The kudzu bug is an invasive species to the United States, and it has recently become a problem in the southern U.S. Experiments were conducted to examine the potential damage to vegetative stage soybean, with findings suggesting that kudzu bugs pose little threat to vegetative stage soybean in Mississippi soybean production systems. Foliar insecticides are an effective option for management of kudzu bug, however, neonicotinoid seed treatments are not recommended as an effective management strategy. Kudzu bug population densities of nymphs peaked in early August in soybean, and adult densities peaked in late September. This project was designed to develop a better understanding of the damage potential that kudzu bugs can cause as well as the best control methods available.

Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) plant is an edible leguminous vine. This study focused on the utilization of kudzu starch and kudzu root extract in beef patties. We hypothesized that a) physicochemical and sensory properties of beef patties formulated with kudzu starch, is comparable to those of potato starch; b) the kudzu root extract is rich in isoflavones, and isoflavones quantity is not affected during cooking. In Study I, beef patties were formulated using modified commercially available kudzu and potato starch each at 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0% (wt/wt). Starch treated beef patties were compared with respect to change in physical, chemical, color, textural and consumer responses as affected by starch type (kudzu, potato) and starch level (2, 4, 6 %). Additionally starch treated patties were compared to all-beef patties. Kudzu starch treated patties were significantly lower in moisture % (62.7 vs. 64.4), higher in fat % (9.1 vs. 8.3), protein % (26.3 vs. 24.7), hardness (9.3, vs. 6.9 N) and gumminess (3.7 vs. 1.9 N) compared to potato starch treated patties. Starch treated samples were significantly lighter in color and had lower (P <0.05) expressible moisture compared to all-beef patties. Patties with 6% kudzu or potato starch were significantly higher in cooking yield than all-beef patties. No significant difference existed in consumer overall liking scores of kudzu or potato starch treatments and control beef patties with no added starch. The overall liking scores ranged between 5 ‘neither like nor dislike’ and 6 ‘like slightly’ for all samples. In study II, kudzu root extract was prepared, and using HPLC, ten isoflavones were detected with puerarin and daidzein accounting for 95% of the total isoflavones. Beef patties were formulated with kudzu root extract at 0, 1, and 3% (wt/wt), and four isoflavones were detected in uncooked and cooked patties, considering other isoflavones diluted to undetectable levels in patties. Results indicated that cooking did not change the amount of isoflavones in beef patties. This study illustrates the characteristics of kudzu starch compared to conventionally used potato starch in meat model system and verifies the thermal stability of isoflavones in beef patties.

Fresh Pueraria Lobata (kudzu) leaves were evaluated by sensory descriptive analysis. Covariate analysis determined the effects of leaf size and time on 32 sensory variables. Best fit polynomial regressions over time were determined for responses affected. Correlation analyses were executed on attributes in each of the sensory groupings with those variables which were significantly affected by time. Sensory properties of dried kudzu leaves were compared by using three different drying techniques: Convection oven, vacuum and food dehydrator. Covariate analysis determined the effects of leaf size, days, dryers and their interaction on 44 sensory variables. The fitted response regressions were determined for the significant attributes by size and time. Correlation analyses were executed on attributes. The effects of storage (0-42 days) on sensory characteristics of conventional milk yogurt with kudzu and corn starches were evaluated to determine relationships of desirable sensory characteristics. Covariate analysis determined the effects of day, starch type, dose and their interactions on 52 sensory variables. Time and starch interaction were significant (P?0.05) for two sensory responses (starchy/flavor and denseness/texture hand-held). Forty three sensory responses had a time response while 11 variables were affected by starch. The sensory variables affected by time were: 15 of 17 aroma, 13 of 17 flavor, six of eight appearance and six of six basic taste(s) and texture hand-held attributes. Best fit polynomial regressions over time were determined for responses affected. Correlation analyses of the sensory groupings included those significantly affected by time. Response surface methodology was applied to determine starch and dose effect on yogurt products. Furthermore, titratable acidity (TA) and viscosity measurements of yogurt with kudzu/corn starch were evaluated to show interactions between day, dose and starch. No significant (P>0.05) response for pH regarding starch type, starch dose and time. Analyses of variance of attribute ratings for the TA of yogurt showed no significant (P>0.05) differences between starches. Unstirred yogurt viscosity had no significant (P>0.05) response over time for both kudzu and corn starch. Stirred yogurt viscosity had responses to day, dose and starch. In addition, scanning electron microscopy study revealed a difference in microstructure of starch in yogurt by time.

Thesis (M.S.)--Georgia Southern University, 2004. / "A thesis submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Georgia Southern University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Science" ETD. KEYWORDS: Trillium reliquum, invasive species, rare species, population dynamics, matric models, see production, breeding system, plant community, Pueraria montana, Lonicera japonica. Includes bibliographical references (p. 86-99) and appendices.

Orientador: Hilton Silveira Pinto / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-07-24T12:22:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 PereiraNetto_AdauctoBellarminode_M.pdf: 8937771 bytes, checksum: b3b1e82ee5e879dfa1eeeed468db6b43 (MD5) Previous issue date: 1988 / Resumo: Os efeitos da temperatura e da deficiência hídrica sobre a atividade da redutase de nitrato (E.C.1.6.6.1), in vivo, resistência foliar à difusão de vapor de água, temperatura foliar e conteúdo relativo de água da folha foram avaliados em dois ambientes. Em casa de vegetação, utilizando-se Pueraria phaseoloides, a deficiência hídrica foi induzida através da suspensão da irrigação e no campo, plantas de Pueraria lobata cresceram sob efeito das flutuações na temperatura do ar e na disponibilidade de água no solo naturalmente verificadas no local. Medidas da densidade do fluxo de radiação solar global instantânea, temperatura e umidade relativa do ar e conteúdo de água do solo foram realizadas e a densidade do fluxo de radiação solar global diária e o défice de pressão de vapor entre a folha e o ar calculados, visando o monitoramento das condições micro-climáticas nas proximidades das plantas. Foram ainda padronizadas neste trabalho as condições mais adequadas para o ensaio da redutase de nitrato em tecidos foliares. ...Observação: O resumo, na íntegra, poderá ser visualizado no texto completo da tese digital / Abstract: The effects of air temperature and water déficit on nitrate reductase activity (E.C.1.6.6.1),leaf diffusion resistance, leaf temperature and leaf relative water content were evaluated in two different environmental conditions. In the greenhouse, using Pueraria phaseoloides, the water deficit was induced by suspending the irrigation and in the field, Pueraria lobata plants were naturally submitted to both fluctuating air temperature and soil water availability. Measurements of the instantaneous radiant flux density, air temperature, relative humidity and soil water content were taken.Daily radiant flux density and the leaf-air vapor pressure deficit were calculated for the characterization of the microclimate conditions of the plant surroundings. Furthermore, more appropriated conditions were standarized for nitrate reductase assay in vivo in foliar tissue. In the field experiments, a considerable influence of air temperature on nitrate assimilation was found/ the greatest nitrate reductase acativity was observed between 28 and 29oC and a considerable decrease in temperatures above 33 and below 23oC.The increase in leaf diffusion resistance from 1,0 to 1,8 sec.cm-1 was associated to the increase in air temperature from 21 to 36oC. The increase in leaf diffusion resistance from 0,9 to 1,8 sec.cm ¿1 was related to water depletion of field capacity from 71 to 50%. ...Note: The complete abstract is available with the full electronic digital thesis or dissertations / Mestrado / Biologia Vegetal / Mestre em Ciências Biológicas

Atherosclerosis is the chief cause of acute coronary syndromes and may progress for many years before any noticeable clinical syndromes occur. Hyperlipidemia is the common clinical problem for people adopting a western style of living and it can initiate a series of vascular events that result in atherosclerosis. The pathological processes include the accumulation of modified lipid, mainly oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), endothelial cell dysfunction and activation, increase in expression of adhesion molecules, activation and recruitment of inflammatory cells and induction of proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells. / Endothelial-monocyte adhesion is crucial process for the recruitment of monocyte into intima. DG (7:3), Danshen and SAB were found to inhibit TNF-alpha-induced endothelial-monocyte adhesion. They also showed inhibition on TNF-alpha induced production of chemokines, MCP-1 which promotes the transmigration of monocyte. However, it did not inhibit the production of cytokine, IL-6 which stimulates the expression of adhesion molecules such as VCAM-1 and ICAM-1. / For the in vivo study, DG (7:3) exhibited no anti-hyperlipidemic or hypolipidemic effect against diet-induced hyperlipidemia, nor did it lower cholesterol level in hamsters. Also, it did not inhibit HMG-CoA reductase activity or increase the total fecal sterols excretion. However, DG (7:3) exhibited hypocholesterolemic effect on diet-induced hyperlipidemia in the rabbit model, wherein it could lower plasma total cholesterol and liver cholesterol level. Moreover, it could significantly decrease the atheroma formation. / In the present study, the anti-oxidative effects of herbal extract/compound were measured by three in vitro assays, namely the inhibition of 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane)dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced red blood cells hemolysis, AAPH-induced cardiomyocyte (H9c2) cells death and Cu2+-induced low-density lipoprotein oxidation. The results showed that the aqueous extract of the compound formula Danshen (D) and Gegen (G) (7:3), abbreviated as DG (7:3), and an aqueous extract of Danshen as well as salvianolic acid B (SAB) exhibited anti-oxidant effect, but Gegen did not produce such effect. It was found that SAB showed a stronger anti-oxidant effect than that of ascorbic acid. / Proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) are important pathological processes involved in the development of atherosclerosis. DG (7:3), Danshen and SAB were found to inhibit PDGF-induced vSMCs proliferation through G1/S cell cycle arrest. Cyclin D, a main component that governs the transition of G1 phase to S phase, was found to be down-regulated by DG (7:3), Danshen and SAB, as assessed by measurements of both protein and mRNA levels. Moreover, DG (7:3), Danshen and SAB showed anti-migratory effect against platelet-derived growth factor-induced vSMCs migration. / To summarize, DG (7:3) was found to have potential to produce anti-atherosclerotic effect by inhibiting the LDL oxidation, proliferation and migration of vascular SMC, thereby preventing the formation of atheroma plaque. / Koon Chi Man. / "March 2006." / Adviser: Kwok Pui Fung. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 67-11, Section: B, page: 6324. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 246-264). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307.

Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) is an edible vine from the legume family native to China but growing prolifically throughout the southeastern United States. Legumes are abundant in the beneficial compounds phytoestrogens, specifically isoflavones. This research analyzed Mississippi-grown kudzu roots, leaves, and flowers for antioxidant activity and total phenolic content and evaluated consumer acceptability of food products containing kudzu. Results indicated kudzu flowers, roots, and leaves contained phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity amounts in flowers, roots, and leaves were 77.9%, 75.7%, and 56.5%, respectively. The dip products that were developed and evaluated were mayonnaise- and sour cream-based dips that contained either dried kudzu leaves or dried spinach and other seasonings. Healthier versions of dip products were developed using light mayonnaise and light sour cream and omitting salt. Consumer sensory panels evaluated appearance, aroma, flavor, texture, and overall acceptability of the dip samples using a 9-point hedonic scale. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used to determine if differences (p<0.05) in consumer acceptability existed among treatments. On average, the regular spinach dip was moderately liked and preferred (p<0.05) over the other dips. The regular kudzu dip was moderately liked and preferred (p<0.05) over the healthier kudzu and spinach dips. Cluster analysis partitioned consumers into five groups based on preference and acceptability of vegetable dips. Results indicated 39% of panelists rated the dips at like very much and did not differ (p>0.05) in their liking of dips, 42% preferred (p<0.05) the regular spinach dip and 50% liked all vegetable dips. A kudzu blossom jelly product was developed using kudzu flower liquid, sugar, pectin, and lemon juice. Consumer sensory panels evaluated the prepared jelly product, a purchased kudzu jelly, and a purchased scuppernong jelly. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used to determine if differences (p<0.05) in consumer acceptability existed among jellies. The purchased kudzu jelly was preferred (p<0.05) for overall acceptability (like moderately) compared to the prepared kudzu and scuppernong jelly, which were rated similarly between like slightly and like moderately.

The isoflavones in kudzu roots, especially the C-glycosylated isoflavone puerarin, have been linked to many health benefits. Puerarin contains a carbon-carbon glycosidic bond that can withstand hydrolysis. The C-glycosylation reaction in the biosynthesis of puerarin has not been thoroughly investigated, with conflicting reports suggesting that it could take place on daidzein, isoliquiritigenin, or 2,7,4ʹ-trihydroxyisoflavanone. Kudzu species were identified for use in comparative transcriptomics. A non-puerarin producing kudzu was identified as Pueraria phaseoloides and a puerarin producing kudzu was identified as Pueraria montana lobata. Through the use of the plant secondary product glycosyltransferase (PSPG) motif, glycosyltransferases (UGTs) were identified from the transcriptomes. The UGTs that had higher digital expression in P. m. lobata were examined further using additional tools to home in on the UGT that could be responsible for puerarin biosynthesis. One of the UGTs identified, UGT71T5, had previously been characterized from kudzu as a C-glycosyltransferase involved in puerarin biosynthesis through in vitro enzyme activity (with daidzein) and a gain of function approach in soybean hairy roots. Previous studies have not supported the end-product of a pathway such as daidzein as the target for C-glycosylation, and no genetic analysis of UGT function had been conducted in kudzu. The activity of recombinant UGT71T5 with daidzein was confirmed in the present work. Following the development of a kudzu hairy root system, UGT71T5 expression was then knocked down by RNA interference (RNAi). When compared to control hairy roots there was a large reduction in puerarin content in the UGT71T5-RNAi roots, confirming the role of this enzyme in puerarin biosynthesis. Isotopic labeling of kudzu plants revealed that labeled daidzein could be directly incorporated into puerarin; however, the percent incorporation of daidzein was substantially lower than that of L-phenylalanine, a compound at the start of the pathway to isoflavone synthesis. The knockdown of 2-hydroxisoflavanone synthase (2-HIS) in kudzu hairy roots blocked formation of puerarin and daidzin (7-O-glycosyldaidzein), and was accompanied by accumulation of C-glycosylated isoliquiritigenin and C-glycosylated liquiritigenin. These compounds were found in low amounts in control hairy roots, but were virtually absent in UGT71T5 knockdown hairy roots. The knockdown of 2-hydroxyisoflavanone dehydratase (2-HID) in kudzu hairy roots resulted in a slight reduction in puerarin but no change to daidzin levels, suggesting that C-glycosylation might stabilize the substrate for 2-HID which can otherwise spontaneously dehydrate. Taken together these results reveal that UGT71T5 is likely the major C-glycosyltransferase involved in puerarin biosynthesis in kudzu. They also provide evidence for an alternative pathway to puerarin biosynthesis through the C-glycosylation of isoliquiritigenin or its immediate precursor. In one pathway, UGT71T5 acts as an operationally soluble enzyme that can directly C-glycosylate daidzein, and in the other pathway UGT71T5 acts as part of a metabolic channel for conversion of a C-glycosylated earlier precursor to puerarin. Other UGT enzymes identified in this work did not show C-glycosyltransferase activity; however, three enzymes showed activity in vitro that could be useful for introducing novel regiospecificity in biochemical synthesis of flavonoid glycosides.

Guan, Lei. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 123-145). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / ACKNOWLEDGEMENT --- p.I / ABSTRACT --- p.II / LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS --- p.VII / TABLE OF CONTENT --- p.IIX / Chapter Chapter 1 --- General Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Distribution and Origins --- p.1 / Chapter 1.3 --- History of Use --- p.2 / Chapter 1.4 --- Chemical Structure --- p.3 / Chapter 1.5 --- Physiologic Properties --- p.5 / Chapter 1.6 --- Absorption and Metabolism --- p.7 / Chapter 1.6.1 --- Concentration of Isoflavones in Plasma --- p.10 / Chapter 1.6.2 --- Urinary Excretion --- p.10 / Chapter 1.7 --- Healthy Effects --- p.11 / Chapter 1.7.1 --- Menopausal Symptom --- p.11 / Chapter 1.7.2 --- Cardiovascular Disease --- p.12 / Chapter 1.7.3 --- Osteoporosis --- p.13 / Chapter 1.7.4 --- Tumors --- p.14 / Chapter 1.7.4.1 --- Breast Cancer --- p.14 / Chapter 1.7.4.2 --- Prostate Cancer --- p.15 / Chapter 1.7.5 --- Alcohol Addiction --- p.16 / Chapter 1.7.6 --- Potential Adverse Effects --- p.16 / Chapter 1.8 --- Summary --- p.17 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Determination of Isoflavones in Soybean and Gegen --- p.19 / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.19 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Classification and Structure of Phytoestrogens --- p.19 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Isoflavones in Soybeans and Gegen --- p.21 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Methods of Determination --- p.26 / Chapter 2.1.3.1 --- Isolation and Purification of Isoflavones --- p.26 / Chapter 2.1.3.2 --- Analytical Methods for Isoflavones in Soybeans and Gegen --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2 --- Objective --- p.28 / Chapter 2.3 --- Materials and Methods --- p.29 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Extraction and Isolation of Soybean and Gegen Isoflavone Extracts --- p.29 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- HPLC Analysis --- p.29 / Chapter 2.3.2.1 --- Sample Preparation for the HPLC Analysis --- p.29 / Chapter 2.3.2.2 --- HPLC Analysis --- p.30 / Chapter 2.3.3.3 --- Qualitative Analysis of the Isoflavones and Their Glycosides in Soybean and Gegen --- p.30 / Chapter 2.4 --- Results --- p.31 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Isoflavone Identification of Soybean Extract --- p.31 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Isoflavone Identification of Gegen Extract --- p.33 / Chapter 2.5 --- Discussion --- p.35 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Hypocholesterolemic Effects of Soybean and Gegen Isoflavone Extracts in Ovariectomized，Intact Male and Castrated Golden Syrian Hamsters --- p.38 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.38 / Chapter 3.2 --- Objective --- p.41 / Chapter 3.3 --- Materials and Methods --- p.42 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Preparation of Soybean and Gegen Isoflavone Extracts --- p.42 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Animals and Diets --- p.42 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Serum Lipid and Lipoprotein Determinations --- p.45 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Determination of Cholesterol Concentration in the Organs --- p.45 / Chapter 3.3.5 --- Statistics --- p.46 / Chapter 3.4 --- Results --- p.48 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Food Intake and Body and Relative Organ Weights --- p.48 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Effects of Soybean and Gegen Isoflavone Extracts on Serum and Organ Cholesterol in Ovariectomized and Intact Male and Castrated Hamsters --- p.56 / Chapter 3.5 --- Discussion --- p.61 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Possible Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity of Soybean Isoflavones on SD Rats --- p.67 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.67 / Chapter 4.2 --- Objective --- p.70 / Chapter 4.3 --- Materials and Methods --- p.71 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Diet --- p.71 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Animals --- p.73 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Study Design --- p.73 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- Measurement of Reproductive Hormones --- p.74 / Chapter 4.3.5 --- Measurement of Sperm Number --- p.74 / Chapter 4.3.6 --- Statistics --- p.75 / Chapter 4.4 --- Results --- p.77 / Chapter 4.4.1. --- Food Intake and Food Efficiency Ratio --- p.77 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Growth Trend --- p.79 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- Organ Weight --- p.82 / Chapter 4.4.3.1 --- Absolute Organ Weight --- p.82 / Chapter 4.4.3.2 --- Relative Organ Weight --- p.84 / Chapter 4.4.4 --- Reproductive Hormone Levels --- p.86 / Chapter 4.4.5 --- Epididymis Parameters of Male Rats --- p.88 / Chapter 4.5 --- Discussion --- p.90 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- Possible Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity of Gegen Isoflavones on SD Rats --- p.97 / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.97 / Chapter 5.2 --- Objective --- p.99 / Chapter 5.3 --- Materials and Methods --- p.100 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Animals and Diets --- p.100 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Study Design --- p.100 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Statistics --- p.101 / Chapter 5.4 --- Results --- p.103 / Chapter 5.4.1 --- Food Consumption and Food Efficiency Ratio --- p.103 / Chapter 5.4.2 --- Growth Trend --- p.105 / Chapter 5.4.3 --- Organ Weights --- p.108 / Chapter 5.4.3.1 --- Absolute Organ Weights --- p.108 / Chapter 5.4.3.2 --- Relative Organ Weight --- p.110 / Chapter 5.4.4 --- Reproductive Hormone Levels --- p.112 / Chapter 5.4.5 --- Epididymis Parameters of Male Rats --- p.114 / Chapter 5.5 --- Discussion --- p.116 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- Conclusions --- p.121 / References --- p.123

Submitted by Celso Magalhaes (celsomagalhaes@ufrrj.br) on 2017-06-12T11:26:17Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2008 - Norberto Silva Rocha.pdf: 1212597 bytes, checksum: 348564fc2134bb9135658be25a94d180 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-06-12T11:26:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2008 - Norberto Silva Rocha.pdf: 1212597 bytes, checksum: 348564fc2134bb9135658be25a94d180 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-09-04 / Funda??o Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo ? Pesquisa do Estado do RJ - FAPERJ / This research was carried on at Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, at DNAP/IZ, Forage and Pasture Department, Serop?dica, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Four tropical forage legumes cultivation were assessed: (Calopogonium mucunoides (calopo), Pueraria phaseoloides (puero), Macrotyloma axillare (archer) and Neonotonia wightii (perennial soybean)) submitted under artificial increasing shade levels (0, 30, 50 and 70% shade) during rainy and dry seasons. Randomized blocks experimental design with four replications and 4x4 factorial arrangement was performed. The qualitative variable (species) by SNK test at 5% probability as well as the quantitative one (shade) by regression statistic analysis were evaluated. The estimated parameters were: dry matter production (DMP), crude protein level (CP), crude protein production (CPP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), cellulose (CEL), hemicellulose (HEM) and lignin (LIG), leaf/steam ratio (RL/S) and also mineral composition (calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)). Puero and the archer presented the biggest PMS during rainy and dry season, respectively. Gains on legumes DMP according to increasing shade levels during both evaluation periods were observed. Exclusively during rainy season, highest DMP under 30% shade level was presented by calopo. The puero and the archer presented bigger PMS while submitted to 50% shading treatment, during both evaluation periods. At 70% in rainy season as at 50% in dry one, highest DMP by perennial soybean was demonstrated. The biggest CP contents were observed by puero species and perennial soybean in both evaluation periods. For the CP content, only during dry season an increment has been seen according to the shading levels. The biggest CPP has been observed with the puero on the rainy season and with the archer on the dry one. The smallest and biggest NDF and CEL contents were observed with the species calopo and puero, respectively, during rainy seasons. On this evaluation the HEM and LIG contents did not varied (P>0.05) among legumes. During dryness, perennial soybean presented lowers NDF, CEL and HEM contents, while the biggest contents were observed on puero. For the shading levels purpose, it has been observed an increase on the NDF, CEL and HEM contents with the shading improvement on both evaluation seasons. No effect on LIG were observed on species or shading levels, during both seasons. Calopo and perennial soybean presented bigger RL/S on the rainy season and during the dry one bigger RL/S was shown with the perennial soybean. Regarding shading effects over RL/S values, a reduction related to studied treatments have been observed. For the mineral composition there was no difference on the Ca and P contents for the legumes focused on this study, however a lower K content was got by archer during rainy season. On dry season, the Archer obtained bigger P content and lower Ca and K ones. No difference on P and K contents for puero and perennial soybean legumes. A bigger Ca content was obtained by perennial soybean during that time. The increasing shading levels leads to increments on Ca, P and K contents, during both evaluated periods. Under an intensified shading level the biggest increase was observed on the studied minerals. Nevertheless, the best result for the tropical forage legumes cultivation, submitted to different shading levels, was presented on the 50% shade level, where the biggest DMP concentration, intermediate gains in fiber composition and increment to the forage have occurred under this condition. / O experimento foi conduzido na Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, no Setor de Forragicultura e Pastagem do DNAP/IZ, Serop?dica, RJ. Foi estudado o cultivo de quatro leguminosas forrageiras tropicais (Calopogonium mucunoides (calopog?nio), Pueraria phaseoloides (kudzu tropical), Macrotyloma axillare (macrotiloma) e Neonotonia wightii (soja perene)) submetidas a n?veis de sombreamento artificiais (0, 30, 50 e 70% de sombra), durante os per?odos das ?guas e seca. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso com esquema fatorial 4x4, com quatro repeti??es. A vari?vel qualitativa (esp?cie) foi estudada utilizando-se o teste SNK a 5% de probabilidade, e a vari?vel de car?ter quantitativo (sombreamento) foi avaliada por meio de an?lise de regress?o. Os par?metros avaliados foram: produ??o de mat?ria seca (PMS), teor de prote?na bruta (PB), produ??o de prote?na bruta (PPB), a composi??o da fra??o fibrosa (fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ?cido (FDA), celulose (CEL), hemicelulose (HEM), lignina (LIG)), a rela??o folha/haste (RF/H) e a composi??o mineral: c?lcio (Ca), f?sforo (P) e pot?ssio (K). O kudzu tropical e o macrotiloma apresentaram as maiores PMS durante os per?odos das ?guas e seca, respectivamente. Foram observados incrementos na PMS das leguminosas estudadas em fun??o dos n?veis de sombreamento, durante os dois per?odos de avalia??o. O calopog?nio apresentou maior PMS sob o n?vel de 30% de sombra, sendo somente avaliado no per?odo das ?guas. O kudzu tropical e o macrotiloma apresentaram maior PMS quando submetidas ao tratamento de 50% de sombreamento, durante os dois per?odos de avalia??o. A soja perene apresentou maior PMS sob o n?vel de 70% na ?poca das ?guas e no tratamento de 50% no per?odo seco. Os maiores teores de PB foram obtidos pelas esp?cies kudzu tropical e soja perene nos dois per?odos de avalia??o. Para o teor de PB, somente durante o per?odo seco foi observado incremento em fun??o dos n?veis de sombreamento. A maior PPB foi observada para o kudzu tropical na ?poca das ?guas e para o macrotiloma na ?poca seca do ano. Os menores e os maiores teores de FDN e CEL foram observados nas esp?cies calopog?nio e kudzu tropical, respectivamente, durante a esta??o das ?guas. Nesta avalia??o os teores de HEM e LIG n?o diferiram (P>0,05) entre as leguminosas. No per?odo seco, a soja perene apresentou os menores teores de FDN, CEL e HEM, sendo observado os maiores teores no kudzu tropical. Para o efeito dos n?veis de sombreamento, foi observado aumento no teor de FDN, CEL e HEM ? medida que o sombreamento foi intensificado, nos dois per?odos de avalia??o. N?o foram observados efeitos da esp?cie e dos n?veis de sombreamento para o teor de LIG, durante as duas esta??es do ano. O calopog?nio e a soja perene apresentaram maior RF/H na ?poca das ?guas e, durante a seca foi observado maior RF/H na soja perene. Quanto ao efeito dos n?veis de sombreamento sobre a RF/H foi observada redu??o nesses valores em fun??o dos tratamentos estudados, durante os dois per?odos de avalia??o. Quanto a composi??o mineral n?o houve diferen?a entre os teores de Ca e P para as leguminosas estudadas, entretanto o menor teor de K foi obtido pelo macrotiloma, durante o per?odo das ?guas. Na ?poca seca, o macrotiloma obteve maior teor de P e menores teores de Ca e K. N?o houve diferen?a entre os teores de P e K para as leguminosas kudzu tropical e soja perene. O maior teor de Ca foi obtido pela soja perene neste per?odo. Os n?veis crescentes de sombreamento acarretaram incremento nos teores de Ca, P e K, durante os dois per?odos avaliados. Sob o n?vel de sombreamento mais intenso foi observado o maior incremento dos minerais estudados. Contudo, a melhor resposta obtida para o cultivo de leguminosas forrageiras tropicais, submetidas a diferentes intensidades de sombreamento, foi apresentada sob o n?vel de 50% de sombra, onde concentraram maior PMS, acr?scimos intermedi?rios na composi??o fibrosa e incremento de minerais ?s forrageiras quando produzidas nessa condi??o.