Janaina Zorzetti

In vitro sensitivity of antagonistic Trichoderma atroviride to herbicides

Trichoderma atroviride was tested in vitro for its sensitivity to different herbicides. The dosages tested were recommended dosage (RD), half dosage (½RD), and double dosage (2RD). Germination, colony-forming units (CFU), radial growth, and spore production were evaluated. Carfentrazone-ethyl and sulfentrazone inhibited the germination at RD and 2RD. A reduction in the CFU was observed for glufosinate-ammonium, atrazine, carfentrazone-ethyl, diuron + paraquat dichloride, imazapyr, oxyfluorfen, and sulfentrazone at each of the tested dosages. Radial growth was influenced by ametryn, atrazine, carfentrazone-ethyl, oxyfluorfen, and sulfentrazone herbicides, with an 80% reduction of the colonial area. Spore production was affected by carfentrazone-ethyl, oxyfluorfen, and sulfentrazone with colonial area reductions of over 70%. It was concluded that 2,4 D, clomazone, and imazapyr herbicides showed the least toxicity to T. atroviride and should be used in the crops where the fungus has been applied for phytopathogen control.

Genome Sequence of the Mosquitocidal Bacillus thuringiensis Strain BR58, a Biopesticide Product Effective against the Coffee Berry Borer (Hypothenemus hampei).

ABSTRACT Bacillus thuringiensis is an important microbial control agent against insect pests. The draft genome sequence of the Brazilian strain BR58 described here contains the insecticidal genes cry4A, cry4B, cry10A, cry11A, cry60A, cry60B, and cyt1A, which show toxicity to both Aedes aegypti and Hypothenemus hampei larvae.

Knowledge about the safe use of pesticides by farmers from Central Northern Paraná State

Pesticides are considered an important risk factor for human health and have been the subject of several studies, both for its toxicity and environmental degradation. This study aimed to diagnose the knowledge level of farmers from the Central Northern Parana State on the safe pesticides use. For this we used a questionnaire that addressed issues related to intoxication, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and knowledge about inserts and labels. We interviewed 100 farmers affiliated to cooperatives in the region. After analyzing the responses, we observed that most farmers did an incomplete use of PPE in their daily activities, or did not use it, as it was found in all cases of poisoning. The terms used in the pesticides inserts and labels are not properly understood by farmers, contributing to increased problems in the safe handling of these products. The study concludes that it is necessary to have a process of training and guidance from regulators and the companies involved, as inputs companies, cooperatives and technical assistance agencies aiming more judicious use of the products and decreasing the risks to health of rural populations and environment.