Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:27:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-05-06Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:55:58Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 santos_ps_me_jabo.pdf: 335704 bytes, checksum: 115114dd0becad3405d05e364da4f676 (MD5) / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos (FINEP) / Nos últimos anos o ataque da Dactylopius opuntiae, conhecida como cochonilha-do-carmim, à palma forrageira no Nordeste, tem causado grandes prejuízos principalmente na região da Paraíba, Pernambuco e Alagoas. Uma alternativa em desenvolvimento para o controle da praga é a seleção de fungos patogênicos e virulentos ao inseto. Neste estudo foi proposta a avaliação de produtos a serem usados como componentes da formulação de bioinseticidas, para o preparo de caldas a serem aplicadas no controle da cochonilha. Foi utilizado o isolado LCB63 de Beauveria bassiana previamente selecionado quanto à patogenicidade e virulência ao inseto. Avaliou-se a exposição do isolado a diferentes concentrações (0,005, 0,01, 0,05, 0,1, 0,5 e 1,0%) de surfactantes (Unitol L/20, Ultranex NP/100, Ultratan D, Surfon 3403, Surfon 5409, Sabão OMO®, Detergente neutro Ypê®) através do crescimento de colônias, germinação após exposição temporária aos produtos e a influência do balanço hidrofílico-lipofílico (HLB) na dispersão e viabilidade de conídios. Em outro experimento, avaliou-se a tolerância dos conídios do isolado à radiação solar e ultravioleta em fluxo laminar sob efeito de diferentes concentrações de fotoprotetores (Neo Heliopan AV, Neo Heliopan E1000, Oxibenzona, Amido e Leite) em diferentes períodos de exposição. Finalmente, verificou-se a mortalidade de ninfas de D. opuntiae utilizando-se formulações contendo os surfactantes e fotoprotetores que apresentaram os melhores resultados nos experimentos anteriores. Unitol L/20 e Ultranex NP/100 não apresentaram efeito deletério na formação de colônias, e Surfon 5409, detergente neutro Ypê® e sabão OMO®, apresentaram grande toxicidade ao fungo. Não houve interferência de Unitol L/20, Ultranex NP/100 e Ultratan D na germinação dos conídios nos primeiros 10 minutos de exposição aos surfactantes... / For the last years the attack of Dactylopius opuntiae know as Carmine cochineal to forage palm, in northern states of Brazil, have causes great prejudice, mainly in the regions of Paraíba, Pernambuco e Alagoas. One developing alternative for the control of this pest is the selection of pathogenic and virulent fungi to the insect. This study proposed the evaluation of products to be used as compounds in the formulation of bioinsecticides, for the preparation of broths applied in the control of cochineal. The isolate LCB63 of Beauveria bassiana previously selected for its pathogenicity and virulence to the insect, was used. The exposition of the isolate in different concentrations (0.005, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0%) of surfactants (Unitol L/20, Ultranex NP/100, Ultratan D, Surfon 3403, Surfon 5409, OMO® washing powder, Ypê® neutral detergent) was evaluated through the colonies growth, germination after temporary exposition to the products and influence of the hydro-lipofilic balance (HLB) in the dispersion and viability of the conidia. Another experiment evaluated the tolerance of the conidia to solar radiation and ultraviolet in laminar flow hood, under the effect of different photoprotector concentrations (Neo Heliopan AV, Neo Heliopan E1000, Oxibenzona, starch and milk) with different exposition timing. Finally, the mortality of D. opuntiae in the nymph stage was verified by using the formulations containing the surfactants and the photoprotectors that demonstrated the best results in the previous experiments. Unitol L/20 and Ultranex NP/100 didn’t show a deleterious effect in the formation of the colonies, while Surfon 5409, Ypê® neutral detergent and OMO® washing powder showed great toxicity to the fungus. There was no interference of Unitol L/20, Ultranex NP/100 and Ultratan D in the conidia germination during the first ten minutes of exposition to the surfactants... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Submitted by Rebeka Godeiro (rebeka_carvalho@hotmail.com) on 2018-05-21T12:49:59Z No. of bitstreams: 1 ALBERTO JEFFERSON DA SILVA MACÊDO - DISSETAÇÃO ZOOTECNIA 2018.pdf: 3604549 bytes, checksum: cc2db5d074017596cb0db0a6266af30d (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-05-21T12:49:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ALBERTO JEFFERSON DA SILVA MACÊDO - DISSETAÇÃO ZOOTECNIA 2018.pdf: 3604549 bytes, checksum: cc2db5d074017596cb0db0a6266af30d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-02-20 / Capes / Essa dissertação foi composta por dois experimentos. No primeiro experimento teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial agronômico e características morfológicas de 34 genótipos de palma destinadas a produção de forragem. Os genótipos foram implantados em delineamento em blocos completos casualizados, com 34 tratamentos e três repetições. Após 330 dias de cultivo realizou-se medições biométricas das características morfológicas, verificação de mortalidade, ocorrência de pragas e doenças e corte das plantas para aferição da produção agronômica. A produção de massa verde se correlacionou com produção de massa seca, acúmulo de água, eficiência de uso da água, acúmulo de água e número de cladódio por planta. Os genótipos indicados para cultivo são Negro Michoacan (V07), Tamazunchale (V12), Califórnia (V14), Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (V17) e Amarillo 2289 (T32) por terem apresentado maiores produções de massa seca e verde, como também maiores acúmulo de água, eficiência de uso da água e capacidade de suporte. No segundo experimento objetivou-se avaliar o padrão de fermentação e a degradabilidade in situ da matéria seca de silagens sob a forma de ração. Cinco rações foram formuladas com base em palma forrageira (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill cv. Gigante) e capim-buffel (Cenchrus ciliaris). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos e três repetições em que as rações diferiram na proporção de capim-buffel (0, 15, 25, 30 e 35%, com base na matéria natural). Observou-se efeito para a composição química das rações, todos os teores de matéria seca (MS) estavam dentro da faixa ideal para uma adequada fermentação. Não houve efeito para concentração de nitrogênio amoniacal. Houve efeito para recuperação da matéria seca (RMS), que variou de 96,3 a 99,9%. Os valores de pH diminuíram à medida que o tempo de abertura (dias) foi prolongado. Os teores de ácidos orgânicos diferiram em todas as rações. No entanto, em geral, todas as rações apresentaram conteúdo de ácido láctico satisfatório. À medida que aumentou a proporção de capim-buffel nas rações, a degradação da MS diminuiu. Com base no perfil de fermentação, perdas e composição química, a ração com maior proporção de palma forrageira pode ser recomendada para produção de silagem. / This dissertation was composed by two experiments. In the first experiment, the objective was to evaluate the agronomic potential and morphological characteristics of 34 cactus pear genotypes destined for forage production. The genotypes were implanted in a randomized complete block design, with 34 treatments and three replications. After 330 days of cultivation, biometric measurements of the morphological characteristics, mortality check, pest and disease occurrence, and crop cutting were performed for agronomic production. Green mass production correlated with dry mass production, water accumulation, water use efficiency, water accumulation and cladode number per plant. The genotypes indicated for cultivation are Negro Michoacan (V07), Tamazunchale (V12), Califórnia (V14), Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (V17) e Amarillo 2289 (T32) for having presented higher yields of dry and green mass, as well as greater accumulation of water, water use efficiency and carrying capacity. In the second experiment, the objective was to evaluate the fermentation pattern and the in situ degradability of dry matter of silages in the form of diet. Five diets were formulated based on spineless cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill cv. Gigante) and buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris). The experimental design was completely randomized, with five treatments and three replications in which the diets differed in the proportion of buffelgrass (0, 15, 25, 30 and 35%, based on natural matter). Effect was observed for the chemical composition of the diets, with all dry matter (DM) contents were within the ideal range for adequate fermentation. There was no effect on ammonia nitrogen concentration. There was effect for dry matter recovery (RMD), which ranged from 96.3 to 99.9%. The pH values decreased as the opening time (days) was prolonged. The levels of organic acids differed in all diets. However, in general, all diets had satisfactory lactic acid content. As the proportion of buffelgrass increased in diets, the degradation of DM decreased. Based on the profile of fermentation, losses and chemical composition, the diet with higher a proportion of spineless cactus can be recommended for silage production.

Submitted by Automa??o e Estat?stica (sst@bczm.ufrn.br) on 2016-03-09T23:59:34Z No. of bitstreams: 1 RenatoCesarDeAzevedoRibeiro_DISSERT.pdf: 2611645 bytes, checksum: c8f02eb0e8383192110ff23c062debbb (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Arlan Eloi Leite Silva (eloihistoriador@yahoo.com.br) on 2016-03-16T20:11:49Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 RenatoCesarDeAzevedoRibeiro_DISSERT.pdf: 2611645 bytes, checksum: c8f02eb0e8383192110ff23c062debbb (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-03-16T20:11:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 RenatoCesarDeAzevedoRibeiro_DISSERT.pdf: 2611645 bytes, checksum: c8f02eb0e8383192110ff23c062debbb (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-03-12 / Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior - CAPES / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient?fico e Tecnol?gico - CNPq / As nanoemuls?es s?o sistemas emulsionados, caracterizados pelo tamanho de got?cula reduzido (50-500nm), que tem como principais caracter?sticas a estabilidade cin?tica e a instabilidade termodin?mica. S?o sistemas promissores na ?rea cosm?tica devido ao seu tamanho de got?cula que lhes atribui diferentes vantagens quando comparados aos sistemas convencionais, dentre outras, maior ?rea de superf?cie e melhor permeabilidade. A Opuntia ficus-indica ? uma planta cultivada no bioma brasileiro da Caatinga de grande import?ncia socioecon?mica para a regi?o. Apresenta em sua composi??o qu?mica carboidratos utilizados pela ind?stria cosm?tica como ativos hidratantes. Assim este estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver, caracterizar, avaliar estabilidade e efic?cia hidratante de nanoemuls?es cosm?ticas aditivadas com extrato vegetal de Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. A obten??o das nanoemuls?es, foi realizada com metodologia de baixa energia. Foram formuladas diferentes nanoemuls?es variando as propor??es das fases oleosa e aquosa e tensoativos al?m da adi??o de goma xantana (0,5% e 1%) e a incorpora??o do extrato hidroglic?lico de Opuntia ficusindica (L.) Mill nas concentra??es de 1 e 3%. As nanoemuls?es obtidas foram submetidas aos testes de estabilidade preliminar e acelerada. Os par?metros avaliativos da estabilidade acelerada monitorados foram: o aspecto macrosc?pico, determina??o do valor do pH, do tamanho de got?cula, do potencial zeta e o do ?ndice de polidispers?o, durante 60 dias em diferentes temperaturas. As formula??es est?veis foram submetidas ? avalia??o da efic?cia hidratante por meio das metodologias de capacit?ncia e perda de ?gua transepidermal durante 5 horas. As amostras est?veis apresentaram aspecto homog?neo, fluido e colora??o branca, valores de pH dentro da faixa ideal (4,5-6,0) para aplica??o t?pica e tamanho de got?culas abaixo de 200nm caracterizando o sistema como nanoemuls?o. As nanoemuls?es desenvolvidas n?o reduziram a perda de ?gua transepidermal, no entanto aumentaram o conte?do h?drico do estrato c?rneo, destacando-se a nanoemuls?o contendo 0,5% de goma xantana e 1% de extrato hidroglic?lico. Esse trabalho apresenta nanoemuls?es cosm?ticas hidratantes compostas com mat?ria-prima vegetal da Caatinga brasileira com potencial para aplica??o na ?rea cosm?tica. / Nanoemulsions are emulsified systems, characterized for reduced droplet size (50- 500nm), which the main characteristic are kinect stability and thermodynamic instability. These are promising systems on cosmetic area due to their droplet size that provide different advantages when compared to conventional systems, among others, larger surface area and better permeability. The Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill is a plant cultivated on Caatinga Brazilian biome, which has great socioeconomic importance to region. This plant shows carbohydrates utilized for cosmetic industry as moisturizing active in their chemical composition. The aim of study was to develop, characterize, evaluate stability and moisturizing efficacy of cosmetic nanoemulsions added to Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill extract. Nanoemulsions preparation was made using a low energy method. Different nanoemulsions were formulated varying the ratio of oil, water and surfactant phases beyond xanthan gum (0.5% e 1%) and Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill hydroglycolic extract addition on 1% and 3%. Obtained nanoemulsions were submitted to preliminary and accelerated stability tests. The evaluated parameters monitored were: macroscopic aspect, pH value, droplet size, zeta potential and polydispersion index, during 60 days on different temperatures. Stable formulations were submitted to moisturizing efficacy assessment by capacitance and transepidermal water loss methodologies during 5 hours. Stable samples were white and showed homogeneous and fluid aspect, pH value was inside ideal range (4,5-6,0) to topical application and droplet size under 200nm characterizing these system as nanoemulsions. Developed nanoemulsions did not decrease transepidermal water loss, however increased the water content on stratum corneum, highlighting the nanoemulsions containing 0.5% of xanthan gum and 1% of hydroglycolic extract. This work presents cosmetic moisturizing nanoemulsions composed to vegetal raw material from Brazilian Caatinga with potential to be used on cosmetic area.

Submitted by (edna.saturno@ufrpe.br) on 2017-04-10T15:16:14Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Evaristo Jorge Oliveira de Souza.pdf: 520749 bytes, checksum: 34a80646a660667123fe064eb9d896da (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-04-10T15:16:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Evaristo Jorge Oliveira de Souza.pdf: 520749 bytes, checksum: 34a80646a660667123fe064eb9d896da (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-02-27 / Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq / The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of replecement of soy bean hull by tifton hay (Cynodon dactylon) on intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance and microbial synthesis of goats feeding spineless cactus (Opuntia fícus-indica, Mill). Ten goats were used, half with 40 kg and others with 20 kg average live weigh. The experimental design was two 5 x 5 Latin Square (5 diet and 5 period). Diets consisted of spineless cactus, tifiton hay (0; 6,25; 12,5; 18,75 and 25%), soy bean meal, soy bean hull and mineral salt. The dry matter intake showed linear increase (P<0.05) with hay inclusion in the diets. However, with he increasing hay inclusion there were linear reduction (P<0.05) on dry matter digestibility. For each percent of hay inclusion there was a increase of 0,5 g of microbial protein. Nevertheless, there was no effect (P>0,05) on the microbial efficiency with increasing hay inclusion. It can be concluded that increasing hay inclusion in spineless cactus diets leaded to increase dry matter intake and microbial protein synthesis, but decreased nutrient digestibility. / O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da substituição de casca de soja por feno de tifton (Cynodon dactylon) sobre o consumo, digestibilidade, balanço de nitrogênio e síntese de proteína microbiana em caprinos alimentados com palma forrageira (Opuntia fícus-indica, Mill). Foram utilizados dez caprinos, castrados, sem padrão racial definido, sendo cinco com peso vivo médio de 40 kg e os outros cinco com peso médio de 20 kg. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o quadrado latino 5 x 5 (5 dietas e 5 períodos). A dieta experimental foi composta por palma forrageira, níveis de feno de tifton substituindo a casca de soja (0; 6,25; 12,5; 18,75 e 25%), farelo de soja e sal mineral. Foram utilizados dois quadrados simultâneos. O consumo de matéria seca apresentou comportamento linear crescente (P<0,05) com a inclusão de feno de tifton na ração. Por outro lado, o aumento do nível de feno na dieta provocou efeito linear decrescente (P<0,05) para o coeficiente de digestibilidade da matéria seca. Para cada percentual de feno adicionado na ração ocorreu aumento diário de 0,5 grama de proteína microbiana. Entretanto, para eficiência microbiana não houve efeito significativo (P>0,05). Sendo assim, a inclusão de feno de tifton em substituição a casca de soja em dietas a base de palma forrageira proporcionou aumento no consumo de matéria seca e na síntese de proteína microbiana. Entretanto, levou a redução na digestibilidade dos nutrientes.

Submitted by Marlene Santos (marlene.bc.ufg@gmail.com) on 2017-10-02T17:16:52Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Jordana de Jesus Santos Pereira - 2017.pdf: 2005975 bytes, checksum: 1d53cfdb916b2f188eb7ed3980d23ed4 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2017-10-03T13:19:46Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Jordana de Jesus Santos Pereira - 2017.pdf: 2005975 bytes, checksum: 1d53cfdb916b2f188eb7ed3980d23ed4 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-10-03T13:19:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Jordana de Jesus Santos Pereira - 2017.pdf: 2005975 bytes, checksum: 1d53cfdb916b2f188eb7ed3980d23ed4 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-08-29 / Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq / The fig (Ficus carica L.) is a fruitful species with great worldwide expansion, since it is considered a species of temperate climate, but that presents / displays good adaptation to a great diversity of climates and solos. Among the phytosanitary problems occurring in ficiculture, nematodes are the most important. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the influence of the application of different doses of organic compost and the intercropping with Crotalaria spectabilis on nematode population density and fig yield. The experiment was conducted in the orchard already installed, from September of the year 2015 to September 2016. The plants were arranged in a spacing of 4 m between rows and 2 m between plants. The treatments were five doses of organic compound, having as reference the recommended amount of nitrogen for the fig tree crop, combined with the presence or absence of Crotalaria spectabilis in a consortium. Five phytoematoid species were identified in the orchard, being Meloidogyne incognita, Pratylenchus sp., Helicotylenchus sp., Criconemoide sp. and Rotylenchulus sp .. M. incognita was present in higher population densities and with dominance over 90% in the three evaluation periods. This species was not affected by the doses of organic compound nor by the use of C. spectabilis. The productivity of the fig trees increased with the increase of the dose of applied organic compound. / O figo (Ficus carica L.) é uma espécie frutífera com grande expansão mundial, pois é considerada uma espécie de clima temperado, mas que apresenta boa adaptação a uma grande diversidade de climas e solos. Dentre os problemas fitossanitários ocorrentes na ficicultura, o de maior importância são os nematoides. O objetivo do presente estudo é avaliar a influência da aplicação de diferentes doses de composto orgânico e da consorciação com Crotalaria spectabilis sobre a densidade populacional de nematoides e a produtividade de figueira. O experimento foi conduzido no pomar já instalado, a partir de setembro do ano de 2015 até setembro de 2016. As plantas estavam dispostas em um espaçamento de 4 m entrelinhas e 2 m entre plantas. Os tratamentos foram cinco doses de composto orgânico, tendo elas como referência a quantidade recomendada de nitrogênio para a cultura da figueira, combinadas com a presença ou a ausência de Crotalaria spectabilis em consórcio. Foram identificados cinco espécies de fitonematoides no pomar sendo, Meloidogyne incognita, Pratylenchus sp., Helicotylenchus sp., Criconemoide sp. e Rotylenchulus sp.. M. incognita apresentou-se em maiores densidades populacionais e com dominância acima de 90% nas três épocas de avaliação. Esta espécie não foi afetada pelas doses de composto orgânico nem pelo uso de C. spectabilis. A produtividade das figueiras aumentou com o aumento da dose de composto orgânico aplicado.

Orientadores: Paulo Ademar Martins Leal, Antonio Carlos de Oliveira Ferraz / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Agrícola / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-21T10:17:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Souza_FrancianeColares_D.pdf: 2902759 bytes, checksum: 9132390d28bc3d61c99fb9c0a0385692 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012 / Resumo: O manejo inadequado é um fatores que afetam a qualidade de produtos agrícolas, conduzindo a perdas devido aos danos mecânicos e o desenvolvimento microbiano, agravado pelo armazenamento inadequado. No caso do figo, devido à limitada proteção oferecida pela epiderme e presença do ostíolo, o beneficiamento utilizando água não é recomendado, trazendo em pauta ações capazes de promover a desinfecção superficial sem afetar a qualidade do produto. Dentre os métodos físicos mais promissores para conservação de frutas estão a refrigeração, radiação ultravioleta (UV-C) e atmosfera modificada. Por outro lado, a utilização de métodos combinados apresenta vantagens devido sua ação sinérgica e complementar. Neste sentido, acredita-se que o uso combinado de métodos físicos pode trazer benefícios para a conservação de figos, principalmente voltada para o mercado externo, auxiliando na manutenção da qualidade do produto e redução da carga microbiana. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho da combinação dos tratamentos de atmosfera modificada passiva, atmosfera enriquecida com 100% de CO2 e radiação UV-C na conservação do figo 'Roxo de Valinhos'. As principais etapas foram as seguintes: (1) isolamento dos fungos causadores de podridao em figos 'Roxo de Valinhos' e teste de patogenicidade, utilizando métodos de inoculação de deposição de suspensão de esporos na epiderme do figo, com e sem perfuração, e com deposição sobre papel filtro, avaliando-se a incidência e a severidade dos patógenos com cálculo do Índice de Doença (ID); (2) identificação do nível de tolerância do figo à exposição da radiação UV-C de 0,00 kJ.m-2; 0,70 kJ.m-2; 1,32 kJ.m-2; 2,64 kJ.m-2 e 4,00 kJ.m-2, armazenados à 10°C e 20°C, utilizando como parâmetro de qualidade a aparência visual; (3) avaliação do efeito da radiação UV-C no crescimento in vitro e in vivo dos fungos Rhizopus stolonifer, Lasiodiplodia theobromae e Alternaria alternata, utilizando-se valores de energia de radiação iguais a 0,00 kJ.m-2; 2,64 kJ.m-2; 4,00 kJ.m-2; 8,00 kJ.m-2 e 16,00 kJ.m-2 para os ensaios in vitro e iguais a 0,00 kJ.m-2; 0,70 kJ.m-2; 1,32 kJ.m-2 e 2,64 kJ.m-2 para os ensaios in vivo, a 10ºC e 20ºC; (4) avaliação de desempenho do filme de polipropileno (PP) com espessuras de 25'mi'm, 30'mi'm e 50'mi'm na manutenção da qualidade de figos, avaliada pelos parâmetros perda de massa (PM), sólidos solúveis (SS), acidez titulável (AT), aparência visual e redução da incidência de podridão; (5) avaliação do efeito de atmosfera com 100% de CO2 por 4h, 8h e 12h, à 10ºC e 20ºC, na manutenção da qualidade e diminuição da carga microbiana no figo, avaliada pelos índices PM, SS, AT e aparência visual e (6) combinação do filme de PP de 30'mi'm com radiação UV-C de 1,32 kJ.m-2 e com a exposição à atmosfera com 100% de CO2 durante 4h. Os resultados evidenciaram que a utilização isolada do filme de PP de 30'mi'm, radiação UV-C e exposição à 100% de CO2 mostrou-se eficiente na manutenção da qualidade das frutas, sobretudo quando se utiliza o armazenamento refrigerado. O uso combinado do filme de PP de 30'mi'm com atmosfera modificada com 100% de CO2, representa uma alternativa para o armazenamento do figo, mesmo quando não se utiliza refrigeração, em função da redução da carga microbiana e manutenção da qualidade / Abstract: The main factor affecting quality of agricultural products is the inadequate management, leading to considerable losses due to mechanical damage and fungal contamination, aggravated by improper storage. The fig vulnerability is amplified due to the presence of the ostiole, a peculiar fig orifice, acting as an open door to contamination. Since aqueous sanitization is not recomended, other methods should be searched to promote surface sanitization without affecting the quality of the product. Some promising methods are cooling, ultraviolet radiation (UV-C) and modified atmosphere. A combined method also has advantages because of their synergistic effect on inhibiting microbial growth, and thus maintaining the nutritional and visual qualities of the product. Moreover, the combined use of physical methods, to improve the fig shelf life, potentially can increase business opportunities, specially in the international market. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of the combination of modified atmosphere and UV-C radiation on 'Roxo de Valinhos' fig conservation. To attain this general goal several intermediate steps were performed: (1) fungi rot identification and associated pathogenicity using inoculation by deposition on filter paper to evaluate disease incidence and contamination severity; (2) UV-C radiation fig tolerance identification using energy levels of 0,00 kJ.m-2; 0,70 kJ.m-2; 1,32 kJ.m-2; 2,64 kJ.m-2 and 4,00 kJ.m-2, followed by storage at 10ºC and 20ºC; (3) evaluation of the effect of UV-C radiation on Rhizopus stolonifer, Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Alternaria alternata fungi growth, for in vitro and in vivo tests, using energy irradiation of 0,00 kJ.m-2; 2,64 kJ.m-2; 4,00 kJ.m-2; 8,00 kJ.m-2 and 16,00 kJ.m-2 for the in vitro test, and 0,00 kJ.m-2; 0,70 kJ.m-2; 1,32 kJ.m-2 e 2,64 kJ.m-2 for the in vivo test, at 10ºC and 20ºC; (4) evaluation of the polypropylene (PP) in maintaining the quality, using film thicknesses of 25'mi'm, 30'mi'm and 50'mi'm; (5) evaluation of the fig exposition to 100% CO2 modified atmosphere for 4h, 8h and 12h, followed by storage at 10ºC and 20ºC, in maintaining quality and keeping the microbiological load low and (6) evaluation of the combined use of 30'mi'm PP film with UV-C irradiation of 1,32 kJ.m-2 and 100% CO2 modified atmosphere during 4h. Results have shown that the use of the 30'mi'm PP film, radiation UV-C of 1,32 kJ.m-2 and exposition to 100% of CO2 for 4h was effective in maintaining the quality of the fruits, specially when refrigerated storage is employed. It was concluded that combined use of the 30'mi'm PP film with high CO2 concentration represents an alternative to non refrigerated fig storage, due to the reduction of the microbial load / Doutorado / Tecnologia Pós-Colheita / Doutora em Engenharia Agrícola

Plant–animal interaction systems are complex food webs where the members—plants, pollinators, herbivores, parasites and predators of the pollinators/herbivores—interact with each other in ways which maximize their own fitness. Based on the net outcome, such interactions could be mutually beneficial to the interacting members (mutualism) or beneficial to only one of the interacting members at the cost of the other interacting members (herbivory, predation, parasitism). It is possible that such outcomes are actually a continuum and could swing in either direction from beneficial to detrimental and vice versa. Such transitions happen not only over long time scales, but could also happen within shorter time scales based on conditionalities. Conditional outcomes are those in which the outcome of an interaction between two partners is conditional on the involvement of a third partner. Thus, studying such outcomes necessitates taking into account systems beyond the classical two-partner interactions. In such complex multitrophic plant–animal interaction systems in which there are direct and indirect interactions between species, comprehending the dynamics of these multiple partners is very important for an understanding of how the system is structured. In Chapter 2 we investigate Ficus racemosa and its community of obligatory mutualistic and parasitic fig wasps that develop within the fig inflorescence or syconium, as well as their interaction with opportunistic ants. We focus on temporal resource partitioning among members of the fig wasp community over the development cycle of the fig syconia during which wasp oviposition and development occur and we study the activity rhythm of the ants associated with this community. We found that the members of the wasp community partitioned their oviposition across fig syconium development phenology and showed interspecific variation in activity across the diel cycle. The wasps presented a distinct sequence in their arrival at fig syconia for oviposition. We documented night oviposition in several fig wasp species for the first time. Ant activity on the fig syconia was correlated with wasp activity and was dependent on whether the ants were predatory or trophobiont-tending species; only numbers of predatory ants increased during peak arrivals of the wasps. In Chapter 3, we found that predatory ants (Oecophylla smaragdina) patrolling F. racemosa trees were attracted to the odour from fig syconia at different developmental phases, as well as to the odours of fig wasps, whereas other predatory ants (Technomyrmex albipes) responded only to odours of syconia from which fig wasps were dispersing and to fig wasp odour. However, trophobiont-tending ants (Myrmicaria brunnea) patrolling the same trees and exposed to the same volatiles were unresponsive to fig or fig wasp odours. The predatory ants demonstrated a concentration-dependent response towards volatiles from figs receptive to pollinators and those from which wasps were dispersing while the trophobiont-tending ants were unresponsive to such odours at all concentrations. Naıve predatory ants failed to respond to the volatiles to which the experienced predatory ants responded, indicating that the response to fig-related odours is learned. In Chapter 4 we characterise the dynamics of the volatile bouquet of the fig syconium from the initiation through pre-receptive, receptive, and late inter-floral stages which act as signals/ cues for different fig wasp species. We were also interested in diel patterns of volatile emission as some fig wasp species were strictly diurnal (the pollinator, Ceratosolen fusciceps) whereas other fig wasps such as Apocryptophagus fusca were observed ovipositing even during the nocturnal hours. We identified volatiles that were specific to syconium development phase as well as to the time of day in this bouquet. α-muurolene was identified as the sesquiterpene specific to receptive-phase as well as being present only during the day thus coinciding with the diurnal pollinator arrival pattern. Volatiles such as (E)-β-ocimene were present in increasing levels across the developmental stages of the fig and thus could act as background volatiles providing suitable information to fig wasps about host plants and their phases. Chapter 5 examines the responses of predatory and trophobiont-tending ant species to the cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) extracts of four galler and two parasitoid fig wasp species associated with F. racemosa. Interestingly, the antennation response of both experienced and na¨ıve ants to these wasp extracts was identical indicating that prior exposure to such compounds is not necessary for eliciting such response. We also characterised these cuticular hydrocarbon extracts to find potential compounds which could as short-range cues for predatory ants. Ants were more responsive to the cuticular extracts of parasitoids rather than to those of galler wasps, implying that the CHC profile of carnivorous prey may contain more elicitors of aggressive behaviour in ants compared to herbivorous prey whose profiles may be more similar to those of their plant resources. We also find congruency between the cuticular profiles of parasitoids and their hosts suggesting that parasitoids could sequester compounds from their diet. Important findings and conclusions of the thesis are presented in Chapter 6. The first two parts of the appendices section discuss work carried out on alternative ways of analysing multivariate data sets such as plant volatiles and insect cuticular hydrocarbons. Appendix A details the use of Random Forests, an algorithm-based method of analysing complex data sets where there are more variables than samples, a situation akin to microarray data sets. This work illustrates the use of such techniques in chemical ecology, highlighting the potential pitfalls of classical multivariate tests and the advantages of newer more robust methods. Appendix B, an invited article following the publication of the earlier work, compares different data transformation procedures currently employed in such multivariate analysis. Appendix C details sex-specific differences in cuticular hydrocarbons of fig wasps, using the pollinator C. fusciceps as a case study.

This work seeks to fabricate, optimize, and characterize nanofibers of cactus Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage and Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) by electrospinning. Mucilage is a neutral mixture of sugars produced by cactus and PVA is a non-toxic, water-soluble, synthetic polymer, which is widely used as a co-spinning agent for polymers. Mucilage was extracted from the cactus pad and prepared for electrospinning by mixing with acetic acid. Two types of PVA were used differentiating in high and low molecular weights. Concentrations of PVA were varied to find an adequate threshold for fiber formation. Changing the ratio of PVA to cactus mucilage produced fibers of different diameter and quality. The optimizations of the parameters used in the electrospinning setup were also a factor in creating quality fibers without deformity. An acceptable PVA to mucilage ratio mixture was reached for the use of the electrospinning process and consistent nanofibers were accomplished with the use of both the low and high molecular weight PVA. The fibers were observed using a Scanning Electron Microscope, Atomic Force Microscopy, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry. In this project we were able to obtain nanofiber meshes made with environmentally friendly materials with fiber diameters raging from 50nm to 7um sized. The produced nanofibers were made in the hope that it can be utilized in the future as an inexpensive, biocompatible, and biodegradable water filtration system.

Thesis (MSc (Genetics))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / The vine mealybug, Planococcus ficus (Signoret), is a severe pest of grapevine in many grape and wine producing countries around the world. It is renowned not only for the considerable damage it infers to grapevine of its own accord, but in particular for its role in transmitting deleterious viral diseases such as grapevine leafroll disease, Kober stem grooving, Shiraz disease and corky bark. Incidentally, it is an exceptionally tenacious antagonist of grapevine, being resistant to both chemical and biological control mechanisms. As a result, finding an effective strategy for P. ficus control has become a main priority of viticultural industries worldwide. Possible implementation of biotechnological approaches to pest management has resulted in a need for P. ficus genetic data - of which there are currently very little available. The transcribed genes of an organism can be captured in a cDNA library, and the sequences of the various transcripts can then be characterized. In this study altogether five cDNA libraries were constructed from the transcribed sequences of Planococcus ficus (Signoret). Instrumental to their construction was the identification of an RNA extraction protocol that provided large quantities of high quality RNA from mealybugs. The five cDNA libraries were the result of a set of modifications to the Creator™ SMART™ cDNA Library Construction Kit (used for Primary Library construction), and differed mainly with regards to range of insert sizes they contain. Whereas an abundance of short fragments were found in the Primary Library (42% of screened inserts 60.5 kb, and 20% >1 kb), the Fractionated Libraries contained inserts of specific size ranges that were more-or-less equally represented. The broadest size range was found in Fractionated Library 4, for which a uniform distribution over the range 0.25 kb - 4 kb was observed. Average insert sizes of Fractionated Libraries 1 to 4 were estimated at 0.25 kb, 0.5 kb, 1 kb and 2 kb respectively. These results demonstrated the importance of using a protocol designed to circumvent the bias towards incorporation of shorter transcripts in cDNA libraries. Although the libraries were not exhaustively analyzed, the outcome of a pilot investigation indicated that 41% of the submitted sequences had matches in the non-redundant database of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI, E-value 6 10-5), and that approximately 82% of these were of insect origin. Moreover, two potential targets for an RNAi-mediated approach to P. ficus pest control were identified. With one exception, these sequences seemed to be unique to arthropods. Future research needs to investigate the efficiency by which these sequences are able to constrain P. ficus proliferation, and their suitability for grapevine transformation.

Thesis (MscAgric (Horticulture))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Commercial fig production with popular European cultivars, Bourjasotte Noire, Col de Damme Noire and Noire de Caromb, is new to the Western Cape. Little research on fig production has been conducted in South Africa and producers are struggling to implement effective commercial practices. In order to establish practices that will maximise yield of quality fruit, the most productive one-year-old shoot lengths were identified in a phenological study. All shoot length categories evaluated in ‘Bourjasotte Noire’ (10 – 15 cm, 25 – 40 cm, 50 – 65 cm, 75+ cm) yielded fruit and will probably yield well the following season. In ‘Col de Damme Noire’, shoots longer than 60 cm seem to be suited to reproduction, yet they might produce a poor yield the following season. Shoots 10 – 20 cm long in ‘Noire de Caromb’ are productive relative to their length, while shoots 30 – 50 cm and 60 – 80 cm long are also fairly productive. Shoots longer than 100 cm produced suitable shoot lengths for yield the following season. Two experiments were conducted on ‘Bourjasotte Noire’ and ‘Col de Damme Noire’ to establish the type (Experiment 1, different intensity heading cuts) and timing (Experiment 2) of pruning cuts required to stimulate the growth of shoots of the same length as the shoots selected to be optimal for yield in the phenology study, and to reduce the expression of distal branching. In ‘Bourjasotte Noire’, removing one third of the total length of one-year-old shoots on 21 July by heading stimulated the development of more growth and longer current season shoots compared to other treatments, while reducing yield slightly. Heading back to three nodes in ‘Col de Damme Noire’ stimulated the growth of current season shoots of the optimal length established in the phenology study, while heading cuts on 30 June produced the longest average current season shoot length in ‘Col de Damme Noire’. To further address the effects of distal branching (acrotony), an experiment was conducted to establish whether rest breaking agents (RBA’s) in combination with tip-pruning can increase tree complexity by improving bud break, and whether increased complexity would increase yield in all three cultivars. A second experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of timing RBA applications on bud break and harvest scheduling. Lift® increased the number of buds breaking in ‘Bourjasotte Noire’, while in ‘Noire de Caromb’ Dormex® and oil increased bud break. Tip-pruning increased the average shoot length in ‘Bourjasotte Noire’ and ‘Col de Damme Noire’, while causing a reduction in the amount of new growth in ‘Noire de Caromb’. Lift® applied 3 August and Dormex® applied 30 June shortened the number of days to 50% bud break in ‘Bourjasotte Noire’ and ‘Col de Damme Noire’. Both Lift® and Dormex® applied on 30 June decreased the number of days to 50% bud break and 50% harvest of the breba crop in ‘Noire de Caromb’. These treatments increased the number of fruit in both the breba and main crop of ‘Noire de Caromb’, but reduced fruit size. In conclusion, different approaches with regards to pruning needs to be followed for each cultivar to establish or maintain the optimal shoots for reproduction, while RBA’s can be used to force earlier, increased- bud break and harvest of breba fruit. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Kommersiele verbouing van drie Europese vykultivars, Bourjasotte Noire, Col de Damme Noire en Noire de Caromb is nuut tot die Wes-Kaap. Baie min navorsing oor die verbouing van vye is al in Suid-Afrika gedoen, met die gevolg dat produsente sukkel om effektiewe kommersiële verbouingspraktyke te implementeer. ‘n Fenologiese studie van die drie kultivars is uitgevoer om vas te stel wat die mees produktiewe een-jaar-oue lootlengte is, met die doel om die opbrengs van kwaliteit vrugte te maksimeer. Al vier kategorieë wat ge-evalueer is in ‘Bourjasotte Noire’ (10 – 15 cm, 25 – 40 cm, 50 – 65 cm, 75+ cm) is gevind om geskik te wees vir huidige en volgende seisoen opbrengs. Lote langer as 60 cm is geskik vir opbrengs in ‘Col de Damme Noire’ in die huidige seisoen, maar mag in die volgende seisoen swak presteer a.g.v. die gebrekkige lengte van nuwe lote wat daarop ontwikkel. In ‘Noire de Caromb’ is gevind dat lote 10 – 20 cm lank baie produktief is relatief tot hul lengte en dat lote 20 – 50 cm en 60 – 80 cm lank ook relatief produktief is. Lote langer as 100 cm was minder produktief, maar het nuwe lote gelewer wat geskik is vir opbrengs die volgende seisoen. Twee snoei eskperimente is uitgevoer op ‘Bourjasotte Noire’ en ‘Col de Damme Noire’ om vas te stel wat die mees geskikte tipe snoeisnit (Eksperiment 1, verskillende dieptes van topsnitte) en tydstip om te snoei (Eksperiment 2) is met die doel om lote te produseer soortgelyk in lengte aan die wat in die fenologie studie uitgewys is as die produktiefste, en om moontlik die voorkoms van “kaalnekke” te verminder. In ‘Bourjasotte Noire’ is gevind dat die wegsnoei van ‘n derde van die loot op 21 Julie aanleiding gee tot meer groei, langer een-jaar-oue lote en ‘n effense afname in opbrengs. Geskikte lote langer as 60 cm kan in ‘Col de Damme Noire’ verkry word deur lote te top sodat net drie nodes oorbly. Die uitvoer van topsnitte op 30 Junie het langer gemiddelde lootlengtes tot gevolg gehad. Om die probleem van “kaalnekke” (apikale dominansie) verder aan te spreek, is ‘n eksperiment uitgevoer om vas te stel of rusbreekmiddels gekombineerd met tip-snoei gebruik kan word om kompleksiteit te vermeerder deur knopbreek te verhoog, en indien wel, of dit sal aanleiding gee tot verhoogde opbrengs in al drie kultivars. ‘n Tweede eksperiment met verskillende toedieningstye van rusbreekmiddels is uitgevoer om vas te stel of oeste geskeduleer kan word. Lift® het knopbreek verhoog in ‘Bourjasotte Noire’, terwyl Dormex® en olie knopbreek verhoog het in ‘Noire de Caromb’. Tip-snoei het die gemiddelde lootlengtes verhoog in ‘Bourjasotte Noire’ en ‘Col de Damme Noire’, terwyl dit groei verminder het in ‘Noire de Caromb’. Lift® toediening op 3 Augustus en Dormex® toediening op 30 Junie het die aanvang van 50% knopbreek vervroeg in ‘Boujasotte Noire’ en ‘Col de Damme Noire’. Beide Lift® en Dormex® toediening op 30 Junie het die bereiking van 50% knopbreek- en 50% oes vervroeg in ‘Noire de Caromb’. Hierdie behandeling het ook die aantal vrugte van die breba- en hoofoes vermeerder, maar vruggrootte verminder. Verskillende snoeibenaderings behoort dus gevolg te word om vir elke kultivar die regte lootlengtes te genereer of te onderhou, terwyl rusbreekmiddels gebruik kan word om knopbreek te vervroeg en verhoog, en om die breba oes te vervroeg.