RCAAP Repository

The Brazilian Northeast is the second most populous region the Brazil and presents, predominantly, semi-arid climate. Livestock farming has been one of the main skills of this region. Due to the rainfall irregularity observed in the Brazilian Semi-arid region, alternatives have been sought to overcome this situation, such as the cultivation of forage plants with xerophytic characteristics such as forage palm. However, in recent years the carmine scale (Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae)) has turned into a very aggressive pest causing great economic losses in the productive chain. This insect in the act of feeding inoculates toxins that cause the yellowing, the fall of the rackets and, in more severe cases, the death of the plant. Thus, the objective was to characterize the genotypes of cactus pear on the aspects of insect-plant interaction, chemical-bromatological and metabolomics. Four genotypes of cactus pear of the genus Opuntia (IPA-100003, IPA-200008, IPA-200016 and IPA -200149) and three genotypes of the genus Nopalea (IPA-100004, IPA-200021 and IPA -200205) were evaluated. For the nutritional value studies, the experimental design was completely randomized and factorial scheme 7 x 7, corresponding to 7 genotypes and 7 collection periods (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days of infestation with Dactylopius opuntiae), with 5 replicates for the insect count and 3 for the laboratory analyzes. For the studies of the metabolites completely randomized experimental design and 7 x 3 factorial scheme, corresponding to 7 genotypes and 3 collection periods (0, 60 and 90 days of infestation with Dactylopius opuntiae), with 3 replicates. For the infestation level, there was an interaction effect (P<0.05) between the infestation days and the studied genotypes, which were deployed. In the chemical-bromatological characteristics, interaction (P<0.05) between genotypes and days after infestation was xx observed in all variables, with differences between genotypes and between days (P <0.05), except for variables B2 (digestible fiber), EE (ethereal extract), PB (crude protein), NDT (total digestible nutrients) and CHOT (total carbohydrates) in some genotypes. There was interaction (P<0.05) between genotypes and days after infestation in all parameters of digestibility and degradability. Significance (P<0.05) was observed in the variable IVDMD (in vitro dry matter digestibility) between the genotypes on all infestation days, as well as for each genotype in relation to the days. For the variable DEG MS (dry matter degradability) it was observed that there was no significant difference (P>0.05) from days 0 to 45 days and in the genotypes IPA-100003, IPA-100004 and IPA-200205. All genotypes of the genus Opuntia reduced total gas production throughout the study. The days of infestation did little to change the nutritional value. Infestation pressure reduced total gas production in all genotypes of the genus Opuntia, mainly in IPA-100003 and IPA-200008, which also showed the largest decreases in CNF production. In the genus Nopalea the infestation pressure influenced the total production of gases in the IPA-200021, mainly between 15 and 60 days of infestation. In the metabolite studies, the formation of five groups was observed. The genus Nopalea was in two groups, only the IPA-100004 at 60 days and the IPA-200021 at 90 years presented a different group from the others. The genus Opuntia was present in all groups. The phytochemical profile of genotypes of the genus Nopalea was not altered by infestation pressure. In the Opuntia genus, it was evident the phytochemical profile change in the insect-plant interaction, mainly in the genotypes IPA-200008 and IPA-100003. The first two major components accounted for 81% of the variations of the original measurements. It was observed that the chemical peaks that most influenced the chemical response of the plant during the attack were 0.84, 0.88, 1.20, 1.24, 1.28, 3.84, 3.88, 4.04, 4.08 ppm, which mainly influenced the genotypes at 60 days after infestation. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the possible compounds in these displacements and which could be related to the responses of the insect-plant interaction. Of the 26 primers used, 24 generated 890 amplified bands, 206 polymorphic loci and 36 monomeric loci. The number of fragments varied from 5 (primer OPG 10) to 12 (primer OPG 06) for RAPD, 8 (primers UBC 842 and UBC 864) at 19 (primers UBC 808 and UBC 827) for ISSR and 4 for ITS, with a mean of 8 for 9 loci per RAPD marker and 11 for 12 xxi loci per marker of ISSR. Genotypes of the genus Nopalea not always group, as well as IPA-100003 and IPA-200008. Our methods of Tocher and major components or genotype IPA-200016 formed a group, highlighting the genus of the genus Opuntia is considered resistant to D. opuntiae. The genotypes IPA-100004 and IPA-200205 in genus Nopalea and IPA-200008 and IPA-200016 in genus Opuntia, have been shown (in this experiment) to be more genetically dissimilar, meaning that they can provide genetic material, linked to the study of promising genotypes based on characters which allows for rapid genetic gains.

The antimicrobial use in poultry farming is a common practice around the world, aiming to increase animal productivity. However, the growing emergence of resistant bacterial species to these drugs has concerned poultry producers and consumers. Gram-positive bacteria as Enterococcus spp. and Staphylococcus aureus, and Gram-negative bacteria as Escherichia coli, Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp., are among the main species commonly isolated from broilers and layers, with highest antimicrobial resistance. These species are often described as resistant to different antimicrobial classes include these considered of critical importance to animal and human health, as cephalosporins. The resistance mechanisms to these drugs are quite diverse, and the main of them is the enzymatic mechanism, such as extended-spectrum β-lactamases encoded by genes present in chromosomes and mobile elements. The blaTEM-1, blaPSE and blaCTX-M-1 genes are the most reported in isolated bactérias from the poultry industry. Two experiments were carried out at the Animal Origin Products Analysis Laboratory (LAPOA/CCA/UFPB). Chapter II presents data from the first experiment to evaluate the off-label use of ceftiofur in one-day-old chicks, mimicking common prophylactic use in poultry farms together with the Marek’s vaccine, and the occurrence of β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli. We used 168 chicks arranged into ceftiofur treated and untreated groups. The ceftiofur application in chicks positively influenced the ESBL occurrence in the recovered E. coli isolates (86%; p <0.001). All ESBL-producing E. coli presented the blaCTX-M and blaSHV genes. No isolates were positive for plasmid-mediated AmpC genes tested in this study. The Bayesian approach showed greater probabilities of ESBL-producing E. coli occurrences in the ceftiofur-treated groups, as well as days 7 and 14, compared to the untreated group and the other experimental days, respectively. In Chapter III data are presented referring to the second experiment that aimed to evaluate the effects of chemical residues on different materials 17 used as poultry litter on the conjugation rate of ESBL-plasmids in E. coli. It was used a 2x5 design, with two different litter materials (cane bagasse and wood shavings) and five treatments (control, quicklime, aluminum sulphate, copper sulphate and superphosphate). Groups with no chemical additions demonstrated higher conjugation rates. In the cane bagasse litter showed beneficial interaction with the use of superphosphate (p <0.001). When the wood shavings were used as a substrate, the lowest rates were obtained with the use of quicklime and copper sulphate. Lower conjugation rates of ESBL-plasmids were obtained in cane bagasse. The ceftiofur use in one-day-old chicks together with the Marek vaccine raises the resistant E. coli occurrence in short-term. The chemical presence can affect the conjugation of ESBL-plasmids between E. coli, despite the influence of environmental factors on the horizontal transfer of mobile elements.

Mining is a worldwide activity of great importance due to the use of the metals that are extracted, like copper, in Brazil, with emphasis on the state of Pará. The objective of this research was to evaluate the potential, ie, ability, capacity of the species Schizolobium amazonicum, Leucaena leucocephala and Azadirachta indica submitted to soil contamination with copper mining tailings, to phytoremediate heavy metal. In order to reach the objective, bibliographical research and experiments were carried out, organized in three chapters. The first part is a literature review on mining, copper mining rejects , phytoremediation and the plants to be studied. The first chapter evaluates the potential of the species S. amazonicum, L. leucocephala and A. indica, submitted to the soil contaminated with copper waste through the production of dry phytomass, contents and distribution of copper in the root, cauline and foliar compartments of the species. The analyzed variables were the growth morphometric, the indices and translocation factors and the extraction coefficients. The phytoextraction coefficients were higher in the roots of the species studied. The second chapter had the objective of evaluating the effects caused by photosynthetic pigments and the activities of the superoxide dismutase and guaiacol peroxidase enzymes in the species S. amazonicum, L. leucocephala and A. indica, cultivated in substrate with copper concentration, and to evaluate possible changes in the chlorophyll content "a" and "b" and carotenoids. The analyzed variables were enzyme activity superoxide dismutase and guaiacol peroxidase, and the determination of photosynthetic pigments. The levels of chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids in the apical, intermediate and senescent compartments for the three species did not differ, but at the concentration of 400 mg dm-3, there was a change to A. indica. The third chapter was aimed at the chromosomal characterization through heterochromatic bands in the species S. amazonicum, L. leucocephala and A. indica, aiming to characterize cytogenetically, and to detect the appearance of possible chromosomal alterations coming from the contamination by copper in the substrate used in the cultivation of species. Through the plant material were made the chromosomal preparations, staining with fluorochromes, determination of the karyotype formula and analysis of the patterns of heterochromatic bands. For the species Schizolobium amazonicum the chromosomal number of 2n = 26 appears as new information for literature.

Wissadula periplocifolia (Malvaceae), commonly know in Brazil as “malva amarela”, is popularly used to treat snake bites and bee stings. A phytochemical study on its aerial parts using chromatographic techniques has led to the isolation of chlorophyll derivatives, terpenoids, phenolic acids and thirteen flavonoids, among them methoxylated flavones, glucosyl flavonoides and sulfated flavonoids, notably the new compounds: 5 –hydroxy -4’- methoxy - 7-O- sulphate flavone; 5,7 –di- hydroxy -4’- methoxy- 8-O- sulphate flavone; 5,7,4’–tri- hydroxy - 8-O- sulphate flavone; 5,8 –di- hydroxy -4’-methoxy- 8-O- sulphate flavone and 5,7,4’ –tri- hydroxy -3’- methoxy- 8 O- sulphate flavone. The isolated compounds were characterised by spectroscopic analysis, such as 1D and 2D NMR and LC-HRMS. A preliminary assay to evaluate the antibacterial activity of W. periplocifolia phases showed that the dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions were active against Enterococcus faecalis. The flavonoids tiliroside and 7,4’-di-O-methylisoscutellarein showed anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting neutrophils recruitment in a mice model. Tiliroside was selected as W. periplocifolia chemical marker and an analytical methodology was developed and validated in order to quantify by HPLC the tiliroside content in W. periplocifolia ethanol extract. Using this methodology it was detected the presence of 3.5% of tiliroside in W. periplocifolia ethanol extract.

The inselbergs are characterized by presenting more severe edaphoclimatic conditions in relation to the surrounding environment, exerting an important selective function for the evolution and vegetal speciation. The flora of the inselbergs can present morphological and chromosomal differentiation (levels of ploidy), making possible the evaluation of the mechanisms involved in the diversification of the species. A long-debated hypothesis suggests that polyploids exhibit greater tolerance to more extreme environmental conditions when compared to their diploid counterparts. The objective of this work was to analyze 28 species belonging to 10 different families of angiosperms, occurring in inselbergues in the Northeast region of Brazil, with an emphasis on the Apocynaceae family. The root tips were pretreated with 8HQ and Colchicine (only the Costaceae family species) and fixed in Carnoy. The slides were prepared by the method of crushing in acetic acid and aged at room temperature. Then, the best slides were stained with chromomycin (CMA) and 4 ', 6-Diamidino-2-Phenylindole (DAPI) and photographed. The species of Apocynaceae ranged from 2n = 18 to 2n = 34, with new data for six species. Three types of heterochromatic bands were identified in family Apocynaceae species: CMA+ /DAPI-, CMA- /DAPI+ and CMA0/DAPI+ bands, varying in the pattern of distribution, number and size of heterochromatic bands. CMA+/DAPI- bands were observed in all species analyzed, and probably is the type of heterochromatin associated with RONs.The species analyzed ranged from 2n = 18 para Chamaecostus subsessilis (Costaceae) to 2n = 76 in Dichorisandra hexandra (Commelinaceae). Polyploidy and dysploidy are the main mechanisms of karyotype evolution involved in the diversification in Apocynaceae, with the diploid species being most frequently found in inselbergues. Among the analyzed genera there is no clear relationship between the number of CMA+ bands and the level of ploidy. Of the 28 species occurring in inselbergues in northeastern Brazil, only seven are polyploid, occurring especially in the Apocynaceae, Commelinaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Melastomataceae families. In addition, the preferential occurrence of polyploid cytotypes on inselbergues was not observed for these species, refuting the hypothesis that poliploids present greater tolerance to more extreme edaphoclimatic conditions.

The present work is part of the studies that seek to represent and investigate linguistic systems using mathematical models. In such context, a Maximum Entropy model of phonotactics developed by Hayes and Wilson (2008) has exhibted a high level of accuracy in relation to experimental data when applied to English, outperforming other phonotactic modelling proposals. Nevertheless, despite its good results, we are ignorant of any work in Brazil which makes use of the model or of Maximum Entropy models in general. Since the model is universal (i.e. applicable to any language), we have taken our objective to be measuring the level of accuracy of the model when applying it to Brazilian Portuguese. The text is divided into three chapters. In the first chapter, we have described in details the model to be tested. In the second one, we have presented the methodology employed to: i) apply the phonotactic model to Brazilian Portuguese; and ii) collect experimental data against which we measure the accuracy of the model predictions obtained in i). The methodological procedures involved the creation of two softwares, one for automated phonological transcription of Brazilian Portuguese and a second one for carrying out magnitude estimation experiments. Finally, in chapter three we show the results. In two applications, the correlation between model predictions and experimental data, measured by the Pearson coefficient, were found to be in the region of 0 and 0,5, thus showing a much weaker linear dependence than that found for English (0,946).

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important oleraceous in the world, and it is subject to the attack of several pathogens, especially to the nematodes of the galls, that can promote physiological disorders that make the crop unviable. In view of this problem, it is necessary to search for strategies that minimize these effects, so the application of salicylic acid may be a promising strategy. In this context, the objective of this work was to evaluate the physiological responses of tomato plants under the population densities of Meloidogyne javanica and salicylic acid application. The design was the one of randomized blocks, using the Central Composite Box (CCB) with five nematode population densities (0, 5815, 20000, 34184 and 40000 eggs per pot) and five doses of salicylic acid (0.0, 0.29, 1.0, 1.71 and 2.0 mM), with four replicates and two plants per experimental plot. The following variables were evaluated: plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, specific leaf area, leaf specific weight, absolute and relative growth rate for height, root volume, aerial shoot mass, mass root dry matter, total dry mass, Dickson quality index, number of eggs, number of galls and reproduction factor at 50 days after transplanting and soil infestation. Gas exchanges, fluorescence and chlorophyll index were evaluated at 45 days after transplanting and soil infestation. The population density (PD) of 23903 eggs provided the largest reproduction factor, however, the PDs did not influence the growth characteristics of the tomato. Salicylic acid (SA) influenced the absolute growth rate for height, specific leaf area and leaf specific weight. SA influenced the net CO2 assimilation and carboxylation efficiency. The infestation by M. javanica in tomato plants had a negative influence on gas exchange and chlorophyll content.

The experiment was carried out with the objective of evaluating the gene expression of the sodium and glucose co-transporter type 1 (SGLT1) and glucose transporters type 2 and 5 (GLUT2 and 5) in Japanese quails in different phases. Eighty-eight Japanese one-day-old female categories, reared in conditions similar to the creation of a production, with feed and water ad libitum, were used. The design was the casual encounter, were used as different ages (1, 14, 21, 42 and 49 days of life), composed of 3 replicates each. The baseline data of the experimental harvest were as follows: the samples collected and euthanized, then duodenum and jejunum samples were collected for the evaluation of the gene expression of intestinal transporters using a RT-PCR technique. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and as a means of comparison by the Tukey test at 5% probability. Between 1 and 21 days of age, an expression related to SGLT1 reduced at 14 days in both intestines and increased again only at 21 days, with GLUT2 expression in relation to age in both intestinal segments and expression of GLUT5 also increased in relation to an age, just not being jejunum. The increase in transport capacity over one can be a compensatory mechanism with the purpose of increasing the load of its substrates. The highest values of relative expression of SGLT1 were observed at 42 days of duodenum, whereas GLUT5 the highest expression values were observed at 42 days of duodenum and at 49 days in jejunum, these higher values can be recognized at the beginning of the posture phase As a way to ensure maximum absorption of nutrients. Therefore, we conclude that the relative gene expression of the intestinal transporters of SGLT1, GLUT2 and GLUT5 hexoses has been altered in several breeding phases in Japanese quails.

To evaluate the effects of phytase supplementation was performed two experiments with quails and eat and laying. The objective was to evaluate the effects of phytase supplementation in the diet with reduced levels of available phosphorus, calcium, amino acids digestible and metabolizable energy for quails in performance parameters, carcass traits, intestinal morphology and bone strength. 680 European quails (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) from 1 to 45 days-old, distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments and eight replicates of 17 birds each. Treatments consisted of a diet with reduced 0.150 and 0.165 percentage points available phosphorus and calcium, respectively, in 10% digestible amino acid levels (methionine + cystine lysine and threonine) and reduction of 50 kcal / kg metabolizable energy. On this diet were supplemented 0; 500; 1,000; 1,500 and 2,000 FTU / kg of phytase. Phytase influenced weight gain, feed conversion and carcass weight (P<0.05). With the exception of ileus villus height, intestinal morphology of all variables were affected (P<0.05) by the enzyme, as well as the tibia resistance. It is recommended tophytase supplementation level of 1,000 FTU / kg feed with a reduction in the levels of available phosphorus, calcium, amino acids digestible and metabolizable energy for quails. For the laying experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of phytase supplementation in diets with reduction in levels of available phosphorus, calcium, amino acids digestible and metabolizable energy for Japanese quails in laying phase under the parameters of performance and egg quality. 280 Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) 115-325 days-old, distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments and eight replicates of 7 birds each. Treatments consisted of a diet with a reduction of 0.150 and 0.165 percentage points in available phosphorus and calcium, respectively, In 10% digestible amino acid levels (methionine + cystine, lysine and threonine) and reduction of 50 kcal / kg metabolizable energy. On this diet were supplemented 0; 500; 1,000; 1,500 and 2,000 FTU / kg of phytase. The experiment was divided into two phases: 115-220 days (Posture I) and days 220-325 (Posture II), divided into five periods of 21 days each. Phytase influenced the mass conversion and dozen eggs instance phases I and II; and egg production, feed intake and egg mass in phase II posture (P <0.05). To egg quality only Haugh unit was influenced (P <0.05) by the phytase in both phases.The phytase supplementation level of 1500 FTU / kg feed with a reduction in the levels of available phosphorus, calcium, amino acids digestible and metabolizable energy is sufficient to ensure improved performance of Japanese quails in the laying phase.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation with non-protein nitrogen (NNP) on the intake, digestibility, ruminal parameters and nitrogen balance of goats fed buffelgrass hay. Five goats with no defined racial pattern (NDRP), adults, castrated and cannulated in the rumen were used, with an average weight of 45 ± 2,3 kg. Five diets were provided, where the control treatment consisted only of buffelgrass hay feeding with 5.5% crude protein (CP) based on dry matter (DM), supplied ad libitum, while the other treatments treatments of the addition of increasing levels of nitrogen supplements via ruminal infusion, aiming at the gradual increase of ruminal ammonia concentration (N-NH3). Thus the concentrations were 3.43; 9.95; 17.18; 23.02; and 33.68 mg / dL of N-NH3 in ruminal fluid. The supplement provided was a mixture of urea, ammonium sulfate and casein, in ratios of 75: 8.33: 16.67, respectively. There was a quadratic (P <0.05) effect of N-NH3 concentration on DM, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) and total carbohydrate (TCHO) levels with maximum responses on the levels of 14.48 mg / dL, 13.72 mg / dL, 13.77 mg / dL, 13.76 mg / dL N-NH3, respectively. The digestibility coefficients of DM, NDF TCHO, NFC were not affected by supplementation (P> 0.05). However, there was an increasing linear effect (P <0.05) on the digestibility of ethereal extract (EE) and CP. The pH of the ruminal liquid was not influenced (P> 0.05) by the inclusion of the nitrogen supplement, with a mean value of 6.43. Ammonia nitrogen (N-NH3) was influenced by supplementation, presenting increasing linear behavior (P <0.05). The contents of rumen acetate, propionate, butyrate and total short chain fatty acids were not influenced by supplementation (P> 0.05). There was an increasing linear effect of supplementation in relation to nitrogen intake (NC) and nitrogen excretion in urine (NU) (P <0.05). Ammonia nitrogen concentrations of 3.42 and 14.48 mg / dL are sufficient to provide nitrogen substrates necessary to maintain microbial activity in the rumen and maximize voluntary buffel hay intake by goats, respectively.

The objective of this study was to compare the indirect methods of obtaining digestibility with the direct method of total fecal collection to estimate the apparent digestibility of nutrients in sheep and goats supplemented with non - protein nitrogen. Five goats and five sheep without defined racial pattern (SPRD) were used, distributed in two 5 x 5 Latin squares, with subdivided plots, considering as plots the diets and as subplots the methodologies of determination of apparent digestibility. The diets were composed of buffelgrass hay and the addition, via ruminal infusion, of increasing amounts of nitrogen supplementation in order to gradually raise the CP level of the basal diet in intervals of two percentage points, that is, +2, +4, +6 and +8%. Samples of the foods offered and the leftovers were collected daily during the five days of collection to determine the nutrient intake, as well as the total collection of faeces to determine the apparent digestibility of the nutrients. The amount of fecal dry matter excreted was estimated by the concentration of Fiber in Indigestible Acid Detergent (FDAi), Indigestible Neutral Detergent Fiber (FDNi), Indigestible Dry Matter at 244 hours (MSi 244H) and Indigestible Dry Matter at 264 hours (MS 264H ). The statistical analysis of the variables was performed by orthogonal contrast to compare the indirect methods of determination of apparent digestibility of nutrients (FDAi and FDNi) with the direct method of determination of apparent digestibility (total collection of feces) of the nutrients in the different diets. The level of 5% of significance was adopted. Among the indicators evaluated, the indigestible neutral detergent fiber (NDFI) is the one that most accurately estimates the nutrient digestibility of the diet for goats and sheep.

Coturniculture in Basil has been consolidated as a profitable activity, which presents characteristics such as small space requirement, low feed intake, small generation interval, early sexual maturity, rusticity and high initial growth rate. Considering that Brazil is located south of the line of Ecuador, in the hottest part of the globe especially in summer, it is understood that priority should be given to problems related to heat stress. The objective of this work was to evaluate if the Methionine + Cystine minimizes the deleterious effects of heat stress on the production and egg quality of laying quails. The study was conducted in the city of Areia / PB and a total of 504 Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) was used in the production phase at 54 days of life. The animals were distributed in cages, according to a completely randomized 3x4 factorial design, with three levels of methionine + cystine (NRC 100%, 110% and 120%) and four temperature ranges (20, 24, 28 and 32 ° C) representing thermoneutrality and thermal stress ranges, totaling twelve treatments with six replicates of seven birds each, totaling 72 plots. The performance characteristics evaluated in the experimental trial were: feed intake, laying percentage, egg percentage egg mass, feed conversion per dozen and mass of eggs produced. The quality characteristics evaluated were: specific gravity, percentages of yolk, albumen and bark, bark thickness, eggshell weight and Haugh unit and yolk color. It was not observed (p> 0.05) in the interaction of the methionine + cystine factors and temperature ranges on the variables related to performance and egg quality. The temperature of the climatic steers influenced egg performance and egg quality, as the egg temperature was increased, the results were worse, except for the yolk color, which was not influenced by the temperature treatment. Thus, for Japanese laying quails, a temperature range between 20 and 28 ° C is indicated, since in this range both performance and egg quality parameters were not affected. It is recommended to use the lowest level (100%) of DL-methionine + cystine, making it more economically viable to the producer, since the supplementation of Methionine + Cystine did not reverse the deleterious effects of thermal stress in the production and quality eggs.

The optimization during the acclimatization of plants of pineapple has been promoted through the use of suitable substrates, in order to obtain organic materials with potential use, low cost and easy, resulting in reduced production time, providing with that the seedlings of better quality, pest free and cheaper for subsequent formation of mother nursery ensuring the largest producer stability. Given the above, the objective was to evaluate the growth and development of seedlings of pineapple ‘Imperial’ during acclimatization and acclimatization business and organic substrates. Two experiments were conducted in the Fruit Nursery, DFCA/CCA/UFPB with completely randomized design with four replications, and the experimental unit consisting of 12 seedlings. In the first experiment, the treatments comprised 16 substrate composition, formulated based on a mixture of organic compounds and commercial substrate, corresponding to the acclimatization phase. In the second experiment comprised 15 treatments substrate compositions, corresponding to the acclimatization phase. being obtained by combining composed of crushed cane sugar and chicken manure - CBEA, composed of crushed sugar cane and cattle manure - CBEB, carbonized rice hull - CAC, sand - AL, subsoil - TS and Golden Mix® - GM. In the first experiment evaluated the growth at 90 days after transplanting, determining stem diameter, shoot length, plant diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf dry weight, stem and root; relative shoot/root ratio and leaf area, SPAD index and N-total. In the second experiment the same mixtures of experiment I, except substrate S5 were used, evaluated the growth at 150 days after transplanting in plastic bags, determining stem diameter, shoot length, plant diameter, leaf number, area foliar dry weight, stem and root; relative shoot/root ratio and leaf area ratio, absolute and relative growth, SPAD index, N-total and total chlorophyll.

Among the plants with potential ornamental, are the pepper plants belonging to the genus Capsicum and the family Solanaceae. Pepper ornamental potted have stood out in the ornamental market due to their characteristics aesthetic that include, among other attributes, the coloring of the fruits and leaves and harmony with the pot. The great diversity in this genus has allowed its use in breeding programs. The improvement of ornamental peppers is based mainly on the hybridization, generating segregant populations with the advancement of generations segregating it is possible to select the best lines of pepper plants with desirable characteristics for ornamental. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity among and within the F4 populations of pepper plants, selecting families and promising genotypes for ornamental peppers. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse at the Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology at the Center of Agricultural Sciences at the Federal University of Paraíba (CCA-UFPB). Were used ten families and four attestant additional of peppers for characterization morphoagronomic based on qualitative and quantitative descriptors. The experimental design was entirely randomized. The experimental unit consisted of one plant per pot. In the first chapter we used 16 quantitative descriptors of plant and fruit, the data were submitted to analysis of multivariate variance, the relative importance was determined by the Singh method, analysis of canonical variables and the Scott-Knot test. In the second chapter qualitative and quantitative and mixed descriptors were used. To quantify the relative contribution of traits to genetic divergence, the Singh criterion was used. Then, the Tocher grouping method was used based on the generalized Mahalanobis distance in the quantitative variables. In the qualitative variables, the Gower distance was used and later a mixed analysis was performed with the qualitative and quantitative data. In addition, non-metric multidimensional scaling was applied. All analyzes were performed with R version 3.0.3 software. In the first chapter by the Singh method it was determined that seven of the sixteen characteristics contributed with 62.70% of the genetic divergence. In the analysis of canonical variables, the first two canonical variables explained 68.05% of the families' discrimination and through the Scott-Knott test the families were grouped into 8 groups. The families that presented the desirable characteristics for ornamental pots were 17.18, 30.16, 30.22, 17.15 and 55.45. In the second chapter the genotypes were evaluated within each family and found that there is genetic diversity within the families analyzed, being possible to practice selection. The family 47.26 was the only one that did not present genotypes with ornamental size to be cultivated in smaller pots, since their plants presented high size.

Creole seeds are sources of genetic variability, however, their use is of great importance for family farming. Therefore, producing and purchasing good quality seed is essential for the proper development of a crop. The species Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh (Fabaceae), known as pigeon pea, was introduced in Brazil because its development on soils with low fertility, and its tolerant to drought. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological potential and the genetic divergence in creole seeds of different varieties of pigeon pea. The experiments were carried out at the Laboratory of Seed Analysis and Phytopathology, at the Center of Agricultural Sciences, from the Federal University of Paraíba, in Areia - PB. It was analyzed for the different varieties regarding their physical quality (seed water content, weight of thousand seeds and physical purity), physiological quality (germination, emergency and vigor tests), sanitary quality (examining the infested seeds and identification of pathogens presence), addition to genetic diversity characteristics (germination, vigor, width, thickness, seed length and weight of one thousand seeds) of different varieties of pigeon pea. The highest levels of water content were found in lots 3 and 4 of the Precoce variety of pigeon pea, although they had the lowest percentage of physical purity together with lot 1 of the Rajada variety. The Manteiga variety and lot 3 of the Precoce variety obtained the highest weight of seeds. The highest percentages of germination for creole seeds of pigeon pea were obtained in the lots of the varieties Precoce and Manteiga, while the lowest percentages of germination were observed in lots 1 and 2 seeds of the variety Rajada. Lots 1 of the Precoce variety and the lot of the Manteiga variety were the most vigorous, however lots 1 and 2 of the Rajada variety were the least vigorous. The creole seeds of pigeon pea had a diverse microbiota, being Aspergillus sp., the fungus genus of greater occurrence, however, only the seeds of lot one of the variety Rajada had its physiological quality compromised. In the native varieties of pigeon pea there is genetic variability for all characteristics evaluated, except for the width of the seeds. The characteristics that most contributed to explain the variation among the creole varieties of pigeon pea were the weight of a thousand seeds, first germination count, percentage of germination and seed thickness.

Sweet potato cultivation (Ipomoea batatas L.) has an important role in the agribusiness of vegetables in Paraíba and responds to the use of mineral fertilizers. Therefore, the objective of this research was evaluate the influence of doses and sources of K2O on yield and quality of sweet potato. The work was conducted between July and December 2017, at the Federal University of Paraíba, Areia-PB, Brazil, in a randomized block design in a 6 x 2 factorial arrangement with six doses of K2O (0, 50, 100, 150 , 200 and 250 kg ha-1) and two sources, chloride and potassium sulfate, with three replicates. The variables analyzed were: fresh and dry leaf masses, average commercial root mass, number and production of commercial roots plant -1, total and commercial root productivity, leaf N, P and K contents and starch content in roots. Potassium chloride was efficient to increase the fresh and dry leaf masses, the average mass of commercial roots and the production roots of commercial plant-1. Chloride and potassium sulphate sources increased the number of commercial roots plant-1. Potassium sulfate provided higher total root productivity in sweet potato, and commercial root productivities (24.67 and 26.50 t ha-1) were higher than the national average (12.4 t ha-1), when K2O was supplied of chloride and potassium sulphate, respectively. Foliar N and K contents were higher when potassium chloride and sulfate were used and the P content was higher with potassium chloride source, however, all nutrient contents were adequate for sweet potato. The maximum levels of starch in sweet potato were obtained with chloride and potassium sulphate. Chloride and potassium sulphate sources increased the productivity and quality of sweet potato roots.

Sheep farms have been growing more in the Northeast area of Brazil, due to the adaptation of these animals in adverse climates and the increasement of meat consumption. The main problem faced in these farms is the type of parasites, mainly Haemonchus contortus. This parasite is abomasum hematophageal specie. Haemonchosis is a disease that the affected animals present submandibular edema, subcutaneous edema, anemia and weight loss, which can lead to death. The aim of this study was to report the occurrence of bone alterations secondary to parasitism by Haemonchus contortus in sheep from Paraiba and to describe the epidemiology and clinical-pathological condition of this disease. Among 2016 and 2017, five sheep-rearing farms were affected by haemoncosis outbreak. The coproparasitological examination (EPG) showed trichostrongyloidea eggs and Haemonchus contortus were proved by coproculture. The main findings, at necropsy, were limb edema, ascites, bone fragility, areas of ulceration of the abomasal wall and adult parasites in the abomasum. The histopathological examination of vertebrae, ribs and the femur showed alterations in the bone trabeculae, which were intensely thin and reduced, as well as in the cartilage tissue that is associated with osteoclastic activity and reduction of cartilage. It is concluded that Haemonchus contortus is an important agent that leads to severe bone changes. The histopathological findings established an association between the parasitosis and bone lesions, thus interpreted as osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Three chapters related to skin diseases in cattle, goats and sheep of Agreste of Paraíba are described in this dissertation. The first chapter deals with the retrospective study of skin diseases in ruminants diagnosed in the Laboratory of Animal Pathology during the period from 2013 to 2017. For this purpose, necropsy and biopsy records were reviewed for a total of 2059 samples, recorded over four years of study. Information regarding age, sex, race and origin, clinical signs, epidemiological data, macroscopic and histological lesions, and definitive diagnosis were collected. The identified diseases were allocated to pre-determined categories. In four years, 72 samples corresponded to skin diseases in ruminants. Of these, 24 (33.3%) were attributed to toxic origin, 20 (27.7%) to neoplastic and tumoriform lesions and 10 (13.88%) to infectious and parasitic. Seven (9.72%) cases corresponded to skin disease secondary to nutritional disorders and five (6.94%) to immunogenic disorders. The bovine species was the most affected (37/72), especially squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (9/37), followed by photosensitization by Floerichia humboldtiana (5/37) and dermatophytosis (4/37). The sheep were the second most affected species (26/72), with photosensitization by Brachiaria decumbens (5/26), culicoid sting dermatitis (5/26) and photosensitization by Floerichia humboldtiana and CCE (3 cases each). As for the caprine species (9/72), photosensitization by Floerichia humboldtiana (6/9) and actinic dermatosis (1/9) should be highlighted. In this study, the occurrence of dermatopathies is attributed to faults in the management, especially nutritional and health of the herd, justifying the need for measures to control these diseases. The second chapter describes the clinical and pathological findings of nodular elastosis with cystic comedones associated with generalized alopecia in a goat, which was characterized by elastosis, comedones, granulomatous dermatitis, follicular cysts, furunculosis, acinar sebaceous atrophy, epithelial hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis. Progressive and direct sun exposure is the main factor related to its occurrence, being more severe in light-coated breeds. This condition should be included in the differential diagnosis of allo-cecic diseases such as zinc deficiency, photosensitization and dermatophyllosis in goats. In the third chapter we describe the microscopic findings of peripheral nerve sheath tumor, eosinophilic dermatitis and vaccine granuloma in a bovine. The diagnosis of multiple skin lesions was established based on histopathological, histochemical, cytopathologic and immunohistochemical findings. Therefore, the investigation of cutaneous lesions is encouraged in order to identify the morphological pattern of the conditions as well as contribute to the control of cutaneous diseases in cattle.

Despite the importance of pineapple culture in Paraiba's coastal trays, there is little information about the evaluation of spatial variability of chemical attributes related to the use and management of fertility for this culture, where acid soils and Low natural fertility and do not receive adequate management. However, in order to propose proper management it is necessary to make a diagnosis of the cultivated areas. In this sense, it was aimed at this research to characterize and evaluate the relations between the chemical attributes of the soil in the pineapple crop with four (A4) and eight (A8) cycles of the culture in the soil. The deformed soil samples were collected from of an Ultisol in mesh, with regular intervals of 10 m, totaling 75 sampling points per study area at the depth of 0-20 cm. For the evaluation of the chemical attributes of the soil were measured PH, P, K , in, Ca, Mg, AL, H + al, MO, CTCpH7, SB and V%. The data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis followed by the analysis of the main components. Subsequently it were adjusted to geostatistical models to relate the variability and the separation distances of the sampling points, used for interpolation by ordinary kriging. To obtain a single sampling scheme optimized for all chemical attributes of the soil in the area with eight cycles of cultivation was used the spatial simulated annealing algorithm (SSA). In the area with four cycles was verified an average potential acidity, low pH value and lower levels of organic matter, sum of bases and saturation by soil bases, revealing a greater need for soil correction practices. In the area with eight cycles the largest organic matter content of the soil allied to the application of fertilizers provided higher levels for the capacity of exchange of cations, sum of bases, saturation by bases, carbon of the soil and pH tending to average acidity. The forms of use and management employed induced spatial variability for most of the chemical attributes of the soil, being larger in the area with four cycles of cultivation with pineapple 'Pérola', showing greater amplitude in the levels of the attributes. From an initial sampling scheme and with the determination of an average scaled variograma it was possible to determine the number of 16 points to be sampled to minimize the variance of kriging in the search area.

This research deals with reading comprehension as a result of several integrated cognitive processes . It discusses the relationship of the dynamics of cognitive activities that support the preparation of these idealized cognitive models from reading texts. To consider this issue, the understanding was investigated through experiments and instruments in which observed variables: cognitive strategies and prior knowledge, using the hypothetical-deductive method. The study was conducted with students of the first and second grade of a technical course of ensino médio integrado in computering. The experiment consisted of multimodal texts in two ways: digital (hypertext) and printed. Control the rate of multimodality in this text in order to observe the effect of this factor in the variables mentioned. The instruments used were questionnaires and tests of problem solving applied after reading the texts. Keywords: reading comprehension, multimodality, idealized cognitive models. As evaluation tools we confronted the students' answers, which we call MCI qualis with expectations or prototypes of the author, who named MCI expert. To address this phenomenon, we sought theoretical support in the theories: Idealized Cognitive Models of Lakoff (1987), Conceptual Categories, by Lakoff and Johnson (1980), Mental Spaces in Faucconier and Sweetser (1996), Conceptual Integration Networks, in Faucconier and Turner (2002), in studies of reading, Kleimann (2004), and processing of reading, Kato (2007). The results indicate that the constitution of MCI qualis, or reading comprehension, can be conditioned by the presence and role of cognitive strategies and prior knowledge that are evoked in the processing of reading, and that the text in digital does not imply a higher conditioning understanding, whereas the presence of multimodality, both in printed and digital favors the availability of cognitive activities that culminate in a greater degree of understanding.