The genetic variability characterization of the accessions of the germplasm collection, using molecular markers, is being applied as a complementary strategy to the traditional approaches to redefine the plant genetic resources. In this study, we compared the informativeness and efficiency of the molecular markers RAPD, AFLP and SSR in the analysis of 94 accessions of Coffea canephora germplasm held by the breeding program of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), Rondo ˆnia State, Brazil. For this, we considered the marker's discriminatory power and level of polymorphism detected and also the genetic relationships and clustering (dendrogram) analysis. The RAPD marker yielded low-quality data and problems in the discrimination of some accessions, being less recommended for genetic studies of C. canephora. The SSRs had a higher level of information content and yielded high-quality data, while AFLP was the most efficient marker system because of the simultaneous detection of abundant polymorphism markers per few reactions. Our results indicate that AFLP and SSR, allies to the intrinsic characteristics of each technique, are the most suitable molecular markers for genetic studies of C. canephora. However, the choice of AFLP or SSR in the species characterization should be made in agreement with some characteristics that are discussed in this work.

Objectives Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) play a role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it remains poorly understood whether NETs participate in the cross-talk between periodontitis and RA. Herein, we investigated the production of NETs in individuals with periodontitis and RA and its association with clinical parameters. The impact of periodontal therapy on RA and NET release was also assessed. Methods The concentration of NETs and cytokines was determined in the saliva and plasma of individuals with early RA (n = 24), established RA (n = 64), and individuals without RA (n = 76). The influence of periodontitis on the production of NETs and cytokines was also evaluated. Results Individuals with early RA had a higher concentration of NETs in saliva and plasma than individuals with established RA or without RA. Periodontitis resulted in an increase in the concentration of NETs of groups of individuals without RA and with early RA. The proportion of individuals with high concentrations of IL-6, IL-10 and GM-CSF was higher among individuals with periodontitis than among individuals without periodontitis. The concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17/IL-25, and IL-28A were particularly high in individuals with early RA. Worse periodontal clinical parameters, RA onset and RA activity were significantly associated with circulating NETs. Periodontal therapy was associated with a reduction in the concentration of NETs and inflammatory cytokines and amelioration in periodontitis and RA. Conclusion This study reveals that NETs are a possible link between periodontitis and RA, with periodontal therapy resulting in a dramatic switch in circulating NET levels.

Acerola fruit has gained prominence for its high nutraceutical value, associated with high levels of ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds. The objectives of this study were to analyze the chemistry composition and antioxidant capacity in seven Brazilian varieties of acerola. All acerola genotypes were harvested at the red ripe maturity stage, and the fruit were subjected to metabolite analyses by High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography. The varieties presented high levels of ascorbic acid and malic acid. The main sugars observed in acerola were glucose and fructose. Cyanidin‐3‐rhamnoside was the main phenolic compound in the fruit (149–682 mg/kg FW), which had higher concentration in the varieties BRS 235‐Apodi, BRS 236‐Cereja, and BRS 237‐Roxinha. Other phenolic compounds also observed in the fruit were quercetin‐3‐glucoside, isorhamnetin, catechin, procyanidin A2, naringenin, hesperidin, chlorogenic acid, and trans‐resveratrol. In conclusion, the observed wide range of acerola nutraceutical properties was related to the high genetic variability among genotypes. Practical applications Brazil is the world's largest producer, consumer and exporter of acerola, with commercial orchards distributed all over the country. According to the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, about eighteen registered varieties of acerola have been produced in the country. Among them are the varieties developed by Breeding Programs at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa). Despite the great diversity of studies about acerola composition, only a few studies have focused on analyzing specific varieties. Therefore, limited information is currently available on the profile of metabolites of commercial interest in acerola varieties, such as sugars, organic acids and some phenolics. This study showed that acerola nutraceutical properties was highly dependent on the genotype.

This work aimed to characterize accessions that represent the C. canephora germplasm conserved and cultivated in Brazil. A total of 130 accessions from germplasm banks of IAC (São Paulo), UFV (Minas Gerais) and also collected in plantations of the State of Espírito Santo and Rondônia were evaluated with a set of 20 new microsatellite primers. Multivariate methods were used to estimate the relationship among the accessions. High level of polymorphism and two major diversity clusters were identified. First cluster was composed by the accessions conserved in the IAC and UFV collections and the second was formed by accessions collected in areas under cultivation. Accessions from Espírito Santo and Rondônia were clear separated, composing two subclusters. Despite the great polymorphism found in Brazilian plantations, the diversity may be increased, because a new threshold in the genetic gains is expected on breeding programs with the intensification of the use of conserved germplasm.

Amazonian Robustas are ten new clones of high yield potential with characteristics typical of the botanical varieties conilon and robusta. With individual registration, the new cultivars were developed to be grown together with other clones, with flexibility of composition of the crops according to the preference of the producer.

<p>O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar a capacidade discriminatória de métodos para seleção e recomendação de clones de cafeeiros da espécie<bold> Coffea canephora</bold>, considerando a interação genótipos x anos na distribuição da produtividade de café beneficiado, nos períodos de 2000 a 2004 e de 2007 a 2011. O efeito significativo da interação genótipos x anos indicou que existem clones que apresentaram desempenho não consistente ao longo do tempo. Os métodos de <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B10">LIN & BINNS (1988</xref>) e <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B1">ANNICCHIARICO (1992</xref>) apresentaram resultados similares, de modo que um deles pode ser utilizado em substituição ao outro. O método de EBERHART & RUSSEL (1966) identificou parte dos clones de adaptação específica, enquanto que os métodos, MHPRVG e centroide permitiram caracterizar os clones de maior adaptabilidade e estabilidade, apresentando resultados complementares. A seleção de plantas baseada na distribuição da produtividade de café beneficiado ao longo do tempo permitiu selecionar clones de desempenho superior sem acentuar a bienalidade.</p>

Due to high temperatures, practically all coffee farms in the state of Rondonia are of the C. canephora species. Thus, importing arabica coffee from other states becomes necessary for composition of blends, as well as for the specialty or gourmet coffee market. The purpose of this study was to select arabica coffee genotypes that exhibit satisfactory agronomic performance under high temperature conditions. The experiment was conducted in OuroPreto do Oeste, RO, Brazil, with mean annual temperature of 25.8°C and mean annual rainfall of 2300mm year-1. The experiment was composed of 114 arabica coffee genotypes, with 103 progenies and eleven control cultivars, provided by EPAMIG. A randomized block experimental design was used with three replications, spacing of 3.0x1.0 meters and five plants per plot. All the crop seasons showed significant difference for the green coffee yield trait. In joint analysis, significant differences were detected among progenies and control cultivars. In the average of the four harvests, green coffee yield was 32.38 bags ha-1. The cultivars 'CatuaíVermelho IAC 15', 'Obatã IAC 1669-20' and 'Catucaí Amarelo 2SLCAK' stood out, achieving yields greater than 40 bags ha-1. The gain obtained from selection was 14.33 bags ha-1, which is equivalent to an increase of 44.04% in production of green coffee. The progeny H514-7-10-6-2-3-9 stood out with an average yield of 51.20 bags ha-1. In regard to maturation cycle, 56% of the progenies were classified as early maturity and 44% as medium maturity. Late maturity genotypes were not observed

Combining ability of advanced lines and marketable cultivars of watermelonThe combining ability analysis is an important tool to estimate parameters used for superior genotype selection in breeding programs. Besides aiding in the choice of the best parents and promising hybrids, this technique enables the characterization of the nature and magnitude of gene expression related to agronomic traits of interest. This study aimed to estimate the effects of general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) in a partial diallel cross of watermelon genotypes. The assay was carried out at the Experimental Station of Embrapa Rondônia, in Machadinho do Oeste, Rondônia state, Brazil. The parents were organized in two groups, the first being composed by three advanced lines: Cpafro 34.305, Cpafro 74.105 and Cpafro 45.202; and the second, by three cultivars: 'Charleston Gray', 'Sugar Baby' and 'Omaru Yamato'. Parents and hybrids were evaluated with regard to 11 agronomic traits. The study followed a randomized blocks design, with three replications, and seven plants per plot, spaced by 3.0 m between rows and 1.0 m between plants. The effects of GCA were superior than those of SCA to most traits, evidencing the predominance of the additive interaction on the control of those characters. Favorable GCA effects were verified on many parents, 'Sugar Baby' and 'Charleston Gray' being the most promising to intra-population breeding strategies aiming to develop smaller and larger fruit varieties, respectively. On the basis of the SCA effects, Cpafro 74.105 x Charleston Gray (large fruits) and Cpafro 74.105 x Sugar Baby (small fruits) were the best combinations, presenting more potential to commercial cultivation.