Estudos de toxidez de alumínio em genótipos de soja e milho cultivados em bioensaios,

A soja (Glycine max) e o milho (Zea mayz) são culturas importantes para o desenvolvimento sócio-econômico do Rio Grande do Sul. Um fator que pode afetar a produtividade destas culturas é a presença de alumínio em níveis tóxicos que ocorre, principalmente, em solos ácidos. A utilização de genótipos adaptados é uma estratégia para o manejo integrado dos cultivos em solos ácidos. O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar as concentrações de cálcio e aluminio adequadas a realização de bioensaios para a classificação de genótipos de soja e milho quanto a tolerância à toxidez de aluminio. Foram utilizados três genótipos de soja (6001, 8100 e AL 72.) e dois genótipos de milho (P3081 e TRAKTOR). Os genótipos foram cultivados, pela técnica de bioensaios, em diferentes concentrações de cálcio e alumínio. A concentração de 2,5 mmol dm-3 de cálcio foi adequada para a realização de estudos em bíoensaios nos genótipos de soja e milho, não promovendo restrições no crescimento da raiz principal. A concentração de 0,005 mmol dm-3 de alumínio para soja e 0,025 mmol dm-3 de alumínío para milho, combínadas com 2,5 mmol dm-3 de cálcio permitem diferenciar os genótipos de soja e milho em uma escala de tolerância ao alumini

Dynamics of 45S rDNA sites in the cell cycle: fragile sites and chromosomal stability in Lolium and Festuca.

Abstract Analyses carried out with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in C-metaphases of the Lolium-Festuca complex have shown the occurrence of spontaneous fragile sites (FSs) in 45S rDNA regions. FSs are expressed as gaps but they do not result in breaks or chromosomal fragments in these species. These gaps have high DNA condensation observed as thin chromatin fibers that connect the apparent segments of the fragile chromosome, allowing for genomic stability. Assessing the behavior of these regions in the cell cycle of Lolium and Festuca species may lead to a better understanding of the dynamics that preserve stability during cell division. Furthermore, it is interesting to track the dynamics of chromosomes bearing 45S rDNA sites in the cell cycle as well as to observe the expression of FSs with no effect of the mitotic block. We observed variation in both the number and size of 45S FISH signals from the S/G2 phases of interphase and from prophase to anaphase where gaps in 45S rDNA sites also were observed. The change in the degree of condensation of the 45S site begins in the S/G2 phase and appears to be related to the transcriptional demand. Taking into account that the number of 45S rDNA sites tends to be re-established when cells reach telophase, we suggest that the chromatin fiber goes back to the normal condensation level to the anaphase (after segregation), allowing for the approximation of chromosome segments and ensuring dynamics that favor the genomic stability of these species

Adaptive leaf anatomical characteristics of Brachiaria ruziziensis (Poaceae) genotypes in different environments.

Studies on morphological plasticity are extremely important to plant breeding seeking to optimize genotype interactions with their environments. The present study evaluated 38 genotypes of Brachiaria ruziziensis cultivated during the rainy (October to March) and dry (April to September) seasons and examined variations in their anatomical characteristics. Fully expanded leaves were collected and fixed in FAA70 (formaldehyde: acetic acid: ethyl alcohol) for 72h and subsequently stored in 70% alcohol. Median sections of leaf blades were examined and evaluated according to traditional plant anatomical procedures. Genotypes 15, 27, 40, 53, and 90 demonstrated interactions with the environment in five of the anatomical characteristics evaluated; genotypes 1 and 33 presented no plasticity in any of the characteristics examined. Except for the thickness of abaxial (ABT) and adaxial (ADT) epidermal surfaces, the genotypes showed different behaviors for all the other characteristics evaluated: mesophyll thickness (MT), xylem diameter (XD), distance between bundles (DB), number of bundles (NB), number of bulliform cells (NBC), sclerenchyma tissue area (%L), and bulliform cell area (ABC)

Viabilidade do grão de pólen de acessos de capim-elefante, milheto e híbridos interespecíficos (capim-elefante x milheto).

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar a viabilidade do pólen em acessos de capim-elefante, milheto e híbridos interespecíficos por meio de germinação in vitro e coloração com carmim propiônico, orceína acética e corante de Alexander. Os testes de germinação foram realizados com grãos de pólen frescos e armazenados por 30 dias. Os acessos de capim-elefante e de milheto apresentaram alta viabilidade de pólen. Apenas um deles, quando avaliado com o corante de Alexander, mostrou baixa fertilidade. Para os híbridos, observou-se alta taxa de pólens funcionais com os corantes nucleares. Entretanto, o corante de Alexander confirmou a completa esterilidade desses acessos. Os acessos de capim-elefante e milheto apresentaram baixa porcentagem de pólens viáveis quando induzidos à germinação em meio de cultura. Nos híbridos foi constatada completa esterilidade do grão de pólen, condizente com as anormalidades meióticas relatadas na literatura. Quanto ao armazenamento, os grãos de pólen de todos os acessos perderam completamente o poder germinativo

Implications of mitotic and meiotic irregularities in common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

The common bean has great social and economic importance in Brazil and is the subject of a high number of publications, especially in the fields of genetics and breeding. Breeding programs aim to increase grain yield; however, mitosis and meiosis represent under explored research areas that have a direct impact on grain yield. Therefore, the study of cell division could be another tool available to bean geneticists and breeders. The aim of this study was to investigate irregularities occurring during the cell cycle and meiosis in common bean. The common bean cultivar used was BRSMG Talismã, which owing to its high yield and grain quality is recommended for cultivation in Brazil. We classified the interphase nuclei, estimated the mitotic and meiotic index, grain pollen viability, and percentage of abnormalities in both processes. The mitotic index was 4.1%, the interphase nucleus was non-reticulated, and 19% of dividing somatic cells showed abnormal behavior. Meiosis also presented irregularities resulting in a meiotic index of 44.6%. Viability of pollen grains was 94.3%. These results indicate that the common bean cultivar BRSMG Talismã possesses repair mechanisms that compensate for changes by producing a large number of pollen grains. Another important strategy adopted by bean plants to ensure stability is the elimination of abnormal cells by apoptosis. As the common bean cultivar BRSMG Talismã is recommended for cultivation because of its good agronomic performance, it can be concluded that mitotic and meiotic irregularities have no negative influence on its grain quality and yield