Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is an important food crop for subsistence farmers in the Altiplano (high plains) of Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina. Saponins are part of a diverse family of secondary metabolites that are found in high concentrations in the pericarp of many varieties of quinoa. Due to their bitter taste and anti-nutritive properties, saponins must be removed before the quinoa grain is consumed. There are ‘sweet’ varieties of quinoa that have significantly reduced levels of saponin. Previous research suggests saponin production is controlled by a single locus. The major objective of this research was to elucidate the genetic components in the saponin biosynthesis pathway. Thus, we report the development and annotation of the first large scale expressed sequence tag (EST) collection for quinoa based on Sanger and 454 pyrosequencing of maturing seed tissue expressing saponins. Sanger sequencing produced 18,325 reads with an average read length of 693 nucleotides, while 454 GS-FLX pyrosequencing generated 295,048 reads with an average read length of 202 nucleotides. A hybrid assembly of all sequences generated 39,366 unigenes, consisting of 16,728 contigs and 22,638 singletons. Repeat sequence analysis of the unigene set identified 291 new microsatellite markers. From the unigene set, a custom microarray was developed and used to assay transcriptional changes in developing seeds of saponin-containing and saponin-free quinoa lines. The microarray consisted of 102,834 oligonucleotide probes representing 37,716 sequences of the unigenes set. Three different statistical comparisons, based on comparisons of ‘sweet’ vs. ‘bitter’ seed tissue at two developmental stages, were assayed on the custom array. Using a p-value cutoff threshold of 0.01, we identified a list of 198 significantly differentially expressed candidate genes common to all three comparisons. We also identified a list of candidate genes (p-value ≤ 0.05) that are known to be associated with identified triterpenoid (saponin) biosynthetic pathways that were differentially expressed in all three comparisons. Included in this list are candidate genes that share homology to cytochrome P450s (20), cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (10), and glycosyltransferases (49) suggesting that transcriptional differences in the saponin biosynthesis pathway possibly responsible for the absence or presence of saponin in quinoa are determined after the formation of the β-amyrin skeleton. These candidate genes are suggested for use in future studies in the production of saponin in quinoa.

RNA-seq transcriptome analysis of Chenopodium quinoa at different water treatment levels was conducted in a greenhouse study using four water treatments (field capacity to drought) on a valley ecotype quinoa (variety Ingapirca) and an Altiplano Salares ecotype quinoa (variety Ollague). Physiological results support the earlier findings that the Salares ecotypes display greater tolerance to drought-like stress conditions than the valley ecotypes (as determined by growth rate, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and stem water potential). cDNA libraries from root tissue sample for each treatment x variety combination were sequenced using Illumina Hi-Seq technology in an RNA-seq experiment. De novo assembly of the transcriptome generated 20,337 unique transcripts. Gene expression analysis of the RNA-seq data identified 462 putative gene products that showed differential expression based on treatment and 27 putative gene products differential expressed based on variety x treatment, including significant increasing expression in the root tissue in response to increasing water stress. BLAST searches and gene ontology analysis show an overlap with drought tolerance stress and other abiotic stress mechanisms.

Chenopodium album is considered one of the most important weeds adversely affecting agricultural production due to its highly competitive influence on field crops. Chemical herbicides have increased the efficiency of farming, but recently problems of herbicideresistant weed populations and herbicide residues in soil, water, food products and effects on non-target organisms have increased, consequently, other methods of control of weeds by using specific fungi as herbicides have been suggested. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the biological control of the weed Chenopodium album by the fungus Ascochyta caulina. Some of the factors which control dormancy and germination of Chenopodium album seeds have been investigated to understand better the weed population dynamics. The results showed that seeds from two populations (UK and Libya) differ in their response to factors such as light, chilling, and burying in soil. This could have implications for effective control of the weed in different regions. Two formulations of mycoherbicides (Tween 80 and Gelatine based applications) were tested in the laboratory, and showed promise in reducing growth of the weed, especially the formula of Tween 80. There was extensive shoot fresh and dry weight reduction of inoculated Chenopodium album, as well as reduced root growth. Highest disease severity rates were observed on plants in the first three week of life. A field trial revealed similar results but less disease severity was observed, possibly because of dry weather. However, it was concluded that the fungus Ascochyta caulina is a potentially useful biological control agent but many factors still can be modified in relation to application of the mycoherbicide to increase its efficacy. / Libyan Government

The purpose of this research was to evaluate a common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album) collection from Westmoreland County, Virginia, which exhibited a differential response to glyphosate treatments as compared to most other common lambsquarters. Plants from this site that survived glyphosate applications were collected in both 2002 and 2004. Greenhouse studies were conducted on F1, F2, and F3 progeny from this collection and compared to a wild type collection from Montgomery County, Virginia. Evaluations were conducted on these plants treated with a range of glyphosate rates. F1 progeny of the Westmoreland plants from both 2002 and 2004 collections showed reduced response to glyphosate relative to the Montgomery collection. Vigor reduction of F1 progeny from three 2004 Westmoreland source plants with 0.84 kg ae/ha of glyphosate ranged from 66 to 85% at 28 days after treatment (DAT), compared to 89% for the Montgomery collection. Evaluation of four Westmoreland F2 common lambsquarters lines derived from 2002 collections indicated significant differences in glyphosate sensitivity. Fifteen F2 lines were generated from 2004 collections from each of three Westmoreland source plants and from the Montgomery source. For the least sensitive Westmoreland source, vigor reduction ranged from only 24 to 36% across F2 lines in response to 1.68 kg/ha of glyphosate at 28 DAT, relative to 55 to 100% for the Montgomery source. I50 estimates for fresh weight reduction were 0.91 and 0.32 kg/ha, for these sources, respectively. Sequential treatments of 0.42, 1.26, and 1.68 kg/ha applied at three-week intervals to the least susceptible 2004 Westmoreland F2 line resulted in only 37% vigor reduction and no mortality among 360 treated plants. Growth chamber studies were also conducted on the F2 progeny of these sources to determine if differential growth responses occur in noncompetitive environments and in the absence of glyphosate treatment. Generally, few differences were observed among the Westmoreland and Montgomery collections in growth parameters including height, leaf number, leaf area, leaf size, shoot weight, and reproductive output. However, significant differences were observed with regard to root weight, root length, and root density. In germination studies, it was determined that the Montgomery source had significantly faster and greater seed germination than the Westmoreland source. The susceptibility of F3 seedlings to glyphosate varied significantly with respect to F2 parent line and glyphosate rate. Mortality of 100% was observed in F3 seedlings from the Montgomery source in response to the 3.36 kg ae/ha glyphosate rate, while no mortality was observed in Westmoreland F3 seedlings in response to this glyphosate rate. / Master of Science

Dans les hauts plateaux des Andes entre le Pérou et la Bolivie, à 3 800 mètres d’altitude s’étend le lac Titicaca, berceau des civilisations précolombiennes et l’un des principaux centres mondiaux de domestication des espèces végétales cultivées pour l’agriculture. Cette région est reconnue comme le centre d’origine du quinoa, C. quinoa Willd. Elle concentre la plus grande diversité génétique du quinoa, tant pour les variétés paysannes cultivées que pour les espèces sauvages apparentées. Notre recherche a été conduite dans la région de Puno, Pérou, qui reste l’une des principales régions productrices de quinoa au monde. Le quinoa y présente une distribution spatiale selon un gradient climatique nord-sud et une différenciation en zones agroécologiques liée à l’altitude. Actuellement, sept principales espèces de parents sauvages du quinoa y sont présentes : C.ambrosioides L., C.incisum Poiret, C.pallidicaule Aellen, C.petiolare Kunth, C.hircinum Schrad., C.quinoa ssp. melanospermum Hunz. et C.carnosolum Moq. Cette diversité de ressources génétiques a une grande valeur pour l’évolution adaptative du quinoa notamment face aux effets du changement climatique. Notre thèse s’inscrit dans l’importance économique et culturelle du quinoa, étant à la fois une ressource alimentaire des régions andines et l’objet des marchés internationaux du fait de ses qualités nutritives. Cette opportunité économique peut avoir des impacts en termes de sécurité alimentaire, d’agrobiodiversité, et de gestion de l’agroécosystème. Cette thèse a analysé comment les communautés agricoles andines intègrent la présence des espèces de parents sauvages dans leurs pratiques de gestion et leurs pratiques agricoles autour du quinoa. Des cartographies participatives et des enquêtes ethnobotaniques ont été réalisées avec les membres de six villages choisis selon des critères biogéographiques. La modélisation chorématique a été appliquée à deux périodes, avant et après 1970, année charnière au Pérou pour l’agriculture, dans le but de montrer comment les dynamiques socio-spatiales du milieu andin se modifient, notamment en lien avec l’évolution de la culture du quinoa. La distribution des espèces de parents sauvages du quinoa apparaît fortement liée à l’organisation socio-spatiale de l’agroécosystème. Ces espèces sont maintenues par les villageois pour leurs multiples usages alimentaires, médicinaux et culturels, dans des espaces naturels, des zones pâturées, aux abords et également à l’intérieur des champs cultivés. Ceci est à la fois le résultat de la gestion dynamique organisée par les communautés rurales et des savoirs liés à ces espèces qui se transmettent de génération en génération. Cependant cette gestion est en train de changer sous la pression d’enjeux globaux liés au marché international du quinoa, dont les exigences impliquent de réduire la présence de parents sauvages dans les champs cultivés. En conclusion, la thèse aborde la durabilité des pratiques de gestion et des pratiques agricoles dans un objectif de conservation dynamique in situ de la biodiversité sauvage et cultivée. Une mise en perspective historique des résultats nous a permis de questionner l’évolution des pratiques de gestion de ces différentes espèces par les communautés locales. En termes d’implication, deux types de projets pourraient être réfléchis. Le développement de projets prenant en compte le maintien de la présence des parents sauvages du quinoa dans le champ cultivé est favorable à l’introduction de gènes d’intérêt pour aider le quinoa à s’adapter à des conditions écologiques changeantes sous les effets du changement climatique. Egalement, des projets spécifiques de conservation in situ de l’agrobiodiversité, qui considèrent l’espace naturel et l’espace cultivé comme un ensemble cohérent, représentent une voie de gestion de pools de gènes importante pour l’agriculture et l’alimentation mondiale / Lake Titicaca, the cradle of pre-Columbian civilizations and one of the world’s main centres of domestication for farmed plant species, lies 3,800 m above sea level in the central Andean Highlands between Peru and Bolivia. The region is acknowledged as the centre of origin of quinoa, Chenopodium quinoa Willd. The greatest genetic diversity of quinoa and its wild relatives is concentrated there. Our research was conducted in the Puno region (Peru), which remains one of the main quinoa producing regions in the world. Quinoa displays spatial distribution along a North-South climate gradient in the region, with differentiation into mostly elevation-related, agro-ecological zones that explain its genetic diversity. Seven main quinoa crop wild relatives currently exist there: C. ambrosioides L., C. incisum Poiret, C. pallidicaule Aellen, C. petiolare Kunth, C. hircinum Schrad., C. quinoa ssp. melanospermum Hunz. and C. carnosolum Moq. This diversity of plant genetic resources is of great value for the adaptive evolution of quinoa, especially under the effect of climate change. This PhD thesis deals with the economic and cultural importance of quinoa, which is both a food resource in the Andean regions and an international commodity due to its exceptional nutritional qualities (protein-rich). This economic opportunity may have impacts on local food security, agrobiodiversity and agro-ecosystem management. One way of investigating this issue is to examine how the distribution of crop wild relatives is linked to the way quinoa cultivation is spatially organized. The thesis analysed how Andean farming communities incorporate the presence of wild relatives in their quinoa-related management and farming practices. Participatory mapping and ethnobotanical surveys were carried out with members of six villages chosen according to biogeographical criteria along a North South gradient, combined with data related to elevation and the proximity to Lake Titicaca. In order to show how the socio-spatial dynamics of the Andean environment are changing, notably linked to changes in quinoa growing, chorematic modelling was applied to two periods, before and after 1970, which was a pivotal year for Peruvian farming (agrarian reform, territorial rights of indigenous communities). The distribution of quinoa crop wild relatives seems to be closely linked to how the agro-ecosystem is spatially organized. Local communities keep these species for their multiple food, medicinal and cultural uses in natural areas, grazing areas, around and in farmed fields. This results from the dynamic management organized by rural communities, and from knowledge of those species passed down through the generations, by both women and men. However, management is changing under the pressure of global challenges arising from the international quinoa market, which calls for fewer wild parents in farmed fields. To conclude, the thesis looks at the sustainability of management and farming practices with a view to dynamic in situ conservation of wild and cultivated biodiversity. Choremes are used to place the results in historical perspective, to see how the management of these different species by local communities is evolving. In terms of implications, two types of project could be considered. Developing projects that keep quinoa crop wild relatives in farmed fields promotes the introduction of genes of interest, helping quinoa to adapt to ecological conditions being modified by climate change. Likewise, specific projects for in situ conservation of agrobiodiversity, which consider natural and cultivated areas as a coherent whole, are a way of managing gene pools that is important for agriculture and for feeding the world.

Chenopodium album is considered one of the most important weeds adversely affecting agricultural production due to its highly competitive influence on field crops. Chemical herbicides have increased the efficiency of farming, but recently problems of herbicideresistant weed populations and herbicide residues in soil, water, food products and effects on non-target organisms have increased, consequently, other methods of control of weeds by using specific fungi as herbicides have been suggested. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the biological control of the weed Chenopodium album by the fungus Ascochyta caulina. Some of the factors which control dormancy and germination of Chenopodium album seeds have been investigated to understand better the weed population dynamics. The results showed that seeds from two populations (UK and Libya) differ in their response to factors such as light, chilling, and burying in soil. This could have implications for effective control of the weed in different regions. Two formulations of mycoherbicides (Tween 80 and Gelatine based applications) were tested in the laboratory, and showed promise in reducing growth of the weed, especially the formula of Tween 80. There was extensive shoot fresh and dry weight reduction of inoculated Chenopodium album, as well as reduced root growth. Highest disease severity rates were observed on plants in the first three week of life. A field trial revealed similar results but less disease severity was observed, possibly because of dry weather. However, it was concluded that the fungus Ascochyta caulina is a potentially useful biological control agent but many factors still can be modified in relation to application of the mycoherbicide to increase its efficacy.

Submitted by Maria Beatriz Vieira (mbeatriz.vieira@gmail.com) on 2017-06-22T16:33:35Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) dissertacao_gabriele_espinel_avila.pdf: 937823 bytes, checksum: 425729d85c0200d3520fa3c39b5b7aae (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Aline Batista (alinehb.ufpel@gmail.com) on 2017-06-22T20:38:09Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) dissertacao_gabriele_espinel_avila.pdf: 937823 bytes, checksum: 425729d85c0200d3520fa3c39b5b7aae (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-06-22T20:38:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) dissertacao_gabriele_espinel_avila.pdf: 937823 bytes, checksum: 425729d85c0200d3520fa3c39b5b7aae (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-09-18 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Classificada como halófita facultativa, a quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) é reconhecida por tolerar elevados níveis de salinidade. No Brasil, a cv. BRS Piabiru é a primeira recomendada para o cultivo granífero, constituindo alternativa para diversificação dos sistemas agrícolas. Contudo, estudos relativos à adaptação dessa cultivar no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, bem como às condições de salinidade ainda são necessários. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as respostas fisiológicas (pigmentos e trocas gasosas) e bioquímicas (atividade enzimática antioxidante, teores de peróxido de hidrogênio, peroxidação lipídica, prolina e potencial osmótico) de plantas de quinoa cv. BRS Piabiru cultivadas sob condições de salinidade. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação onde as sementes foram distribuídas em vasos plásticos, preenchidos com areia lavada. Após sete dias da germinação foi fornecida solução nutritiva, ministrada a cada quatro dias e, aos 30 dias, foi realizado o desbaste, mantendo-se quatro plantas por vaso. Neste período também foram aplicadas as soluções salinas, na forma de cloreto de sódio, nas concentrações de 100, 200, 300 e 400 mM, além do tratamento controle cuja as plantas foram cultivadas na ausência da salinidade. As soluções nutritiva e salina foram aplicadas intercaladamente, a cada dois dias, até o fim do experimento. Aos 30, 60 e 90 dias após indução dos tratamentos, as plantas foram avaliadas quanto a parâmetros fisiológicos e bioquímicos (análises não destrutivas e destrutivas, respectivamente). Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância (p≤0,05), as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey ao nível de 5% de probabilidade de erro e analisados por regressão polinomial. Houve redução no índice de clorofila e índice de balanço de nitrogênio e, a partir de 60 dias, incremento no índice de flavonoides. Neste período, a taxa de assimilação líquida de CO2 seguiu tendência quadrática de elevação até a concentração de 250 mM e as variáveis eficiência de uso da água e eficiência de carboxilação aumentaram linearmente com o incremento da salinidade. A atividade enzimática antioxidante, através das enzimas superóxido dismutase, catalase e ascorbato peroxidase, demonstrou que a salinidade promoveu adaptação e tentativa de neutralização das espécies reativas de oxigênio produzidas durante o estresse salino, tanto na parte aérea quanto em raízes. Houve aumento no potencial osmótico em ambos órgãos aos 90 dias após indução dos tratamentos, contudo, nas raízes a síntese de prolina não seguiu a mesma tendência. Apesar da redução nos índices de clorofila e de balanço de nitrogênio, há manutenção da taxa fotossintética, a qual, associada a capacidade antioxidante e ao ajuste osmótico até a concentração de 250 mM de NaCl, caracteriza a cv. BRS Piabiru com potencial de cultivo em solos sujeitos a salinização. / Classified as optional halophyte, quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is recognized for tolerate high levels of salinity. In Brazil, the cv. BRS Piabiru is the first recommended for grain production, providing an alternative for diversification of agricultural systems. However, studies on the adaptation of this variety in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, as well as the salinity conditions are still needed. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological responses (pigments and gas exchange) and biochemical (antioxidant enzyme activity, hydrogen peroxide levels, lipid peroxidation, proline and osmotic potential) of quinoa plants cv. BRS Piabiru cultivated under saline conditions. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse where the seeds were distributed in plastic pots filled with washed sand. After seven days of germination was supplied nutrient solution administered every four days and at day 30, the trimming was carried out, keeping four plants per pot. During this period the salt solutions have also been applied in the form of sodium chloride at concentrations of 100, 200, 300 and 400 mM, beyond which the control treatment plants were grown in the absence of salinity. The nutrient and saline solutions were applied interchangeably, every two days until the end of the experiment. At 30, 60 and 90 days after induction of treatments, the plants were evaluated for physiological and biochemical parameters (non-destructive and destructive analysis, respectively). Data were subjected to analysis of variance (p≤ 0.05), the averages compared by Tukey test at 5% error probability and analyzed by polynomial regression. There was reduction in chlorophyll content and nitrogen balance index and from 60 days, an increase in flavonoid content. During this period, net assimilation rate of CO2 followed quadratic upward trend until the concentration of 250 mM and the conditions of water use efficiency and carboxylation efficiency increased linearly with increasing salinity. The antioxidant enzyme activity by the enzyme superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase showed that the salinity promoted adaptation and attempt to neutralize the reactive oxygen species produced during salt stress, both in shoots and in roots. There was an increase of osmotic potential in both organs 90 days after induction of treatment, however, the roots proline synthesis did not follow the same trend. Despite the reduction in levels of chlorophyll and nitrogen balance, there is maintenance of photosynthetic rate, that, associated with antioxidant capacity and osmotic adjustment, until the concentration of 250 mM of NaCl, featuring the cv. BRS Piabiru with growing potential subjects soil salinization.

Submitted by Cássio da Cruz Nogueira (cassionogueirakk@gmail.com) on 2017-01-30T13:48:19Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Dissertacao_AvaliacaoAtividadeExtrato.pdf: 2549621 bytes, checksum: 323b92687db50fd9c3216ceeb94a8fec (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Edisangela Bastos (edisangela@ufpa.br) on 2017-02-01T11:55:12Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Dissertacao_AvaliacaoAtividadeExtrato.pdf: 2549621 bytes, checksum: 323b92687db50fd9c3216ceeb94a8fec (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-02-01T11:55:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Dissertacao_AvaliacaoAtividadeExtrato.pdf: 2549621 bytes, checksum: 323b92687db50fd9c3216ceeb94a8fec (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-10 / CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Chenopodium ambrosioides e Eucalyptus alba são espéciesutilizadas na medicina popular para o tratamento da tuberculose e expectoração. O presente trabalho teve o objetivo de determinar os parâmetros físico-químicos e microbiológicos, definir o perfil fitoquímico e avaliar as atividades antimicobacteriana, citotóxica, imunomodulatória e toxicológica in vivo dos extratos e frações. Na avaliação físico-química e microbiológica dos extratos de C. ambrosioides e de E. alba, foram encontrados parâmetros em conformidade com a literatura específica para plantas medicinais. A prospecção fitoquímica dos extratos revelou a presença de saponinas, esteroides, triterpenoides, fenóis e taninos, o extrato de C. ambrosioides apresentou também proteínas e aminoácidos, enquanto o extrato de E. alba foi positivo para ácidos orgânicos e lactonas. Os resultados do método da microdiluição em caldo e da microdiluição utilizando Alamar Blue evidenciaram moderadas atividades frente à Mycobacterium fortuitum do extrato de E. alba e da fração acetato de etila (FAcE) de E. alba; a fração clorofórmica (FCl) de C. ambrosioides e a FAcE de E. alba foram moderadamente ativas frente à Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A atividade citotóxica, avaliada pelo método do MTT, demonstrou que os extratos não reduziram a viabilidade celular nas concentrações testadas. No ensaio de imunomodulação, o extrato de E.alba apresentou potencial efeito anti-inflamatório, pelos métodos do inibição da produção de NO e TNFα. Não foram detectados sinais de toxicidade oral aguda dos extratos na dose de 2500 mg/kg em camundongos. Estes resultados sugerem o potencial antimicobacteriano da FAcE de E. alba e imunomodulador do extrato de E. alba, e podem servir como subsídio para estudos futuros com vista no isolamentode compostos ativos e elucidação de seus mecanismos. / Chenopodium ambrosioides and Eucalyptus alba are species used in folk medicine for the treatment of tuberculosis and sputum. This study aimed to determine the physical-chemical, microbiological parameters, define phytochemical screening and evaluate antimycobacterial, cytotoxicity, immunomodulation, and toxicity in vivo activities of extracts and fractions. In physical-chemical and microbiological evaluation of C.ambrosioides and E. alba extracts, were found parameters in accordance with the specific literature for medicinal plants. The phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of saponins, steroids, triterpenoids, phenols and tannins, C. ambrosioides extract also showed proteins and amino acids, while the E. alba extract was positive for organic acids and lactones. The results of broth microdilution assay and microplate alamar blue assay showed moderates activities against the Mycobacterium fortuitum of E. alba extract and ethyl acetate fraction (FAcE) of E. alba; the chloroform fraction (FCl) of C.ambrosioides and the ethyl acetate fraction (FacEA) of E. alba were moderately active against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The cytotoxic activity, evaluated by MTT method, showed that the extracts did not reduce cell viability in the concentrations tested. In the immunomodulation assay, E. alba extract presented potential anti-inflammatory effect, by the methods of inhibition the production of NO and TNFα. No signs of acute oral toxicity of the extracts at a dose of 2500 mg/kg in mice were detected. These results suggest the potential antimycobacterial the FAcE of E. alba and immunomodulatory of E. alba extract and can serve as a resource for future studies, aimed at isolation of active compound and elucidation of their mechanisms of action.

The timing of weed emergence is of major importance for integrated weed management programs. If accurately forecasted, the timing of weed control operations could be optimized, enabling the implementation of more effective control strategies and consequently, the reduction of herbicide use. Little is known about weed emergence in Quebec. Weed emergence in the field results from the breaking of seed dormancy, seed germination and growth of the seedling to the soil surface. The purpose of this study was initially to review the environmental and cultural factors that affect these mechanisms, to determine which factors are mainly responsible for weed emergence in southwestern Quebec and, finally to develop a weed emergence model. This study focused primarily on common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.) and barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli [L.] Beauv.) since they were the most abundant weeds, representing 37 and 22%, respectively, of the total number of annual weeds in the experimental sites. A 3-year study established that the presence of corn did not affect the density and the pattern of emergence of these weeds. A 2-year experiment demonstrated that rainfall and irrigation had no or little influence on the pattern of weed emergence since soil water content was at or greater than field capacity in the spring. In Quebec, temperature was determined to be the most important factor regulating weed germination and emergence, meaning that weed germination is initiated by a minimal temperature in the spring and that this temperature is specific to each species. Thermo-gradient plate experiments established a base temperature for common lambsquarters, redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), barnyardgrass, and green foxtail (Setaria viridis L.) of 4, 8, 11, 12 +/- 1 C and <3, >16, 12 and 12 +/- 1 C, respectively for seed lots originating from eastern and southwestern Quebec. These results served as a starting point for the calculation of thermal units for the

Nell’ambito della ricerca di colture alternative e di alimenti ad alto valore nutrizionale, presso il Dipartimento di Scienze delle Produzioni Vegetali Sostenibili, si è svolta un’attività di ricerca sull’adattabilità della quinoa in Italia Settentrionale. La sperimentazione è durata tre anni ed ha preso in considerazione areali pedo-climatici di pianura e di collina. Il primo obiettivo era quello d’identificare le varietà di quinoa più adatte alle condizioni ambientali del Nord Italia, e come secondo obiettivo individuare la tecnica di coltivazione appropriata per gli agrosistemi intensivi; come terzo obiettivo contribuire al miglioramento della tecnica di coltivazione della quinoa nei Paesi emergenti (Colombia). In Italia settentrionale le attività di ricerca sono iniziate nel 2014 con un confronto varietale di 24 ecotipi di quinoa. Per il ciclo colturale 2015, sono state scelte le migliori 11 cultivar delle prove precedenti, insieme ad altre 5 nuove cultivar. Per quanto riguarda invece il 2016, le prove sono state divise in due: 1. Due prove riguardanti alla scelta varietale 2. Una prova con lo scopo di studiare la risposta produttiva della quinoa alla fertilizzazione azotata. Per quanta riguarda la sperimentazione nei Paesi in Via di sviluppo sono state allestite due prove agronomiche nel dipartimento di Boyacà (Colombia). / With the aim of finding alternative crops and foods high in nutrients, at the Department of Sustainable Crop Production (DI.PRO.VE.S.), a research on the adaptability of quinoa in Northern Italy was carried out. This activity has continued for three years both in the plain and in the hills. The first aim of this work was to identify quinoa varieties most suitable for Northern Italy environmental conditions and as a second purpose to identify the appropriate cultivation technique to adopt the quinoa crop in the sustainable intensive farming systems; the third aim was to contribute to the improvement of quinoa cultivation technique in emerging countries (Colombia). In Northern Italy the research activities began in 2014 with a varietal comparison of 24 quinoa ecotypes. During 2015 crop cycle, the best 11 varieties out of the previous trials were selected, together with 5 new cultivars. In the third year (2016), the trials were divided into: 1. Regarding the varietal screening, two different trials 2. In order to study the response of quinoa to nitrogen fertilization, a trial a split-plot trial was arranged. Furthermore, regarding the research in the developing countries, two agronomic trials were established in the Department of Boyacà (Colombia).