Jatropha curcas L. is a drought-resistant plant which can be grown in poor soil and marginal lands. The use of Jatropha seed oil to produce biodiesel has been widely studied in recent years. Results showed that it is one of the most promising alternatives for conventional petro-diesel. Currently, hexane is still the most commonly used solvent for commercial oil extraction. However, the increasing price and flammability properties of hexane are motivating industry to seek alternative solvents. The objectives of this study are to design and analyze the Jatropha seed oil extraction for use in biodiesel production, and to provide a systematic safety-economic analysis of alternative solvents that can be used in Jatropha seed oil extraction. First, a base-case flowsheet is synthesized for oil extraction. Then, the base-case extraction process and each solvent Fire and Explosion Index (F & EI) and the Solvent Safety Index (SSI). Eight solvents, including n-heptane, toluene, xylene, dichloromethane, chloroform, 1,2-dichloroethane, methanol and ethanol are selected for candidates by comparing these results to those for hexane. Two cases are developed to evaluate the economic potential of these candidates. Furthermore, heat integration is applied to the process to minimize energy usage. Finally, a comprehensive solvent comparison is developed based on F & EI, SSI, solvent makeup cost, utilities cost, and capital investment. The results show that chloroform is the optimal solvent, while dichloromethane is the next best.

Submitted by Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia (mebiotec.ufba@gmail.com) on 2017-04-04T12:44:11Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação Final - Eduardo Muniz.pdf: 8814569 bytes, checksum: d9e8915ece99e537c25c05d3f14bb401 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Delba Rosa (delba@ufba.br) on 2017-07-03T15:51:10Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação Final - Eduardo Muniz.pdf: 8814569 bytes, checksum: d9e8915ece99e537c25c05d3f14bb401 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-03T15:51:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação Final - Eduardo Muniz.pdf: 8814569 bytes, checksum: d9e8915ece99e537c25c05d3f14bb401 (MD5) / CNPq / O pinhão-manso (Jatropha curcas L.) é uma planta oleaginosa, arbustiva, da família das Euforbiáceas, utilizada na medicina popular para o tratamento de diversas enfermidades. Dados da literatura mostram atividades farmacológicas relevantes associadas a diferentes partes da planta, tais como: cicatrizante; hipoglicemiante; hemostático; larvicida, anticancerígeno e antimicrobiano. Por outro lado, a Jatropha curcas L., tem sido apontada como uma importante alternativa para a produção de biodiesel pelo seu alto teor de óleo, sua possibilidade de cultivo em ambientes desfavoráveis e por não competir com a indústria de alimentos. Considerando a possibilidade do incentivo ao seu plantio em consonância com a Política Nacional de Produção e Uso do Biodiesel (PNPB), torna-se evidente que o aproveitamento da biomassa residual gerada na extração do óleo, além de tornar sustentável a cadeia produtiva do biodiesel, pode possibilitar a elaboração de produtos medicinais úteis para a sociedade. Neste trabalho, objetiva avaliar a atividade antibacteriana de extratos de folhas de Jatropha curcas L., e de suas frações, contra bactérias Gram-positivas. O fracionamento do extrato hidroalcoólico bruto foi realizado pela Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE), e testado em ensaio qualitativo, teste do disco, que demonstrou atividade antibacteriana contra o gênero Staphylococcus. Dessa forma, os dados obtidos são importantes, pois direcionam a identificação da substância bioativa antibacteriana presente no extrato de folhas de Jatropha curcas L. que contribuem para o desenvolvimento de novos produtos farmacêuticos além de agregar valor ao vegetal. / The pinhão-manso (Jatropha curcas L.), is an oilseed plant, shrub, the family of Euphorbiaceae, used in folk medicine to treat various diseases. Literature data show relevant pharmacological activities associated with different parts of the plant, such as healing; hypoglycemic; hemostatic; larvicide, anticancer and antimicrobial. Moreover, Jatropha curcas L., has been identified as an important alter-native for biodiesel production for its high oil content, a possibility of growing in harsh environments and not compete with the food industry. Considering the possibility of encouraging its cultivation in line with the National Policy on Production and Use of Biodiesel (NPPB), it becomes clear that the use of residual biomass generated in the extraction of oil, in addition to making a sustainable biodiesel production chain, may enable the development of useful medicinal products for society. This work aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of extracts of leaves of Jatropha curcas L., and its fractions against Gram - positive bacteria. Fractionation of the crude hydroalcoholic extract was performed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and tested in qualitative assay, test disc, which showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus. Thus, the obtained data are important because they guide the identification of bioactive antibacterial substance present in the leaf extract of Jatropha curcas L. contributing to the development of new pharmaceutical products as well as adding value to the plant.

GADELHA, Cibelle Gomes. Aclimatação à salinidade induzida por nitroprussiato de sódio na germinação e no desenvolvimento inicial de plântulas de pinhão-manso. 2015. 124 f. Dissertação (Mestrado em Bioquímica)- Universidade Federal do Ceará, 2015 / Submitted by Weslayne Nunes de Sales (weslaynesales@ufc.br) on 2016-09-12T12:12:10Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2015_cggadelha_dis..pdf: 1350168 bytes, checksum: 19868b0d8a2badfe7ba36af86ecb4844 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Jairo Viana (jairo@ufc.br) on 2016-09-27T17:17:34Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2015_cggadelha_dis..pdf: 1350168 bytes, checksum: 19868b0d8a2badfe7ba36af86ecb4844 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-09-27T17:17:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2015_cggadelha_dis..pdf: 1350168 bytes, checksum: 19868b0d8a2badfe7ba36af86ecb4844 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / The jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) is an oilseed species, belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae, considered a good alternative to agricultural arid and semi-arid regions, such as the Brazilian Northeast. The soil salinization is a common problem in these regions, reducing the productivity of several crops, by negatively affect the growth and plant development. Therefore, it becomes important to carry out studies on the development of this species in salt stress conditions, as well as the assessment of the effects of nitric oxide (NO) in the induction of acclimation to salinity. This study evaluated the effects of pre-treatment of seeds with sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a compound that spontaneously releases NO in solution on germination and early development of jatropha seedlings in salt stress conditions. The concentration of NPS was set in a first experiment, in which jatropha seeds were germinated in germitest moistened sheets of paper with distilled water (pretreatment with water) or with NPS solutions of 50, 75, 100 and 200 M for a period of 24 hours (pre-treatment with SNP). Subsequently, the seeds were transferred to moistened sheets germitest with distilled water (control conditions) or 100 mM NaCl (saline treatment). After eight days after the pre-treatment (DAPT), the pretreated seedlings with NPS to 75 uM showed the best performance in saline conditions, mainly due to significant reductions in levels of Na + and lipid peroxidation, and the improvements in mobilization of reserves and growth. Based on this, we performed a second experiment, which aimed to confirm the observed results and expand the studies of pretreatment on physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology of jatropha plants under salt stress. Pretreatment of seeds with NPS to 75 uM resulted in better germination and mobilization of reserves, as well as further growth of seedlings in saline conditions, compared to non-pretreated. Furthermore, the pretreatment was a decrease in the accumulation of Na + and Cl- ions in saline stress conditions. Oxidative damage in the endosperm and embryo axis of jatropha seedlings were attenuated by pretreatment with NPS. This was due, at least in part, to induction of antioxidant system, both enzymatic, nonenzymatic as under conditions of salt stress, as well as the reduction in H2O2 concentration under these conditions. The analysis of gene expression of CAT and GR was consistent with the increase in activity of these enzymes, promoted by pretreatment with NPS under saline conditions. Based on these results, it is concluded that pretreatment with NPS was efficient in inducing acclimatization of jatropha seedlings to salt stress, mainly for allowing a better ionic and redox homeostasis. / O pinhão-manso (Jatropha curcas L.) é uma espécie oleaginosa, pertencente à família Euphorbiaceae, considerada uma boa alternativa agrícola para regiões áridas e semiáridas, como o Nordeste brasileiro. A salinização dos solos é um problema bastante comum nessas regiões, diminuindo a produtividade de diversas culturas agrícolas, por afetar negativamente o crescimento e o desenvolvimento vegetal. Portanto, torna-se relevante a realização de estudos acerca do desenvolvimento dessa espécie em condições de estresse salino, bem como a avaliação dos efeitos do óxido nítrico (NO) na indução da aclimatação à salinidade. Objetivou-se com esse trabalho avaliar os efeitos do pré-tratamento de sementes com nitroprussiato de sódio (NPS), um composto que libera espontaneamente NO em solução, sobre a germinação e o desenvolvimento inicial de plântulas de pinhão-manso em condições de estresse salino. A concentração de NPS foi definida em um primeiro experimento, no qual sementes de pinhão-manso foram germinadas em folhas de papel germitest umedecidas com água destilada (pré-tratamento com água) ou com soluções de NPS a 50, 75, 100 e 200 μM, por um período de 24 h (pré-tratamento com NPS). Posteriormente, as sementes foram transferidas para folhas de papel germitest umedecidas com água destilada (condição controle) ou com NaCl a 100 mM (tratamento salino). Decorridos oito dias após o pré-tratamento (DAPT), as plântulas pré-tratadas com NPS a 75 μM foram as que apresentaram melhor desempenho em condições salinas, principalmente devido às reduções significativas nos teores de Na+ e na peroxidação lipídica, e pelas melhoras na mobilização de reservas e do crescimento. Com base nisso, foi realizado um segundo experimento, visando-se ampliar os estudos desse pré-tratamento na fisiologia e na bioquímica das plântulas de pinhão-manso sob condições de estresse salino. O pré-tratamento das sementes com NPS a 75 μM resultou em uma melhor germinação e mobilização de reservas, bem como em um maior crescimento das plântulas em condições salinas, em comparação às não pré-tratadas. Além disso, o pré-tratamento promoveu uma redução no acúmulo dos íons Na+ e Cl-, em condições de estresse salino. Os danos oxidativos no endosperma e no eixo embrionário das plântulas de pinhão-manso foram atenuados pelo pré-tratamento com NPS. Isso se deveu, pelo menos em parte, à indução do sistema antioxidativo, enzimático ou não enzimático, sob condições de estresse salino, bem como pela redução dos teores de H2O2, sob tais condições. A análise da expressão gênica da catalase e da redutase da glutationa foi concordante com o aumento em atividade dessas enzimas, promovido pelo pré-tratamento com NPS sob condições de salinidade. Baseado nos resultados obtidos, conclui-se que o pré-tratamento com NPS foi eficiente na indução da aclimatação das plântulas de pinhão-manso ao estresse salino, principalmente por propiciar uma melhor homeostase iônica e redox.

SILVA, E. N. Alterações fisiológicas induzidas por estresses abióticos em plantas jovens de pinhão-manso. 2009. 129 f. Tese (Doutorado em Bioquímica) - Centro de Ciências, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, 2009. / Submitted by Francisco Lacerda (lacerda@ufc.br) on 2015-01-19T20:05:45Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2009_tese_ensilva.pdf: 724120 bytes, checksum: d092fa84efeb6334630dedccc71d1f6c (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by José Jairo Viana de Sousa(jairo@ufc.br) on 2015-01-19T21:07:30Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2009_tese_ensilva.pdf: 724120 bytes, checksum: d092fa84efeb6334630dedccc71d1f6c (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-01-19T21:07:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2009_tese_ensilva.pdf: 724120 bytes, checksum: d092fa84efeb6334630dedccc71d1f6c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009 / In this work were studied diverse physiological mechanisms, as the osmotic adjustment, photosynthesis, including gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, as well the oxidative responses in physic nuts submitted to different abiotic stresses as: salinity, drought and high temperature. The first experiment aimed to study the effects of increase of the NaCl concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mM) in the ions accumulate (Na+, Cl- and K+) and some growth variables, as well evaluate the water state and the principals solutes (organic and inorganic) involved on the osmotic adjustment of physic nuts plants under this stressful condition. Physic nuts plants showed sensibility to salt stress, presenting a reduction by 50% in dry matter from by 47 mM of NaCl concentration during 15-d. This sensibility should be due the leaf Na+ and Cl- high accumulation, associated a strong reduction in the K+concentration, induced by high Na+ content. On the other hand, physic nuts plants were able osmotic adjust to salinity due a severe decrease on the osmotic potential and increase of leaf water state, principally in the higher NaCl levels. Of the solutes studied, was observed that salt ions (Na+ and Cl-) contributed with the most of the osmotic adjustment, while that the K+contribution was decreased strongly by NaCl. The glycinebetaine compared to proline was more important to the osmotic adjustment of physic nuts leaves, as in the absence as in presence of different NaCl levels in the nutrient solution. The second experiment evaluated the resistance of photosynthetic apparatus of physic nuts plants submitted to different time of exposure (7-d and 14-d of treatment and 3-d of recovery) to salt stress (100 mM of NaCl).The changes caused on photochemistry activity and leaf gas exchange were evaluate by Na+ and Cl- accumulation and decrease of K+/Na+ ratio in the leaves. After 7-d of treatment was observed a major action of osmotic effects. However, after 14-d of treatment, the ionic effects caused by Na+ and Cl- excessive accumulation and by K+/Na+ ratio strong reduction in the leaves, caused permanent damages on the photosynthesis of physic nuts plants due as the stomatal limitations as non-stomatal ones. The third experiment aimed to study the comparative effects between the salt stress (50 mM of NaCl) and water stress (induced for xv PEG 6000), both with osmotic potential of –0.22 MPa on the photosynthesis, water relations and growth of physic nuts plants. T e water stress effects induced for PEG in the leaf growth, electrolyte leakage and leaf gas exchange were more deleterious than by NaCl ones. In the both stresses was observed decrease in the leaf CO2 assimilation due the stomatal and nonstomatal limitations. However, the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters did not affect. The fourth experiment aimed to evaluate the relative contribution of organic and inorganic solutes on the osmotic adjustment of leaves and roots physic nuts plants in different water restriction levels. Of the solutes studied, the K+ and soluble sugar were the most involved in the osmotic adjustment as in the leaves as in roots. Others solutes as, Na+, Cl-, total amino acids and glycibetaine, also presented a effective role in the reduction of osmotic potential in both organs. On the other hand, the leaf proline content, although has increased significantly, was not sufficient to promote an effective participation of this amino acid in the osmotic adjustment of physic nuts plants. The same experiment aimed to observe the isolated and combined effects of water stress and high temperature on the photosynthesis and evaluate the oxidative defenses system in physic nuts plants. The photosynthetic apparatus was more sensitive to water stress than heat ones, been that the combination of them caused deleterious effects yet large in this complex. Additionally, the oxidative damages also were more marked in the combined stress. In general, the data shown that physic nuts plants, although present ability to adjust osmotically to salinity and drought, have their photosynthetic apparatus very affected in this stressful conditions. Even as, the defense system against oxidative damages appears has not been efficient in plants exposure at the drought and heat isolated and combined stresses.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento CientÃfico e TecnolÃgico / A salinidade à um fator conhecido por limitar o crescimento e a produtividade das plantas. Dentre os processos afetados està a absorÃÃo e assimilaÃÃo de Nitrato (NO3-). AlÃm disso, a salinidade induz a produÃÃo de espÃcies reativas de oxigÃnio que levam a danos oxidativos e aumento da pressÃo de elÃtrons na cadeia transportadora de elÃtrons fotossintÃticos. Assim, neste presente estudo foram utilizadas diferentes abordagens para testar a hipÃtese de que o processo de assimilaÃÃo do nitrato pode aliviar a pressÃo de elÃtrons atuando como um dissipador e assim mitigar os efeitos negativos da salinidade e toxicidade do amÃnio em plantas de Jatropha curcas. Plantas submetidas à salinidade (NaCl 100 mM) e supridas com NO3- 10 mM mostraram maior absorÃÃo, atividade de NR e conteÃdo de proteÃnas solÃveis quando comparada com plantas supridas com NO3- 1mM. A alta assimilaÃÃo de nitrato de alta foi associada com um maior crescimento foliar, assimilaÃÃo de CO2 e menor dano de membrana em plantas tratadas com NaCl. AlÃm disso, uma melhor performance das plantas sob salinidade e supridas com NO3- 10 mM foi indicada por maior rendimento quÃntico efetivo do PSII e taxa de transporte de elÃtrons e menor excesso de energia ao nÃvel de PSII e quenching nÃo-fotoquÃmico. Em outra abordagem, os dados mostraram que o NO3- exÃgeno e sua assimilaÃÃo podem mitigar a toxicidade do NH4+, especialmente quando combinado com a salinidade, conforme mostrado pelos distÃrbios no metabolismo oxidativo, atividade fotoquÃmica e assimilaÃÃo de CO2. Estes efeitos foram demonstrados quando diferentes razÃes de NO3-/NH4+ foram aplicadas em plantas intactas e discos foliares incubados com tungstato (um inibidor da NR) e dose Ãnica de NH4+ na presenÃa ou ausÃncia de MSO (um inibidor de GS). A atividade da GS em Jatropha curcas foi fortemente aumentada pelo NH4+ permitindo manter nÃveis nÃo-tÃxicos de amÃnia em tecidos sob moderadas/altas concentraÃÃes de amÃnio externos. Paralelamente, quando a relaÃÃo exÃgena de NO3-/NH4+ diminuiu, as plantas sofreram reduÃÃo no acÃmulo de matÃria seca associada com acumulaÃÃo de espÃcies de oxigÃnio, diminuiÃÃo da eficiÃncia fotoquÃmica, surgimento de uma aparente fotoinibiÃÃo e reduÃÃo na assimilaÃÃo de CO2. Tomados em conjunto, os dados obtidos indicam que a assimilaÃÃo de NO3- à capaz de mitigar os efeitos negativos da salinidade e de NH4+ , visto pelo seu efeito de proteÃÃo contra danos oxidativos e por atuar como um dissipador de elÃtrons das membranas tilacÃides minimizando fotodanos e estimulando a assimilaÃÃo de CO2 em plantas de Jatropha Curcas.

Submitted by Luiz Felipe Barbosa (luiz.fbabreu2@ufpe.br) on 2015-04-17T12:48:21Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação Ana Maria Felix.pdf: 1967506 bytes, checksum: 7df7f0db723450048879e801b4b93d80 (MD5) license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-04-17T12:48:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação Ana Maria Felix.pdf: 1967506 bytes, checksum: 7df7f0db723450048879e801b4b93d80 (MD5) license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / FACEPE / Entre as plantas não comestíveis o pinhão-manso (Jatropha curcas L.) se apresenta como expressiva opção para a obtenção de óleo vegetal, muito demandado para finalidades industriais ou ainda como biocombustível. Apesar da importância de bancos genéticos eficientemente caracterizados para o estabelecimento de programas de melhoramento, os recursos disponíveis para o pinhão-manso ainda se encontram escassamente caracterizados. No presente trabalho foram testados e desenvolvidos marcadores moleculares para esta cultura, aplicados experimentalmente a acessos de pinhão-manso em comparação com espécies relacionadas. Os marcadores testados incluíram sete primers ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repeat) e treze iniciadores DAF (DNA Amplification Fingerprinting), além do sequenciamento de parte da região ITS-1 (Internal Transcribed Spacer 1). Após avaliação de uma subamostra com seis acessos de três espécies de Jatropha foram selecionados marcadores para aplicação a um número maior de acesso, sendo obtidos resultados para 12 deles. Os marcadores selecionados envolveram dois ISSR (UBC 808, UBC 809; polimorfismo médio de 78%)e dois DAF (OPL07, OPL11, com média de 44% polimórficos). Por sua vez, as regiões parcialmente sequenciadas de ITS-1 revelaram níveis de polimorfismo escassos entre 10 acessos de pinhão-manso, além de moderado polimorfismo interespecífico considerando outras espécies de Jatropha, indicando que tais marcadores são úteis apenas para comparações interespecíficas ou supragenéricas. Os marcadores desenvolvidos certamente serão úteis para análises de J. curcas envolvendo uma maior amostragem, podendo colaborar para a seleção de parentais contrastantes para análises de mapeamento genético, entre outras aplicações.

Please read the summary in the front matter of this document. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Business Management / unrestricted

Submitted by Marco Antônio de Ramos Chagas (mchagas@ufv.br) on 2015-11-26T13:23:06Z No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 743291 bytes, checksum: e3425380aff3a6f65b79b1e46c8d6381 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-11-26T13:23:06Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 743291 bytes, checksum: e3425380aff3a6f65b79b1e46c8d6381 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-06 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Jatropha curcas L. é uma das oleaginosas mais promissoras para a produção de biodiesel e bioquerosene. Por ser um cultivo perene ainda incipiente, a avaliação da produtividade é importante para o seu melhoramento genético. As estimativas de parâmetros genéticos são importantes para a caracterização da estrutura genética da população, para o entendimento genético dos caracteres e para a predição dos ganhos com seleção. O presente estudo avaliou o potencial de produtividade de 78 acessos (assumidos como famílias de meios irmãos) de J. curcas, com 48 e 60 meses, em dois anos de produção (2012/13 e 2013/14). O ensaio foi instalado em Araponga (latitude 20o 39’ S, longitude 42o 32’ W e altitude 823 m), MG, em quatro experimentos, todos em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições e parcelas de quatro plantas, utilizando o espaçamento 2x2m, e duas testemunhas comuns aos experimentos, totalizando 1376 plantas. Os caracteres avaliados foram produtividade de frutos (PF), de grãos (PG) e de óleo (PO), em kg.ha-1, teor de óleo da semente (TO), em %, peso de 50 frutos (P50F) e 100 sementes (P100S), em g, comprimento (CF) e largura (LF) do fruto, e comprimento (CS) e largura (LS) da semente, em mm. Processou-se a estimação de parâmetros genéticos e a predição dos ganhos genéticos com a seleção de indivíduos e clones. Para as produtividades e teor de óleo, os resultados evidenciaram a existência de variabilidade genética entre as famílias e herdabilidades individuais de moderada a média magnitude, entre 0,19 e 0,51, adequadas para a seleção da principal característica a ser explorada, PO (0,50). Com base nos valores de repetibilidade ( > 0,60) dos caracteres PG e PO, duas medições ou colheitas consecutivas são suficientes, uma vez que as famílias mantiveram seus desempenhos relativos ao longo dos dois anos. A seleção, pelo valor genotípico, das 20 plantas superiores quanto à produtividade de óleo proporcionou ganho médio de 162,7%, superior à seleção de plantas pelos valores genéticos aditivos (157%), indicando maiores possibilidades de sucesso com a implantação de plantios clonais. / Jatropha curcas L. is one of the most promising oilseed for the production of biodiesel and bio-kerosene. For being an incipient perennial crop, evaluating productivity is important for your breeding. Estimates of genetic parameters are important for the characterization of the genetic structure of the population to the genetic understanding of the characters and for the prediction of gains from selection. This study evaluated the 78 accessions productivity potential (assumed to families half-sib) of J. curcas, with 48 and 60 months, two years of production (2012/13 and 2013/14). The experiment was conducted in Araponga (latitude 20o 39 'S, longitude 42o 32' W and altitude 823 m), MG, in four trials, all randomized blocks with four replicates and four plants per plot, using the spacing 2x2m, and two common checks to the experiments, totaling 1376 plants. The characters evaluated were fruit yield (PF), grains (PG) and oil (PO), in kg ha-1, seed oil content (TO), in%, weight of 50 fruits (P50F) and 100 seeds (P100S) in g, length (FL) and width (LF) of the fruit, and length (CS) and width (LS) seed, in mm. Was estimated genetic parameters and prediction of genetic gain with selection of individuals and clones. For the yield and oil content, the results showed the existence of genetic variability between individual families and heritability of moderate to medium magnitude, between 0.19 and 0.51, suitable for selecting the main feature to be explored, PO ( 0.50). Based on the repeatability values (> 0.60) for the PG and PO characteristics , two consecutive measurements or harvests are sufficient, since the families retained their relative performances throughout the two years. The selection by the genotypic value, the top 20 plants on the oil yield provided average gain of 162.7%, higher than the plant selection by additive genetic values (157%), indicating greater chances of success with the implementation of clonal plantations .

Aquaculture production is increasing annualy and wild fisheries for fishmeal production remain stagnant. As a consequence, extensive research has been deployed to reduce dietary fishmeal inclusion in feeds of farmed species. Usage of alternative protein sources derived from plants continues to increase with the most popular sources being oilseeds, legumes and cereal grains. The downside of these sources is that most of them could directly be used for human consumption arising legitimate criticism from voices referring to countries where protein shortages lead to malnutrition among the population. Jatropha curcas is a tropical oilseed with upcoming popularity for sustainable fuel sourcing. The plant is thought to thrive in semi-arid and arid areas, not just producing oil, but at the same time reclaiming previously eroded land for the local population. For these reasons, annual cultivation of Jatropha curcas is thought to rise over the next decades. After oil is extracted from the seed, the remaining press cake, is currently used as a fertilizer or energy source. This is mostly due to toxic phorbol esters that until recent- ly limited any nutritional applications. In 2011, a method to detoxify Jatropha press cake was developed and paved the way for nutritional research on the resulting detoxified Jatropha curcas kernel meal (JKM) to be launched. JKM offers very high protein content with a balanced amino acid composition suggesting opportunities for usage as a feedstuff in aquaculture diets. JKM further has higher mineral content than comparable oilseeds. However, potential anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) present in the meal could lead to impairment of nutrient availability or other adverse effects. Previous research has already started to evaluate JKM as a protein source for a variety of aquaculture species. This thesis attempts to further identify the potential of JKM as a protein source and assess the effects of JKM on the development of two model cultured teleost species, common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), as they represent two of the most farmed species, particularly in the tropics. The work comprises growth trials on both species using fishmeal as a subject of replacement in solely fishmeal protein-based diets and on more practical fishmeal/plant protein-based diets. It engages with the effects of phytate, a prominent component of JKM with potential anti-nutritional attributes and commercially available phytase feed supplements to diminish these attributes, as well as oxalate, another plant-specific component with high concentrations in JKM and with limited attention in aquaculture nutrition research. Carp and tilapia showed varying results with different inclusion levels of JKM. For carp 50% fishmeal replacement was possible without losses in growth in diets where fishmeal was the only bulk protein source (Chapter 3.1), Tilapia showed slightly worse growth at a 30% replacement level (Chapter 3.2). A steep decline in growth could be observed when replacing 100% fishmeal with JKM in carp (Chapter 3.1), while tilapia showed no difference at that level compared to 30% replacement (Chapter 3.2). In practical diets, 100% of fishmeal could be replaced by JKM without any adverse effects on growth of carp (Chapter 3.3), while tilapia showed a slight, but significant linear negative correlation with higher inclusion levels of JKM (Chapter 3.4). Phytase addition in tilapia feeds was identified as having no obvious impact on growth in JKM based diets where enough available phosphorus was provided through mineral supplementation (Chapter 4.1). In JKM based diets where available phosphate was not added, phytase addition showed a tendency to increase growth and significantly increased mineral retention and decreased phosphorus effluent contamination (Chapter 4.2). Phytase application through pre-incubating JKM along with citric acid exerted a positive effect of growth on carp when fishmeal protein was replaced by 50% (Chapter 3.1). Phytase was further shown to completely hydrolyze phytate in vitro; however, incomplete hydrolysis was observed in vivo in tilapia (Chapter 4.3). Dietary soluble oxalate added to fishmeal based diets for carp showed better growth parameters, nutrient and mineral retention at inclusion levels 1.5% and higher (Chapter 5.1). For tilapia, a trial could demonstrate adverse effects of oxalate on potassium, calcium, manganese and zinc digestibilities, in this case without negative effects on growth (Chapter 5.2). For both, carp and tilapia, an impact of oxalate on lipid metabolism was evident, lowering body lipid content and blood cholesterol in inclusion levels from 1.5% or higher. JKM can become a valuable alternative to present dietary protein sources in aquaculture feeds. The nutritional attributes of JKM need further research, especially longer-term testing in a commercial scenario and application in commercially produced feeds. Results of this thesis pose a useful addition to previous research and can be referred to for realizing these next steps.

No Brasil, vários trabalhos com pinhão-manso (Jatropha curcas L.) têm estudado a avaliação do estado nutricional, porém são poucas as investigações objetivando caracterizar a marcha de absorção, bem como as respostas bioquímicas e fisiológicas desta espécie ao manejo nutricional. antecipadamente o estado nutricional das plantas. Desse modo, o objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar a marcha de absorção no desenvolvimento inicial do pinhão-manso (Jatropha curcas L.), bem como as omissões de N, P, K, Ca, Mg e de S no crescimento inicial e no comportamento bioquímico e fisiológico dessa espécie e, por fim, prever os quadros sintomatológicos das deficiências. Para alcançar os objetivos propostos foram realizados dois experimentos simultâneos, conduzidos em casa de vegetação, sendo que as plantas foram cultivadas individualmente em vasos contendo solução nutritiva. No primeiro experimento - referente à marcha de absorção - a plantas foram cultivadas em solução nutritiva completa, sendo que as plantas eram retiradas a cada 14 dias para a determinação do acúmulo de massa seca e macronutrientes. No segundo experimento as plantas foram cultivadas em solução completa (controle) e omissão individual de N, P, K, Ca, Mg e de S. Neste experimento foram realizados testes bioquímicos e fisiológicas para a previsão de desordens nutricionais aos 20, 30, 40 e 120 dias após o inicio dos tratamentos. As primeiras manifestações de deficiência foram observadas para o Ca e N, seguidas das de Mg e K, contudo não foram observados sintomas de carência de P e S. As atividades das enzimas redutase do nitrato, da fosfatase ácida e da peroxidase, bem como a avaliação das concentrações de poliaminas, efetuadas no início do desenvolvimento das plantas, demonstraram ser indicadores para previsão das desordens nutricionais de N, P e K, respectivamente. As omissões individuais dos macronutrientes limitaram o desenvolvimento inicial do pinhão-manso, reduziram os teores de clorofila e a taxa fotossintética de forma distinta. Porém, a omissão de Ca foi a que mais limitou o desenvolvimento dessa espécie para todas as variáveis avaliadas / In Brazil, several studies with physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) have studied the assessment of nutritional status, but there are few investigations aiming to characterize the uptake and the biochemical and physiological responses to nutritional management of this species, for the purpose of prediction the nutritional status of plants. Thus, the objective with this study was to evaluate the uptake in the initial development of physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.), as well as the omission of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S, to physiological and biochemical assessments, and finally, predicting symptomatology frames deficiencies. To achieve the proposed objectives two experiments were conducted in a greenhouse. The plants were grown individually in pots containing nutrient solution. In the first experiment - uptake of macronutrients - the plants were grown in complete nutrient solution, whereas plants were taken every 14 days for the determination of dry matter and macronutrients accumulation. In the second experiment, the plants were grown in complete solution (control) and the omission of N, P , K , Ca , Mg and S. In this experiment biochemical and physiological tests were performed for predicting nutritional disorders at 20, 30, 40 and 120 days after initiation of treatment. The first manifestations of deficiency were observed for Ca and N, followed by Mg and K, but don\'t were observed symptoms of P and S deficiency. The activities of nitrate reductase, acid phosphatase and peroxidase, as well as the assessment of concentrations of polyamines, made in the early development of the plant, proved to forecast indicators of nutritional disorders of N, P and K, respectively. The individual macronutrients omissions limited the initial development of physic nut, in addition, reduced chlorophyll content and photosynthetic rate differently. However, the omission of Ca was the most limited growth of this species for all variables