Rosana de Carvalho Cristo Martins

Avaliação da produtividade, conteúdo e eficiência de utilização de nutrientes em genótipos de Eucalyptus spp. no vale do Jequitinhonha, MG.

The hybridization of eucalyptus species can provide more productive hybrids and with a high efficiency of nutrient absorption and, or, nutrient use, depending on the combined species. In this context, the present work was undertaken in the Jequitinhonha Valley region, Minas Gerais, and its objectives were: to determine the productivity, content and use efficiency of N, P, K, Ca and Mg in interspecific hybrids of Eucalyptus spp. In each plot, the diameters were measured at breast height (DBH) in all the trees, and three trees with diameter similar to the average mean were felled. The volume of the trees was estimated by the Smallian method, using the height, diameter and the bark thickness at the base and at 25, 50, 75 and 100 % of the commercial height. The fresh weight of the wood, bark, leaves and branches was determined in the field, and samples from them were collected for the determination of dry matter. The log samples consisted of collected disks with bark, from the base and at 25, 50, 75 and 100 % of the commercial height. The samples of vegetable tissues were analyzed for: N, P, K, Ca and Mg. The results obtained did not show significant differences for the production of crown biomass between the eucalyptus hybrids of the same age. However, the production of log biomass presented significant differences and the naturally pollinated hybrids of Eucalyptus urophylla were 50.0 % and 69.0 % more productive compared with the hybrids of Eucalyptus urophylla with Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus urophylla with descendants of the crossing of Eucalyptus camaldulensis with Eucalyptus grandis , respectively. Also, these hybrids allocated larger amount of biomass in the log (92.3 %) in relation to the crown (7.7 %), and they were more efficient in the absorption and use of N, P, K, Ca and Mg. The conclusions were that: 1) same aged hybrids of Eucalyptus urophylla from natural or controlled pollinations did not differ in their crown biomass; 2) log biomass was reduced in the hybrids from controlled pollination between Eucalyptus urophylla with Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus urophylla with descendants of the crossing of Eucalyptus camaldulensis with Eucalyptus grandis ; 3) hybrids of Eucalyptus urophylla from natural pollination were more productive and more efficient in the absorption and efficiency of use of N, P, K, Ca and Mg and 4) hybrids of Eucalyptus urophylla with descendants of the crossing of Eucalyptus camaldulensis with Eucalyptus grandis are less productive and less efficient in the absorption and use of N, P, K, Ca and Mg.

Avaliação da morfologia interna de sementes de Terminalia argentea (Combretaceae) pelo teste de raios X

Forest species, especially those from the Cerrado, are characterised by a high incidence of predation, empty fruit and deficiency in embryo formation. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the internal morphology of seeds of Terminalia argentea Mart. et Zucc. by X-ray testing, and to verify its relationship to germination. The experiment was conducted at the Laboratory for Image Analysis of the Department for Plant Production, at the Escola Superior Luis de Queiroz, in the city of Piracicaba, in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Three batches of seeds of T. argentea were collected and taken to the laboratory, where radiographic analysis of 200 seeds from each lot was carried out. The seeds were placed 28.0 cm from the source of the X-ray emissions, digital equipment from Faxitron X-ray, model MX-20 DC 12. The seeds were then classified according to their internal morphology as seen in the radiographs, with three categories being established: full, empty and misshapen seeds. Germination tests were performed for each category of seed. The statistical design employed was a factorial scheme of three groups and three categories. From the results obtained in this work, use of X-ray testing of seeds of Terminalia argentea is promising for the detection of the fruit quality of the seed lots, aiding in the separation of empty seeds and those with embryonic abnormalities, and precluding their storage or immediate use. X-ray testing at an intensity of 26 kV for 1.2 seconds was effective in assessing the internal morphology of seeds of Terminalia argentea.

Electrical Conductivity Testing as Applied to the Assessment of Freshly Collected Kielmeyera coriacea Mart. Seeds

Assessment of seed vigor has long been an important tool of seed quality control programs. The conductivity test is a promising method for assessment of seed vigor, but proper protocols for its execution have yet to be established. The objective of this study was to assess the efficiency of electrical conductivity (EC) testing as a means of assessing the viability of freshly collected Kielmeyera Coriacea Mart. seeds. The test was performed on individual seeds rather than in a bulk configuration. Seeds were soaked for different periods (30 min, 90 min, 120 min., 180 min, and 240 min) at a constant temperature of 25°C. Conductivity was then measured with a benchtop EC meter.

Viability of Jatropha curcas (euphorbiaceae) seeds in different stages of physiological maturity

Abstract. Jatropha curcas L. is an oilseed shrubby species still in process of domestication, from the Euphorbiaceae family, commonly known as pinhao manso. The object of the present work was to verify if the germination of Jatropha curcas seeds is influenced by the harvest method or the seeds maturity stage. The seeds were picked at University of Brasilia farm. The pulps were extracted and germinated. The treatments consisted in: (T1) intact seeds of black fruit (witness), (T2) seed without black fruit tegument, (T3) black fruit seed with skin harvested from the ground, (T4) black fruit seed harvested from the ground, (T5) yellow fruit seed, (T6) green fruit seed. Germination percentage (%G) and germination speed index (IVG) were evaluated. It was found that seeds from black fruit picked from the tree had good germination, mostly when the tegument was removed. The germination of pinhao manso seeds was influenced by the maturity stage and harvest method. It was found that there is a significant Jatropa curcas L. seeds seedling while seeds maturate. The maximum expression of viability of Jatropha curcas L. seeds is verified in black color seeds with no integument, achieving a homogeneous germination.