The cultivation of crop sunflower or Helianthus annuus is a 20 billion USD industry globally. Crop wild relatives of H. annuus have a long history of being used to breed improved traits into cultivated varieties. Cultivated H. annuus is not known to have a pleasant aroma, and at times seed yield is limited by pollination services, particularly in the production of hybrid seed. Improved floral fragrance could improve pollinator attraction and would add value to ornamental sunflowers in the context of the cut-flower industry. If volatile organic compounds that together generate favorable scents are present in wild Helianthus species, they could be bred into domesticated varieties. In order to assess the diversity of floral fragrance available in crop wild relatives, 30 diverse accessions of wild Helianthus as well as seven varieties of H. annuus spanning a domestication gradient were grown in a greenhouse experiment and variation in floral volatiles was analyzed by solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. While alpha-pinene made up a significant portion of the volatiles emitted for most taxa, there was substantial diversity present across the genus. Most volatiles emitted were found to be monoterpenoids with a significant share of sesquiterpenoids. Several wild accessions such as H. debilis subsp. tardiflorus and H. praecox subsp. praecox as well as open-pollinated domesticated accessions of H. annuus show promise for breeding for improved floral fragrance due to high volatile abundance and likely favorable compound compositions.

No description available.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are a category of fungi that occupy virtually all of the Earth's soils. Their role as plant symbionts for nearly all land plants is well documented, where these fungi forms partnerships with plants through the root system. These relationships vary from mutualistic to parasitic and allow the exchange of nutrients between the partners via fungal hyphae that penetrate the cell walls of roots. However, many details of the nature of this symbiosis are not well understood, and the interaction between plants and AMF has been the subject of increased interest recently given the potential benefit to farming systems and natural ecosystems. This study evaluated the variability of mycorrhizal growth response (MGR) to inoculation by the common AMF species Rhizophagus intraradices in a diverse set of wild sunflower species (Helianthus), focusing on how changes in plant traits due to fungal colonization may determine the relative cost or benefit of AMF partnership for wild plants. Results indicate that the overall impacts of AMF colonization on plant growth rate are small, though MGR is correlated with AMF-driven shifts in leaf chlorophyll content. These findings suggest that relative changes in plant growth rate that result from AMF partnership are mediated by plant functional trait.

The Leaf Economics Spectrum (LES) describes the continuous range of leaf ecophysiological strategies that plants across the globe utilize to achieve a net-positive return on their resource investment. This spectrum is measured by traits such as leaf mass per area, leaf nitrogen, and leaf lifespan. Unsuitable leaf trait combinations are selected against in nature due to a net-loss on the return of initial resource investment, while some potentially extremely effective trait combinations may not be possible due to genetic constraints. Existing genetic variation in LES traits, however, suggests the spectrum may be less rigid than previously expected. To test this, we exploit phenotypic plasticity by subjecting cultivated sunflower, Helianthus annuus, to environmental stress to generate variability in LES traits. In a greenhouse experiment, treatment groups of Helianthus were exposed to six varying intensities each of four acute stress applications: nutrient limitation, high soil salinity, heat, and simulated herbivory. Leaves formed during the onset of stress and post-stress were sampled to measure leaf traits; changes in plant fitness were estimated through total plant biomass and the time of first flowering. Results from statistical analyses show a variety of significant effects that stress applications had on plant growth and LES traits. Our findings explore the possibility of achieving off-axis LES trait combinations through salt-induced trait plasticity, and if further studies are needed to reassess the rigidity of the spectrum.

No description available.

No description available.

Argentina es un destacado productor de semillas híbridas de girasol. La desecación química se emplea para adelantar la cosecha y reducir la incidencia de adversidades bióticas y abióticas. En cultivos para semilla, se desconoce el efecto de la práctica sobre la dinámica de secado de la planta en parentales femeninos, el rendimiento o la calidad del aceite de las semillas híbridas, la calidad fisiológica a cosecha y durante el almacenamiento y el posterior desempeño a campo. El objetivo general de esta tesis fue analizar el efecto del desecado químico en la deshidratación de la planta, el rendimiento de líneas parentales femeninas, la composición acídica y la calidad fisiológica de las semillas híbridas de girasol. Se realizaron siete experimentos en Buenos Aires y Venado Tuerto, utilizando seis parentales femeninos con diferente constitución genética y composición de aceite (alto oleico y alto linolénico). Los desecantes, Paraquat, Carfentrazone y Saflufenacil se aplicaron en el rango de 38-15 % de humedad de semillas. El Control permaneció en el campo hasta alcanzar 10 a 12 % de humedad. El Paraquat tuvo el mayor efecto desecante. La dinámica de secado fue diferente entre órganos, los frutos (semillas) se secaron más rápidamente que los receptáculos y tallos. Los indicadores visuales (necrosis y verdor) no se asociaron con la pérdida efectiva de humedad de los diferentes tejidos. La aplicación del desecante alrededor del 30% de humedad de semillas, anticipó la cosecha entre 23 y 43 días, sin efectos adversos sobre el rendimiento de las líneas parentales, ni el contenido o la composición de aceite de las semillas híbridas. El desecado no afectó la viabilidad (90- 100%), aunque incrementó la dormición entre un 51 a 96 %. La cubierta seminal mostró una importante influencia en los niveles de dormición de las semillas de girasol tratadas con Paraquat, asociado con el aumento en el espesor de la pared celular externa de la capa de células endospermáticas. La desecación química con Paraquat benefició la calidad fisiológica de las semillas de girasol. Incrementó un 3 a 19 %, la germinación medida en semillas despiertas luego de la remoción del pericarpio + cubierta seminal. El vigor (estimado mediante de la Conductividad Eléctrica en semillas sin pericarpio) también fue mayor, con reducciones entre 0,9 a 50,2 μS.cm-1. g-1 respecto del control. La mejora en la calidad de las semillas cosechadas anticipadamente se asoció con una reducción en la exposición a condiciones ambientales adversas y resultó independiente de la constitución genética de los híbridos. Los genotipos alto y mid oleico tuvieron menor calidad fisiológica. El Paraquat también benefició la germinación y el vigor durante el almacenamiento prolongado en galpón y cámara fría, sin efectos fitotóxicos. Los pequeños cambios en el contenido de aceite u oleico durante el almacenamiento, no se tradujeron en cambios en los niveles de germinación y vigor. La tasa de emergencia a campo (a los 6 y 19 meses desde cosecha) fue mayor en las semillas desecadas, con un mejor ajuste cuando se expresó en grados día/plántula. Los beneficios del desecado químico descriptos en el presente trabajo, contribuyen a optimizar el proceso de producción y almacenamiento de las semillas de girasol. / Argentina is a leading producer of sunflower hybrid seeds. Chemical desiccation is used to advance the harvest and reduce the incidence of biotic and abiotic adversities. In seed crops the effect of desiccation on drying rate of female parents plants, hybrid seeds yield or oil quality, physiological quality at harvest and during storage, and subsequent field performance, is unknown. The general objective of this thesis was to analyze the effect of chemical desiccation on plan drying, yield from female parents plants, acidic composition and physiological quality of hybrids sunflower seeds. Seven experiments were performed in Buenos Aires and Venado Tuerto using six female parents with different background genetic and seed oil composition (high oleic and high linoleic). Desiccants, Paraquat, Carfentrazone and Saflufenacil, were applied when the seeds presented between 38 and 15% moisture. Control remained in the field until reaching 10 to 12% seed moisture. Paraquat had the highest desiccation effect. The drying rate was different among organs, with fruits (seeds) drying faster than the receptacles and stems. Visual indicators (necrosis and greenery) were not associated with the effective moisture loss from the different tissues. Desiccant application around 30% seed moisture, advanced harvest between 23 and 43 days without adverse effects on the female parents yield, content or oil composition of hybrid seeds. Desiccation did not affect the viability of hybrid seeds (90-100%), although it increased dormancy between 51 to 96 %. The seed coat showed a significant influence on levels of dormancy of sunflower seeds treated with Paraquat, associated with the increase in the thickness of the outer cell wall layer of endospermatics cells. The chemical desiccation with Paraquat was beneficial to physiological quality of sunflower seeds. It increased the germination in seeds without dormancy after pericarp and seed coat removal by 3 to 19%. The vigour (estimated by electrical conductivity in seeds without pericarp) was also higher, with decreases between 0,9 to 50,2 μS.cm-1. g-1 compared to the control. The improvement in the quality of seeds harvested early was associated with a reduction in exposure to adverse environmental conditions. And it was independent of the genetic constitution of the hybrids. The high and mid oleic genotypes had lower physiological quality. Paraquat also had beneficial effects on germination and vigor during prolonged storage in room and cold chamber, without phytotoxic effects. Small changes in oil or oleic content during storage did not represent changes in germination and seed vigor levels. The field emergency rate (at 6 and 19 months after harvest) was higher in the desiccated seeds, with a better fit when expressed in degrees day/seedling. The benefits of chemical desiccation described by this work help the optimization of production processes and storage of sunflower seeds.

The primary objective of this research was to identify practices by which specialty cut flower growers can extend the vase life of cut delphinium, sunflower, and dahlia. Experiments investigated the effects of nitrogen fertilization rate on delphinium 'Guardian Mix' and the effects of deficit irrigation on delphinium 'Guardian Blue.' 'Guardian Mix' plants produced marketable cut stems at nitrogen rates as low as 50 mg/L. Deficit irrigation did not change vase life, stomatal conductance, or transpiration rates of delphinium 'Guardian Blue.' Studies tested the effects of foliar calcium applications or benzyladenine application on sunflower 'Moulin Rouge' and 'Procut Lemon.' Calcium did not change the vase life, stomatal conductance, or transpiration rates of either sunflower cultivar. Benzyladenine applied as a preharvest spray or a postharvest dip did not alter vase life of sunflower 'Moulin Rouge' or 'Procut Lemon.' Transpiration rate and conductance rates of sunflowers significantly decreased in the first three days after harvest. In both sunflower experiments, vase life of 'Moulin Rouge' was shorter than vase life of 'Procut Lemon.' Benzyladenine was also applied to dahlia 'Park Princess' and 'Karma Yin Yang' cut flowers. Benzyladenine did not change dahlia vase life. Dahlia 'Park Princess,' 'Bride to Be,' 'Cherish,' and 'Lollipop' cut flowers were not sensitive to exogenous ethylene. Further experiments tested the effect of flower stage at harvest, vase water temperature, or preharvest fungicide application on dahlia 'Park Princess' and 'Karma Yin Yang' cut flowers. Vase life of 'Park Princess' flowers was extended when flowers were harvested before fully open, but 'Park Princess' flowers harvested at budbreak failed to open completely after harvest. 'Karma Yin Yang' cut flower vase life did not differ when flowers were harvested at different stages. Placing cut dahlias in hot vase water had varied effects, but did not extend vase life of either cultivar. Fungicide applications extended vase life of 'Park Princess' flowers. However, the use of fungicide is not necessary to prevent postharvest fungal infection in cut dahlias. The results of all experiments indicate that optimal handling practices vary between cut flower taxa and that factors determining cut flower vase life are complex. / Master of Science

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / As nanopartÃculas metÃlicas apresentam inÃmeras aplicaÃÃes, como na construÃÃo de sensores, microeletrÃnica, catÃlise, aÃÃo bactericida, cÃlulas fotovoltaicas, entre outras. Dentre elas, a nanopartÃculas de prata (NPAg) tem ganhado destaque, em especial pela a sua atividade bactericida e por exibirem propriedades Ãpticas e eletromagnÃticas diferentes das observadas no metal agregado. VÃrias metodologias de sÃntese de nanopartÃculas de prata jà foram desenvolvidas. Para substituir os mÃtodos clÃssicos, que se baseiam na reduÃÃo dos Ãons prata por boroidreto de sÃdio ou citrato de sÃdio. A sÃntese verde, uma dessas novas metodologias, propÃe o uso de extrato de plantas, aÃÃcares, microrganismos e polissacarÃdeos para a reduÃÃo dos Ãons prata e estabilizaÃÃo das nanopartÃculas obtidas. O objetivo deste trabalho à propor a sÃntese verde de nanopartÃculas de prata, usando o extrato aquoso de sementes de girassol como agente redutor e soluÃÃo de galactomanana da fava danta como agente estabilizante. As NPAg foram sintetizadas adicionando-se 500 μL de soluÃÃo de AgNO3 a 20 mL de soluÃÃo de galactomanana 0,032% (m/v) e 5 mL do extrato aquoso. As sÃnteses foram conduzidas a temperatura ambiente, 50, 70 e 90 ÂC, utilizando soluÃÃes 10 e 100 mmol/L de AgNO3 e soluÃÃo de galactomanana 0,032 %. O extrato aquoso das sementes de girassol liofilizado, apresentou um teor de umidade de 11,7%, um teor de proteÃnas de 15,5% e um resÃduo a 900ÂC de 12,8%. A formaÃÃo das nanopartÃculas foi confirmada por espectroscopia de absorÃÃo na regiÃo do UV-Vis, pela banda de ressonÃncia de plasmon na regiÃo de 400 nm. Os sistemas reacionais, com maior concentraÃÃo de Ag+, mostraram-se mais eficiente que os sistemas com menor concentraÃÃo desse Ãon. Entretanto, as NPAg formadas apresentaram maiores valores de λmÃx (lambda mÃxima) e LMA (largura de banda à meia altura), indicando maiores tamanhos e maior polidispersividade das mesmas. O aumento da temperatura favorece a formaÃÃo das NPAg para todos os sistemas, inclusive os sistemas com menor concentraÃÃo de Ãons prata. Os coloides obtidos em presenÃa de soluÃÃo de galactomanana apresentaram bandas de plasmon simÃtricas, bem definidas e estreitas, indicando a galactomanana como estabilizante na formaÃÃo das NPAg. Avaliou-se a estabilidade temporal dos coloides por anÃlise de UV-Vis, os resultados demonstraram que os coloides obtidos sÃo estÃveis. O poder redutor do extrato das sementes de girassol nÃo sofreu alteraÃÃo com o aquecimento prÃvio a temperatura de 90 ÂC e nem apÃs processo de liofilizaÃÃo e resuspensÃo, porÃm o poder redutor do extrato diminuiu apÃs uma partiÃÃo com acetato de etila e apÃs um processo de diÃlise. O MET mostrou que as nanopartÃculas de prata formada apresenta formato esfÃrico com pouca polidispersÃo e diÃmetro na faixa de Â17 nm. / Metallic nanoparticles have several applications, such as in biosensor, microelectronics, catalysis, bactericidal action and photovoltaic cells. Silver nanoparticles (NPAg) has gained prominence, especially for its bactericidal activity and exhibit different optical and electromagnetic properties. Several methods for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles have been developed to replace traditional methods, which are based on the reduction of silver ions by sodium borohydride or sodium citrate. The green synthesis proposes the use of plant extracts, sugars, polysaccharides, and microorganisms for the reduction of silver ions and stabilization of the nanoparticles obtained. The objective of this work is to propose the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous extract of sunflower seeds as a reducing agent and galactomannan from fava danta, as a stabilizer agent. NPAg were synthesized by adding 500 μl of a solution of AgNO3 and 20 mL of galactomannan 0.032 % (w/v) and 5 mL of aqueous extract. The syntheses were carried out at room temperature, 50, 70 and 90  C, using 10 to 100 mmol/L AgNO3 solution and 0.032% solutions of galactomannan. The aqueous extracts of sunflower seeds, when dried showed a moisture content of 11.7 %, protein content of 15.5% and a residue at 900 C of 12.8 %. All colloid synthesized were analyzed by absorption spectroscopy in the UV-Vis confirming the formation of the band NPAG the appearance of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in the region of 400 nm. The reaction systems with higher concentrations of Ag+, were more efficient than systems with lower concentration of this ion. However the NPAg formed, showed higher λmÃx (maximum lambda) and LMA (bandwidth at half maximum), indicating larger sizes and higher polydispersity of the same. Raising the temperature favors the formation of NPAG to all systems, including systems with lower concentrations of silver ions. Colloids obtained in the presence of galactomannan solution showed bands of symmetric plasmon, well defined and narrow, indicating the galactomannan as a stabilizer in the formation of NPAg. The temporal stability of the colloids was evaluated by UV-Vis analysis, and the results obtained showed that the colloids are stable. The reducing power of the extract of sunflower seeds did not change with the preheating (90  C) and even after lyophilization and resuspension process, but the reducing power of the extract decreased after a partition with ethyl acetate and after a dialysis process. TEM analysis showed that silver nanoparticles presents spherical shape with low polydispersity and diameter in the range of Â17 nm.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-12T19:15:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 RobertoPS_TESE.pdf: 1647938 bytes, checksum: dc34992c335e50d26416144e8fb502c1 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-11-29 / This study aims to determine the appropriate size of field plots for field experimentation with sunflower. An experiment was conducted in randomized complete blocks design with 14 cultivars of sunflower and 10 replications. The field plots consisted of four rows of six-meter long rows, spaced 0.7 m and 0.3 m between plants, with a total area of 16.8 m2. The useful area of the plot (7.56 m2), consisting of the two central rows, was divided into 12 basic units, each one consisting of three plants in the row (0.63 m2). The production of sunflower grains obtained in basic units was grouped in order to form portions of seven kinds of five different predefined sizes. The appropriate size of the experimental plot was estimated by the following methods: a) Intraclass correlation coefficient b) Maximum modified curvature c) Segmented linear model with plateau and d) Hatheway (1961). Were also estimated the soil heterogeneity coefficient (b) and the detectable difference among treatments (d). There was a reduction in the coefficient of variation with increasing the size of the plot. The soil of the experiment showed high heterogeneity ( = 1.0585). They were estimated by the methods of the intraclass correlation coefficient, maximum modified curvature and segmented linear model with plateau, respectively, the optimal plot sizes corresponding to 2.52, 3.74 and 2.48 m2. The maximum modified curvature method presented estimate of the optimum plot size more appropriate, together with the detectable difference between means of cultivars to accurately assess the yield of sunflower grain. The plot of 3.74 m2 of useful area was considered appropriate to assess the yield of sunflower grains and it was smaller than the size generally used in researches with sunflower. Though the Hatheway method (1961), they were estimated several very aplicable plot sizes. Considering all the cultivars for the same difference to be detected among means of cultivars, the use of a portion of smaller size with the largest number of replicates required less experimental area than the larger plots with a fewer number of replications / O objetivo desse trabalho foi determinar o tamanho adequado de parcela para experimentação de campo com girassol. Foi realizado um experimento no delineamento em blocos completos casualizados com 14 cultivares de girassol e 10 repetições. As parcelas foram constituídas de quatro fileiras de seis metros de comprimento, espaçadas de 0,7 m e entre plantas de 0,3 m, com área total de 16,8 m2. A área útil da parcela (7,56 m2), composta das duas fileiras centrais, foi dividida em 12 unidades básicas, cada uma constituída de três plantas na fileira (0,63 m2). A produção de grãos do girassol obtida nas unidades básicas foi agrupada de modo a formar sete tipos de parcelas de cinco tamanhos diferentes pré-estabelecidos. O tamanho adequado da parcela experimental foi estimado por meio dos seguintes métodos: a) Coeficiente de correlação intraclasse; b) Máxima curvatura modificado; c) Modelo linear segmentado com platô e d) Hatheway (1961). Estimaram-se também o coeficiente de heterogeneidade do solo (b) e a diferença detectável entre tratamentos (d). Ocorreu redução do coeficiente de variação com o aumento do tamanho da parcela. O solo do experimento apresentou alta heterogeneidade ( = 1,0585). Foram estimados pelos métodos do coeficiente de correlação intraclasse, máxima curvatura modificado e modelo linear segmentado com platô, respectivamente, os tamanhos ótimos de parcela correspondentes a 2,52, 3,74 e 2,48 m2. O método da máxima curvatura modificado apresentou estimativa do tamanho ótimo da parcela mais adequado, aliado à diferença detectável entre médias de cultivares para avaliar com precisão o rendimento de grãos do girassol. Parcela 3,74 m2 de área útil foi considerada adequada para avaliação do rendimento de grãos do girassol e foi menor que o tamanho geralmente usado nas pesquisas com o girassol. Pelo método de Hatheway (1961) estimaram-se diversos tamanhos de parcelas, muitos aplicáveis. Considerando todas as cultivares, para uma mesma diferença a ser detectada entre médias de cultivares, a utilização de parcela de menor tamanho com maior número de repetições requereu menos área experimental do que parcelas maiores com menor número de repetições