Resumo O processo de lodo ativo é uma das técnicas mais utilizadas para biodegradação de compostos orgânicos presentes nos efluentes de uma variedade de águas residuais. A estrutura da comunidade bacteriana do lodo ativado de uma indústria de petróleo e sua relação com parâmetros físicos e químicos foram investigadas por meio de sequenciamento de alto rendimento. As amostras foram coletadas durante um período de um ano: outono de 2015 (C1), inverno de 2015 (C2), primavera de 2015 (C3) e verão de 2016 (C4). O DNA total foi extraído e para amplificação foram utilizados primers específicos para região V4 do gene 16S rRNA. A maioria dos microrganismos detectados foi considerada microbiota rara, apresentando abundância relativa abaixo de 1% do total de sequências. Em geral, quase a totalidade das sequências (99,9%) foi classificada em nível de filo, mas apenas algumas ASVs (23,7%) foram associadas a gênero bacteriano conhecido. As proteobactérias foram o filo mais abundante em três das estações, enquanto o filo Armatimonadota dominou em uma estação. O gênero Hyphomicrobium foi o gênero mais abundante no outono, inverno e verão, e uma ASV pertencente à família Fimbriimonadaceae (filo Armatimonadetes) foi o microrganismo mais abundante na primavera. A Análise de Correspondência Canônica (CCA) indica uma diferença consistente da comunidade bacteriana da primavera quando comparada com amostras de outras estações. Os resultados mostram uma correlação entre o filo Armatimonadota e a alta concentração de DQO, NA e sólidos.

Abstract The active sludge process is one of the most-used techniques for the biodegradation of organic compounds present in effluents from an assortment of wastewaters. This study investigated the bacterial community structure of a petroleum industry’s activated sludge and its physical and chemical parameters using high-throughput sequencing. Samples were collected over one year: autumn 2015 (C1), winter 2015 (C2), spring 2015 (C3), and summer 2016 (C4). Total DNA was extracted, and the primers targeting the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene were used for amplicon sequencing. The majority of the detected microorganisms were considered rare microbiota, presenting a relative abundance below 1% of the total sequences. All of the sequences were classified at the phylum level, and up to 55% of the ASVs (Amplicon Sequence Variants) were associated with known bacterial genera. Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum in three seasons, while the phylum Armatimonadota dominated in one season. The genus Hyphomicrobium was the most abundant in autumn, winter and summer, and an ASV belonging to the family Fimbriimonadaceae was the most abundant in the spring. Canonical Correspondence Analysis showed that physicochemical parameters of SS, SD and TSS are correlated, as well as ammoniacal nitrogen. Sample C3 presented the highest values of COD, AN and solids (SS, SD and TSS). The highest COD, AN, and solids values are correlated to the high frequency of the phylum Armatimonadota in C3.

Abstract Yeasts are unicellular fungi widespread in the environment, and studies suggest that there is a positive correlation between yeast and polluted aquatic environments. The aim of this study was to analyze the diversity and resistance of yeasts isolated from water samples collected along the Arroio Dilúvio in Porto Alegre to antifungals. Yeast isolates from the Arroio Dilúvio were subjected to susceptibility assays against antifungals using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test, and amplification of the ITS1-5.8S-IT2 region; in addition, the ITS-5.8S region was sequenced for some of the isolates. The amplification product was subjected to PCR-RFLP, and the restriction profile allowed the construction of a dendrogram. Susceptibility tests showed a high prevalence of resistance to azole antifungals, where 16.8% of the isolates had a resistance profile to amphotericin B. The sequence analysis allowed the identification of Candida species, including potentially pathogenic species, and species of the Debaryomyces spp. The resistance to antifungals in yeasts isolated from Arroio Dilúvio reinforces the importance of studies of environmental microbiota, and indicates that environmental degradation influences the phenotype displayed.

Abstract: The petrochemical industry has played a considerable role in generation and release of waste in the environment. Activated sludge and facultative lagoons are commonly used for domestic and industrial wastewater treatment due to their low-cost and minimal need for operational requirements. Microorganisms present in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) are responsible for most nutrient removal. In this study, microbiological and physicochemical parameters were used to estimate changes in bacterial community in a petrochemical industrial WWTP. The activated sludge was the place with higher heterotrophic bacterial quantification. Denitrifying bacteria was reduced at least 5.3 times throughout all collections samples. We observe a decrease in the total Kjeldahl nitrogen, oxygen demand and phosphate throughout the WWTP. In this work, we also use Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for bacteria isolates identification comparing with 16S rDNA sequencing. The MALDI-TOF MS allowed the identification of 93% of the isolates and only 5% show different results from 16S rDNA sequencing showing that the MALDI-TOF MS can be a tool for identifying environmental bacteria. The observation of microbial community dynamics in the WWTP is important in order to understand the functioning of the ecological structure formed in a specific environment.

Abstract This work aimed to evaluate the production of lipolytic complexes, produced by microorganisms isolated from a biological treatment system of effluents from a hotel. To select the best lipolytic microorganism for use in biotechnological processes, we tested 45 bacterial isolates recovered from the raw effluent of the hotel’s restaurant waste tank. Lipase production was assayed in culture medium supplemented with olive oil and rhodamine B, incubated at 25 °C and 30 °C for 24 h - 48 h. Results showed 22 isolates lipase producers. All isolates were inoculated on medium without yeast extract to select the ones with highest enzyme yields. Out of these, nine isolates showed high lipase activity. The strain with the larger halo was assayed in submerged culture using an orbital shaker and a bioreactor, with three different substrates (olive oil, grape seed oil, and canola oil). Isolate G40 identified as Acinetobacter baylyi was selected to run the production assays because it showed the best result in the solid medium. In the bioreactor, maximum lipase production was obtained after 12 h of culture with the three substrates evaluated: 0,358 U/mL.min-1 in olive oil, 0,352 U/mL.min-1 with grapeseed oil, and 0,348 U/mL.min-1 with canola oil.

ABSTRACT During composting processes, the degradation of organic waste is accomplished and driven by a succession of microbial populations exhibiting a broad range of functional competencies. A total of 183 bacteria, isolated from a composting process, were evaluated for cellulase activity at different temperatures (37, 50, 60, and 70°C) and pH values. Out of the 22 isolates that showed activity, isolate 380 showed the highest cellulase activity. Its ability to produce cellulase was evaluated in culture medium supplemented with carboxymethyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, wheat straw, and rice husk. The culture medium supplemented with carboxymethyl cellulose induced higher enzyme activity after 6 hours of incubation (0.12 UEA mL-1 min-1). For wheat straw and rice husk, the results were 0.08 UEA mL-1 min-1 for both, while for microcrystalline cellulose, 0.04 UEA mL-1 min-1 were observed. The highest carboxymethyl cellulase activity was observed at 60°C (0.14 UEA mL-1 min-1) for both crude and partially purified enzyme after 30 and 120 min of incubation, respectively. Alkalinization of the medium was observed during cultivation in all substrates. The cellulase had a molecular mass of 20 kDa determined by SDS-Page. Isolate 380 was identified as Bacillus licheniformis. This work provides a basis for further studies on composting optimization.

Os actinomicetos endofíticos são promissoras fontes de compostos antimicrobianos. Este estudo avaliou a atividade dos metabólitos produzidos pelo actinomiceto endofítico R18(6) contra bactérias Gram-negativas multirresistentes a antimicrobianos. O isolado R18(6) foi cultivado em culturas submersas sob diferentes condições: fonte de carbono, temperatura, pH e tempo de incubação para otimização da produção do composto. O actinomiceto cultivado em meio base suplementado com 1% de glicose, pH 6.5 e incubação a 30 ºC sob agitação constante de 100 rpm durante 96 h, mostrou a melhor atividade contra as bactérias Gram-negativas testadas. A concentração inibitória mínima produzida pelo microorganismo variou entre 1/32 e 1/256. Revelou atividade bactericida ou bacteriostática de acordo com o isolado Gram-negativo. O extrato ativo mostrou-se estável em altas temperaturas e instável em meio contendo enzimas proteolíticas. A micromorfologia R18(6) foi avaliada, sob microscopia óptica e de varredura revelando que era morfologicamente similar ao gêneroStreptomyces.

Endophytic actinomycetes are promising sources of antimicrobial substances. This study evaluates the activity of metabolites produced by the endophytic actinomycete R18(6) against Gram-negative bacteria multiresistant to antimicrobials. R18(6) isolate was grown in submerged cultures under different conditions: carbon source, temperature, pH and incubation time to optimize antimicrobials production. The actinomycete grown in base medium supplemented with 1% glucose, pH 6.5 and incubation at 30 ºC for 96 h with shaking at 100 rpm, exhibited the highest activity against the used Gram-negative bacteria. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the crude extract produced by the microorganism varied between 1/32 and 1/256. It had bactericide or bacteriostatic activity, depending on the Gram-negative organism. The active extract was stable at high temperatures, and unstable in medium containing proteolytic enzymes. Micromorphology of R18(6) was investigated by optical and scan microscopy, revealing that it was morphologically similar to the genusStreptomyces.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a distribuição das espécies, perfil de resistência a antibióticos e presença de enterotoxinas (SE) genes em estafilococos isolados do arroio Dilúvio no Sul do Brasil. Oitenta e oito estafilococos foram identificados, 93,18% foram identificados como coagulase negativa (SCN) e 6,82% coagulase-positiva (SCP). Quatorze espécies de Staphylococcus foram detectados e as mais frequentes foram Staphylococcus cohnii (30,48%) e S. haemolyticus (21,95%). Resistência à eritromicina foi verificada em 37,50% das cepas, seguido por 27,27% de penicilina, 12,50% de clindamicina, 6,81% de trimetoprim-sulfametoxazol, 5,68% a cloranfenicol e 2,27% a norfloxacina. Nenhuma das cepas investigadas mostrou resistência a gentamicina e ciprofloxacina. As cepas foram testadas para a presença dos genes sea, seb, sec, sed e see por PCR e somente as cepas SCN (43,18%) apresentaram resultados positivos para um ou mais genes SE. A importância científica dos nossos resultados é devida à falta de dados sobre esses temas em águas poluídas no Brasil. Em conclusão, as águas poluídas do córrego Dilúvio podem constituir um reservatório de disseminação de resistência a antibióticos e enterotoxina na comunidade. Além disso, a detecção de estafilococos em águas poluídas do arroio do Dilúvio indicou uma situação de contaminação do ambiente e condições ruins de saneamento.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the species distribution, antibiotic-resistance profile and presence of enterotoxin (SE) genes in staphylococci isolated from the Dilúvio stream in South Brazil. Eighty-eight staphylococci were identified, 93.18% were identified as coagulase-negative (CNS) and 6.82% coagulase-positive (CPS). Fourteen Staphylococcus species were detected and the most frequently were Staphylococcus cohnii(30.48%) and S. haemolyticus(21.95%). Resistance to erythromycin was verified in 37.50% of the strains, followed by 27.27% to penicillin, 12.50% to clindamycin, 6.81% to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, 5.68% to chloramphenicol and 2.27% to norfloxacin. None of the investigated strains showed gentamicin and ciprofloxacin resistance. The strains were tested for the presence of sea, seb, sec, sed and see genes by PCR and only CNS strains (43.18%) showed positive results to one or more SE genes. The scientific importance of our results is due to the lack of data about these topics in polluted waters in Brazil. In conclusion, polluted waters from the Dilúvio stream may constitute a reservoir for disseminating antibiotic-resistance and enterotoxin into the community. In addition, the detection of staphylococci in the polluted waters of the Dilúvio stream indicated a situation of environmental contamination and poor sanitation conditions.

Spot blotch disease, caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana, is one of the major diseases of wheat and is responsible for large losses of wheat crops worldwide. We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with universal rice primers (URP) for molecular characterization of 60 monosporic B. sorokiniana isolates from Brazil and other countries, and evaluated the diversity of the samples. PCR amplification generated 232 different DNA fragments ranging in size from 100 to 2018 bp. The primers URP-4R, URP-2R, and URP-1F generated greater numbers of amplified fragments (36, 30, and 25, respectively) from the single-spore isolates, and some diversity was observed among the isolates generated using these primers. The primers URP-2F, URP-6R, URP-17R, URP-30F, and URP-38F produced a pattern of monomorphic fragments and 73% of the isolates showed an average of 44 different DNA-amplified fragments. Primer URP-2F generated a 578-bp fragment that was common to 83.7% of the isolates; primer URP-6R generated a 548-bp fragment and primer URP-38F generated a 650bp product that was common to 89.1% and 80% of the isolates, respectively. The URP-PCR primers provided important information about the genetic profiles of the monosporic cultures, which showed intraspecific variability among the monoconidial isolates and among the monosporic cultures that originated from the same polysporic strain. Our results indicate that URP's are sensitive and give reproducible results for assaying the genetic variability of B. sorokiniana.

Gunnera perpensa L. (Gunneraceae) é uma planta nativa do sul da África utilizada na medicina tradicional como antibiótico e antifúngico. Gunnera manicata L. é uma planta nativa do sul do Brasil também da família Gunneraceae e, apesar disso, não há informações sobre suas propriedades químicas e farmacológicas. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o perfil fitoquímico e farmacológico dos extratos aquoso e metanólico de G. manicata. Os resultados do ensaio microbiológico de difusão em ágar demonstraram que os extratos testados foram ativos contra Staphylococcus aureus e Candida albicans. A presença de compostos fenólicos foi investigada pela técnica de Cromatografia Líquida acoplada a espectrômetro de massas em Tandem (CL-EM/EM). Em todas as amostras analisadas verificou-se a presença de ácido gálico e somente o extrato metanólico das folhas apresentou hiperosídeo. Rutina, quercetina e ácido clorogênico não foram encontrados. O conteúdo total de compostos fenólicos foi maior nos extratos metanólicos e o conteúdo de flavonóides totais foi baixo em todos os extratos. A atividade antioxidante foi avaliada pelo teste da atividade do radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picril-hidrazil (DPPH) e todas as amostras apresentaram boa a moderada atividade antioxidante. Esses resultados encorajam estudos complementares da composição química dos extratos com foco no isolamento e na elucidação estrutural dos compostos ativos.

Gunnera perpensa L. (Gunneraceae) is a native South African plant widely used in traditional medicine as an antibacterial and antifungal. In southern Brazil there is the native species called Gunnera manicata L. that also belongs to the Gunneraceae. Nevertheless, there is no information about chemical and pharmacological properties of South American Gunnera species. Therefore this study aimed at assessing the phytochemical and pharmacological profiles of aqueous and methanol Brazilian G. manicata extracts. The results showed that antimicrobial activity in an agar diffusion assay was effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans . Phenolic compounds were investigated by liquid chromatography coupled with a tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) and all extracts presented gallic acid and only the methanol extract obtained from the leaves exhibited hyperoside. Rutin, quercetin and chlorogenic acid were not found in the samples analysed. Total phenolic content was higher in methanol extract and total flavonoid content was low in all extracts. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical test, and all samples presented good to moderate antioxidant activity. These results encourage complementary studies on the chemical composition of the plant extracts focusing on isolation and structure elucidation of their active compounds.

A técnica da compostagem é um recurso empregado com o objetivo de reciclar resíduos orgânicos domésticos e sanitizar o lodo produzido nas estações de tratamento de efluentes de esgoto (ETE) podendo-se obter um composto com propriedades de fertilizante agrícola e/ou corretor de solos degradados. A alta temperatura atingida pelo sistema deve ser responsável pela redução de micro-organismos patogênicos presentes no início do processo assegurando, desta forma, a qualidade microbiológica do composto sem oferecer riscos de contaminação, conforme preconiza a Resolução 354/2006 do CONAMA. Objetivou-se, com o trabalho, avaliar a influência da temperatura sobre a redução de Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., ovos de helmintos e vírus entéricos durante o processo de compostagem, além da contagem de bactérias heterotróficas. Foram realizados testes colimétricos, semeaduras em meios de cultivo, testes de visualização de ovos de helmintos e detecção molecular de vírus entéricos. Os resultados indicaram oscilação nas contagens de E. coli e de bactérias heterotróficas, mesmo após a fase termofílica. Por outro lado, não foi detectada a presença de Salmonella sp., vírus entéricos nem de ovos viáveis de helmintos, ao final do processo.

The composting technique is a promising alternative for the treatment of solid organic residues, along with the sludge produced in sewage treatment plants. The final compost might show fertilizer properties, which can be used to recover poor soils. The high temperatures that the composting process can achieve are responsible for the reduction of the pathogenic microbial population, helminth eggs and virus present in the beginning of the process. This behavior assures the microbial quality of the compost according to the 375/2006 Resolution of the CONAMA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of temperature on Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., helminth egg and enteric virus presence in the final product from a composting process. For this matter colimetric assays were performed together with the seedling of the samples in different culture media, the assay for helminth eggs visualization under the microscope and the identification of enteric virus. The results showed an oscillation on E. coli and heterotrophic bacteria counts, even after the thermophilic phase. On the other hand, Salmonella sp., helminth eggs and enteric virus were not found in the final compost.

INTRODUÇÃO: Estafilococos são patógenos responsáveis por surtos de doenças transmitidas por alimentos. O estudo investigou a prevalência de genes de enterotoxinas e o perfil de resistência aos antimicrobianos em estafilococos coagulase-negativo (CoNS) e estafilococos coagulase-positivo (CoPS) isolados de morcilhas no sul do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Duzentas colônias típicas e atípicas do ágar Baird-Parker foram inoculadas em ágar sal-manitol. Oitenta e dois estafilococos manitol-positivos foram submetidos a testes bioquímicos e perfil de susceptibilidade antimicrobiana. A presença dos genes da coagulase (coa) e enterotoxinas (se) foi investigada por reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). RESULTADOS: Os isolados foram divididos em dois grupos: 75,6% (62/82) CoNS e 24,4% (20/82) CoPS. Através dos testes bioquímicos, 9 espécies foram determinadas, Staphylococcus saprophyticus (37,8%) e Staphylococcus carnosus (15,9%) foram as mais prevalentes. Testes de susceptibilidade demostraram fenótipos de resistência aos antibióticos administrados em humanos, como gentamicina, tetraciclina, cloranfenicol e eritromicina. O gene coa foi detectado em 19,5% (16/82) das cepas e quatro fragmentos de DNA polimórficos foram observados. Cinco CoNS contendo o gene coa foram submetidos ao sequenciamento do 16S rRNA e três mostraram similaridade com CoNS. Quarenta amostras foram positivas para pelo menos um gene se, os mais frequentes foram sea (28,6%) e seb (27,5%). CONCLUSÕES: A presença de resistência aos antimicrobianos e de genes se nos isolados de morcilha indicou que este alimento pode representar um risco potencial à saúde, já que a presença nos alimentos pode causar doenças de origem alimentar ou ser uma possível rota de transferência de estafilococos resistentes aos humanos.

INTRODUCTION: Staphylococcal species are pathogens that are responsible for outbreaks of foodborne diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of enterotoxin-genes and the antimicrobial resistance profile in staphylococcus coagulase-negative (CoNS) and coagulasepositive (CoPS) isolates from black pudding in southern Brazil. METHODS: Two hundred typical and atypical colonies from Baird-Parker agar were inoculated on mannitol salt agar. Eighty-two mannitol-positive staphylococci were submitted to conventional biochemical tests and antimicrobial susceptibility profiling. The presence of coagulase (coa) and enterotoxin (se) genes was investigated by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The isolates were divided into 2 groups: 75.6% (62/82) were CoNS and 24.4% (20/82) were CoPS. The biochemical tests identified 9 species, of which Staphylococcus saprophyticus (37.8%) and Staphylococcus carnosus (15.9%) were the most prevalent. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests showed resistance phenotypes to antibiotics widely administered in humans, such as gentamicin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and erythromycin. The coa gene was detected in 19.5% (16/82) of the strains and 4 polymorphic DNA fragments were observed. Five CoNS isolates carrying the coa gene were submitted for 16S rRNA sequencing and 3 showed similarity with CoNS. Forty strains were positive for at least 1 enterotoxin-encoding gene, the genes most frequently detected were sea (28.6%) and seb (27.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of antimicrobial resistant and enterotoxin-encoding genes in staphylococci isolates from black pudding indicated that this fermented food may represent a potential health risk, since staphylococci present in food could cause foodborne diseases or be a possible route for the transfer of antimicrobial resistance to humans.

Entomopathogenic fungi are important controllers of pest-insects populations in agricultural production systems and in natural environment. These fungi have enzymatic machinery which involve since the recognition and adherence of spores in their hosts culminating with infection and death of these insects. The main objective of this study was to analyzed extracellular enzyme production of the fungi strains Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae and Paecilomyces sp when cultured on substrates. These fungi were grown in minimal media containing specific substrates for the analysis of different enzymes such as amylases, cellulases, esterases, lipases, proteases (gelatin and caseinase), pectinases and cuticles of Musca domestica larvae and adults. All the assays were performed with and without the presence of dextrose in the culture media. The quantification of enzyme activity was performed by the ratio of halo / colony (H/C) and the results subjected to variance analysis level of 5% (ANOVA) followed by post-Tukey test. All strains were positive for lipase and also they showed a high significant enzyme production for gelatin at concentrations of 4 and 1%. B. bassiana and Paecilomyces sp. were positive for amylase, pectinase and caseinase, and only Paecilomyces sp. showed cellulase activity.

INTRODUÇÃO: O objetivo deste estudo foi confirmar a identificação de amostras clínicas e alimentos de Enterococcus gallinarum e Enterococcus casseliflavus por PCR-RFLP. MÉTODOS: Cinquenta e duas cepas identificadas por exames bioquímicos convencionais foram submetidos a amplificação por PCR e digestão com HinfI. Apenas 20 (38,5%) das 52 amostras apresentaram um padrão de DNA esperado E. gallinarum e E. casseliflavus. RESULTADOS: Analise dos resultados deste estudo demonstraram que, algumas vezes E. gallinarum e E. casseliflavus são erroneamente identificados e confirmaram a potencial aplicação da análise do 16S rDNA para identificação exata destas espécies. CONCLUSÕES: A correta identificação é importante a fim de distinguir entre resistência intrínseca e adquirida à vancomicina.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to confirm the identification of Enterococcus gallinarum and Enterococcus casseliflavus isolated from clinical and food samples by PCR-RFLP. METHODS: Fifty-two strains identified by conventional biochemical exams were submitted to PCR amplification and digested with HinfI. Only 20 (38.5%) of the 52 strains showed a DNA pattern expected for E. gallinarum and E. casseliflavus. RESULTS: Analysis of the results of this study showed that E. gallinarum and E. casseliflavus are occasionally erroneously identified and confirmed the potential application of 16S rDNA analysis for accurate identification of these species. CONCLUSIONS: A correct identification is important to distinguish between intrinsic and acquired vancomycin resistance.

The phytopathogenic fungus Drechslera tritici-repentis causes tan spot, an important disease of wheat in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. Twelve D. tritici-repentis isolates were obtained from wheat seeds from different locations in the state. Their colony morphology on potato dextrose agar and polymorphisms in genomic DNA by the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method were investigated. For the RAPD method, 23 primers were tested of which nine were selected for use in the study of D. tritici-repentis polymorphisms. The degree of similarity between isolates was calculated using a simple matching coefficient and dendrograms constructed by the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetical averages (UPGMA). The morphological and RAPD analyses showed intraspecific polymorphisms within the isolates, but it was not possible to establish a relationship between these polymorphisms and the geographical regions from where the host seeds were collected.

A presença das biovares I e/ou II de Ralstonia solanacearum em uma lavoura de batatas (Solanum tuberosum) tem influência direta no sucesso das medidas adotadas para controlar a murcha bacteriana. As biovares diferem entre si em relação à agressividade, latência e sobrevivência. Assim, um experimento de campo foi conduzido em uma área naturalmente infestada em duas épocas de cultivo com os objetivos de verificar (1) a incidência de biovares I e/ou II, (2) a relação entre biovar e época de plantio e (3) a relação entre biovar e cultivar de batata. Os isolados obtidos de plantas das cultivares Achat, Baronesa, Elvira, Macaca, Monte Bonito e Trapeira foram identificados como biovar I ou II através da PCR, utilizando os oligonucleotídeos iniciadores T3A e T5A. Ambas as biovares foram encontradas na área naturalmente infestada. De 73 isolados de R. solanacearum, 94,5% foram identificados como biovar II e 5,5% como biovar I. A biovar II foi isolada dos cultivos de primavera e de outono, independente da cultivar, mas a I apenas do cultivo de primavera e de plantas assintomáticas das cultivares Achat e Macaca. A maior população da biovar I nestas duas cultivares pode ser uma evidência da possível relação entre biovar e cultivar.

The occurrence of biovars I and/or II of Ralstonia solanacearum in a potato (Solanum tuberosum) field has direct consequences for the success of the measures adopted to control bacterial wilt. Biovars differ regarding aggressiveness, latency and survival. An experiment was conducted in a naturally infested potato field in two seasons to find (1) the incidence of biovars I and II, (2) the relationship between biovar and planting season, and (3) the relationship between biovar and potato cultivar. Bacterial isolates from potato cultivars Achat, Baronesa, Elvira, Macaca, Monte Bonito, and Trapeira were identified as biovar I or II through PCR, using T3A and T5A primers. Both biovars I and II were found in the naturally infested field. Among 73 strains, 5.5 and 94.5 % were identified as biovar I and II, respectively. Biovar II was found in the spring and in the fall, regardless of the cultivar, but biovar I only in the spring season and on symptomless plants of Achat and Macaca cultivars. The highest population of biovar I on these two cultivars may be evidence for a possible relationship between biovar and cultivar.