In order to investigate the effect of foliar application of organic fertilizer and micronutrients on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Niger plant, a field experiment was conducted in a complete randomized block design with three replications at Shahrekord University Research Farm during the years 2013-2014. Treatments included three levels of humic acid (1, 3, and 6 liters of humic acid per hectare), iron (4 parts per million, ppm), zinc (4 parts per million, ppm) and control (without humic acid iron, and zinc). In this experiment, traits of the number of heads per plant, seeds number per head, 1000 seeds' weight, grain yield, and also oil and protein content were evaluated. The findings showed that foliar application of humic acid, zinc and iron resulted in a significant increase in all analyzed traits. The most significant plant response was obtained with the use of 6 liters humic acid per hectare, and the second most significant plant response was seen with the sprayed zinc treatment which was probably due to limited absorption and deficiency of these elements in the tested soil.

Identification of allelic variation through quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping offers possibilities for the improvement of quantitatively inherited traits. This requires a genetic map along with the phenotypic characterization of a mapping population. A doubled haploid (DH) Polo X Topas population consisting of 194 lines and a recombinant inbred line population of 92 lines was developed. Individual genetic maps derived from each population were integrated into a consensus map. The DH-based genetic map was used for QTL mapping. The DH-based map was comprised of 620 loci that were assembled into 19 linkage groups that were anchored to the B. napus chromosomes. The DH-based map covered 2244.1 cM genomic distance with an average marker interval of 3.7 cM. The DH population was phenotyped in four environments with each line replicated twice in a randomized complete block design. Days to flowering was recorded and oil content and fatty acid composition were determined using Near Infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and Gas Chromatography, respectively. Fourteen QTL were identified for oil content, 33 QTL for palmitic acid content, 18 QTL for stearic acid content, 21 QTL for oleic acid content, 20 QTL for linoleic acid content, 23 QTL for linolenic acid content, 16 QTL for arachidic acid content and 14 QTL for flowering time. Oil content QTL were identified on five linkage groups, A3, A10, C1, C5, and C6. An oil content QTL, qOIL-A10c appeared in all four environments, whereas qOIL-A10a appeared in only one environment but explained 26.99% variation. The oil content in the population ranged from 35% to 55.5% with the parents having values of 42% to 46%. Two genomic regions on C3, with map positions at 147.83 cM and 154.55 cM harbored QTL (rQTL) for all the fatty acids studied. The additive effects of the rQTL reveal a correlation pattern which is supported by the phenotypic correlation observed between the fatty acids. This suggests rQTL have role in the fatty acid composition and possibly determine total seed oil content. The rQTL and flanking markers of the identified QTL offer utility in further development of B. napus. / October 2015

Due to the immense utilization in food and industry, there is enormous commercial and scientific interest to manipulate canola (Brassica napus L.) seed oil. Seed oil accretions are influenced by genes involved in embryo and seed development. FUSCA3 (FUS3) and LEAFY COTYLEDON1 (LEC1) are well-known transcription factors involved during seed and embryo development. The main objective of this project was to evaluate the role of these genes during seed storage deposition and microspore-derived embryogenesis in B. napus. For this purpose, six BnLEC1 transgenic lines and three BnFUS3 TILLING mutant lines were generated. The over expression of BnLEC1 significantly increased the seed oil content, while the down regulation of BnLEC1 or mutation of BnFUS3 reduced the level of seed oil. Experimental alterations of BnLEC1 and BnFUS3 triggered transcriptional modifications in enzymes taking part in sucrose transport and metabolism, glycolysis, and fatty acid (FA) biosynthesis. These changes are suggestive of a greater carbon pool to FA biosynthesis in tissues over-expressing BnLEC1, and a reduced carbon flux available for the synthesis of FA in BnLEC1 down regulators and BnFUS3 tilling mutants. While the elevated oil content induced by BnLEC1 was not accompanied by alterations in FA composition, oil nutritional value, or glucosinolate (GLS) levels, suppression of BnLEC1 reduced seed oil accumulation and raised levels of GLS, possibly through the transcriptional regulation of BnST5a (Sulphotransferase5a), the last GLS biosynthetic enzyme. BnFUS3 tilling mutant seeds had increased levels of linoleic acid, possibly due to the reduced expression of ω-3 FA DESATURASE (FAD3). The effects of altered expression of BnLEC1 and BnFUS3 were also assessed during microspore-derived embryogenesis. Substantial structural abnormalities, accompanied by changes in transcript levels of several embryo marker genes were observed in embryos in which the expression of BnLEC1 or BnFUS3 was altered. The changes in oil level and FA profiles observed in the transformed microspore-derived embryos followed a similar trend to that described in seeds. Collectively, these observations suggest that manipulation of BnLEC1 and BnFUS3 can be employed as a tool to enhance seed oil production and quality in B. napus. / February 2017

Submitted by Eunice Novais (enovais@uepg.br) on 2018-07-24T17:40:36Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 811 bytes, checksum: e39d27027a6cc9cb039ad269a5db8e34 (MD5) EDUARDO L. MIRANDA.pdf: 667563 bytes, checksum: a26ce019073169bce213e38345cf54b2 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-07-24T17:40:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 811 bytes, checksum: e39d27027a6cc9cb039ad269a5db8e34 (MD5) EDUARDO L. MIRANDA.pdf: 667563 bytes, checksum: a26ce019073169bce213e38345cf54b2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-02-28 / A demanda por energia no mundo está cada vez mais crescente. Uma alternativa é a produção de biodiesel de soja, que além dar um destino ao subproduto do grão também é fonte de energia renovável. As indústrias de biodiesel seguem padrões de classificação de grãos, onde realizam descontos para grãos avariados em casos de ultrapassagem dos limites pré-estabelecidos pelas normas. O objetivo desse trabalho foi verificar se os descontos normatizados para grãos avariados procedem; comparando a qualidade do óleo para produção de biodiesel proveniente de grãos de soja (Glycine max) classificados como partidos e sem defeitos. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente aleatorizado. Os tratamentos consistiram nas análises de óleo degomado de grãos partidos e sem defeitos de dez cultivares de soja. Foram realizadas três repetições por tratamento. As variáveis analisadas foram: acidez, índice de estabilidade oxidativa do óleo e o teor de óleo de grãos. Concluiu-se que a qualidade do óleo de soja para produção de biodiesel, proveniente de grãos de soja classificados como sem defeitos e partidos diferiu significativamente em mais de 70% das dez cultivares testadas. Os resultados foram semelhantes apenas para uma das cultivares analisadas (NA 5909 16/17) em duas variáveis (acidez e índice de estabilidade oxidativa) e diferindo para o teor de óleo. / The world’s demand for energy is constantly increading. One of the alternatives is the production of the biodiesel from source of soy. The biodiesel from the soy provides the benefits of being a great use of the grain itself, and also is a great source of renewable energy. The industry follow specific standards to classify the quality of the grains. In case the grains present results outside of the standards estipulated by the industry, a discount is determined to buy the cargo. The purpose of this study is to verify and analize the discount established by the industry for the gain of soy (Glycine max), comparing the quality of the oil for the purpose of production of biodiesel classified as “broken” and/or without any defects. The experimental design used for statistics purposes was the Entirely Randomized. The study analized the degummed oil in the production of ten diferente samples of biodiesel from gain of soy “broken” and without any deffects. The variables analized were: acidity, oil oxidative stability index, and grain oil content. The conclusion presented results comparing both qualities of the grain of soy (i.e. “broken” and without any defects), showing a discrepancy of 70% in the quality index, analizing the ten different samples randomly extracted and tested. The results were similar only for one of the analyzed cultivars (NA 5909 16/17) in two variables (acidity and oxidative stability index) and differing for the oil content.

No description available.

Submitted by Katiane Souza (katyane.souza@gmail.com) on 2016-03-21T23:58:59Z No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1655389 bytes, checksum: b7ff25ea0828a50a72e522ef5bc5eaef (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-03-21T23:58:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1655389 bytes, checksum: b7ff25ea0828a50a72e522ef5bc5eaef (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-09-30 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Sesame is an important oilseed crop and can be grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, such as the Northeast of Brazil. Its seeds have oil of high nutritional and protein content, used in the food industry and pharmaceutical, cosmetics and biofuel. However, in the Northeast there is irregularity rainfall and high evapotranspiration rates witch usually prejudice agricultural production and research development in order to select genotypes with characteristics of tolerance to these conditions. In this context, this study was carried out in order to evaluate growth, physiology and production of sesame genotypes under different rates of water replacement. The experiment was accomplished from September to December 2012 at the Experimental Station of Embrapa Algodão, Barbalha, CE, under field conditions. The randomized block design was adopted with treatments in a factorial (4 × 6), corresponding to four irrigation levels (40, 70, 100 and 130% of ETo) and six genotypes (G1=T3-EGSGO3; G2=T7-EGSGO7; G3=T5-EGSGO5; G4 =T2-EGSGO2; G5=T6-EGSGO6 and G6=T4-EGSG04) with three replications. During experiment were collected growth variables (leaf area, plant height and stem diameter), physiological and biochemical (relative water content, disruption of the cell membrane, content of photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrates and protein in leaves and root and peroxidase and catalase activity) and production (dry matter, oil content in seeds and productivity). Harvesting of Sesame was performed manually at 95 days after sowing. Higher growth and production occur using irrigation levels between 75 and 90% ETo. The content of pigments, chlorophyll b, and total carotenoids were enhanced with application of 80% ETo. The enzymatic activity of sesame cultivars was reduced in plants under drought stress by deficiency or by water excess. Maximum production potential of sesame is found with application of water levels in 75-90% of ETo. / O Gergelim é uma das mais importantes culturas oleaginosas, podendo ser cultivada nas regiões tropicais e subtropicais de todo o mundo, a exemplo do Nordeste do Brasil. Suas sementes possuem um óleo de alto teor nutricional e protéico, com diversas aplicações, tanto na industria alimentícia como na farmacêutica, cosmética e de biodiesel. No entanto, na região Nordeste a irregularidade das chuvas, aliado a altas taxas de evapotranspiração geralmente limitam a produção agrícola, sendo necessário a realização de estudos visando selecionar genótipos com características de tolerância a essas condições. Nesse contexto, objetivou-se com esse trabalho, avaliar o crescimento, a fisiologia e a produção de genótipos de gergelim em função de diferentes reposições hídrica. O experimento foi realizado de setembro a dezembro de 2012 na Unidade Experimental da Embrapa Algodão, localizado no Município de Barbalha, CE, sob condições de campo. Optou-se pelo delineamento em blocos casualizados, com tratamentos em esquema fatorial (4×6), correspondendo a quatro lâminas de irrigação (40; 70; 100 e 130% da ETo) e seis genótipos (G1=T3-EGSGO3; G2=T7-EGSGO7; G3=T5-EGSGO5; G4 =T2-EGSGO2; G5=T6-EGSGO6; G6=T4-EGSG04) com três repetições. Durante o experimento, foram coletados dados correspondentes às variáveis de crescimento (área foliar; altura da planta e diâmetro do caule), fisiológicas e bioquímicas (teor relativo de água; disruptura da membrana celular; teor de pigmentos fotossintetizantes; carboidratos e proteínas na folha e raiz e a atividade das enzimas peroxidase e catalase) e de produção (fitomassa seca, teor de óleo nas sementes e produtividade). A colheita do Gergelim foi realizada manualmente aos 95 dias após a semeadura. O maior crescimento e, consequentemente, produção foram verificados com a aplicação de lâminas entre 75 e 90% da evapotranspiração de referência. O conteúdo de pigmentos, clorofila a e b, total e carotenóides foram incrementados com a aplicação de 80% da ETo. A atividade enzimática das cultivares de gergelim foi reduzida nas plantas sob estresse hídrico, tanto por deficiência quanto por excesso. O potencial máximo de produção do gergelim é encontrado com a aplicação de lâminas de água no intervalo de 75 a 90% da ETo.

Rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium capitatum x P. radens) belongs to the family Geraniaceae and it is a multi-harvest, high value, commercially important essential oil yielding aromatic plant. The essential oil extracted from the herbage of the plant is widely used in the fragrance and cosmetics industry and scenting of soaps. The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation. South Africa is now producing significant quantities of geranium oil. However, previous experience by this research group showed that seedlings often take long to establish, resulting in high death rates and sometimes poor growth after establishment. Stunted growth and yellowing of leaves was also observed in some cases. Poor vegetative growth causes low herbage yield and, consequently, low total essential oil production per hectare. Poor growth is believed to be due to a combination of factors, including nutrient deficiencies and acidic soil conditions and has not been studied under South Africa condition. Production of the crop is also reported to respond differently to rate and source of nutrition in various agro-ecological regions of the world. Therefore, field trials were conducted at the Hatfield Experimental Farm, University of Pretoria, in order to investigate how the plant responds to agronomic practices, such as source and amount of nitrogen, time of N fertilizer application, season of N fertilization and liming. Response of rose-scented geranium to source and amount of N showed that, at the first harvest (summer/autumn), there was no significant effect of conventional N on fresh herbage and oil yield, probably due to leaching of N by rainfall. However, organic N at 100 kg•ha-1 increased fresh herbage and oil yields by 58% and 48% over the control, respectively. In the second harvest (spring/summer), fresh herbage yield increased by 46% (conventional N) and 60% (organic N) at 100 kg•ha-1 compared to the control. Compared to the control, 100 kg•ha-1 conventional and organic N also increased essential oil yields by 94% and 129%, respectively. For both N sources nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and LAI decreased with an increase in N level, and organic N gave highest essential oil production efficiency and LAI. Essential oil content (% fresh mass basis) also varied between the harvests, being greater in the second harvest (September to December 2005; spring/summer) than the first harvest (February to May 2005; summer/autumn). This was due to environmental variations that occurred between the harvesting periods. N level and source were found to have no noticeable effect on essential oil composition. This study revealed that rose-scented geranium produced higher fresh herbage and essential oil yield when organic fertilizer was used as a source of N. Nitrogen management in terms of rate and time of application is important in rose-scented geranium production. Delaying nitrogen topdressing (conventional N in the form of LAN; N 28%) after harvest to between the 7th and 9th week after cut back, was found to have a significant positive effect on biomass and essential oil production. Essential oil content of the plant did not show any response to a delay in nitrogen topdressing. A delay in nitrogen topdressing, in the first re-growth resulted into a lower citronellol to geraniol (C:G) ratio, which favour essential oil quality of the crop. Generally, the characteristics of the essential oil were within the internationally acceptable range for rose-scented geranium essential oil. In addition, production of rose-scented geranium during cooler periods is not advisable due to limited biomass production which might encourage leaching of nitrogen. The net benefits from N application is dependent on the growing period and in the present study spring and summer were more beneficial than winter and autumn. Organic N at 100 kg•ha-1•year-1 increased herbage and essential oil yield of the crop in spring and summer but further increases in organic or conventional N levels had no significant effect. N application either in winter or autumn did not improve production of the crop. Application of more N than what is required for optimum growth of the plant had no positive effect on essential oil production. Application of organic N also resulted in higher N use efficiency than conventional N. The essential oil contents (% fresh mass basis) achieved in the present study generally fell within the range of 0.04 to 0.2%. Citronellol and geraniol concentration (%), were at peak in spring season followed by summer and autumn and lowest in winter. The ratio between these two components (C:G ratio) is also used as an indicator of rose-scented geranium essential oil quality and most desirable (low C:G ratio) essential oil was attained in spring, summer and autumn harvesting seasons and least desirable oil was attained in winter. The relationship between SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter readings (SPAD units) and leaf N content (% dry weight basis) was a quadratic function. SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter readings (SPAD units) matched well with that of leaf N concentration data of rose-scented geranium. Regardless of the factors that affect the readings, this instrument can be used as an indicator of leaf N status of rose-scented geranium. Soil pH above 5.5 and soil base saturation above 55% increased fresh herbage and essential oil yield (per ha), which corresponded in this case with 2 to 6 t•ha-1 of lime application. Oil content (%) was not significantly affected by application of lime. Therefore, optimum growth of rose-scented geranium can be achieved by application of lime when plants are grown on acidic soils, but without any effect on oil content and essential oil composition. It can be concluded that N rate, source and season of production and soil pH should be considered to ensure optimal rose-scented geranium production. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Plant Production and Soil Science / PhD / Unrestricted

Lippia sidoides Cham (alecrim pimenta) é uma planta medicinal e aromática nativa do nordeste brasileiro, se extrai o óleo essencial para uso bactericida, fungicida, moluscida e larvicida. O presente trabalho avaliou o efeito da idade de corte, horário de colheita e condições para as plantas de Lippia sidoides Cham. sobre a produção do seu óleo essencial nas condições da região sul do Tocantins. A extração do óleo essencial foi realizada por hidrodestilação em aparelho Clevenger, pelo tempo de uma hora e vinte minutos igualmente para todas as amostras. Foram realizados três experimentos. No experimento 1, comparou-se a produção de óleo essencial das plantas aos 90, 120, 150, 180, 210 e 240 DAT. No experimento 2, comparou-se o teor do óleo de amostras de folhas colhidas nos horários de 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 e 20 horas. E, no experimento 3, comparou-se o teor de óleo essencial em função de temperatura (30, 40 e 50ºC) e tempo de secagem (24, 48 e 72 horas). A tendência de maior teor de óleo seria em torno dos 87,5 DAT, diminuindo para cortes anteriores ou posteriores a esta. Os maiores valores para massa seca situando-se aos 210 DAT seguindo-se a tendência de redução desta variável a partir do citado período. Os maiores valores de produtividade de óleo essencial por planta ocorrem em torno dos 220 DAT, evidenciando essa data como a de tendência de maior produtividade. Conclui-se, que aos 220 dias após o transplantio ocorre uma produção de 5,75 g de óleo essencial por planta, alcançado a produtividade de óleo essencial de 57,5 kg ha-1. O tempo na secagem não influenciou no teor de óleo essencial. Porém a temperatura de 40 °C proporciona máxima conservação do óleo essencial de Lippia sidoides Cham. e consequentemente maior teor do mesmo. / Lippia sidoides Cham. (Rosemary pepper) is a native medicinal and aromatic plant in northeastern Brazil, extract the essential oil for use bactericide, fungicide, molluscicide and larvicide. This study evaluated the effect of cutting age, harvest time and conditions for the plant Lippia sidoides Cham. on the production of essential oil in the conditions of southern Tocantins region. The essential oil extraction was performed by hydrodistillation in Clevenger apparatus, the time of one hour and twenty minutes for all samples equally. Three experiments were conducted. In one experiment, we compared the production of essential oil from plants at 90, 120, 150, 180, 210 and 240 DAT. In experiment 2, compared the leaf samples Oil content collected at the times of 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 hours. And in experiment 3 compared the essential oil content in function of temperature (30, 40 and 50 ° C) and drying time (24, 48 and 72 hours). The tendency to higher oil content would be around 87.5 DAT decreasing to previous cuts or subsequent thereto. The highest values for dry mass standing at 210 DAT followed the downward trend of this variable from that period. The largest essential oil yield per plant values occur around 220 DAT, showing that date as the greater productivity trend. It follows that to 220 days after transplanting is a production of 5.75 g of essential oil per plant, achieved the essential oil yield of 57.5 kg ha-1. The drying time did not influence the essential oil content. However, the temperature of 40 ° C provides maximum conservation of essential oil of Lippia sidoides Cham. and consequently higher content thereof.

Submitted by Eunice Novais (enovais@uepg.br) on 2018-05-21T17:38:07Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 811 bytes, checksum: e39d27027a6cc9cb039ad269a5db8e34 (MD5) Maghnom Henrique Melo.pdf: 1072311 bytes, checksum: 79acf6922562d6c4ef1679b5c261162c (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-05-21T17:38:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 811 bytes, checksum: e39d27027a6cc9cb039ad269a5db8e34 (MD5) Maghnom Henrique Melo.pdf: 1072311 bytes, checksum: 79acf6922562d6c4ef1679b5c261162c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-02-23 / Dentro do atual contexto energético mundial, é crescente a discussão sobre fontes alternativas e renováveis às fontes tradicionais e fósseis de energia. No Brasil, vale destacar a adoção de biocombustíveis em motores de combustão interna, como a utilização do biodiesel como alternativa na substituição de petrodiesel, que é derivado do petróleo. Como existem inúmeras cultivares de soja utilizadas no Brasil, faz se necessário caracteriza-las para teor de óleo e proteína, a fim de auxiliar a indústria na tomada de decisão de quais materiais adquirir de acordo com as finalidades de produção (óleo ou farelo de soja) e também propiciar ao produtor obter valor diferenciado para o seu produto, aumentando os lucros deste. Objetivou-se determinar valores qualitativos e quantitativos dos grãos de diferentes cultivares de soja O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos aleatorizados. Os tratamentos consistiram em 12 cultivares: NS 5959 IPRO®, NS 6906 IPRO®, M 5705 IPRO®, M 6410 IPRO®, BRS 1003 IPRO®, BRS 1001 IPRO®, FTR 2155 RR®, TMG 7062 IPRO®, TMG 7262 IPRO®, BS 2606 IPRO®, Brasmax Garra IPRO® e 96Y90®. O experimento foi instalado no município de Ponta Grossa, estado do Paraná, safra 2016/17. Foi realizado extração a quente do óleo utilizando um hidrocarboneto como solvente (hexano) em aparelho do tipo Soxhlet. A determinação do índice de acidez foi feita através de titulação de amostra com solução aquosa de hidróxido de potássio. A densidade do óleo foi determinada através de densímetro digital na temperatura de 20º C. O teor de proteína foi determinado pelo método de digestão semi-micro-Kjeldahl. Concluiu-se que o índice de acidez do óleo, variou de 1,6 a 15,7 mg KOH g-1 de óleo e a densidade do óleo variou de 915 a 921 kg m-3 entre as cultivares. O teor de óleo dos grãos de soja e de proteína variou de 156 a 179 g de óleo kg-1 de massa de grãos e de 336 a 291 g de proteína kg-1 de grãos, respectivamente. Das variáveis analisadas não houve diferenças significativas entre as cultivares para teor de óleo e de proteína, houve três cultivares com índice de acidez do óleo acima do aceitável pela indústria e a densidade do óleo de todas as cultivares estudadas ficaram acima do limite inferior estabelecido por normas. / Within the current global energy context, the discussion on alternative and renewable sources to traditional sources and fossil fuels is growing. In Brazil, it is worth mentioning the adoption of biofuels in internal combustion engines, such as the use of biodiesel as an alternative in the substitution of petrodiesel, which is derived from petroleum. As there are numerous soybean cultivars used in Brazil, it is necessary to characterize them for oil and protein content, in order to assist the industry in making the decision of which materials to acquire according to production purposes (soy oil or soybean meal) and also provide the producer with differentiated value for their product, increasing their profits. The objective was to determine the oil acidity and density index, oil and protein content of soybean grains extracted from different cultivars in the Campos Gerais region. The experimental design was randomized blocks. The treatments consisted of 12 cultivars: NS 5959 IPRO®, NS 6906 IPRO®, M 5705 IPRO®, M 6410 IPRO®, BRS 1003 IPRO®, BRS 1001 IPRO®, FTR 2155 RR®, TMG 7062 IPRO®, TMG 7262 IPRO®, BS 2606 IPRO®, Brasmax GARRA IPRO® and 96Y90®. The experiment was installed in the municipality of Ponta Grossa, state of Paraná, harvest 2016/17. Hot oil extraction was performed using a hydrocarbon solvent (hexane) in Soxhlet type apparatus. The determination of the acid number was done by titrating the sample with aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide. The density of the oil was determined by a digital densimeter at a temperature of 20º C. The protein content was determined by the semi-micro-Kjeldahl digestion method. The measured variables were submitted to F and Scott-Knott tests, with a confidence level higher than 95% of probability. The acid value of the oil varied from 1.6 to 15.7 mg KOH g-1 of oil and the oil density ranged from 915 to 921 kg m-3 between the cultivars. The oil content of the soybean and protein grains ranged from 156 to 179 g of oil kg-1 of grain mass and 336 to 291 g of kg-1 of grain protein, respectively. Of the analyzed variables there were no significant differences between the cultivars for oil and protein content, there were three cultivars with an oil acid value above the industry acceptable and the oil density of all cultivars studied were above the lower limit established by standards .

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento CientÃfico e TecnolÃgico / A pesquisa foi realizada no NÃcleo de ProduÃÃo ComunitÃria Santa Clara, idealizado e administrado pela Brasil Ecodiesel IndÃstria e ComÃrcio de BiocombustÃveis e Ãleos vegetais S. A., localizado no municÃpio de Canto do Buriti, estado do Piau, e na Universidade Federal do CearÃ, localizada em Fortaleza, no estado do CearÃ. A coleta de dados ocorreu durante o perÃodo de Abril de 2006 a Janeiro de 2007 com o objetivo de investigar a polinizaÃÃo da mamoneira (Ricinus communis L.), o papel de agentes polinizadores biÃticos e a utilizaÃÃo de abelhas Apis mellifera na sua polinizaÃÃo, visando contribuir para minimizar as perdas de produtividade desta cultura. Foram avaliados a biologia floral e requerimento de polinizaÃÃo da mamoneira; eficiÃncia da polinizaÃÃo por Apis mellifera e comportamento de pastejo de Apis mellifera e Scaptotrigona bipunctata H.(canudo) em inflorescÃncia de mamoneira, bem como os frutos e sementes produzidas na cultura. Os resultados mostraram que as abelhas coletam pÃlen e nÃctar durante todo o dia, tendo a abelha canudo, preferÃncia pelo pÃlen. A mamoneira aceita polinizaÃÃo cruzada, porÃm vingando significativamente (p<0,05) menos que a autopolinizaÃÃo. O vento mostrouse o principal vetor de pÃlen na plantaÃÃo. Ãreas com introduÃÃo de abelhas melÃferas produziram marginalmente (p = 0,08) mais frutos que Ãreas sem a introduÃÃo de abelhas. De forma semelhante, tambÃm levaram a significativa (p<0,05) produÃÃo de racemos com mais frutos (22,39) e sementes mais pesadas (0,54g) com maior percentual de Ãleo (54,48%) e maior energia bruta (9006,81kcal/kg) do que o obtido em Ãreas sem abelhas (15,84, 0,47g, 49,94% e 8843,29kcal/kg, respectivamente). A avaliaÃÃo fisiolÃgica das sementes nÃo encontrou diferenÃas entre os dois tratamentos, ambos apresentaram mÃdia de 84% de germinaÃÃo. Pode-se concluir que o principal agente polinizador da mamoneira à o vento e que a espÃcie pode ser polinizada, vingando seus frutos tanto por meio de autopolinizaÃÃo quanto polinizaÃÃo cruzada, embora apresente melhores resultados com autogamia. A introduÃÃo de colÃnias de Apis mellifera em cultivos de mamona contribui para incremento significativo de produtividade da cultura, tanto ao aumentar o nÃmero de frutos por cacho quanto o rendimento de Ãleo dos mesmos, provavelmente porque ao coletar pÃlen as abelhas melÃferas aumentam a quantidade de autopÃlen em suspensÃo no ar nas proximidades da panÃcula, favorecendo uma maior percentagem de autopolinizaÃÃo. Palavras-chave: polinizaÃÃo da mamoneira, rendimento de Ãleo, anemofilia, comportamento de pastejo, biodiesel. / The research was carried out in the NÃcleo de ProduÃÃo ComunitÃria Santa Clara, idealized and administered by the Brasil Ecodiesel IndÃstria e ComÃrcio de BiocombustÃveis e Ãleos vegetais S. A., county of Canto do Buriti, state of PiauÃ, Brazil, and at the Universidade Federal do CearÃ, located in Fortaleza, state of CearÃ. Data were collected from April 2006 to January 2007 investigating castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) pollination, the role of biotic pollinating agents and the use of the honey bee Apis mellifera in its pollination. The study aimed to contribute in mitigating yield productivity losses in this crop. The following parameters were evaluated: floral biology, castor bean pollination requirements, A.mellifera pollination efficiency, foraging behavior of A.mellifera and Scaptotrigona bipunctata in castor bean inflorescences, and physiological evaluation of fruits and seeds produced. Results showed that both bee species harvested pollen and nectar throughout the day, but S. bipunctata prefers pollen much more than nectar. The castor bean plant accepts cross pollination, but it sets significantly (p<0.05) less fruits than self-pollination. The wind appeared as the main pollen vector in the plantation. Areas where honey bee colonies were introduced produced marginally (p = 0.08) more fruits than areas where no colony was made available. Similarly, they also led to significantly (p<0.05) more fruits per raceme (22.39) heavier seeds (0,54g) greater oil percentage (54.48%) and greater gross energy (9006.81kcal/kg) than those produced in areas without introduction of honey bee colonies (15.84, 0.47g, 49.94% e 8843.29kcal/kg, respectively), Physiological evaluation of seeds found no significant differences among treatments and produced an average 84% germination. It is concluded that the wind is the major pollinator of castor bean, and this species can be pollinated and set fruits both by means of cross and self-pollination, though showing better results under autogamy. The introduction of A. mellifera colonies in castor bean plantations contributes to increase crop productivity significantly, both increasing the number of fruits set per raceme and their oil content, probably because when collecting pollen honey bees increase the amount of self-pollen floating in the air around the panicles, favoring greater proportion of self-pollination.