Newsletter - Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences

ISSUE 65

AABC - volume 95.4 2023

I am pleased to introduce the latest regular issue of the Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (AABC), the sole broad multidisciplinary periodical edited in Brazil. As I have pointed out in several editorials over the last three years, "life" has not been easy for editors of scientific journals. Lack of funding has led to increased rejection rates and publications delays, among others.

In the present issue, the reader will find papers that cover a variety of fields, including Cellular and Molecular Biology (CeMoBio), Microbiology (Mcbio), Ecosystems (Ecosy), Animal Science (AnSci), Crop Science (CrSci), and Forestry Science (FoSci).

As always, it is very difficult to choose the highlights. In any case, I would like to draw your attention to studies that address deforestation pattern in Minas Gerais (FoSci), the influence of storage on the quality of coffee and essential oil for controlling agricultural pests (CrSci), corn straw and quality of lamb meat and the use of homeopathic products in the meat quality of pigs (AnSci), pest grasshoppers in the Argentina Pampas and insect galls from the Amazon (Ecosy), pathology in a particular virus (Mcbio), and structural and histochemical features of a particular fish (CeMoBio).

As always, remember that since 2000 all articles published by the AABC can be downloaded free of charge on the SciELO site and previous editions of the Newsletter are available on the ABC website. Send this information to your colleagues and students - they surely will find a paper of interest.

Alexander W. A. Kellner
Editor-in-Chief

CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

1- Oxidative stress in Arthrospira platensis by two organophosphate pesticides

HATİCE TUNCA, ALİ DOĞRU, FERAY KÖÇKAR, HEDİYE E. KILIÇ & TUĞBA O. SEVİNDİK

Organophosphate pesticides are often preferred due to their wide range of activities and low cost. These compounds can enter the aquatic ecosystem through basin drainage, accidental spillage or spraying into the air. They interfere with the aquatic ecosystem via metabolization by cyanobacteria and algae. Chlorpyrifos and Dimethoate pesticides used in the study inhibit A. platensis growth and chlorophyll-a production and cause oxidative stress. The excessive use may affect the phytoplankton and have negative consequences in the aquatic ecosystem.

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2- Structural and histochemical aspects of the Gymnotus carapo tegument (Teleostei: Gymnotiformes)

TANIA BLANCO COHENE, GABRIELA OLEA & CAROLINA FLORES QUINTANA

Rodlet cells (RC) of teleosts are used as biomarkers of physiological state. The study's objectives were to characterize the stages of CR and to count them in the kidney of Gymnotus carapo from different environments using histological and histochemical techniques. RCs are PAS+ and have an eccentric nucleus. It has a granular, transitional stage with larger granules; the mature stage has a pyriform shape and elongated granules, and the secretory stage has a discontinuous capsule. The RCs in the kidney of G. carapo are found in the same proportion, regardless of the origin, differing only in cell size.

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3- Revision and analysis of the chromosome variability in the speciose genus Akodon (Rodentia, Sigmodontinae), including new data from Argentina

CAROLINA A. LABARONI, VAITIARE A. PAEZ COLL MAIRHOFER, AGUSTINA A. OJEDA, AGUSTINA NOVILLO, PABLO TETA, PABLO JAYAT, RICARDO A. OJEDA, LEANDRO M. BUSCHIAZZO, EUGENIO N. CÁLCENA, ALEJANDRO D. BOLZÁN & CECILIA LANZONE

Rodents has a high species number and chromosomal variability. The South American genus Akodon is one of the most speciose, with more than 40 species. Here, we characterize cytogenetically specimens of Akodon from central-western Argentina. Subsequently, we reviewed and analyzed the cytogenetic data for this genus, build a phylogeny and mapped chromosome changes to interpret its evolution. The complement with 2n=40/FNa=40 is the most frequent and is shared by most species in some groups. Chromosome numbers are very diverse. The FNa shows less variability. This indicates a complex chromosome restructuring in Akodon, and suggests independent chromosome evolution in some lineages.

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4- Proteomic characterization and biological activities of the mucus produced by the zoanthid Palythoa caribaeorum (Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1860)

MARLLYN M. SILVA, THIERS A. CAMPOS, ISABELLA M.F. CAVALCANTI, IDJANE S. OLIVEIRA, CARLOS DANIEL PÉREZ, ROBERTO AFONSO DA SILVA, MARCELA S.O. WANDERLEY & NOEMIA P.S. SANTOS

Mucus, produced by Palythoa caribaeorum has been popularly reported due to healing, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. However, biochemical and pharmacological properties of this mucus remains unexplored. Proteomics study protein extract (PE) identified 14 proteins including proteins involved in the process of tissue regeneration and death of tumor cells. The PE exhibited cell viability below 50% in tumor cells and favored the cellular growth of fibroblasts. Present an MIC 250μg/mL. These findings revealed the mucus produced by Palythoa caribaeorum with biological activities, offering alternative therapies for the treatment of cancer and as a potential antibacterial agent.

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5- Effects of sub-chronic CRH administration into the hypothalamic paraventricular and central amygdala nuclei in male rats with a focus on food intake biomarkers

ATEFEH RAYATPOUR, MARYAM RADAHMADI, MINA S. IZADI & MAEDEH GHASEMI

CRH neurons are found in the paraventricular nucleu­(PVN) and central amygdala­(CeA) nuclei. This study investigated the effects of sub-chronic CRH administration into the PVN and CeA nuclei on food intake biomarkers. Rats divided into groups: control, shams, CRH-PVN and CRH-CeA groups(receiving CRH for seven days). CRH administration into the PVN affected both leptin and ghrelin levels, but ghrelin had greater impact on glucose variations and cumulative food intake than leptin. Finally, CRH administration into the PVN and CeA likely activated the HPA axis, and the CeA had a greater impact on the stress circuit than on food intake behavior.

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6- Chlorpyrifos toxicity and detoxifying enzymes activities in three native-aquatic species of macroinvertebrates from an agricultural area

BETSABÉ LARES, JOSEFINA DEL BRIO, LAURA PARRA-MORALES, HUGO FERNÁNDEZ & CRISTINA MONTAGNA

Evaluation of chlorpyrifos toxicity and detoxifying enzymes activities in Hyalella curvispina; Heleobia parchappii; Girardia tigrine, native species from agricultural areas from Argentina. 

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MICROBIOLOGY

7- Porungo cheese whey: a new substrate to produce β-galactosidase

RAFAELA J.S. COELHO, SABRINA GABARDO, ALINE VITÓRIA C. MARIM, LAIS S. BOLOGNESI, NATAN J. PIMENTEL FILHO & MARCO ANTÔNIO Z. AYUB

The bioconversion of porungo cheese whey to produce β-galactosidase in batch system was studied. The whey released after curd cutting and precipitation during porungo cheese production was collected in borosilicate flasks. Two strains of Kluyveromyces marxianus, CCT 4086 and CBS 6556, and whey supplementation with different nitrogen sources were evaluated. Porungo cheese whey shows potential for industrial β-galactosidase production by microbial fermentation.

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8- Evaluation of cell disruption methods in the oleaginous yeasts Yarrowia lipolytica QU21 and Meyerozyma guilliermondii BI281A for microbial oil extraction

CARINA A. TIMOTHEO, MARIANA F. FABRICIO, MARCO ANTÔNIO Z. AYUB & PATRICIA VALENTE

The interest for oleaginous yeasts has grown in the last decades due to their potential use as a renewable source of microbial oil. The methodologies for cell disruption to obtain the microbial oil are critical and determinant for a large-scale production. This work evaluated different methods for yeast cell wall disruption for the lipid extraction: Turrax homogenizer, Ultrasonicator and Braun homogenizer with bead milling, applied in wet, oven-dried, and freeze-dried yeast biomass. The treatment with the highest percentage of disrupted cells and highest oil yield was the ultrasonication of oven-dried biomass (37-40% lipid content).   

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9- Pathology of an iridescent virus in immature Culex pipiens L. (Diptera, Culicidae)

EVANGELINA MUTTIS, MARÍA VICTORIA MICIELI & JUAN JOSÉ GARCÍA

Insect pathogens have been studied for a long time due to their potential to be used as biological controls. Among them are viruses, such as those belonging to the Iridoviridae family. Iridovirus in Culex pipiens was reported for the first time in 2012 by the authors. Later studies of horizontal transmission were performed, in which an interaction with the parasite Strelkovimermis spiculatus acting as viral vector was recognized. In the present study, we observed aspects of the pathology produced by an invertebrate iridescent virus in laboratory infected immature Cx. pipiens as well as in infected immature Cx. pipiens in the field. 

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10- Production of ethanol and xylitol from D-xylose by four strains of Candida (Spathaspora) materiae

MARINA ELIZABETH F. MOURA, FERNANDA PALLADINO, RAQUEL M. CADETE, KATHARINA O. BARROS, CARLA A. LARA, FERNANDA G.S. SILVA & CARLOS A. ROSA

This study aimed to produce xylitol using Candida materiae, a yeast species belonging to the Spathaspora clade, known for their ability to bioconvert xylose into xylitol and ethanol. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is commercially valuable due to its high demand as a sweetener, and it has several pharmacological applications. The strains were tested using different media and cultivation conditions. The best results were obtained using 5 gL-1 of inoculum under moderate oxygen conditions, showing a 0.743 gg-1 yield xylitol in 36 h. This species is a promising candidate for the xylitol production in lignocellulosic by-products containing xylose.

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ECOSYSTEMS

11- Nematodes as indicators of environmental changes in a river with different levels of anthropogenic impact

ATSLER LUANA LEHUN, GISELE S.C. DUARTE & RICARDO M. TAKEMOTO

Considering that changes in the biodiversity of parasitic communities can be used as indicators of ecosystem health, this study aimed to investigate the potential use of Geophagus brasiliensis parasites as bioindicators of environmental changes at different levels of environmental impact in the Iguaçu River, Paraná, Brazil. The abundance of nematodes was higher in fish collected at the point considered moderately degraded and the results presented in this study indicate that the parasitic community of G. brasiliensis is characterized by low diversity in polluted locations, which explains the absence of certain parasite species.

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12- Functional feeding groups of Chironomidae (Diptera: Nematocera) and their spatial variation in an intermittent hill stream (Ventana Stream, Buenos Aires, Argentina)

CAROLINA OCON, AUGUSTO SIRI, PAULA ALTIERI & MARIANO DONATO

We analyzed the gut contents of Chironomidae to establish their diet in an intermittent hill stream (Pampean region). We sampled three sites with different altitude, substrate type, and current velocity. Of the nine recorded taxa, only Corynoneura was present at all sites. The food items found were detritus (dominant for all taxa), diatoms, chlorophytes, euglenophytes, vascular plants, fungi, and animal remains. Most of the taxa were classified as gathering collectors. Gut contents of Pentaneura nr. cinerea, Cricotopus sp. 1, and Onconeura analiae showed high proportions of animal remains. No differences were found between sites in terms of feeding habits.

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13- Systematic assessment of nymphs of Diesingiinae (Pentastomida: Sebekidae) parasitizing Palloceros harpagos (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae) from Parque Nacional Iguazú, Argentina: filling gaps in an incomplete phylogenetic framework

MARTÍN MIGUEL MONTES, JORGE BARNECHE, NICOLAS LEGUNDA, WALTER FERRARI, ROGELIO AGUILAR-AGUILAR & SERGIO ROBERTO MARTORELLI

During a search for parasites in fishes from Iguazu River, Argentina, a nymph of pentastomid was found encysted on mesenteries of Phalloceros harpagos. The 28S rDNA and COI mt-DNA were used to compare with the sequences deposited in the GenBank. Present specimens are most likely Diesingia sp., having 63-74 annuli, a U shaped oral cadre with fibers closing anteriorly and a peg like extension of the oral cadre. The 28S rDNA analysis places our samples into a sister group of Alofia sp. Our pentastomid positively belongs to Diesingia sp., however, indisputable assignation requires a reliable description of the nymph, or the availability of sequences linking nymphs and adults.

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14- Species composition and assemblage analysis of fishes caught as bycatch by the Patagonian shrimp fishery in the southwest Atlantic

MARÍA EVA GÓNGORA, JULIAN RUIBAL NÚÑEZ, PABLO DANIEL COCHIA & NELSON DARÍO BOVCON

Shrimp fisheries are recognized for their incidence in global discards. In waters of Patagonia Argentina (43°S - 47°S) an industrial shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri) fishery of high economic value is developed. The fish bycatch composition was characterized and the frequencies of occurrence of species and the assemblage areas were analyzed. A total of 101 fish species were identified (59 families) of which 69 were bony fishes, 29 cartilaginous fishes, and three species of jawless fishes. The assemblages described correspond to coastal and deep waters, and they are integrated by temperate and subtropical species pointing out the area as an ecotonal zone.

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15- Insect galls from Amazon rainforest areas in Rondônia (Brazil)

BARBARA PROENÇA & VALÉRIA CID MAIA

This study aimed at survey insect galls of an Amazon rainforest area in Rondônia, Brazil. We found 152 gall morphotypes in 103 plant species. Fabaceae were the host with the greatest gall richness. Leaves were the most galled organ. Globose and glabrous galls were the most frequent. Cecidomyiidae were responsible for most of the galls. This is the first record of 110 galls morphotypes and 23 host plants species in this biome. Ten gallers are endemic in Brazil. Five genera of Cecidomyiidae we were first recorded in Rondônia as well as Schismatodiplosis lantanae Rübsaamen, 1908.

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16- Effect of hydrocolloid concentration in lowcalorie orange jellies on preservation of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity

MICHELLE B. LIMA, HELLEN V. SANTOS, JUNIA CRISTINA BARBOSA, LEONARDO O. PENNA & PATRÍCIA APARECIDA P. PEREIRA

Orange jellies are produced by mixing fruit with sucrose and organic acids. However, concerns about body esthetics or health reasons have encouraged the search for low-calorie products. Therefore, the objective of this study was evaluate the concentration of hydrocolloids in low-calorie orange jellies to obtain higher levels of bioactive compounds and enhance the antioxidant capacity, and to study the influence on degradation of these compounds. In general, the regions containing 0.5% GG and 0.5% GC had higher levels of the variables under study, and this combination preserved the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of jellies in relation to that of orange juice.

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17- Identification of phlebotomine sand fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Atlantic forest fragments and their dispersal to urban area

FRANCISCO A. SILVA, DIMÍTRI A. COSTA, BRENO HENRIQUE M. SILVA, ADRIANO FRANCISCO ALVES, SÉRGIO JOEL DE SOUZA, GEUBA MARIA B. DA SILVA, JANAÍNA M. MENESES, THIAGO JOSÉ MATOS-ROCHA, MARTIN L. CHRISTOFFERSEN & MARÍLIA GABRIELA S. CAVALCANTI

Sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) are responsible for the transmission of tegumentary and visceral leishmaniasis. In Brazil have been the subject of some studies, yet there is no information about the phlebotomine fauna in João Pessoa, State of Paraíba, Brazil. The aim of this work is to evaluate the occurrence and distribution of sand flies in the Atlantic forest fragments and to evaluate a possible dispersion in 06 nearby districts. The differences in diversity of sand flies encountered between natural habitats and urban areas may thus be correlated mostly with adaptations to particular habitats and availability of food.

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18-  Insect galls of Atlantic Forest areas of Serra da Bodoquena (MS, Midwestern Brazil)

SHARLENE ASCENDINO & VALÉRIA CID MAIA

Galls are abnormal developments of plant tissue caused by insects and mites. In Brazil, little is known about galls and much of the information is focused on the Southeast region, mainly the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes. This manuscript is an inventory of insect galls, carried out in Serra da Bodoquena, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, in the Central-West region of Brazil and provides information regarding the insect galls found, as well as the host plant, its characterization, inducing insects and photos, thus contributing to expanding knowledge of these inducers for Brazil.

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19- Seasonality and assemblages of nonpasseriform waterbirds in várzea lakes on the lower Amazonas River, Santarém, Pará, Brazil

DANILO AUGUSTO ALMEIDA-SANTOS, GIULIANNE S. FERREIRA & EDSON V. LOPES

Our study investigated richness, species composition and abundance of waterbirds in 10 floodplain lakes on the lower Amazon River over a seasonal cycle. We recorded 7,970 individuals of 52 species, with Ardeidae, with 27 species, being the most representative family. The driest season had a greater species richness, however, only 25 species were present throughout the year, with the others occurring only in a specific period of the year. Such variations suggest that future studies should consider the entire seasonal cycle. Furthermore, the occurrence of migratory species demonstrates the importance of the region for the conservation of these birds.

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20- Abundance, distribution, and associated forage losses of pest grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in the Argentine Pampas

YANINA MARIOTTINI, MICAELA MANCINI, CLARA T. FALASCO, MARÍA LAURA DE WYSIECKI & CARLOS E. LANGE

This research evaluated the status of Dichroplus elongatus and Borellia bruneri as agricultural pests in Argentina's Pampas. Conducted in Laprida and Tandil, Buenos Aires province. Borellia bruneri had a broader distribution and abundant in Laprida, while D. elongatus has a greater abundance and distribution in Tandil. The forage losses caused by D. elongatus were significantly greater than those caused by B. bruneri. D. elongatus significantly reduced biomass across all densities, whereas B. bruneri did so only at the highest density. Our study suggests that B. bruneri is abundant and frequent species comparatively much less harmful than D. elongatus.

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21- Expansion of the area of occurrence of the genus Anochetus Mayr 1861 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

JULIANA S. CARVALHO, ANA CR DE LIMA, JUNIR A. LUTINSKI & FLÁVIO R.M. GARCIA

Anochetus neglectus Emery, 1894 was collected in 18-years-old peach orchard an agroecological property located in Colônia São Manoel, 8th district of Pelotas, RS, Brazil. This record expands the area of occurrence and distribution of this rare species in the Neotropical Region.  

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ANIMAL SCIENCE

22- Body yield and quality of fresh and post-freezing filet of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) genetic groups

ANDRÉ L. NUNES, RUY A.C. CORRÊA FILHO, GUILHERME N. SERAPHIM, LUANA B. PIRES, THIAGO X. MARTINS, MICHEL F.M. PRATES, CARLOS A.L. OLIVEIRA, MARJORIE T. DUARTE & JAYME A. POVH

The aim of this study was to evaluate the body yield and quality of fresh and post-freezing filet of male and female from different genetic groups, including inbred animals. The fish were housed at 51 days of age and farmed for 269 days. It was concluded that the pre-slaughter weight and percentage of fillet yield were different between the genetic groups. Inbreeding in the AquaAmérica variety resulted in reduced slaughter weight for males. AquaAmérica × Tilamax males have a higher filet yield and filet quality is changed after freezing.  

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23- Cut yield and meat quality of brown eggshell laying hens housed in an alternative system and submitted to different feeding volumes

JULIANA FORGIARINI, EVERTON LUIS KRABBE, DÉBORA ALINE ALVES, VALDIR S. AVILA, VICKY L. KAWSKI, CRISTIELE L. CONTREIRA, CAROLINE BAVARESCO & VICTOR FERNANDO B. ROLL

The study examined the impact of different feeding volumes on the yield and quality of meat from brown eggshell laying hens in an alternative housing system. The results showed that a 7% increase or decrease in diet volume did not significantly affect the meat's quality or cut yield. However, a 7% reduction in diet volume resulted in lighter body weight and carcass weight. Overall, the Embrapa 051 lineage of laying hens exhibited suitable technological quality characteristics for both industrialized products and domestic consumption at the end of their production cycle.

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24- Levels of energy supplementation for heifers in Tifton 85 pasture on carcass characteristics, internal organs and meat quality

MARCELO A. DA SILVA, DARI C. ALVES FILHO, DIEGO S. MACHADO, ANA PAULA M. MARTINI, GILMAR S. CARDOSO, IVAN LUIZ BRONDANI, JOZIANE M. COCCO & PATRÍCIA M.M. CATTELAM

The beef cattle production, when well conducted, generates an excess of replacement females (heifers). These animals not destined for reproduction yield high-quality meat with added value. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate different feeding systems for finishing beef heifers on continuous Tifton 85 pasture. These levels consisted of 0, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 kg of energy supplement per 100 kg of body weight. The higher the levels of concentrated supplementation, the better the results in terms of quantity and quality of carcass and beef from beef heifers.

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25- Use of homeopathic products in pigs feed improves the percentage, quality and marbling of meat A

RLENE S. LIMA, PAULO LEVI DE OLIVEIRA CARVALHO, GLEICIANNY DE BRITO SANTOS, JANSLLER LUIZ GENOVA, LILIANA B.A. DOS SANTOS, RICARDO S. MITTANCK, JULIANA S. MARTINS & GREGÓRIO MURILO DE OLIVEIRA JÚNIOR

Studies on alternative feed additives such as homeopathic products have stood out for replacing or reducing the use of antibiotics in pig production. Thus, these products act to control pathogens and prevent/treat diseases, without leaving residues in the final product. In pig production, homeopathy is used to prevent diseases, as well as metabolic disorders and intestinal problems, in addition to improving immunity and the animals' ability to react to infections and parasites, promoting improvements in the pigs' overall health. 

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26- Effects of dietary palm oil supplementation on ruminal degradation and apparent digestibility of nutrients in sheep

EZIQUIEL DE MORAIS, SHIRLEY M. SOUZA, SANDRA C. DE ÁVILA, IRAN BORGES, LUCIANO F. SOUSA, CÉLIA MARIA C. GUIMARÃES & ANDRÉ G. MACIEL E SILVA

The use of lipids in ruminant diets, despite increasing energy density of the diet, if used in excess can low forage degradation in the rumen, especially when the source is rich in unsaturated fatty acids. Palm oil (PO), rich in saturated fatty acids, was tested in sheep up to 10% of the diet, there was no reduction on rumen degradation at up to 7.5% of PO in the diet, only the digestibility of organic matter was lowered by PO, but did not reduce the digestion of other nutrients. It was concluded that palm oil affects nutritional parameters in ruminant diets.

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27 Productive performance, breast growth and digestive system development in European quail subjected to posthatch fasting for different periods

FLAVIA K. CRUZ, CHRISTIAN DOUGLAS NICHELE FIGUEROA, KASSIANA G. ANDRADE, ISABELLE NAEMI KANEKO, LUCAS P. BONAGURIO, JAILTON S. BEZERRA JÚNIOR, ROBSON M. ROSSI, ALICE E. MURAKAMI & TATIANA C. SANTOS

This study evaluated the influence of post-hatch fasting on the performance, intestine, and muscle of Japanese quails. It was concluded that the period of up to 48 h of post-hatch fasting influences the development of the organs of the digestive system of European quails up to 7 days of age, but that there is compensatory gain from this period onwards. On the other hand, weight gain, feed conversion during the period 1-35 days of age, integrity of the intestinal mucosa epithelium, and muscle development were not influenced by up to 48 h of post-hatch fasting. 

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28- Lipid profile and reproductive performance of female offspring of SWISS mouse females supplemented with resveratrol or canjiqueira (Byrsonima cydoniifolia A Juss) during gestation

ADRIANA C. GUERCIO MENEZES, LORENA S.R. BRANDÃO, LUCIANE C. PORTUGAL, LIDIA M. MATSUBARA, ELAINE MARIA A. MAIA, JHESSICA N. SAKODA, GILSON A. PROVIDELO, AMANDA G. NAVAREZI, KELY CRISTINA N. DOS SANTOS, RITA DE CÁSSIA A. GUIMARÃES, ALBERT S. DE SOUZA & MARIA INÊS L. SOUZA

This study aimed to resveratrol supplementation (at 5 or 10 mg/kg) and a hydroethanolic extract of canjiqueira fruits (150 mg/kg) on female SWISS mice. Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride levels, gestation rates, and embryonic implantation rates in their female Offspring was evaluated. In conclusion, the consumption of canjiqueira fruit extract  altered the lipid profile of their female offspring, and did not impact their reproductive performance. Supplementing female SWISS mice with 10 mg/kg of resveratrol increased total cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL levels, thereby enhancing the reproductive efficiency of their offspring.

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29- Effects of corn straw on meat characteristics of lambs in the Brazilian semi-arid region

ANA B. DE OLIVEIRA, TALITA A. DE PAULA, WANDRICK HAUSS DE SOUSA, MARCELO A. FERREIRA, FELIPE Q. CARTAXO, MARCÍLIO F. CEZAR, MARIA LUCIANA M. WANDERLEY NEVES, LÍGIA MARIA G. BARRETO, FLÁVIO G. DE OLIVEIRA, RAYANE N. GOMES & ANTONIA SHERLÂNEA C. VÉRAS

Sheep farming is one of the main economic activities in Brazil, it is a very important activity for the semi-arid region. However, commercialized meat in general is still of relatively low quality, mainly due to the late slaughter of animals and poor planning and precarious production conditions, especially due to the poor quality of the grass in that region. Alternative food sources are substantially important. Corn residues can be an important source of food for ruminants. Corn straw replacement would be recommended for finishing lambs to provide a regular supply of quality meat, in semi-arid regions.

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30- Growth of breast muscles in European and Japanese quail raised in meat production system: a morphological analysis

CHRISTIAN D.N. FIGUEROA, FLAVIA K. CRUZ, ISABELLE N. KANEKO, RODRIGO A. BASAGLIA, CARLOS A.L. OLIVEIRA, FERNANDA L.A. ALMEIDA & TATIANA C. SANTOS

Quail production is important in many countries, and usually, two types of quails are used to produce eggs or meat. The breast is the main muscular group in the quail, and knowledge of muscular growth is important for developing adequate diets for these avian species. This study investigated breast muscles in European and Japanese quail. Histochemical analyses of muscle fibers were performed, and the Gompertz model was adjusted to the morphological data. The results reinforce the importance of meeting amino acid and energy requirements during the grower phase to maximize the breast meat yield of Japanese and European quail.

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31- Phytate-phosphorus and phytase on performance, bone characteristics, tissue and serum mineral concentration on broilers

AIANE A.S. CATALAN, SUELEN N. DA SILVA, VALDIR S. DE AVILA, EVERTON L. KRABBE, LETICIA S. LOPES, VICKY L. KAWSKI, EDUARDO G. XAVIER & VICTOR F.B. ROLL

Chicken meat is one of the most consumed proteins in the world, which is why it is considered an important nutritional source, in addition to being the main source of income for many producers. In this context, it is important to disseminate knowledge about how these animals are raised, as well as their nutrition, health, and management, since nowadays consumers are more interested in knowing the origin of the food they are consuming. 

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32- Formulation of diets for slow-growing broilers slaughtered at different ages on carcass characteristics and composition of commercial cuts

LARISSA A.R. SILVA, KARINA MÁRCIA R. DE SOUZA NASCIMENTO, MARINA DE N.B. GOMES, CHARLES KIEFER, LUANNA L.P. COPAT, THIAGO R. DA SILVA, NATÁLIA R.B. CHAVES, HENRIQUE B. DE FREITAS, VIOLETA A. MACIE & MAURÍCIO S. ROSA

"Raising slow-growing broiler chickens can be an alternative to serve consumers who are looking for products with a different texture and flavor. Chicken meat from these lines, due to slaughter at 85 days, has greater difficulty to chew and a pronounced flavor. This article demonstrates that slow-growing broilers can be slaughtered at 70 days and have the same carcass characteristics and meat cuts as birds slaughtered at 85 days, meeting consumer preferences. It is important to say that slaughter at 70 days allows a reduction in total feed consumption and production costs". 

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33- Productive and economic performance of broiler chickens fed diets with different nutritional levels

JULIAN ANDRÉS MUÑOZ, DIANA SUCKEVERIS, LEANDRO FÉLIX DEMUNER, VINICIUS C. CAETANO, AMANDA DA LAPA SILVA, THIAGO WILLIAM DE ALMEIDA, DANIEL EMYGDIO DE FARIA FILHO & DOUGLAS EMYGDIO DE FARIA

The nutritional levels of broiler diets, as well as the sex of the bird, can exert pressure on the dynamics of production costs in the poultry industry. To estimate the economic and productive impact of poultry farming, male and female broiler chickens were fed diets with different nutritional levels. The results show that broiler chickens fed diets with lower nutritional requirements had no change in performance or carcass characteristics. Likewise, chickens fed a diet with low nutritional levels had higher gross margins and lower feed costs. Furthermore, The female birds present marketing advantages in the griller-type chicken model. 

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CROP SCIENCE

34- Cross preferences and genetic diversity of Psidium interspecific hybrids through morphoagronomic traits and resistance to Meloidogyne enterolobii

ODIMAR F. DE ALMEIDA, ALEXANDRE P. VIANA, VICENTE M. GOMES, RICARDO M. DE SOUZA, PAULO RICARDO DOS SANTOS, ANTÔNIO T. DO AMARAL JÚNIOR & DANIELE L. RODRIGUES

The introgression of M. enterolobii resistance-related genes in guava breeding programscan be compromised by incompatibility among Psidium species. This study aimed to evaluate the female parent preference and genetic diversity of Psidium interspecific hybrids using morphoagronomic traits and resistance to M. enterolobii. There were evaluated cross successes and germination from crosses between accesses of P. cattleyanum, P. guineense and P. guajava and the genetic diversity by Ward-MLM method of hybrids according to descriptors developed for the genus. Crosses were more successful when P. cattleyanum was the female parent. Germination was more successful in crosses involving P. cattleyanum and P. guajava. Four groups were formed. The group IV clustered the most resistant genotypes, composed by genotypes of P. cattleyanum x P. guineense, while the group II was the most susceptible. The groups I and III grouped some genotypes of P. cattleyanum x P. guajava with low levels of susceptibility. There are preferences of female parent species among crosses. Some individuals of groups I and III can be used as source of resistance genes for the breeding program, due the presence of favorable alleles inherited from guava parent. The high susceptibility leads to reduction in root development.  

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35- Biological aspects and first record of Leucothyreus alvarengai Frey (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae: Rutelinae) in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L) (Poaceae) fields of Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil

GILMAR V. COUTINHO, CRÉBIO J. ÁVILA, ELIAS S. GOMES, EDUARDO N. COSTA, SÉRGIO R. RODRIGUES & IVANA F. DA SILVA

Leucothyreus alvarengai have been reported causing damage from sugarcane fields in the municipalities Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Adults were collected with the aid of light traps in sugarcane throughout the month of December. Whereas immatures were sampled by opening trench, beside the plants. First-instar larvae were observed as of January and pupae observed from July to January. This is the first record of larvae and adults of L. alvarengai in sugarcane fields in Mato Grosso do Sul state, contributing with the knowledge about its biology and temporal distribution in the field.

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36- Energy levels and lysine, calcium and phosphorus adjustments on broiler nutrient digestibility and performance

VICTOR EMANUEL M. FEITOSA, CAMILLA M. SILVA, VALDIR RIBEIRO JÚNIOR, CLAUDIO JOSE P. DE OLIVEIRA, JOSÉ GERALDO DE VARGAS JÚNIOR, ANTÔNIO P. DE BARROS NETO, LUIZ FERNANDO T. ALBINO & CLAUDSON O. BRITO

The proper calorie: nutrient balance relationship in the diet for broilers may affect the utilization of the nutrients and carcass yield. Thus, the research was conducted to determine nutrient digestibility and broiler's performance fed with formulated diets with different metabolizable energy levels, with and without adjustments in digestible lysine, calcium, and available phosphorus. In the present study, the obtained results demonstrate that increasing the energy density and adjustments in the main nutrients improves broiler nutrient utilization and performance.

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37- Temporal dynamics of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) during flowering in indeterminate soybean (Glycine max)

ELLEN P. SOUZA, PAULO E. DEGRANDE, VINICIUS O. BARBOSA, VALTER V. ALVES JUNIOR &JOSE B. MALAQUIAS

Soybean varieties with indeterminate growth habits are widely used and are characterized by not having well-defined phenological stages. The temporal pattern of bee visitation was independently influenced by the flowering period and time of day. However, climatic variables did not significantly influence the bee visitation rate. In the first few days of flowering, bees were more abundant, especially between 10AM and 3PM. These results have practical implications for the maintenance of this species during soybean management practices, contributing to a balanced coexistence between beekeepers and soybean growers by avoiding the application of phytosanitary products during periods of high bee visitation.

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38-  Reproduction of Meloidogyne morocciensis (Tylenchida: Meloidogynidae) in weeds found in Brazil

TIAGO EDU KASPARY, RODRIGO F. RAMOS, LISIANE SOBUCKI, RICARDO R. BALARDIN, DAIANE DALLA NORA & CRISTIANO BELLÉ

Weeds can be hosts of root-knot nematodes of the genus Meloidogyne. The importance of the species Meloidogyne morocciensis parasitizing many crops is recognized, but their reproductive capacity in weeds is not known. The present study hypothesizes the ability of M. morocciensis to parasitize and reproduce in different weed species found in Brazil. It was verified that M. morocciensis has the capacity to parasite 36 weed species belonging to 16 different botanical families, confirming the hypothesis proposed. The present study is the first to identify different weeds as hosts of M. morocciensis, evidencing its polyphagous habit.

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39-  The use of toxic baits for the suppression of Mediterranean fruit fly in mango orchards

CLÉBER ANTONIO BARONIO, RUBEN MACHOTA JUNIOR, MARCELO Z. NUNES, BEATRIZ A.J. PARANHOS, DANIEL BERNARDI, FLÁVIO ROBERTO M. GARCIA, & MARCOS BOTTON

Ceratitis capitata is an insect of major economic importance in the mango orchards. The results found in the present study demonstrated that, there was a large reduction in the infestation of C. capitata after five sequential applications of the toxic baits alpha-cypermethrin (6 g.ha-1) and spinosad (0.38 g.ha-1) performed at seven-day intervals during mango fruit ripening. The management of C. capitata in mango orchards can include the use of the toxic bait based on alpha-cypermethrin, which represents an alternative to rotate with spinosad toxic bait in the São Francisco River Valley.

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40- Weed spatial distribution as a function of soil properties in two distinct environments of the Brazilian semi-arid region

BRUNO F. DA TRINDADE LESSA, MARCOS S. RODRIGUES, VALÉRIA CRISTINA DE SOUZA, KÁTIA A. SILVA & ANTÔNIO CARLOS DE MELO

The study assessed weed species' spatial variability and its correlation with soil properties in a semi-arid region of Brazil. Two areas were examined: a newly deforested 8.86-hectare plot and a 24.7-hectare experimental agricultural area. Georeferenced grids were used for sampling weed and soil. Predominant weeds were Hexasepalum teres and Digitaria insularis in the deforested area and Cyperus rotundus, Euphorbia heterophylla, and Herissantia Crispa in the agricultural area. Spatial distribution was influenced by soil K+ content in both areas and sand content in the agricultural area. These soil attributes are key factors in weed infestation in the semi-arid region. 

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41- Influence Of Hulling And Storage Conditions On Maintaining Coffee Quality

GISELLE F. ABREU, STTELA D.V.F. ROSA, STEFÂNIA V.B. COELHO, CRISTIANE C. PEREIRA, MARCELO R. MALTA, TATIANA B. FANTAZZINI & AMANDA L. VILELA

Storage is an important stage of coffee post-harvest, with the objective of maintaining quality, aiming to reduce losses and increase profits from commercialization by producers. Refrigerated environment favors conservation of sensory and physiological quality of the natural hulled coffee beans and fully washed coffee. Hulled beans of natural and fully washed coffee stored under refrigerated conditions have the initial quality conserved for up to 12 months and in non-controlled environmental, for up to 3 months. Mechanical damage caused by hulling, associated with the lack of tissue fruit parts, contributes to reduction hulled coffee quality in storage, regardless of the processing.

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42- Insecticidal plants as trade opportunities and use by small vegetable producers: an example using essential oils to control Diaphania hyalinata (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

ISABEL M. DA SILVA, JOSÉ E. SERRÃO, MARINALVA M. DOS SANTOS, RICARDO S. DA SILVA, AMÉLIA G. DE CARVALHO, EVALDO M. PIRES, JOSÉ C. ZANUNCIO & MARCUS A. SOARES

Production and sale of botanical insecticides depend on knowing the potential opportunities. Essential oils from plants can control pests, especially in agricultural systems where synthetic insecticides are limited, as in organic agriculture. The objective was to evaluate the toxicity of essential oils to Diaphania hyalinata (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and to show regions with the potential to use Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Citrus sinensis, and Syzygium aromaticum in the formulation and commercialization of insecticides to control this insect. The production of pesticides from essential oils of C. zeylanicum, C. sinensis, and S. aromaticum to control D. hyalinata has high potential in America.  

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43- Natural enemies recovered from Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae infesting the cartridge, ear and stem of corn plants under conventional and organic farming systems in Brazil

RAFAEL B. DA SILVA, IVAN CRUZ, MARIA DE LOURDES C. FIGUEIREDO, ANA CAROLINA M. REDOAN, EDUARDO M. SHIMBORI, WAGNER DE S. TAVARES & ANGÉLICA MARIA P.M. DIAS

Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an insect with wordwide distribution that infests the cartridge, ear and stem of corn plants. Insect parasitoids can suppress the population of S. frugiperda in corn crops. Parasitism by dipterans and hymenopterans, microorganism infection, larva mortality by undetermined causes, and differences in viability of S. frugiperda stages were factors contributing with the supression of this insect in areas under conventional and organic cropping systems in Brazil. The new associations (S. frugiperda × parasitoids) and parasitoid species reported represent possibilities of expanding the biological control strategies to manage S. frugiperda in corn crops.

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FORESTRY SCIENCE

44- Spatial pattern analysis of deforestation in the northeast of Minas Gerais State, Brazil

JULIANA MARIA F. DE SOUZA DINIZ, ALINY APARECIDA DOS REIS & FAUSTO WEIMAR A. JUNIOR

Deforestation is a concerning geographical phenomenon that has been steadily on the rise, exerting a significant influence on climate change. Comprehending the patterns of deforestation occurrence is crucial for enhancing political strategies aimed at nature preservation. Spatial statistical analyses, such as Ripley's K function, can serve as a fundamental tool for deforestation monitoring. This approach not only helps us grasp the spatial distribution of deforestation across diverse natural ecosystems but also proves invaluable in regions with unique challenges, as seen in a country like Brazil, where the vast territorial expanse poses significant difficulties for effective deforestation monitoring.

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45- Biomass and carbon balance in a dry tropical forest area in northeast Brazil

GABRIELA SALAMI, RINALDO L.C. FERREIRA, FERNANDO J. FREIRE, JOSÉ A.A. SILVA, MAYARA M.L. PESSOA & ANDERSON F. SILVA

This Research paper was prepared like a part of the results obtained in a study of tropical dry forest dynamics in northeastern Brazil. These results may be helpful to explain issues on the development, maintenance and nutrient cycling in these areas. 

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All abstracts of the publications were provided by the respective authors.

Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences
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