<p dir="ltr">This study explores the use of hand warmers to enhance hermetic storage. Hand warmers work similarly to conventional oxygen scavengers by consuming oxygen through oxidation. This research aimed to determine how effective hand warmers are in accelerating oxygen reduction and insect mortality in hermetic storage, hence preserving grain quality. The experiments conducted in hermetic containers showed that hand warmers rapidly reduce oxygen levels, achieving insect-lethal conditions much faster than conventional oxygen absorbers like Oxy-Sorb. Our results show that hand warmers brought oxygen levels down to below 5% within 24-48 h and kept them low for an extended period up to 240 h. This quick oxygen depletion led to high insect mortality, reduced oviposition, and inhibited progeny development. Additionally, hand warmers did not negatively impact seed moisture content or germination rates, demonstrating their effectiveness in maintaining grain quality during storage.</p>

The study aimed at determining the contribution of cowpeas to dietary diversity and food access, among women living in a peri-urban area of Gaborone called Gabane village in Botswana. Consuming a variety of food groups ensures adequate intake of nutrients for health. Diet diversity measures diet quality, food access and an indication of nutritious diets. Cowpeas are a nutritious vegetable which can contribute to diet diversity, diet quality and food access of many poor rural households who cannot afford to purchase a wide variety of nutritious food (ARC, 2006). Data was collected through administering a Cowpea consumption survey questionnaire which indicated that most of the households consume cowpeas which are essential to improve household food access, diet diversity and diet quality. A socio-demographic questionnaire was also used and it indicated an average number of household members of 6 people. The respondents were mainly the elderly people of 56 years and above with primary school education as the most achieved level of education. A Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) questionnaire was contextualised for local foods consumed in Botswana. Focus group discussions were conducted to collect more data from women regarding their attitude, opinions and perceptions of consuming a variety of foods, cultivating and consuming cowpeas to ensure good health. The focus group results indicated that cowpeas were consumed by most families and 100% of adults and children consume cowpeas as leaves and seeds. Cereals were predominantly consumed by 95% of households, vitamin A rich fruits and vegetables by 52.5%, meat, poultry and fish by 42.5%. Vitamin A rich foods such as vegetables, fruits and organ meat were poorly consumed except green leafy vegetables which included cowpea leaves consumed by 52.5%. Meat, poultry and fish were consumed by 42.5%. Legumes, nuts, seeds and organ meat were also poorly consumed. vii Cowpeas grow well in Botswana, are Batswana’s cultural food, can improve nutritional intake and livelihoods through sold surplus profit. A diet diversity score of 2.9, well below the advised cut-off point of 4 was documented, indicating poor household dietary diversity and poor diet quality and food access. / Agricultural, Animal Health and Human Ecology / Thesis (M.A. (Human ecology) )

The study examined interactions between morogo plants, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Fusarium species. Morogo refers to traditional leafy vegetables that, together with maize porridge, are dominant staple foods in rural areas of the Limpopo Province such as the Dikgale Demographic Surveillance Site (DDSS). Morogo plants grow either as weeds (often among maize), occur naturally in the field or are cultivated as subsistence crops by rural communities. Botanical species of morogo plants consumed in the DDSS were determined. Colonisation of morogo plant roots by AMF and Fusarium species composition in the immediate soil environment were investigated in four of eight DDSS subsistence communities, Isolated AMF were shown to belong to the genera Acaulospora and Glomus. Twelve Fusarium species were isolated from soil among which Fusariurn verticilliodes and Fusarium proliferaturn occurred predominantly. Greenhouse pot trials were conducted to examine the effect of AMF on morogo plant growth (cowpea; Mgna unguiculata) and Fusarium proliferatum levels in soil, Interaction between plants and AMF, as well as tripartite interactions of cowpea plants, AMF and Fusarium proliferatum were investigated. Non-inoculated cowpea plants served as controls for the following inoculations of cowpea in pots: (i) Fusarium proliferatum; (ii) commercial AMF from Mycoroot (PTY) Ltd. (a mixture of selected indigenous Glomus spp referred to commercial AMF for the purpose of this study); (iii) indigenous AMF obtained from DDSS soil (referred to iocal AMF for the purpose of this study); (iv) commercial AMF plus Fusarium proliferatum; (v) local AMF plus Fusariurn proliferatum. Results showed reduced root colonization by local as well as commercial AMF when Fusarium proliferatum were present. Local AMF significantly enhanced cowpea growth while commercial AMF apparently reduced the level of Fusarium proliferatum in the rhizosphere and surrounding soil. Results suggest that AMF may have potential as biological growth enhancers and bioprotective agents against Fusarium proliferatum. / Thesis (M. Environmental Science (Water Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Introdução - A soja e outras leguminosas são consideradas como alimentos funcionais por apresentarem propriedades hipocolesterlemizantes. Esta propriedade, porém, ainda não foi relatada para o feijão caupi. Um possível componente deste grão responsável pelo feito redutor de colesterol é sua proteína. Objetivo - Produzir isolado protéico de feijão caupi e verificar a influência do grão integral e de sua proteína isolada no metabolismo lipídico de hamsters hipercolesterolemizados pela dieta. Métodos - O isolado protéico de feijão caupi foi produzido por precipitação isoelétrica, utilizando-se pH 8,5 para solubilização da proteína e 4,5 para a sua precipitação, obtendo-se um isolado com 92 % de proteína. O isolado protéico (IP) e o feijão caupi integral (FCI) foram utilizados como fonte protéica em dietas experimentais para hamsters que tiveram hipercolesterolemia induzida por dieta contendo 20 % de caseína, 13,5 % de gordura saturada e 0,1 % de colesterol, por 3 semanas. Os animais foram distribuídos em três grupos, recebendo cada grupo dieta com 20 % de caseína (controle), dieta com 20 % de proteína de isolado de feijão caupi e dieta com 20% de proteína de feijão caupi integral, por 4 semanas. Resultados - Comparando-se à dieta controle, a dieta com FCI e IP provocaram reduções significativas no colesterol total (49 % e 20 %, respectivamente) e colesterol não-HDL (54 % e 22 %, respectivamente). Análises histológicas do fígado foram realizadas e observou-se que IP e o FCI proporcionaram efeito hepatoprotetor comparado à caseína, pois o grupo que recebeu caseína apresentou em média esteatose difusa e intensa, enquanto grupo com feijão e isolado apresentaram esteatose focal e, em alguns casos, ausentes. Alguns possíveis mecanismos envolvidos para o efeito benéfico no metabolismo lipídico foram investigados. A digestibilidade verdadeira do IP foi igual à da caseína, enquanto a do feijão integral foi menor. A excreção de ácidos biliares e colesterol foi inversamente proporcional aos níveis plasmáticos do colesterol dos animais submetidos às diferentes dietas. Os animais com a dieta de feijão integral apresentaram a maior excreção de ácidos biliares e colesterol nas fezes; valores estatisticamente diferentes aos dos animais da dieta com caseína. Conclusões - O feijão caupi e sua proteína isolada reduzem o colesterol plasmático e proporcionam efeito hepatoprotetor. A digestibilidade, excreção de ácidos biliares e colesterol não estão relacionados com a redução do colesterol provocada pelo IP. O mecanismo envolvido na redução do colesterol nestes experimentos ainda não está totalmente elucidado, sugerindo que a proteína isolada do feijão caupi atue na síntese de colesterol, pois não foi observado aumento na sua excreção. / Introduction - Soya and other legume seeds are considered functional food because of their hypocholesterolemic properties. This property, however, is not reported yet for cowpea. A possible component present in this grain that could respond for the hypocholesterolemic effect is the protein fraction. Objective - To produce protein isolate of cowpea and to verify the influence of the whole seed and its isolated protein on the lipid metabolism of diet hypercholesterolemized hamsters. Methods - The cowpea protein isolate was prepared by isoelectric precipitation, using pH 8.5 for solubilization and pH 4.5 for protein precipitation. The isolate obtained presented protein content of about 92%. The protein isolate (PI) and cowpea whole seed (CWS) were used as protein source in experimental diets fed to hamsters that previously had their blood cholesterol increased by a diet containing 20 % of casein, 13,5 % of saturated fat and 0,1 % of cholesterol during 3 weeks. Animals were divided into 3 groups and fed on diets containing: 20 % casein (control), 20 % isolate protein of cowpea and 20 % of cowpea whole seed for 4 wks. Results - The results showed that for hamster that fed on diets containing PI and CWS occurred a significant decrease in total cholesterol (49 % and 20 %, respectively) and non-HDL cholesterol (54 % and 22 %, respectively), as compared to casein group. Histological analysis of hepatic tissue was performed and showed that PI and CWS presented reduction in hepatic lipotoxicity as compared to the casein group. Therefore, the group that received casein presented steatosis widely distributed throughout the hepatic lobule, while whole seed cowpea and protein isolate meal groups produced only focal steatosis and, in some cases, it was absent. Some mechanisms involved in lowering plasma cholesterol were investigated. Digestibility for PI was equal for casein group, while it was significantly lower for CWS group. The bile acids and cholesterol excretion in the feces were inversely proportional to plasma cholesterol levels. Animals on CWS presented higher levels of feces bile acids and cholesterol; these values were statistically different from animals on casein diet. Conclusions - Whole seed cowpea and its protein isolate reduce plasma cholesterol and hepatic lipotoxicity. Digestibility, the bile acids and cholesterol excretion are not related to hypocholesterolemic effect of protein isolate of cowpea. The mechanisms involved cholesterol reduction in these experiments is not yet fully elucidated. It is suggested that protein isolate of cowpea is related to the cholesterol syntheses, as it was not verified any increase in cholesterol excretion in the animals on protein isolate diet.

Thesis (DTech (Faculty of Applied Sciences)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2009 / A 3-factorial experiment involving two cowpea densities (83,000 and 167,000 plants.ha-1), two cropping systems (i.e. monoculture and mixed culture) and five cowpea genotypes (i.e. three farmer-selected cultivars, Bensogla, Sanzie and Omondaw and two improved varieties, ITH98-46 and TVu1509) was conducted in the field for two consecutive years in 2005 and 2006. The aim was to assess the effect of plant density, cropping system and cowpea genotypes on: (i) chlorophyll and gas-exchange, (ii) rhizosphere mineral concentration and tissue uptake of nutrients, (iii) acid and alkaline phosphatase activities in the rhizosphere, (iv) plant growth and symbiotic performance, and (v) concentration of flavonoids and anthocyanins in seed extracts and plant organs and their effect on pest infestation and diseases. The results showed that high plant density (167,000 plants.ha-1) and mixed culture significantly decreased gas-exchange parameters, leaf chlorophyll content, 13C and %C in both cowpea and sorghum plants compared with low plant density (83,000 plants.ha-1) and monoculture. The data also showed significantly higher 13C and lower %C in ITH98-46 and TVu1509 compared with Bensogla, Omondaw and Sanzie genotypes with a significant correlation between 13C and water-use efficiency. At harvest, grain yield of cowpea and sorghum was significantly decreased by high plant density and mixed culture compared with low plant density and monoculture. Sanzie genotype was generally superior in grain yield (2,550 kg.ha-1) followed by cvs. Omondaw and Bensogla (2,250 and 2,150 kg.ha-1, respectively) compared with the improved cultivars. Sorghum plants in mixture with cv. TVu1509 or cv. ITH98-46 performed better (1,570 and 1,550 kg.ha-1, respectively) compared with those in mixture with other cultivars. The results also showed greater land equivalent ratio (LER = 1.42 to 1.52), suggesting that mixed culture produced greater total yields per unit land area compared with monoculture.

Introdução - A soja e outras leguminosas são consideradas como alimentos funcionais por apresentarem propriedades hipocolesterlemizantes. Esta propriedade, porém, ainda não foi relatada para o feijão caupi. Um possível componente deste grão responsável pelo feito redutor de colesterol é sua proteína. Objetivo - Produzir isolado protéico de feijão caupi e verificar a influência do grão integral e de sua proteína isolada no metabolismo lipídico de hamsters hipercolesterolemizados pela dieta. Métodos - O isolado protéico de feijão caupi foi produzido por precipitação isoelétrica, utilizando-se pH 8,5 para solubilização da proteína e 4,5 para a sua precipitação, obtendo-se um isolado com 92 % de proteína. O isolado protéico (IP) e o feijão caupi integral (FCI) foram utilizados como fonte protéica em dietas experimentais para hamsters que tiveram hipercolesterolemia induzida por dieta contendo 20 % de caseína, 13,5 % de gordura saturada e 0,1 % de colesterol, por 3 semanas. Os animais foram distribuídos em três grupos, recebendo cada grupo dieta com 20 % de caseína (controle), dieta com 20 % de proteína de isolado de feijão caupi e dieta com 20% de proteína de feijão caupi integral, por 4 semanas. Resultados - Comparando-se à dieta controle, a dieta com FCI e IP provocaram reduções significativas no colesterol total (49 % e 20 %, respectivamente) e colesterol não-HDL (54 % e 22 %, respectivamente). Análises histológicas do fígado foram realizadas e observou-se que IP e o FCI proporcionaram efeito hepatoprotetor comparado à caseína, pois o grupo que recebeu caseína apresentou em média esteatose difusa e intensa, enquanto grupo com feijão e isolado apresentaram esteatose focal e, em alguns casos, ausentes. Alguns possíveis mecanismos envolvidos para o efeito benéfico no metabolismo lipídico foram investigados. A digestibilidade verdadeira do IP foi igual à da caseína, enquanto a do feijão integral foi menor. A excreção de ácidos biliares e colesterol foi inversamente proporcional aos níveis plasmáticos do colesterol dos animais submetidos às diferentes dietas. Os animais com a dieta de feijão integral apresentaram a maior excreção de ácidos biliares e colesterol nas fezes; valores estatisticamente diferentes aos dos animais da dieta com caseína. Conclusões - O feijão caupi e sua proteína isolada reduzem o colesterol plasmático e proporcionam efeito hepatoprotetor. A digestibilidade, excreção de ácidos biliares e colesterol não estão relacionados com a redução do colesterol provocada pelo IP. O mecanismo envolvido na redução do colesterol nestes experimentos ainda não está totalmente elucidado, sugerindo que a proteína isolada do feijão caupi atue na síntese de colesterol, pois não foi observado aumento na sua excreção. / Introduction - Soya and other legume seeds are considered functional food because of their hypocholesterolemic properties. This property, however, is not reported yet for cowpea. A possible component present in this grain that could respond for the hypocholesterolemic effect is the protein fraction. Objective - To produce protein isolate of cowpea and to verify the influence of the whole seed and its isolated protein on the lipid metabolism of diet hypercholesterolemized hamsters. Methods - The cowpea protein isolate was prepared by isoelectric precipitation, using pH 8.5 for solubilization and pH 4.5 for protein precipitation. The isolate obtained presented protein content of about 92%. The protein isolate (PI) and cowpea whole seed (CWS) were used as protein source in experimental diets fed to hamsters that previously had their blood cholesterol increased by a diet containing 20 % of casein, 13,5 % of saturated fat and 0,1 % of cholesterol during 3 weeks. Animals were divided into 3 groups and fed on diets containing: 20 % casein (control), 20 % isolate protein of cowpea and 20 % of cowpea whole seed for 4 wks. Results - The results showed that for hamster that fed on diets containing PI and CWS occurred a significant decrease in total cholesterol (49 % and 20 %, respectively) and non-HDL cholesterol (54 % and 22 %, respectively), as compared to casein group. Histological analysis of hepatic tissue was performed and showed that PI and CWS presented reduction in hepatic lipotoxicity as compared to the casein group. Therefore, the group that received casein presented steatosis widely distributed throughout the hepatic lobule, while whole seed cowpea and protein isolate meal groups produced only focal steatosis and, in some cases, it was absent. Some mechanisms involved in lowering plasma cholesterol were investigated. Digestibility for PI was equal for casein group, while it was significantly lower for CWS group. The bile acids and cholesterol excretion in the feces were inversely proportional to plasma cholesterol levels. Animals on CWS presented higher levels of feces bile acids and cholesterol; these values were statistically different from animals on casein diet. Conclusions - Whole seed cowpea and its protein isolate reduce plasma cholesterol and hepatic lipotoxicity. Digestibility, the bile acids and cholesterol excretion are not related to hypocholesterolemic effect of protein isolate of cowpea. The mechanisms involved cholesterol reduction in these experiments is not yet fully elucidated. It is suggested that protein isolate of cowpea is related to the cholesterol syntheses, as it was not verified any increase in cholesterol excretion in the animals on protein isolate diet.

Submitted by (lucia.rodrigues@ufrpe.br) on 2016-12-22T13:48:31Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Marisangela Viana Barbosa.pdf: 782275 bytes, checksum: e0f60df2d84c34d378476085357848db (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-22T13:48:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Marisangela Viana Barbosa.pdf: 782275 bytes, checksum: e0f60df2d84c34d378476085357848db (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-02-28 / The use of agroforestry systems (SAF’s) has been an alternative to reduce environmental impacts and assist in the recovery of degraded areas. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of inoculation with rhizobia strains and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with legume trees intercropped with cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] in SAF's. Seedling production was carried out in the greenhouse of UFRPE / UAST. Using seeds of leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit) and mimosa (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth.). The seeds were disinfected and inoculated with strains of native rhizobia (S1LRJ and S1003) and recommended by EMBRAPA (Semia 6069 and BR 3405) for leucaena and mimosa respectively, sown in containers with soil. After 100 days of emergency were planted in an experimental area of IFPE, Campus Belo Jardim, PE. The plot was composed of eight trees with spacing of 4.0 x 2.5 m, half inoculated with Gigaspora margarita. The experimental design was in randomized block (DBC) in factorial 2x2x4(with and without mycorrhiza, native and recommended rhizobia, and four times of assessment) with 3 blocks in split plot, each species being assessed separately. Evaluations were performed at implantation, at 60, 120 and 180 days by determining: plant height (AP), stem diameter of plants (DC) and the ratio of the height and diameter (RAPDC). At 60 days, was planted cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) Cultivar IPA 206, inoculated with strain (BR 3267) at a spacing of 0.5 x 0.5 m. Assessing the effect of different treatments on beans in DBC with factorial 4x2x2 (two trees with native and recommended rhizobia, with and without mycorrhiza and with and without rhizobia strains to cowpea) in split split plot. Determined shoot dry mass (MSPA), yield (kg ha-1), shoot total N, soil microbial biomass (BMS) and organic carbon. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were compared by Tukey test at 5% probability. Was observed highest developing in mimosa seedlings, with no isolated effect of the treatments, occurring interaction to G. margarita and Rhizobium S1003. There wasno influence of treatments for yield, total N and MSPA of cowpea and soil organic C and BMS. This study shows the importance of understanding the interactions micro-organism/plant to optimize the application of biotechnology in crop production. / A utilização de sistemas agroflorestais (SAFs), tem sido uma alternativa para reduzir os impactos ambientais e auxiliar na recuperação de áreas degradadas. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da inoculação de estirpes de rizóbios e fungos micorrizicos arbusculares associados a leguminosas arbóreas consorciadas com o feijão caupi [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] em SAF’s. A produção de mudas foi realizada no viveiro da UFRPE/UAST. Utilizando sementes de leucena (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit) e sabiá (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth.). As sementes foram desinfetadas e inoculadas com estirpes de rizóbios nativos (S1LRJ e S1003) e recomendados pela EMBRAPA (Semia 6069 e BR 3405) para leucena e sabiá respectivamente, semeadas em recipientes com solo. Após 100 dias de emergência foram plantadas em uma área experimental do IFPE, Campus de Belo Jardim, PE. A parcela foi composta por 8 arbóreas com espaçamento de 4,0 x 2,5 m, metade inoculada com Gigaspora margarita. O delineamento foi em blocos casualisados (DBC) em fatorial 2x2x4 (com e sem micorriza, rizóbios nativos e recomendados, e quatro épocas de avaliação) 3 blocos, em parcelas subdivididas, sendo avaliada cada espécie isoladamente. As avaliações foram realizadas na implantação, aos 60, 120 e 180 dias determinando: altura de planta (AP), diâmetro do colo das plantas (DC) e a relação da altura a planta pelo diâmetro RAPDC. Aos 60 dias, foi plantado o caupi (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) cultivar IPA 206, inoculada com a estirpe (BR 3267) em um espaçamento de 0,5 x 0,5 m. Avaliando o efeito dos diferentes tratamentos sobre o feijão em DBC com fatorial 4x2x2 (duas arbóreas, com e sem micorriza e com e sem estirpes de rizóbios) em parcela subsudivididas. Determinou-se a massa seca da parte aérea (MSPA), produtividade (Kg ha-1), N total da parte aérea, biomassa microbiana do solo (BMS) e carbono orgânico. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% probabilidade. Foi observado um maior desenvolvimento para as mudas de sabiá, não havendo efeito isolado dos tratamentos, observando-se interação para G. margarita e rizóbio S1003. Não houve influência dos tratamentos para produtividade, N total e MSPA do caupi e para o solo C orgânico e BMS. Este estudo mostra a importância do conhecimento das interações micro-organismo/planta, para otimizar a aplicação da biotecnologia na produção vegetal.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-28T14:58:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2005 - Jose Milton Alves.pdf: 656917 bytes, checksum: a6be51ffb2d9849d6fe513c9574db587 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005-01-27 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient?fico e Tecnol?gico / Two experiments were carried out at field conditions in the Department de Fitotecnia UFRRJ with the aims of the study the effect of molybdenum in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.). The seeds from the cultivar CNCx 409-11F-P2 were used with a plant population of 200.000 plants.ha-1. The first experiment was arranged in a factorial block design with 4 replications, 5 levels of Mo (100, 200, 400, 800 g.ha-1) applied in the leaves and the control, 3 times of application (32 days after germination, flowering period and seed pod filling). During the plant development, 3 harvests were made: 48 and 79 DAG and at the end of plant grown. The parameters analyzed were: number and weight of nodules, shoot and root dry weight and productivity. At the second experiment, the treatments were applied: two levels of pH (5.5 and 6.5); six levels of Mo (20, 40, 80, 160, 1280 g. ha-1) applied in the leaves and the control; 2 ways of Mo application (in the soil and foliar application); with 4 replications. The harvests were made at 62, 73 and 87 DAG and at the end of plant growth. The parameters analyzed were: number and weight of nodules, shoot and root dry weight, productivity and Mo concentration in the seeds. The foliar applications of Mo increase the number of nodules. Occurred a significant variation of weight of nodules shoot and root dry weight in function of the form of Mo application, soil or leaves. The range of Mo concentration in the seeds was between 0,45 and 26,93 g.Mo.semente-1. / Este trabalho foi desenvolvido na ?rea experimental do Departamento de Fitotecnia da UFRRJ com o objetivo de estudar a aplica??o de molibd?nio em plantas de caupi (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp). Foram conduzidos dois experimentos utilizando sementes da linhagem CNCx 409-11F-P2 obtendo-se uma popula??o final de 200 mil plantas.ha-1. O primeiro experimento foi conduzido em um esquema fatorial em delineamento em blocos ao acaso com 4 repeti??es, 5 n?veis de Mo aplicados via foliar (100, 200, 400, 800 g.ha-1) e testemunha, 3 ?pocas de aplica??o (32 Dias Ap?s a Germina??o, Flora??o Plena e Enchimento dos Gr?os), num total de 60 parcelas. Durante o per?odo de desenvolvimento da cultura foram realizadas coletas das plantas com 48 e 79 DAG e no final do ciclo da cultura, para determina??o do n?mero de n?dulos, do peso de n?dulos secos, do peso da parte a?rea e da raiz secas e produtividade. No segundo experimento foram utilizados 2 n?veis de pH (5,5 e 6,5), 6 n?veis de Mo via foliar (20, 40, 80, 160, 1280 g.ha-1) e testemunha, 2 formas de aplica??o do molibd?nio (sulco e foliar) que ocorreu com 56 DAG e 4 repeti??es, num total de 96 parcelas. Foram realizadas coletas das plantas com: 62, 73 e 87 DAG e no final do desenvolvimento da cultura, onde foram determinados o n?mero de n?dulos, peso de n?dulos secos, do peso da parte a?rea e da raiz secas, produtividade e concentra??o de molibd?nio nas sementes. A aplica??o foliar de Mo aumentou o n?mero de n?dulos das plantas de caupi. Ocorreu uma grande varia??o das caracter?sticas avaliadas, peso de n?dulo, raiz e parte a?rea secas em fun??o da forma de aplica??o de Mo e do pH do solo. O aumento da concentra??o de molibd?nio nas sementes foi linear, independente da forma de aplica??o e do pH. As concentra??es de Mo encontradas nas sementes ficaram entre 0,45 a 26,93 g.Mo.semente-1.

Esta pesquisa teve como o objetivo estudar a influência da temperatura e da umidade relativa do ar (UR) nos aspectos biológicos da mosca-minadora, Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess, 1880), em feijão caupi [(Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)], para fornecer subsídios a futuros projetos de controle biológico desta praga. Verificou-se uma relação inversa entre a duração de desenvolvimento e o aumento da temperatura na faixa de 15 a 32°C. A viabilidade larval não foi afetada na faixa térmica estudada, enquanto a 32°C houve uma alta mortalidade da fase de pupa. O limiar térmico inferior de desenvolvimento obtido para o período ovo-adulto foi baixo (7,3°C), se comparado a outras espécies de Liriomyza, sendo bastante reduzido para a fase larval (3,4°C). De acordo com as exigências térmicas constatadas para L. trifolii, foi possível estimar a ocorrência de 24,5 gerações anuais em região produtora de melão no RN, sendo que apenas durante a safra da cultura, a praga pode dar 14,8 gerações. A longevidade dos adultos decresceu com a elevação térmica, sendo sempre maior para as fêmeas, independente da temperatura. Os períodos de pré-oviposição e oviposição também foram reduzidos com o aumento da temperatura. A fecundidade foi similar na faixa de 18 a 30°C, sendo reduzida a 32°C e o padrão da taxa de oviposição modificado em função da temperatura. A UR não afetou a duração dos estágios imaturos, embora tenha influenciado a viabilidade. A longevidade das fêmeas foi afetada pela UR, que viveram mais do que os machos em todas as condições estudadas. Independente da temperatura e da UR, L. trifolii colocou entre 83 - 87% dos ovos na face adaxial da folha de feijão caupi. A análise de agrupamento (\"cluster analyses\") permitiu definir que as temperaturas mais adequadas ao desenvolvimento do inseto são as de 28 e 30°C, sendo que a UR mais adequada foi a de 50%. A pesquisa permitiu que se esquematizasse um sistema de produção de L. trifolii, com base nas exigências térmicas e da UR das diferentes fases de desenvolvimento, para produção de inimigos naturais da praga ou de outras alternativas de controle. / This research was aimed at studying the influence of temperature and relative air humidity (RH) on biological aspects of the leafminer Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess, 1880) in cowpea [(Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)], to provide essential information for future biological control projects against this pest. An inverse relation was observed between development duration and temperature increase in the range from 15 to 32°C. Larval viability was not affected in the temperature range studied, while a high mortality of the pupal stage was observed at 32°C. The lower developmental temperature threshold obtained for the egg-adult period was low (7.3°C) when compared with other species of Liriomyza, and was rather low for the larval stage (3.4°C). Based on the thermal requirements verified for L. trifolii, it was possible to estimate the occurrence of 24.5 annual generations at a melon producing region in RN, Brazil. During the melon cropping season alone, the pest can produce 14.8 generations. Adult longevity decreased as temperature increased, and was always higher for females, regardless of temperature. The pre-oviposition and oviposition periods also decreased as temperature increased. Fecundity was similar in the range from 18 to 30°C, but decreased at 32°C; the oviposition rate pattern changed as a function of temperature. RH did not affect duration of the immature stages, although it had an influence on viability. Female longevity was affected by RH, since females lived longer than males under all conditions studied. Regardless of temperature and RH, L. trifolii laid between 83 - 87% of its eggs on the adaxial surface of the cowpea leaves. By cluster analysis it was defined that the most suitable temperatures for development of this insect are 28 and 30°C, while the most suitable RH was 50%. This research allowed a production system to be devised for L. trifolii, based on the temperature and RH requirements for its various stages of development, aimed at the production of natural enemies of the pest or other control alternatives.

The study examined interactions between morogo plants, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Fusarium species. Morogo refers to traditional leafy vegetables that, together with maize porridge, are dominant staple foods in rural areas of the Limpopo Province such as the Dikgale Demographic Surveillance Site (DDSS). Morogo plants grow either as weeds (often among maize), occur naturally in the field or are cultivated as subsistence crops by rural communities. Botanical species of morogo plants consumed in the DDSS were determined. Colonisation of morogo plant roots by AMF and Fusarium species composition in the immediate soil environment were investigated in four of eight DDSS subsistence communities, Isolated AMF were shown to belong to the genera Acaulospora and Glomus. Twelve Fusarium species were isolated from soil among which Fusariurn verticilliodes and Fusarium proliferaturn occurred predominantly. Greenhouse pot trials were conducted to examine the effect of AMF on morogo plant growth (cowpea; Mgna unguiculata) and Fusarium proliferatum levels in soil, Interaction between plants and AMF, as well as tripartite interactions of cowpea plants, AMF and Fusarium proliferatum were investigated. Non-inoculated cowpea plants served as controls for the following inoculations of cowpea in pots: (i) Fusarium proliferatum; (ii) commercial AMF from Mycoroot (PTY) Ltd. (a mixture of selected indigenous Glomus spp referred to commercial AMF for the purpose of this study); (iii) indigenous AMF obtained from DDSS soil (referred to iocal AMF for the purpose of this study); (iv) commercial AMF plus Fusarium proliferatum; (v) local AMF plus Fusariurn proliferatum. Results showed reduced root colonization by local as well as commercial AMF when Fusarium proliferatum were present. Local AMF significantly enhanced cowpea growth while commercial AMF apparently reduced the level of Fusarium proliferatum in the rhizosphere and surrounding soil. Results suggest that AMF may have potential as biological growth enhancers and bioprotective agents against Fusarium proliferatum. / Thesis (M. Environmental Science (Water Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.