed seeds compared to non-primed seeds. Regarding superoxide dismutase, there was no significant differences between treatments after 8 h of imbibition, whereas the highest activity was after 24 h of imbibition in non-primed seeds. Therefore, it can be concluded priming with ascorbic acid or sodium nitroprusside exhibited better performance in germination of stored sunflower seeds, probably resulting from lower accumulation of reactive oxygen species and consequent reduced oxidative damage due to an efficient antioxidant enzyme system.

Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar a diversidade de endoparasitos e alterações hepáticas em Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus (jeju) e Cichlasoma bimaculatum (acará preto) de área quilombola maranhense, Brasil. Assim, 21 H. unitaeniatus e 21 C. bimaculatum foram capturados de ambiente alagável e transportados vivos ao laboratório. Após a eutanásia, procedeu-se à coleta, identificação de endoparasitos e avaliação de alterações hepáticas por meio de análise histológica, baseada na severidade das lesões: (i) alterações de estágio I, não comprometem o funcionamento dos órgãos; (ii) estágio II, lesões mais severas que prejudicam o funcionamento normal dos órgãos; (iii) estágio III, lesões muito severas e irreversíveis. Dos peixes avaliados, 71,43% H. unitaeniatus e 61,90% C. bimaculatum estavam parasitados. Contracaecum sp. foi encontrado nas duas espécies e acantocéfalos apenas em H. unitaeniatus. As alterações hepáticas foram vacuolização, núcleo na periferia das células, deformação do contorno celular, centro de melanomacrófagos, hiperemia, degeneração citoplasmática e vacuolização nuclear. Com o cálculo do índice das alterações, constatou-se que 26,19% dos exemplares apresentaram alterações de estágio I; 38,09% de estágio II e 9,52% de estágio III com a constatação de larvas de Contracaecum sp. encistadas no fígado. Conclui-se que existe alta prevalência de Contracaecum sp., e lesões hepáticas podem ser respostas adaptativas dos peixes à infecção endoparasitária.

Abstract Our aim was to assess endoparasite diversity and liver alterations in Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus (jeju) and Cichlasoma bimaculatum (acará preto) in a quilombola area in Maranhão, Brazil. For this, 21 H. unitaeniatus and 21 C. bimaculatum were caught in a natural environment and transported to a laboratory. After these had been euthanized, endoparasites were collected and identified. Liver alterations were evaluated histological analysis based on the severity of each lesion: stage I, organ functioning not compromised; stage II, more severe lesions that impair normal functioning of the organs; and stage III, very severe and irreversible lesions. Among the fish evaluated, 71.43% H. unitaeniatus and 61.90% C. bimaculatum were parasitized. Contracaecum sp. was found in both species; while acanthocephalans, only in H. unitaeniatus. The alterations were vacuolization, nucleus in the cell periphery, deformation of the cell outline, melanomacrophage center, hyperemia, cytoplasmic degeneration and nuclear vacuolization. Through calculating a histological alteration index, it was found that 26.19% of the specimens presented lesions in stage I; 38.09% lesions in stage II and 9.52% lesions in stage III. It was concluded that there is high prevalence of Contracaecum sp. and that the liver lesions may be adaptive responses by the fish to endoparasitic infection.

Abstract: COVID-19 rapidly spread across the world in an unprecedented outbreak with a massive number of infected and fatalities. The pandemic was heavily discussed and searched on the internet, which generated big amounts of data related to it. This led to the possibility of attempting to forecast coronavirus indicators using the internet data. For this study, Google Trends statistics for 124 selected search terms related to pandemic were used in an attempt to find which keywords had the best Spearman correlations with a lag, as well as a forecasting model. It was found that keywords related to coronavirus testing among some others, such as “I have contracted covid”, had high correlations (≥0.7) with few weeks of lag (≤4 weeks). Besides that, the ARIMAX model using those keywords had promising results in predicting the increase or decrease of epidemiological indicators, although it was not able to predict their exact values. Thus, we found that Google Trends data may be useful for predicting outbreaks of coronavirus a few weeks before they happen, and may be used as an auxiliary tool in monitoring and forecasting the disease in Brazil.

Abstract Coffea arabica L. faces serious disease susceptibility problems, favored by the low genetic variability of its commercial cultivars; therefore, it is important to study different sources of variation that are useful in genetic improvement. The objective of this study was to irradiate C. arabica seeds of the Geisha, Oro Azteca and Marseillaise varieties with gamma rays to determine the median lethal dose (LD50) and evaluate their physiological response in terms of germination, survival, plant height (PH), stem diameter (SD), height to first leaf pair (HFLP) and leaf area (LA). The Transelektro LGI-01 irradiator was used, with a dose rate of 752.76 Gy·h-1. The irradiation doses evaluated were 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 Gy. The experiment was established under a completely randomized factorial design with two factors (variety, with three levels, and irradiation dose, with six levels) and three replicates (225 seeds per replicate). The germination record was made 20 days after sowing. The remaining variables were evaluated 120 days after sowing. The results showed that germination, survival, PH, HFLP, SD and LA were significantly negatively affected by gamma irradiation from the 200 Gy dose in all three varieties. The LD50 was 70 Gy for the Geisha variety, 85 Gy for Marsellesa and 90 Gy for Oro Azteca. Doses lower than 100 Gy can be used in breeding programs for C. arabica.

Resumen Coffea arabica L. enfrenta serios problemas de susceptibilidad a enfermedades, favorecidos por la poca variabilidad genética de sus cultivares comerciales; por ello, es importante estudiar diferentes fuentes de variación que sean útiles en el mejoramiento genético. El objetivo de este estudio fue irradiar con rayos gamma semillas de C. arabica de las variedades Geisha, Oro Azteca y Marsellesa para determinar la dosis letal media (DL50) y evaluar su respuesta fisiológica sobre la germinación, supervivencia, altura de planta (AP), diámetro de tallo (DT), altura al primer par de hojas (APPH) y área foliar (AF). Se utilizó el irradiador Transelektro LGI-01, con una razón de dosis de 752.76 Gy·h-1. Las dosis de irradiación evaluadas fueron 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 y 500 Gy. El experimento se estableció bajo un diseño factorial completamente al azar con dos factores (variedad, con tres niveles, y dosis de irradiación, con seis niveles) y tres repeticiones (225 semillas por repetición). El registro de la germinación se hizo a los 20 días después de la siembra. Las variables restantes se evaluaron 120 días después de la siembra. Los resultados mostraron que la germinación, supervivencia, AP, APPH, DT y AF se vieron significativamente afectados de forma negativa por la irradiación gamma a partir de la dosis de 200 Gy en las tres variedades. La DL50 fue de 70 Gy para la variedad Geisha, 85 Gy para Marsellesa y 90 Gy para Oro Azteca. Dosis menores a 100 Gy se pueden emplear en programas de fitomejoramiento para C. arabica.

In the present work, we propose the application of stable isotope analysis (δ13C) as an auxiliary tool for the inspection of sugarcane/petroleum polyethylene blends. Our results are supported from the analysis of selected samples by accelerator mass spectrometry (14C-AMS). From the results, it was concluded that the δ13C method is suitable to discriminate samples derived from sugarcane, petroleum, or its blends. It was also noted that both regression models (δ13C method and the δ13C vs 14C-AMS regression) presents potential to estimate the bio-based content; however, future work should focus on validating these models. From the screening model, developed with δ13C data, 33.33% of the samples were highlighted as suspected of being out of specification. Thus, the screening method can identify samples most likely to be out of specification and reduce the demand for inspection of biogenic content following the ASTM D6866 standard (14C-AMS).

RESUMO O gergelim é uma oleaginosa pouco exigente em água, muito cultivada em regiões tropicais, mas com poucos estudos sobre sua nutrição mineral. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar variáveis fisiológicas e de produção de dois genótipos de gergelim (BRS Seda e Preto), variando as doses de adubação organomineral, via fertirrigação. Os genótipos foram cultivados em condições de campo durante a estação seca de 2014/2015, em área agrícola no município de Lagoa Seca, PB. Os dois genótipos foram submetidos a cinco doses de adubação organomineral (0, 30, 60, 90 e 120% da exigência nutricional da cultura), à base de vinhoto de cana-de-açúcar e um tratamento adicional, constituído de adubação mineral (100% da exigência da cultura), constituindo um fatorial (2 x 5 + 2), no delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso, com 12 tratamentos e quatro repetições, totalizando 48 parcelas. Entre as variáveis fisiológicas, apenas a concentração interna de CO2 (Ci) foi afetada pelas doses de adubação organomineral. O número e massa de frutos por planta, massa de sementes por plantas e massa de 1000 sementes de ambas as cultivares foram favorecidos pela adubação organomineral. A dose de 120% de adubação organomineral proporcionou aos dois genótipos de gergelim resultados superiores aos alcançados com a adubação mineral.

ABSTRACT Sesame is an oilseed that has low demand of water; it is widely grown in tropical regions, but few studies had been conducted on its mineral nutrition. The objective of this study was to evaluate physiological and production variables of two sesame genotypes (BRS-Seda and Preto) varying the organomineral fertilizer doses, via fertigation. The genotypes were grown under field conditions during the 2014/2015 dry season, in an agricultural area in Lagoa Seca, PB, Brazil. The two genotypes were subjected to five doses (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120% of the nutritional requirement of the crop) of an organomineral fertilizer based on sugarcane vinasse, and to an additional treatment consisting of mineral fertilizer (100% of the crop requirement). The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, in a (2 x 5 + 2) factorial arrangement, with 12 treatments and 4 repetitions, totaling 48 plots. Among the physiological variables evaluated, only internal CO2 concentration was affected by the organomineral fertilizer doses. The number of fruits per plant, fruit weight per plant, seed weight per plant, and 1000 seed weight of both cultivars were favored by the organomineral fertilization. The organomineral fertilizer dose of 120% provided better results for the two sesame genotypes than those found with the mineral fertilization.

Abstract Orchids (Orchidaceae) develop in a wide range of environmental conditions, so they have specific nutrition requirements. In the nutrition of orchids there is lack of knowledge on the effects of fertilizers and their use throughout the cycle of these plants. The objective of this research was to study the effect of three nutrient solutions on the development and growth of Laelia autumnalis and Paphiopedilum insigne. The experiment was conducted over a period of 27 months under greenhouse conditions. The variables evaluated were number of leaves, leaf area, fresh and dry total weight of the plant, root and leaf, and SPAD readings in mature leaves; in addition, in L. autumnalis the number of pseudobulbs, thickness and length, as well as the fresh and dry weight of these pseudobulbs were evaluated. It was found that in L. autumnalis the Steiner solution increased the number of leaves (100 %), pseudobulbs (133 %), leaf area (80 %), total fresh weight (78 %) and total dry weight (125 %), compared to plants treated only with water (control). In P. insigne the Hoagland-Arnon solution improved the vegetative growth, increased the number of leaves (65 %), leaf area (83 %), SPAD readings (79 %), total fresh weight (33 %) and total dry weight (27 %), compared to the control plants. Results show that nutrient solutions positively influence growth of the two orchid species, and that each species has particular nutritional requirements; likewise, these results could be useful in conservation and exploitation programs of these species.

Resumen Las orquídeas (Orchidaceae) se desarrollan en una gran variedad de condiciones ambientales, por lo que tienen requerimientos específicos de nutrición. En la nutrición de orquídeas existe desconocimiento de los efectos de los fertilizantes y de su uso a lo largo del ciclo de estas plantas. El objetivo de esta investigación fue estudiar el efecto de tres soluciones nutritivas sobre el desarrollo y crecimiento de Laelia autumnalis y Paphiopedilum insigne. El experimento se realizó en un periodo de 27 meses en condiciones de invernadero. Las variables evaluadas fueron número de hojas, área foliar, peso fresco y seco total de la planta, de raíz y de hoja, y lecturas SPAD en hojas maduras; además, en L. autumnalis se evaluó el número de pseudobulbos, grosor y largo de pseudobulbos, así como el peso fresco y seco de éstos. Se encontró que en L. autumnalis la solución de Steiner incrementó el número de hojas (100 %), pseudobulbos (133 %), área foliar (80 %), peso fresco total (78 %) y peso seco total (125 %), en comparación con las plantas tratadas sólo con agua (testigo). En P. insigne la solución Hoagland-Arnon mejoró el crecimiento vegetativo, incrementó el número de hojas (65 %), área foliar (83 %), lecturas SPAD (79 %), peso fresco total (33 %) y peso seco total (27 %), en comparación con las plantas testigo. Los resultados demuestran que las soluciones nutritivas influyen positivamente en el crecimiento de las dos especies de orquídeas y que cada especie tiene requerimientos nutrimentales particulares; asimismo, los resultados podrían ser de utilidad en programas de conservación y aprovechamiento de estas especies.

Abstract The main constituents of the Euterpe oleracea Mart., Arecaceae, fruits (açaí) are anthocyanins. This paper aimed to standardize the extraction process and characterize an anthocyanin-rich dry extract obtained from this fruit. A 23 full factorial design was used. The volumes of ethanol 92% and acetic acid and the extraction time were used as factors. Total solids and anthocyanins content were used as feedback. The dry extract was obtained by freeze-drying. The content of anthocyanins was determined spectrophotometrically. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimeter, Thermogravimetry, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry were used for characterizingthe dry extract. The DPPH method was used for evaluating radical scavenging activity. The extraction conditions were established. The most influent factor was the volume of acetic acid. The dry extract moisture content was equal to 1.39 ± 0.25%, the evaporation residue 97.25 ± 1.28%, total ashes 0.62 ± 0.12%, and the anthocyanin content was 61.75 ± 3.28%. The elemental composition shows the presence of manganese 4.85 ppm, iron 1.62 ppm, zinc 0.05, copper 1.38 ppm, calcium 1.01 ppm, cadmium 0.003 ppm, nickel 0.37 ppm, and lead 0.38 ppm. The dried extract IC50 estimated by the radical scavenging assay with DPPH was 31.25 ± 2.31 ppm. The optimal extraction conditions were: the volume of ethanol 92%: 400 ml; volume of acetic acid: 75 ml; an extraction time: 4 h.