Alan Carlos Costa

Physiological and biochemical responses of photomorphogenic tomato mutants (cv. Micro-Tom) under water withholding

In addition to mediating photomorphogenesis, phytochromes are responsible for many abiotic stress responses, acting upon biochemical and molecular mechanisms of cell signaling. In this work, we measured the physiological and biochemical responses of phytochrome-mutant plants under water stress. In tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), the aurea mutant (au) is phytochrome-deficient and the high-pigment-1 mutant (hp1) has exaggerated light responses. We examined the effects of water withholding on water potential, leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, chloroplast pigment content and antioxidant enzyme activity in au and hp1 and their wild-type cultivar Micro-Tom (MT). Initial fluorescence and potential quantum efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry were not affected by the treatment, but effective quantum yield of PSII, electron transport rate decreased and non-photochemical quenching increased significantly in MT. Under water withholding conditions, MT had higher malondialdehyde concentration than the mutants, but au had higher activities of catalase and ascorbate peroxidase compared to the other genotypes. The tolerance of mutants to the effects of water withholding may be explained by the higher activity of antioxidant enzymes in au and by a higher concentration of antioxidant compounds, such as carotenoids, in hp1.

Morphoanatomical and physiological changes in Bauhinia variegata L. as indicators of herbicide diuron action

The wide use of the herbicide diuron has compromised surrounding uncultivated areas, resulting in acute and/or chronic damage to non-target plants. Thus, the aim of this research was to evaluate physiological and morphoanatomical responses in Bauhinia variegata L. plants to different doses of diuron. Seedlings of 90-day-old B. variegata were transplanted into 10liter pots. After an acclimation period (about 30 days), treatments consisting of different diuron doses were applied: 0 (control), 400, 800, 1600, and 2400g ai ha-1. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design in a 5×5 factorial scheme with five doses of diuron five evaluation times, and five replicates per treatment. Anatomical and physiological injuries were observed in leaves of Bauhina variegata 10h after diuron application. Disruption of waxes was observed on both sides of the leaves of plants exposed since the lowest dose. Plasmolysis in cells were observed in treated leaves; more severe damage was observed in plants exposed to higher doses, resulting in rupture of epidermis. The diuron herbicide also caused gradual reduction in the gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence variables. Among the morphoanatomical and physiological variables analyzed, the non-invasive ones (e.g., ETR, YII, and Fv/Fm) may be used as biomarkers of diuron action in association with visible symptoms. In addition, changes in leaf blade waxes and chlorophyll parenchyma damage may also be considered additional leaf biomarkers of diuron herbicide action.

Pollen viability, physiology, and production of maize plants exposed to pyraclostrobin + epoxiconazole

The use of fungicides in maize has been more frequent due to an increase in the incidence of diseases and also the possible physiological benefits that some of these products may cause. However, some of these products (e.g., strobilurins and triazoles) may interfere with physiological processes and the formation of reproductive organs. Therefore, the effect of these products on plants at different developmental stages needs to be better understood to reduce losses and maximize production. The effect of the fungicide pyraclostrobin+epoxiconazole (P+E) was evaluated at different growth stages in meiosis, pollen grain viability and germination, physiology, and production of maize plants in the absence of disease. An experiment was carried out with the hybrid DKB390 PROII and the application of pyraclostrobin+epoxiconazole at the recommended dose and an untreated control at 3 different timings (S1 - V10; S2 - V14; S3 - R1) with 5 replications. Gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, pollen viability and germination, as well as the hundred-grain weight were evaluated. Anthers were collected from plants of S1 for cytogenetic analysis. The fungicide pyraclostrobin+epoxiconazole reduced the viability of pollen grains (1.4%), but this was not enough to reduce production. Moreover, no differences were observed in any of the other parameters analyzed, suggesting that P+E at the recommended dose and the tested stages does not cause toxic effects.

Growth and physiological characteristics of the weed false johnsongrass ( Sorghum arundinaceum (Desv.) Stapf)

Sorghum arundinaceum (Desv.) Stapf a weed that belongs to the Poaceae family and is widespread throughout Brazil. Despite the frequent occurrence, infesting cultivated areas, there is little research concerning the biology and physiology of this species. The objective of this research was to evaluate the growth, carbon partitioning and physiological characteristics of the weed Sorghum arundinaceum in greenhouse. Plants were collected at regular intervals of seven days, from 22 to 1 13 days after transplanting (DAT). In each sample, we determined plant height, root volume, leaf area and dry matter, and subsequently we performed the growth analysis. We have determined the dry matter partitioning among organs, the accumulation of dry matter, the specific leaf area, the relative growth rate and leaf weight ratio. At 36, 78 and 113 DAT, the photosynthetic and transpiration rates, stomatal conductance, CO 2 concentration and chlorophyll fluorescence were evaluated. The Sorghum arundinaceum reached 1.91 m in height, with slow initial growth and allocated much of the biomass in the roots. The photosynthetic rate and the maximum quantum yield of FSII are similar throughout the growth cycle. At maturity the Sorghum arundinaceum presents higher values of transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and non-photochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ).

RESÍDUOS DE ESPÉCIES FORRAGEIRAS AFETAM CARACTERÍSTICAS FOTOSSINTÉTICAS DO PEQUIZEIRO

Some forages release allelopathic substances into the environment, and may prevent consortium with arboreal species in pastures. The objective of this work was to evaluate photosynthetic characteristics of pequizeiro plants (hereafter pequi) influenced by concentrations of residues of the forage species Urocholoa decumbens, Melinis minutiflora and Paspalum notatum. The treatments consisted of pequi cultivation under aerial residues of the three forage species mixed to the substrate in four concentrations (1, 2, 3 and 4% mass/mass), plus an additional treatment (comparative control) with pequi cultivated on the substrate without waste. The following parameters were evaluated: photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, relationship between internal and external CO2 concentration (Ci/Ca), maximum quantum yield, effective quantum yield of FS II, electron transport rate, nonchemical quenching and chlorophyll index, concerning the content of chlorophyll a, b and total in pequi plants at 50 and 100 days after transplanting (DAT), and the relative production of dry matter at 100 DAT. At 50 DAT, the following photosynthetic variables were affected in pequi plants: A, gs, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll when cultivated in the presence of forage residues. At 100 DAT, the following photosynthetic variables were affected in pequi plants: A, Fv/Fm, ETR, NPQ, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll, when cultivated in the presence of forage residues. Pequi plants had reduced relative dry matter yield when grown in the presence of U. decumbens. This variable was also affected when pequi was grown in increasing concentrations of residues of the species U. decumbens, M. minutiflora and P. notatum.

Nitric oxide mitigates the effect of water deficit in Crambe abyssinica

Crambe abyssinica is widely cultivated in the off-season in the Midwest region of Brazil with great potential for biodeisel production. Low precipitation is characteristic of this region, which can drastically affect the productivity of C. abyssinica. Signaling molecules, such as nitric oxide (NO), can potentially alleviate the effects of water stress on plants. Here we test whether nitric oxide, applied by donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP), can alleviate the occurrence of water deficit damages in Crambe plants and maintain physiological and biochemical processes. Crambe plants were sprayed with three doses of SNP (0, 75, and 150 μM) and were submitted to two water levels (100% and 50% of the maximum water holding capacity). After 32 and 136 h, leaves were analyzed to evaluate the concentration of NO, water relations, gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, chloroplastidic pigments, proline, malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anions, and the antioxidant enzymes activity. Application of SNP allowed the maintenance of gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and activities of antioxidant enzymes in plants exposed to water deficit, as well as increased the concentration of NO, proline, chloroplastidic pigments and osmotic potential. The application of SNP also decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species in plants submitted to water deficit. Thus, the application of SNP prevented the occurrence of symptoms of water deficit in Crambe plants, maintaining the physiological and biochemical responses at reference levels, even under stress conditions.

TOLERÂNCIA FISIOLÓGICA DE PLANTAS OLEAGINOSAS AO DÉFICIT HÍDRICO

RESUMO: O déficit hídrico pode comprometer o desempenho fotossintético e, consequentemente, a produtividade de Raphanus sativus L. e Crambe abyssinica Hochst no cultivo de entressafra, o qual é caracterizado pela estação seca. Desse modo, objetivou-se avaliar os parâmetros de fluorescência da clorofila a de R. sativus e C. abyssinica submetidas à restrição hídrica, como método não invasivo. Experimentos independentes foram conduzidos em campo, na área experimental do Instituto Federal Goiano Campus Rio Verde, sob delineamento de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram em três reposições hídricas (100, 66 e 33% da capacidade de campo) e três tempos de avaliação. As medições foram realizadas aos 10, 15 e 21 dias de aplicação dos tratamentos para o R. sativus, e aos 13, 17 e 24 dias de aplicação dos tratamentos para o C. abyssinica. As respostas obtidas de rendimentos quânticos potencial (Fv/Fm) e efetivo (YII) do fotossistema II, taxa de transporte de elétrons (ETR) e coeficiente de dissipação não-fotoquímica (NPQ) evidenciam a ausência de danos fotoinibitórios nas plantas de R. sativus e C. abyssinica sob condição de estresse. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: restrição hídrica, fotossíntese, mecanismos de adaptação.

Physiological changes and in the carbohydrate content of sunflower plants submitted to sub-doses of glyphosate and trinexapac-ethyl

The maturing of drift used in the culture of sugar cane can have harmful effects on other crops grown in the vicinity of sugar cane plantations. Among these, sunflower grown in the off-season can have its growth and productivity affected by drift. The objective of this research was to evaluate whether the drift of trinexapac-ethyl and glyphosate promotes changes in the photosynthetic metabolism of sunflower plants. Two trials were carried out to evaluate the effects of these products on gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, chloroplastid pigments, membrane permeability, sugar content, as well as shikimic acid and malondialdehyde concentration in the treated plants. In the first experiment, we tested glyphosate in doses of 0 (control); 3.6; 7.2; 14.4; 28.8; and 86.4 g a.e.∙ha−1 and in the second, trinexapac-ethyl at doses of 0 (control) 3.12; 6.25; 12.50; 25, and 75 g a.i.∙ha−1. The growth regulator trinexapac-ethyl did not change the photosynthetic metabolism of plants. However, glyphosate caused damage to the photosynthetic apparatus and a reduction in the carbohydrate concentration and chloroplastid pigments, with casual damage to cell membranes; these effect were more intense at increased doses. The effects of glyphosate were evidenced by the increased concentration of shikimic acid, derived from its mechanism of action. Concludes that, the photosynthetic metabolism of sunflower plants is not affected by the growth regulator trinexapac-ethyl, unlike to the evident effects after application of glyphosate.