Families selection has not been recommended as a selection method for vegetative propagated species. To verify its utility for potato improvement a series of experiments were carried out under warm temperatures (rainy season). Thirty clonal families originated from heat tolerant parents were evaluated for tuber yield and specific gravity. After obtaining the seedling generation (SG) and the first clonal generation (FCG) individual clones from a further two generations were assessed. Simulations were conducted with different intensities of family selection in SG and FCG and intensities of clonal selection in subsequent generations. The results show that family selection intensities between 50% and 60% allowed the greatest gains. Estimates of h 2 at the families level were always higher than at the clones level and corroborate for the more effective selection of families in early generations. The selection of families for tuber specific gravity can be made in the early generations (SG and FCG) regardless of the temperature conditions where the individual clones will be selected. The sequential selection of families with intensities of 60% (SG) and 60% (FCG) would promote greater efficiency for the selection of clones in second or third clonal generation. In the case of applying stronger selection intensities for a higher efficiency with sequential selection (SG and FCG) weaker intensities should be applied in the SG (  60%) and stronger intensity in FCG (  40%). Family selection for tuber yield could be practiced in the FCG as long as the selection of clones was not held in contrasting temperature conditions. Index terms: Sequential selection, computer simulation, Solanum tuberosum. RESUMOA seleção de famílias não tem sido um método recomendado para a seleção de plantas de propagação vegetativa. Para verificar sua utilidade no melhoramento da batata, realizou-se uma série de experimentos em condições de temperaturas elevadas (safra das águas). Trinta famílias clonais provenientes de genitores tolerantes ao calor foram avaliadas para produção e peso específico de tubérculos. Depois de obtidas a geração seedling (GS) e a primeira geração clonal (PGC) foram avaliados clones individuais, por mais duas gerações. Foram realizadas simulações de diferentes intensidades de seleção de famílias na GS e PGC e intensidades de seleção de clones nas gerações seguintes. Os resultados indicam que intensidades de 50 e 60% produzem os maiores ganhos. As estimativas da h 2 em nível de famílias foram maiores que em nível de clones, o que confirma a eficiência da seleção de famílias em gerações precoces. A seleção de famílias para peso específico pode ser realizada em gerações precoces (GS e PGC), independentemente das condições de temperatura que será realizada a seleção clonal. A seleção sequencial de famílias, com intensidades de 60% (SG) e 60% (PGC), promoveria maior eficiência da seleção de clones na segunda e terceira geração clonal. No caso de aplicar intensidades mais fortes para aumentar a eficiência da seleção seque...

The aim was to assess heterosis in a set of 16 summer-squash hybrids, and evaluate the combining capacity of the respective parental lines, which differed as to the degree of parthenocarpy and resistance to PRSV-W (Papaya Ringspot Virus-Watermelon strain). The hybrids were obtained using a partial diallel cross design (4 × 4). The lines of parental group I were 1 = ABX-037G-77-03-05-01-01-bulk, 2 = ABX-037G-77-03-05-03-10-bulk, 3 = ABX-037G-77-03-05-01-04-bulk and 4 = ABX-037G-77-03-05-05-01-bulk, and of group II, 1′ = ABX-037G-77-03-05-04-08-bulk, 2′ = ABX-037G-77-03-05-02-11-bulk, 3′ = Clarice and 4′ = Caserta. The 16 hybrids and eight parental lines were evaluated for PRSV-W resistance, parthenocarpic expression and yield in randomized complete-block designs, with three replications. Parthenocarpy and the resistance to PRSV-W were rated by means of a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = non-parthenocarpic or high resistance to PRSV-W, and 5 = parthenocarpic or high susceptibility to PRSV-W. Both additive and non-additive gene effects were important in the expression of parthenocarpy and resistance to PRSV-W. Whereas estimates of heterosis in parthenocarpy usually tended towards a higher degree, resistance to PRSV-W was towards higher susceptibility. At least one F1 hybrid was identified with a satisfactory degree of parthenocarpy, resistance to PRSV-W and high fruit-yield.

-The selection of potato clones for yield is usually

A composição da membrana externa das bactérias Gram-negativas fornece mais resistência à ação dos agentes antimicrobianos da classe das bacteriocinas, em comparação às bactérias Gram-positivas, naturalmente mais suscetíveis. Com o objetivo de controlar a proliferação de Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Salmonella Typhimurium, foram realizados ensaios antimicrobianos com nisina como agente biocida (concentrações 123 a 1.111 AU mL-1) e EDTA como agente quelante, comparado a um Gram-positivo (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923) . As avaliações de suscetibilidade foram realizadas em microdiluição em caldo com meio Mueller-Hinton e inóculo com 106 UFC-1 de bactéria indicadora, e os resultados foram obtidos por leituras de densidade óptica (630 nm) em intervalos regulares durante o período de incubação. Observou-se que o EDTA é capaz de reduzir a viabilidade celular de P. aeruginosa. A bacteriocina nisina demonstrou ação antimicrobiana eficaz para quatro bactérias indicadoras, sob diferentes concentrações. Os tratamentos combinados de nisina + EDTA obtiveram altas taxas de inibição e a presença de EDTA foi significativa apenas para bactérias Gram-negativas. Assim, os tratamentos representaram estratégias eficazes para promover a inibição do crescimento celular durante ensaios de caldo de microdiluição.

Macuco bean (Pachyrhizus spp.) Is an atypical horticulture that has toxicity in its seeds and has potential for disease control, but its effect on soil stability is unknown? Among the bioindicators to evaluate soil quality is the analysis of fauna diversity, considered to be the most sensitive for presenting rapid response to changes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect that macuco bean extracts and Cabrio® Top fungicide have on the soil mesofauna, with a completely randomized block design with three treatments and six replications. The treatments were: bean extract (1: 1000), a solution of Cabrio® Top (1: 250) and the water control. Pipes 100 mm in diameter were inserted into the soil 10 cm deep, one pipe being the experimental unit. For the extraction of mesofauna the Berlese-Tullgren method was used. After eight days in the extractor the samples with the mesofauna were removed for proper counting on the stereoscope. Moisture, group richness and abundance of individuals were evaluated. The results showed that soil moisture favored the richness of the edaphic mesofauna. Extract and Cabrio® Top compared to water increased the richness of faunal groups, but water presented higher abundance of specimens. However, all evaluated variables did not show significant variability between treatments. Therefore, Macuco bean extract and Cabrio® Top maintained soil quality without imbalancing the edaphic mesofauna.