Variables for the accelerated ageing (AA) test, methods for reducing fungal contamination during the AA test, using the conductivity test as a vigour test, the effect of seed size on seed vigour and the relationship between laboratory test results and field perfonnance in selected Brassica spp were investigated. In the first experiment, three seed lots of turnip rape hybrid (B. rapa x campestris), turnip (B. campestris) and forage rape (B. napus); and seven seed lots of Asian rape (B. napus), six seed lots of Asian kale (B. oleraceae var. alboglabra L.) and five seed lots of choisum (B. rapa var. pekinensis) with germinations above 90% were aged at two different temperatures (41 and 42°C ± 0.3°C) and three ageing times (24, 48 and 72 ± 15 minutes). The second experiment was divided into three sections. In the first, the same seed lots and species were aged at one temperature (41°C) and time (72 h), but either 40 ml of saturated salts; KCl (83%RH), NaCl (76%RH), NaBr (55%RH); or distilled water (96%RH) were used as the ageing solutions. In the second, one turnip rape hyprid seed lot was aged at three temperatures (41, 42 and 45°C) and two times (72 and 96h), again using the three saturated salts and distilled water as ageing solutions. In the third, three turnip rape hybrid seed lots and three Asian kale seed lots were surface sterilised (1 % sodium hypochlorite) prior to ageing at one temperature (41°C) and time (72 h). In the third experiment, the same species and seed lots used in experiment one at their original seed moisture content (SMC) were tested for conductivity after soaking in deionised water for 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 h. They were then re-tested after the SMC had been adjusted to 8.5%. In the fourth experiment, three seed lots of forage rape and three seed lots of Asian kale were graded into three seed size categories; large (retained on a 2.0 mm screen), medium (retained on a 1.7 mm screen) and small (passed through a 1.7 mm screen). Graded seeds were then tested for standard germination, AA (41°C/48 h) and conductivity (measured at 16 and 24 h). In the final experiment, the relationships between laboratory tests for the six species (each consisting of three seed lots), field emergence from three sowings, and cold room emergence were evaluated. Both time and temperature influenced post-AA germination. Increasing the ageing period from 48 to 72 hours at 41°C, and 24 to 48 hours at 42°C resulted in decreased mean germination percentage for all species but not always clear separation of seed lots. While there were sometimes few differences between ageing at 41°C and 42°C, the former is preferred because it is already the temperature used for other species. For Asian rape, choisum and turnip, the previously recommended testing conditions of 41°C/72 h provided good seed lot separation, but for Asian kale and turnip rape hybrid, AA testing at 41°C/48 h provided better results. Seed moisture content after ageing ranged from 29-37% depending on species. Fungal growth on seeds during the ageing period appeared to reduce post-ageing germination in some seed lots . Substituting saturated salts for distilled water did not stress seed lots in the AA test, due to the lowered RH%, the exception being seed lots 1210 and 1296. For forage and Asian species, seed lot germination mostly remained above 90% when aged for 72 h at lowered RH%. Increasing the ageing duration from 72 to 96 hours resulted in some decreases in post-AA germination but no clear separation of seed lots. Surface sterilising the seeds prior to the AA test resulted in a lower incidence of contaminant fungi which was associated with a lower percentage of abnormal seedlings. The conductivity test was mostly able to identify vigour differences among forage and Asian vegetable brassica seed lots. Differences in conductivity readings were observed among seed lots in all species. Increasing the period of imbibition resulted in increased conductivity from most seed lots but radicle emergence occurred after 16-20 h of imbibition. Variation was observed in the time to reach 95% maximum of the imbibition curve for most species. Conductivity readings at 16 h would avoid possible influences of radicle emergence on results. Adjusting the SMC to 8.5% resulted in reduced variation in conductivity among replicates of seed lots, due to a reduction in imbibition damage. Seed size had a significant effect on both post-AA germination and conductivity results. In forage rape, large size seeds had higher post-AA germination cf. medium cf. small size seeds. In Asian kale, large size seeds had higher post-AA germination compared with small size seeds. For both forage rape and Asian kale, large size seeds had lower conductivity readings cf. small size seeds. The correlation analyses demonstrated significant relationships between AA testing and field emergence parameters (percentage emergence, emergence index and emergence rate). Significant relationships were also observed between conductivity testing and these field emergence parameters. Based on the correlation analysis, AA testing at 41°C/48 hand/or 42°C/48 h could be recommended to be used as an AA test for turnip and Asian rape; and 41°C/48 hand/or 41°C/72 h for Asian kale and choisum. Based on the correlation analysis, conductivity testing at 16 h can be used to predict the field emergence potential of forage and Asian vegetable seed lots. Vigour tests were consistently able to provide better indicators of field perfonnance than the standard germination test, although these relationships did vary with the different field sowings.

Mémoire numérisé par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal

Variables for the accelerated ageing (AA) test, methods for reducing fungal contamination during the AA test, using the conductivity test as a vigour test, the effect of seed size on seed vigour and the relationship between laboratory test results and field perfonnance in selected Brassica spp were investigated. In the first experiment, three seed lots of turnip rape hybrid (B. rapa x campestris), turnip (B. campestris) and forage rape (B. napus); and seven seed lots of Asian rape (B. napus), six seed lots of Asian kale (B. oleraceae var. alboglabra L.) and five seed lots of choisum (B. rapa var. pekinensis) with germinations above 90% were aged at two different temperatures (41 and 42°C ± 0.3°C) and three ageing times (24, 48 and 72 ± 15 minutes). The second experiment was divided into three sections. In the first, the same seed lots and species were aged at one temperature (41°C) and time (72 h), but either 40 ml of saturated salts; KCl (83%RH), NaCl (76%RH), NaBr (55%RH); or distilled water (96%RH) were used as the ageing solutions. In the second, one turnip rape hyprid seed lot was aged at three temperatures (41, 42 and 45°C) and two times (72 and 96h), again using the three saturated salts and distilled water as ageing solutions. In the third, three turnip rape hybrid seed lots and three Asian kale seed lots were surface sterilised (1 % sodium hypochlorite) prior to ageing at one temperature (41°C) and time (72 h). In the third experiment, the same species and seed lots used in experiment one at their original seed moisture content (SMC) were tested for conductivity after soaking in deionised water for 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 h. They were then re-tested after the SMC had been adjusted to 8.5%. In the fourth experiment, three seed lots of forage rape and three seed lots of Asian kale were graded into three seed size categories; large (retained on a 2.0 mm screen), medium (retained on a 1.7 mm screen) and small (passed through a 1.7 mm screen). Graded seeds were then tested for standard germination, AA (41°C/48 h) and conductivity (measured at 16 and 24 h). In the final experiment, the relationships between laboratory tests for the six species (each consisting of three seed lots), field emergence from three sowings, and cold room emergence were evaluated. Both time and temperature influenced post-AA germination. Increasing the ageing period from 48 to 72 hours at 41°C, and 24 to 48 hours at 42°C resulted in decreased mean germination percentage for all species but not always clear separation of seed lots. While there were sometimes few differences between ageing at 41°C and 42°C, the former is preferred because it is already the temperature used for other species. For Asian rape, choisum and turnip, the previously recommended testing conditions of 41°C/72 h provided good seed lot separation, but for Asian kale and turnip rape hybrid, AA testing at 41°C/48 h provided better results. Seed moisture content after ageing ranged from 29-37% depending on species. Fungal growth on seeds during the ageing period appeared to reduce post-ageing germination in some seed lots . Substituting saturated salts for distilled water did not stress seed lots in the AA test, due to the lowered RH%, the exception being seed lots 1210 and 1296. For forage and Asian species, seed lot germination mostly remained above 90% when aged for 72 h at lowered RH%. Increasing the ageing duration from 72 to 96 hours resulted in some decreases in post-AA germination but no clear separation of seed lots. Surface sterilising the seeds prior to the AA test resulted in a lower incidence of contaminant fungi which was associated with a lower percentage of abnormal seedlings. The conductivity test was mostly able to identify vigour differences among forage and Asian vegetable brassica seed lots. Differences in conductivity readings were observed among seed lots in all species. Increasing the period of imbibition resulted in increased conductivity from most seed lots but radicle emergence occurred after 16-20 h of imbibition. Variation was observed in the time to reach 95% maximum of the imbibition curve for most species. Conductivity readings at 16 h would avoid possible influences of radicle emergence on results. Adjusting the SMC to 8.5% resulted in reduced variation in conductivity among replicates of seed lots, due to a reduction in imbibition damage. Seed size had a significant effect on both post-AA germination and conductivity results. In forage rape, large size seeds had higher post-AA germination cf. medium cf. small size seeds. In Asian kale, large size seeds had higher post-AA germination compared with small size seeds. For both forage rape and Asian kale, large size seeds had lower conductivity readings cf. small size seeds. The correlation analyses demonstrated significant relationships between AA testing and field emergence parameters (percentage emergence, emergence index and emergence rate). Significant relationships were also observed between conductivity testing and these field emergence parameters. Based on the correlation analysis, AA testing at 41°C/48 hand/or 42°C/48 h could be recommended to be used as an AA test for turnip and Asian rape; and 41°C/48 hand/or 41°C/72 h for Asian kale and choisum. Based on the correlation analysis, conductivity testing at 16 h can be used to predict the field emergence potential of forage and Asian vegetable seed lots. Vigour tests were consistently able to provide better indicators of field perfonnance than the standard germination test, although these relationships did vary with the different field sowings.

Cyrtanthus nutans (RA Dyer) is a KwaZulu-Natal Province near-endemic species, classified as vulnerable in South Africa (IUCN Red Data categories). Literature references suggest that no recent ecological research has been conducted on Cyrtanthus nutans. Last assessed in 2007, the current study determined the demographics and the abiotic and biotic factors that influenced the distribution and range of Cyrtanthus nutans. Key determinants influencing the autecology, distribution and population dynamics of Cyrtanthus nutans were investigated. Anthropological factors influencing the decline of populations were addressed. Two investigations were undertaken for the current study on Cyrtanthus nutans in Dundee in North-western KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa namely a survey to determine the population dynamics and autecology of the species and the effect key determinants have on the recruitment and survival. Sites of occurrence and the ecological and anthropological factors that influence the existence of plants were documented. Experimental plots were conducted to determine the influence of climatological factors, fire and defoliation on the emergence and survival of Cyrtanthus nutans plants. A preference was found for soils with high nitrogen and organic carbon, low phosphorus and acidity levels situated on slopes of < 10% on mid to lower terrain slopes within an altitude range of between 1 100 and 1 300 m (a.m.s.l.) in the Sour Sandveld and Moist Tall Grassveld Bioresource Groups. The influence that climatological factors, fire and defoliation had on the emergence and seed recruitment of Cyrtanthus nutans were determined through a small plot experiment in the Dundee area. Mean relative humidity (%) and mean rainfall two weeks before emergence in conjunction with treatments were highly significant (P<0.001). Burning treatments B (fire inclusion and defoliation inclusion) and BC (fire inclusion and defoliation exclusion) were more highly significant on the emergence of Cyrtanthus nutans plants than any other treatments. ii | P a g e Increasing fragmentation of thriving populations of Cyrtanthus nutans populations is occurring through landuse change, mismanagement of veld and non-compliance of legislation. Continued monitoring and awareness is essential in the survival of this species. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Sciences)

This thesis deals with grasslands, distribution, husbandry, nutrition and treatment. Furthermore, the botanical composition of grasslands and the most important species of weeds, application of N fixation of legumes and plants. In another part of the description and application of dicotyledonous herbs and their economic importance. Furthermore, determination and maintenance of the water system at the sites, and nutrition and fertilization dicotyledonous herbs and vegetation preservation and storage of forage. A key goal of this work is the plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.), its ecology and involvement in different vegetation types. A separate chapter is devoted to the description of the biology, pollination, phenology and agro ? technical cultivation of plantain. The last chapter describes the use of the drug substance and plantain in pharmacy. In the second part of the work to illustrate knowledge of the occurrence of Plantago lanceolata supplemented by results of our own observations (tables and graphs) showing the involvement of P. lanceolata in different types of grassland and two-year follow-up period.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / The ecology of regeneration and population dynamics is necessary information to the conservation and management of forest ecosystems. Thus, this study aimed to characterize: a) the mechanisms of natural regeneration in a Mixed Rain Forest remnant and b) the population structure of Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze, Blepharocalyx salicifolius (Kunth) O. Berg and Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil. Therefore, the structure of the sample project PELD/CNPq was utilized, which was installed in the National Forest of São Francisco de Paula, RS, Brazil to evaluate six clusters (1 ha), with 16 plots (20 x 20m) each, disregarding 10m surround. The mechanisms of regeneration that have been evaluated were seed rain (SR), soil seed bank (SB) and a seedling bank (SeB) (individuals ≥ 30cm in height and diameter at breast height (DBH) <1cm). Additionally, natural regeneration establishment (RNE) (1 ≤ DBH <4.8 cm) sampled in cells of 3.16 x 3.16m, the size class I (SC I) ( 4.8 ≤ DBH <9.55 cm) in plots 10 x 10m and SC II (DBH ≥ 9.55 cm) shown on 96 plots of 20 x 20m were also considered for the study of populations. These data were collected in 2008, also being measured the DBH and sociological position. The mechanisms of regeneration were evaluated for the floristic composition and horizontal structure. In addition, the cluster analysis method TWINSPAN (Two-way Indicator Species Analysis) and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) were performed for the SeB. The population structure of the three species was examined by characterization of the sociological position, spatial distribution and frequency in size classes. In SR, we sampled 81 species, 46 genera and 28 families, in SB, 103, 65 and 41 and in SeB, 88, 57 and 36, respectively. The analysis by TWINSPAN ordered the formation of three groups in SeB, with their history of interference and environmental conditions. The CCA indicated the slope as environmental variable with the greatest influence on the distribution of plots and species. Group 1 had higher deposition of seeds, however, the lowest densities for the SB and SeB, which is correlated with a decrease in slope. The highest values in SR, SB and SeB were observed in Group 2, with the highest level of anthropogenic interference. Group 3, with lower SR and intermediate density for the other mechanisms, had its plots distributed in accordance with the increase in slope. Allophylus edulis (A. St.- Hil., Cambess & A. Juss.) Radlk., Piper xylosteoides Steud. and Piper aduncum L. showed positive correlation with the increase in slope. The population structure of the three species that were studied showed clustered distribution. Araucaria angustifolia, which is an emerging species, showed high density of individuals regenerating in environments with higher levels of alteration. Blepharocalyx salicifolius and Ilex paraguariensis, have distributed themselves predominantly in the upper and middle strata, and have shown higher population stability within the group on more advanced successional stage. Consequently, it is possible to conclude that the groups determine different patterns in forest regeneration and the structure of populations; therefore, they should be considered in case of possible interventions in the ecosystem. / A ecologia da regeneração e a dinâmica de populações constituem informações necessárias à conservação e ao manejo dos ecossistemas florestais. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivos caracterizar: a) os mecanismos de regeneração natural em um remanescente de Floresta Ombrófila Mista; e b) a estrutura populacional de Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze, Blepharocalyx salicifolius (Kunth) O. Berg e Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil. Deste modo, utilizou-se a estrutura amostral do projeto PELD/CNPq, instalada na Floresta Nacional de São Francisco de Paula, RS, Brasil, sendo avaliados seis conglomerados (1ha), com 16 parcelas (20 x 20m) cada, desconsiderando 10m de bordadura. Os mecanismos de regeneração avaliados foram chuva de sementes (CS), banco de sementes do solo (BS) e banco de plântulas (BP) (indivíduos com altura ≥ 30cm e diâmetro à altura do peito (DAP) < 1cm). Adicionalmente, para o estudo das populações, considerou-se: a regeneração natural estabelecida (RNE) (1 ≤ DAP < 4,8cm) amostrada em células de 3,16 x 3,16m; a classe de tamanho I (CT I) (4,8 ≤ DAP < 9,55cm) em subparcelas 10 x 10m; e a CT II (DAP ≥ 9,55cm) inventariada nas 96 parcelas de 20 x 20m. Esses dados foram coletados em 2008, sendo mensurados o DAP e a posição sociológica. Os mecanismos de regeneração foram avaliados quanto à composição florística e estrutura horizontal. Além disso, para o BP foi realizada a análise de agrupamento, pelo método TWINSPAN (Two-way Indicator Species Analysis) e análise de correspondência canônica (CCA). A estrutura populacional das três espécies foi analisada pela caracterização da posição sociológica, distribuição espacial e frequência em classes de tamanho. Na CS, foram amostradas 81 espécies, 46 gêneros e 28 famílias, no BS, 103, 65 e 41 e no BP, 88, 57 e 36, respectivamente. A análise pelo TWINSPAN determinou a formação de três grupos no BP, com respectivos históricos de interferência e condições mbientais. A CCA indicou a declividade como variável ambiental com maior influência sobre a distribuição das parcelas e espécies. O Grupo 1 apresentou elevada deposição de diásporos, porém, as menores densidades para o BS e BP, estando correlacionado com a diminuição na declividade. Os maiores valores, na CS, BS e BP foram observados no Grupo 2, com maior nível de interferência antrópica. O Grupo 3, com menor CS e densidade intermediária para os demais mecanismos, teve suas parcelas distribuídas de acordo com o aumento na inclinação do terreno. Allophylus edulis (A. St.-Hil., Cambess & A. Juss.) Radlk., Piper xylosteoides Steud. e Piper aduncum L. apresentaram correlação positiva com o aumento na declividade. A estrutura populacional das três espécies estudadas indicou distribuição espacial agregada. Araucaria angustifolia, espécie emergente, apresentou elevada densidade de indivíduos regenerantes em ambientes com maior nível de alteração. Blepharocalyx salicifolius e Ilex paraguariensis distribuíram-se, predominantemente, nos estratos superior e médio respectivamente, e apresentaram maior estabilidade populacional no grupo em estádio sucessional mais avançado. Pelo exposto, concluí-se que os agrupamentos determinam padrões diferenciados, na regeneração da floresta e na estrutura das populações, devendo ser considerados em caso de possíveis intervenções no ecossistema.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Aiming to characterize the main transgenic soybeans cultivars used in Rio Grande do Sul, experiments were conducted during the 2007/2008 season, in Santa Maria/RS. In the field, the cultivars Relmo Anta RR 82, A 6001 RG, A 8000 RG, FUNDACEP 53 RR, FUNDACEP 54 RR, FUNDACEP 56 RR, BRS 244 RR, and CD 214 RR CD 219 RR, drilled at seeds rates of 250, 400 and 550 thousand seed ha-1 and at row spacing of 0.30, 0.45 and 0.60m. The variables were: grain yield, yield components, distribution of income in different strata of the plant, morphological characteristics, rate of soil covering and amount of light incident on the canopy. The experimental design was a randomized blocks, with 4 repetitions in trifatorial outline (9 cultivars x 3 seed rates x 3 row spacing). In laboratory, tests of peroxidase reaction had been carried through only using the tegument of the seeds or the entire seeds and also seedling color for 50 soybean cultivars. For the grain yield cultivars CD 214 RR and FUNDACEP 53 RR had the best results (3589 and 3530 kg ha-1, respectively). For the distribution of income in the plant strata, there is interaction between density of planting and row spacing, which indicate the trends for each cultivar. For the amount of light incident on the canopy, the interactions between the factors of planting density, row spacing, timing of the cycle of development and level of the canopy, combined with the architecture of each cultivar define the amount of light intercepted, after flowering. The morphological response of each cultivar is different for every situation tested, indicating the need for understanding the behavior of each material, to select the practices to maximize the yield. The use of the test of reaction of peroxidase used the entire seed can be used of so efficient form how much the traditionally used method (tegument). The identification of the seedling color may be an early way to identify varietal blend. / Com o objetivo de caracterizar as principais cultivares transgênicas de soja utilizadas no Rio Grande do Sul, foram realizados experimentos durante a safra agrícola 2007/2008, em Santa Maria/RS. Em campo, as cultivares Relmo Anta 82 RR, A 6001 RG, A 8000 RG, FUNDACEP 53 RR, FUNDACEP 54 RR, FUNDACEP 56 RR, BRS 244 RR, CD 214 RR e CD 219 RR foram submetidas às densidade de semeadura de 250, 400 e 550 mil semente ha-1 e aos espaçamentos entre linhas de 0,30, 0,45 e 0,60m. As variáveis avaliadas foram: rendimento de grãos, componentes do rendimento, distribuição do rendimento em diferentes estratos da planta, características morfológicas, taxa de cobertura do solo e quantidade de luz incidente no dossel. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso, com 4 repetições, no esquema trifatorial (9 cultivares x 3 densidades de semeadura x 3 espaçamentos entre linhas). Em laboratório, foram realizados testes de reação da peroxidase utilizando somente o tegumento das sementes ou as sementes inteiras e também coloração do hipocótilo para 50 cultivares de soja. Para o rendimento de grãos as cultivares CD 214 RR e FUNDACEP 53 RR apresentaram os melhores resultados (3589 e 3530 kg ha-1, respectivamente). Para a distribuição do rendimento nos estratos da planta, existe interação entre densidade de semeadura e espaçamento entre linhas, os quais indicam as tendências para cada cultivar. Para a quantidade de luz incidente no dossel, as interações entre os fatores densidade de semeadura, espaçamento entre linhas, época do ciclo de desenvolvimento e nível do dossel, aliados à arquitetura de cada cultivar definem a quantidade de luz interceptada, após o florescimento. A resposta morfológica de cada cultivar é diferenciada para todas as situações testadas, indicando a necessidade do conhecimento do comportamento de cada material, para a escolha das práticas que visem maximizar o rendimento de grãos. O uso do teste de reação da peroxidase utilizando a semente inteira pode ser utilizado de forma tão eficiente quanto o método tradicionalmente utilizado (tegumento). A identificação da coloração do hipocótilo pode ser uma forma precoce de identificar mistura varietal.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / CHAPTER II: Eugenia calycina is a fruit bearing species which is present in areas of the Savannah, whose fruit and seed morpho-physiological characteristics are rare. This being so, the objectives of the study were to quantify the influence of fruit coloration in the morphophysiological characters of fruit and seeds of the species; to determine pulp yield and to indicate the potential of the species for genetic improvement programs. In November 2006, fruits in green, orange, bright-red and dark-red colorations, 50 of each coloration were collected, their seeds extracted and both measured with relation to length and width, as well as fresh and dry weight pulp. In November 2007, from 20 matrixes, the number of fruits per plant and pulp yield was determined. The distribution for t Student was used to build confidential intervals for length, width and fresh and dry weight pulp and test the correlation coefficient between characters of the fruit and fresh weight pulp. Frequencies asymmetry and kurtosis measurements indicated the nature of the width and length distribution. Great ranges were observed in fruit size (8-20 mm width; 10-30 mm length) and seeds (8-14 mm width; 7-14 mm length), within the same maturation stage. The symmetrical and mesokurtic nature of the width and length distributions of the fruit and seeds reveal their genetic potential for selection, even with the anthropization of their area of occurrence. The production of fruit per plant was variable (3 to 20), with pulp yield estimated at 59.1%. CHAPTER III: The occurrence of fruit bearing species extensively cultivated in Brazil gives evidence to the need for a better knowledge of native flora and preservation of natural vegetable resources. The aimed was quantifying the influence of the coloration of Eugenia calycina Cambess. fruits in the emergency and development process of seedlings with the purpose of production of same. For the collection, green, orange, bright-red and dark-red coloring patterns of the fruit were established. These indicated the different maturation stages. The emergency experiment was installed in randomized block design, with four treatments (maturation stages) and seven repetitions of 28 seeds, totaling 28 parcels. To evaluate the seedling development, two independent experiments were installed both in randomized block design, using seedlings from the emergency test. In the first experiment, the treatments consisted of seedlings from the emergency test in different maturation stages (green, orange, bright-red and dark-red) and in the second, they consisted of a mixture of substrata containing commercial, vermicular and coconut peel substratum in different proportions. The fruit maturation stages did not affect the emergency process significantly, not even with regards to the increments in hypocotyls height, root length, stem diameter and number of leaves. The seedling emergence capacity was high (83.67 to 90.31%), however, on average, less than one seedling emerged per day (VE = 0.737 to 0.819 seedlings per day). Seedling growth was slow, maximum of 7 cm in 210 days, even when substratum was supplemented with chemical dressing (osmocote®), coconut peel and vermicular substratum. / CAPÍTULO II: Eugenia calycina é uma espécie frutífera de ocorrência em áreas de Cerrado, cujas características morfofisiológicas de frutos e sementes são escassas. Diante disso, os objetivos do trabalho foram quantificar a influência da coloração do fruto nos caracteres morfofisiológicos de frutos e sementes da espécie; determinar o rendimento de polpa e indicar o potencial da espécie para programas de melhoramento genético. Em novembro de 2006, cinqüenta frutos, na coloração verde, laranja, vermelho-claro e vermelhoescuro, foram coletados, extraídas suas sementes e ambos medidos quanto ao comprimento e largura, além das massas das matérias fresca e seca da polpa. Em novembro de 2007, de vinte matrizes, determinaram-se o número de frutos por planta e o rendimento de polpa. A distribuição t de Student foi utilizada para construir intervalos de confiança para comprimento, largura e massa das matérias fresca e seca de polpa, e testar o coeficiente de correlação entre caracteres do fruto e a massa fresca de polpa. Freqüências percentuais e medidas de assimetria e curtose indicaram a natureza da distribuição da largura e do comprimento. Grandes amplitudes foram observadas na morfometria dos frutos (8-20 mm de largura; 10-30 mm de comprimento) e das sementes (8-14 mm largura; 7-14 mm comprimento), dentro do mesmo estádio de maturação. A natureza simétrica e mesocúrtica das distribuições de largura e comprimento dos frutos e sementes revelam seu potencial genético para seleção, mesmo com a antropização de sua área de ocorrência. A produção de frutos por planta foi variável (3 a 20), com rendimento de polpa estimado em 59,1%. CAPITULO III: A ocorrência de espécies frutíferas amplamente cultivadas no Brasil evidencia a necessidade de melhor conhecimento da flora nativa e da preservação dos recursos vegetais naturais. Diante disso, objetivou-se quantificar a influência da coloração dos frutos de Eugenia calycina Cambess. no processo de emergência e no desenvolvimento de plântulas para fins de produção de mudas. Na coleta foram estabelecidos os padrões de coloração do fruto, verde, laranja, vermelho-claro e vermelho-escuro, indicando os diferentes estádios de maturação. O experimento de emergência foi instalado em delineamento de blocos casualizados, com quatro tratamentos (estádios de maturação) e sete repetições de 28 sementes, totalizando 28 parcelas. Para avaliar o desenvolvimento de plântulas, dois experimentos independentes foram instalados, ambos em delineamento de blocos casualizados, usando plântulas do teste de emergência. No primeiro, os tratamentos constaram de plântulas do teste de emergência em diferentes estádios de maturação (verde, laranja, vermelho-claro e vermelho-escuro) e, no segundo, constaram de mistura de substratos contendo substrato comercial, vermiculita e casca de coco em diferentes proporções. Os estádios de maturação dos frutos não afetaram significativamente o processo de emergência, nem mesmo os incrementos em altura do hipocótilo, comprimento de raiz, diâmetro do caule e número de folhas. A capacidade de emergência das plântulas foi alta (83,67 a 90,31%), porém, em média, menos de uma plântula emergiu por dia (VE = 0,737 a 0,819 plântulas por dia). O crescimento das plântulas foi lento, máximo de 7 cm em 210 dias, mesmo quando o substrato foi suplementado com adubação química (osmocote®), casca de coco e vermiculita. / Mestre em Agronomia

A restauração florestal em matas ciliares é de suma importância para os processos de recuperação de áreas degradadas e conectividade da flora e fauna. O presente experimento foi instalado às margens do reservatório de Borborema - SP, com o objetivo de averiguar o acúmulo de biomassa de trinta espécies arbóreas nativas frente a dois sistemas silviculturais e dois tipos de recipientes de produção de mudas. O ensaio foi instalado em duas áreas com umidade de solo distintas, sendo uma mais seca, sem encharcamento mesmo em períodos chuvosos, outra mais úmida, com encharcamento. Os sistemas de manejo testados foram: i) convencional e operacionalmente utilizado pela empresa AES-Tietê; e ii) potencial, com maior nutrição e maior controle de mato-competição. Os recipientes de produção de mudas testados foram o tubete pequeno, com 56 cm3; e tubete grande com 290 cm3. O estudo foi instalado em fatorial 2x2, com os fatores Manejo e Tubete e dois níveis de cada fator (potencial e convencional, e tubete pequeno e grande) com quatro repetições na área seca. Não ocorreu interação entre os fatores estudados. Na área seca, o tratamento que utilizou tubete grande e manejo potencial apresentou diâmetro e altura 30% superiores que o tratamento que utilizou tubete pequeno e manejo convencional, e uma superioridade em 70% no Índice de Área Foliar e 62% no acúmulo de biomassa aos dois anos. O tubete grande apresentou sobrevivência de plantio 13% superior ao tubete pequeno e ganho em biomassa média das mudas de 43%. O manejo potencial apresentou área basal superior ao manejo convencional (6,23 versus 4,09m2ha-1) e IAF superior (1,28 versus 0,58 m2m- 2). Na área úmida, as zonas de alagamento baixo, médio e total apresentaram área basal decrescentes de 4,4 m2 ha-1, 2,6 m2 ha-1 e 0,9 m2 ha-1. Com esses resultados é possível concluir que as espécies nativas possuem capacidade de melhor desempenho quando produzidas em tubetes maiores e sob sistema silvicultural mais intensivo e que o alagamento (falta de aeração da raiz) é um estresse ambiental que requer melhor compreensão por ser altamente limitante à restauração com as espécies tradicionais. / Riparian forest restoration is extremely important for the processes of degraded areas restoration and connectivity of flora and fauna. This study was established on the Reservoirs of the Borborema Lake - SP, with the purpose to determine the biomass accumulation of thirty tree species native to two silvicultural systems and two sizes of hard plastic tubes for seedling production. This trial was conducted in two areas with different soil moisture, a more drought, without flooding even during rainy periods, and another more humid, with frequent flooding. The following silvicultural systems were tested: i) traditional, one who is operationally used by the AES Tiete company; ii) potential, with greater nutrition and greater weed control. The containers for seedlings production tested were small hard plastic tubes with 56 cm3, and large hard plastic tubes with 290 cm3. The study was carried out in a factorial 22, with factors such as silvicultural systems and sizes of recipients, being two levels of each factor (potential, traditional, small and large hard plastic tubes) and four replications in a dry area. There was no interaction between the factors studied. In dry area the treatment that used large hard plastic tubes and potential silvicultural system showed diameter and height 30% higher than the treatment that used small hard plastic tubes and traditional silvicultural system, and also a superiority of 70% for the Leaf Area Index and 62% for biomass to two years. The seedlings produced in large hard plastic tubes showed survival at planting 13% higher than those grown in small hard plastic tubes. Was also observed that the mean biomass of seedlings was 43% higher for treatment of large tubes. Potential silvicultural system showed basal area greater than the traditional silvicultural system (6.23 vs. 4.09 m2 ha-1) and higher LAI (1.28 vs. 0.58 m2 m-2). In the wetlands, the zones of low, medium and high flooding frequency showed decreasing basal area of 4.4 m2 ha-1, 2.6 m2 ha-1 and 0.9 m2 ha-1. With these results we can conclude that native species have a higher performance when produced in large hard plastic tubes and under more intensive silvicultural system and flooding (lack of aeration of the root) is an environmental stress that requires better understanding because it is factor highly limiting for the restoration with the traditional species.

A produção de mudas via propagação vegetativa é fundamental para se obter os ganhos desejados nos programas de melhoramento genético, bem como garantir o sucesso da implantação florestal. No entanto, existem muitos fatores que impedem a sua utilização de forma abrangente na produção de mudas para algumas espécies florestais, principalmente em relação à baixa taxa de enraizamento. Para atender a essa necessidade, pesquisas com o uso de substâncias que promovam maior taxa de enraizamento de miniestacas e crescimento de mudas vem sendo desenvolvidas, como o uso de reguladores de crescimento e de bioestimulantes à base de substâncias húmicas. Dessa forma o objetivo do presente trabalho é avaliar o efeito de adubos foliares e condicionadores de solo na produção de mudas clonais de híbridos de Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis vs. elliottii var. elliottii e de Pinus tecunumanii vs. caribaea var. hondurensis. Os experimentos foram desenvolvidos em viveiro florestal na cidade de Paranapanema-SP, com delineamento de blocos ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 4x2, com duração de seis meses. Foram utilizados dois condicionadores de solo, sendo o C1 à base de pescados marinhos e o C2 à base de ácidos húmicos e quatro adubos foliares, sendo AF1 à base de quitosana, AF2 à base de pescados marinhos, AF3 à base de ácido húmico e AF4 extrato da alga Ascoplhyllum nodosum, além da mistura dos adubos M1AF (AF2+AF3+AF4) e o M2AF (AF1+AF3+AF4). Foram instalados dois experimentos: 1) híbrido de P. caribaea var. hondurensis vs. elliottii var. elliottii, testando a combinação dos dois condicionadores de solo e os adubos AF2, AF3, AF4 e M1AF e 2) híbrido de P. tecunumanii vs. carearia var. hondurensis em que a única alteração nos tratamentos foi o AF2 por AF1 e o M1AF por M2AF. As mudas foram avaliadas nas três fases da seguinte forma: 1) casa de vegetação: taxa de enraizamento; 2) casa de sombra: altura, massa seca e verde da parte aérea e radicial e a relação entre elas; e 3) rustificação: avaliadas as mesmas variáveis da casa de sombra, além do estado nutricional das acículas. Para o experimento 1, a taxa de enraizamento com C2 + AF3 foi 46,67% maior quando comparada à testemunha, comprovando o efeito positivo das substâncias húmicas no enraizamento. Já na fase de rustificação, a interação C1 + AF3 promoveu maior crescimento das mudas. Para o experimento 2, não houve diferença nas taxas de enraizamento na casa de vegetação, devido a característica de rápido crescimento do P. tecunumanii. E, na fase de rustificação, o adubo foliar AF4 promoveu maior crescimento somente em altura. Na casa de sombra, os tratamentos testados não promoveram crescimento significativo para ambos os híbridos. Os teores nutricionais analisados nas acículas estão dentro dos níveis adequados para ambos os experimentos. Somente o Mn apresentou baixo teor, mas sem sintomas de deficiência no experimento 2. Os híbridos obtiveram respostas diferentes quando submetidos a tratamentos semelhantes e a determinação do tratamento adequado vai depender do gargalo na produção de mudas, podendo este ser o enraizamento ou o crescimento. / The production of cuttings by vegetative propagation is essential to obtain the desired accomplishment in genetic improvement programs and ensure the success of forest establishment. However there are many factors that prevent their use in a comprehensive manner considering the production of cuttings for some forest species especially in low rooting rate. In order to meet this need research on the use of substances that promote greater rooting rates of minicuttings and growth of cuttings have been developed with the use of growth regulators and biostimulants based on humic substances. Thus the purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of foliar fertilizers and soil conditioners in the production of Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis vs. elliottii var. elliottii and Pinus tecunumanii vs. caribaea var. hondurensis hybrids cuttings. The experiment was conducted in the city of Paranapanema-SP using cutting nursery with delineation of randomized blocks in a factorial arrangement 4x2, lasting six months. It used two soil conditioners, the C1 based on marine fish and C2 based on humic acids and 4 foliar fertilizers, the AF1 chitosan base, AF2 based on marine fish, AF3 based on humic acid and AF4 by Ascoplhyllum nodosum seaweed extract, besides the mixture of fertilizers M1AF (AF2;AF3;AF4) and M2AF (AF1;AF3;AF4). Two experiments were implemented: 1) hybrid of P. caribaea var. hondurensis vs. elliottii var. elliottii, testing the combination of two soil conditioners as well as fertilizers AF2, AF3, AF4 and M1AF and 2) hybrid of P. tecunumanii vs. caribaea var. hondurensis in which the only change in treatment was the AF2 by AF1 and M1AF by M2AF. Cuttings were evaluated in three phases as follows: 1) greenhouse: rooting rate; 2) shade house: higher, aerial drywet mass and radicial part as well as the relationship between them; 3) hardening: the shade house had the same variables evaluated, in addition with the nutritional status of needles. For the experiment 1, the rooting rate with C2 + AF3 were 46.67% higher compared with the control, this stated the positive effect of humic substances on rooting. Considering the hardening phase C1 + AF3 interaction promoted greater seedling growth. For the experiment 2 there was no difference in rooting rates at greenhouse, because the characteristic of fast growth of P. tecunumanii. In hardening phase, the foliar fertilizer AF4 promoted greater growth only in height. In the shade house treatments did not promote significant growth for both hybrids. Nutritional contents analyzed the needles leaves are within appropriate levels for both experiments. Mn showed only low level, but without deficiency symptoms in the experiment 2. Different answers were obtained on hybrids when subjected to similar treatment and to determine the appropriate treatment will depend on the obstaclecuttings production, which may either rooting or growth.