AOX a functional marker for efficient cell reprogramming under stress?

Functional markers for stress tolerance can be used in plant breeding to identify genotypes with high yield stabilities under various conditions. Thus, a good marker should show a strong correlation with favourable adaptive plant behaviour. The efficient reprogramming of target cells for yield determination is currently considered to be the most important step towards defining abiotic stress tolerance. In this Opinion article, we propose a role for the alternative oxidase (AOX) gene as a marker for genetic variation in cell reprogramming and yield stability. Evidence to support this idea comes from the metabolic role of alternative respiration under stress, the link between AOX activity and differential growth, and the single nucleotide polymorphism recently observed in AOX genes. We propose an innovative, interdisciplinary and global research strategy for future experimentation on AOX genes that could have an application in plant breeding

Caracterização de atividades agropecuárias de comunidades do semiárido sobralense participantes do Projeto Cabra Nossa de Cada Dia.

Resumo: Objetivou-se caracterizar as atividades e sistemas agropecuários de comunidades rurais do semiárido atendidas pelo Projeto Cabra Nossa de Cada Dia em Sobral, Ceará, pela participação dos agricultores familiares no reconhecimento de seus agroecossistemas. As avaliações foram realizadas por meio da utilização de metodologias participativas, como uso de diálogo semiestruturado e técnicas de visualização, com a elaboração de mapas e caminhada transversal. As comunidades apresentaram diferenças em relação as freqüências de participação nas atividades e sistema agropecuários. A comunidade do Cedro apresentou maior diversidade de olerícolas e tuberosas, forragens cultivadas, práticas agrícolas, sistemas integrados e captação de água. [Description of activities agricultural the communities semiarid sobralense forming part of Project Foat Our Every Day]. Abstract: This study aimed to characterize the activities of agricultural systems and rural communities in the semiarid region served by Project Cabra Nossa de Cada Dia in Sobral, Ceará, the participation of farmers in recognition of their agroecosystems. The evaluations were performed by using participatory methods, such as use of semi-structured dialogue and visualization techniques, with the mapping and transect walk. The communities differ regarding the frequency of participation in activities and agricultural system. The community of Cedro showed greater diversity in tuberous and vegetable crops, forage crops, agricultural practices, integrated systems and water harvesting

Daucus carota L. – An old model for cell reprogramming gains new importance through a novel expansion pattern of alternative oxidase (AOX) genes

The paper highlights Daucus carota L. as an ideal model to complement plant stress research on Arabidopsis thaliana L. Recently, alternative oxidase (AOX) is discussed as functional marker candidate for cell reprogramming upon stress. Carrot is the most studied species for cell reprogramming and our current research reveals that it is the only one that has expanded both AOX sub-family genes. We point to recently published, but not discussed results on conserved differences in the vicinity of the most active functional site of AOX1 and AOX2, which indicate the importance of studying AOX sequence polymorphism, structure and functionality. Thus, stress-inducible experimental systems of D. carota are especially appropriate to bring research on stress tolerance a significant step forward

Soil chemical attributes for different land-use systems in semi arid region.

Introduction the evaluation of soil fertility in already placed agroforestry systems allows inferences of greater managements practices and nutrient cycling. In the semi arid region the use of integrated systems provides optimization of land and the efficient use of resources, thus becomes preponderant know soil chemical properties to assist in soil management. It aimed to evaluate soil chemical properties of agroforestry systems already placed

Comportamento de híbridos e variedades de milho em região semiárida no ano agrícola 2013.

Resumo: A produção de milho no Brasil é bastante difundida, uma vez que o País apresenta áreas consideradas propensas para a implantação de tal cultura. No entanto, em algumas regiões como o Semiárido brasileiro as condições ambientais são variáveis e o que prevalece são as variedades de polinização aberta na produção do pequeno e médio produtor. Pretendendo compensar o déficit de conhecimento técnico sobre os tipos de milho mais adaptados às características climáticas da nossa região o presente trabalho tem como objetivo a realização de um estudo comparativo do comportamento e potencial produtivo do milho no Semiárido brasileiro, relevando justamente a análise do desempenho dos grãos de híbridos e variedades de polinização aberta. Na presente pesquisa, foram avaliados 72 genótipos, sendo 30 variedades de polinização aberta e 33 híbridos elites, ambos oriundos de programas de melhoramento genético. O delineamento utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso com duas repetições, sendo cada parcela constituída de duas linhas de quatro metros com espaçamento de 0,75 m entre linha e 0,20 m entre plantas. Pretendeu-se aqui identificar a variação de produtividade presente nos híbridos e variedades em relação aos tratamentos bem como a viabilidade do uso destes na região do experimento, conforme apresentado no decorrer do trabalho. [Behavior of hybrids and varieties of maize semiarid region in the agricultural year 2013]. Abstract: The maize production in Brazil is widespread, since the country has areas considered appropriate to implantation such culture. However, in some regions such as the Brazilian semiarid, the environmental conditions are variable and prevailing open pollinated varieties in the production of small and medium growers. Intending to make up the little knowledge about the maize types best adapted to the climatic characteristics from this region, this study aimed compare the behavior and yield potential of maize in Brazilian semi-arid, revealing the performance analysis of maize hybrids and open pollinated varieties. In the present study, it was evaluated 72 genotypes, being 30 open-pollinated varieties and 33 hybrids, both derived from breeding programs. The experimental design was a randomized block design with two replications, each plot consisted of two rows with four length meters, spacing 0.75 m between row and 0.20 m between plants. The intention here is to identify the variation in productivity present in hybrids and varieties in relation to treatment as well as viability of their use in the region, as presented in this work