Zinc is essential for the synthesis of amino acids, carbohydrates, and proteins, which are directly related to the chemical composition of raw coffee (Coffea arabica L.) beans, and it may influence the quality of the beverage. This study aimed at evaluating the influence of Zn doses on the chemical composition of coffee beans and beverage quality. Increased Zn availability in the growth medium maximized attributes related to beverage quality, such as polyphenol oxidase activity, color index, and contents of sucrose, caffeine, and trigonelline, reaching maximum values in plants with Zn leaf contents within the sufficiency range of 8.0 to 12.7 mg kg−1. Zinc doses lower or higher than the one that provided maximum quality (∼2 μmol L−1 in nutrient solution) increased the attributes related to loss of beverage quality, such as content of total phenols, 5‐caffeoylquinic acid, leached K, and electrical conductivity. Zinc supply influences the quality of coffee beans, having a positive effect on polyphenol oxidase activity, color index, and contents of sucrose, caffeine, and trigonelline. Adequate Zn doses reduce total phenol content, 5‐caffeoylquinic acid, leached K, and electrical conductivity. The leaf contents, which related to the minimum or maximum points of the quality attributes studied, varied between 8.0 and 12.7 mg Zn kg−1.

The high quality seed is an input with invaluable for obtaining soybean crops with higher yields; for it reflects the results of high investments in research of modern technologies, which will be converted into high productivity levels. Thus, the aim of this study was assessing performance of soybean seeds, sorted by size, and grown in soils with different phosphorus levels. To this, seeds of two soybean cultivars (MSoy 9144RR and MSoy 8527RR) were sorted with aid of circular screens with perforations of 5.5 mm and 7.5 mm in diameter. Sowing was carried out into plastic pots, with 3.0 dm³ substrate capacity each, containing a Red-Yellow Oxisol, fertilized with increasing phosphorus dosages (50, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg. Kg-1), and performed under greenhouse environmental conditions. Seed size did not significantly influence the values obtained to the variables analyzed; however, to the larger seeds there was a trend of increase on these values. There was also a trend of increase on these values to all variables assessed when the dosages of phosphorus in the soil were increased.

-Defining adequate methods to assess seed germination is important to control the quality of commercial lots, especially for species that are not yet included in the Rules for Seed Testing. This study aimed to establish an adequate procedure for germination test in physic nut seeds (J. curcas L.). Three seed lots, in eight replications of 25 seeds each, were sown on paper towel rolls moistened with a water volume equivalent to 2.7 the weight of the dry paper and in sterilized sand moistened up to 60% of its water-holding capacity. The seeds of each treatment were maintained on germination chambers at temperatures of 20, 25, 30 and 20-30 o C. Daily counts were made to define the ideal date to perform the first and the last count test. Criteria for classifying seedlings as normal and abnormal were also established. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design in a split plot arrangement, and the means were compared by Tukey's test (P<0.05). For maximum germination potential of physic nut seeds, the germination test should be conducted at 25 o C and 30 o C, using sand or paper towel as a substrate, with the counts at 7 and 12 days after sowing.Index terms: viability, methodology, seeds, physic nut.Teste de germinação em sementes de pinhão manso (Jatropha curcas L.) RESUMO -Estabelecer procedimento adequado para a condução do teste de germinação com espécies que ainda não constam nas Regras para Análise de Sementes é de grande importância para viabilizar a certificação e comercialização de lotes. Objetivou-se estabelecer metodologia para a condução do teste de germinação em sementes de pinhão manso (J. curcas L.). Sementes de três lotes, em oito repetições de 25, foram semeadas nos seguintes substratos: rolo de papel toalha umedecido com volume de água equivalente a 2,7 vezes o peso do papel seco, confeccionando-se rolos; areia esterilizada e umedecida até 60% da sua capacidade de retenção (entre areia). As sementes foram mantidas em germinadores nas temperaturas de 20, 25, 30 °C e 20-30 ºC, realizando-se contagens diárias para definir a data ideal para as avaliações do teste. Foram estabelecidos também critérios para a classificação das plântulas como normais e anormais. O experimento foi conduzido em DIC, em esquema de parcela subdividida. As médias dos tratamentos foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey (P<0,05). Para a obtenção do potencial máximo de germinação das sementes de pinhão manso, o teste de germinação deve ser conduzido nas temperaturas de 25 o C ou 30 o C, utilizando-se semeadura entre areia ou em rolo de papel, com contagens aos 7 e 12 dias após a semeadura.Termos para indexação: viabilidade, metodologia, sementes, pinhão manso.

We characterized and compared taxonomic features of two species of tree crickets Oecanthus in tobacco plantation and adja-cent native trees and bushes at Southern Brazil. The marked differences between species included Oecanthus n. sp. with pale-green body, pale-yellow head, greenish-white eyes, file teeth number 32.8±1.2 (31–34, n = 6) and hindwings caudate. Oecan-thus lineolatus is slightly darker as pale-green, with pale-green head, yellow eyes, hind femur variegated with translucent andpale-green, file teeth number 47±2.2 (42–51, n = 18) and hindwings non caudate. Both species also differ in calling song dominant frequency and temporal parameters, as well as in the morphology of metanotal gland.

-Oil seeds, such as J. curcas, are more prone to deterioration and consequently to loss of quality during storage. In this context, adequate technics for its preservation are of great importance. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different environments and packaging for the conservation of J. curcas seeds during twelve months of storage. The seeds were placed in three different types of packaging: a multiwall paper bag (or Kraft paper bag); a cloth bag; and a high-density plastic bag. After this, the seeds were stored in three different conditions: a laboratory (23 ± 3 ºC; 64 ± 11% of RH); a refrigerated room (20 ± 2 o C; 55 ± 5% of RH) and a cold chamber (10 ± 2 o C; 55 ± 5% of RH). Initially and thereafter every three months, the physiological qualities (germination and vigor) of the seeds were evaluated. J. curcas seeds packed in the plastic bags and stored in a cold chamber maintained their germination potential during twelve months. There was a decline in the physiological quality of the seeds stored in the laboratory conditions, independent of the packaging used. It was concluded that the most suitable condition for the storage of J. curcas seeds was packing them in plastic bags, placed in a cold chamber (10 ± 2 o C; 55 ± 5% of RH).Index terms: oil seed, physiological quality, conservation.Alterações fisiológicas em sementes de Jatropha curcas L.durante o armazenamento RESUMO -Sementes de oleaginosas, como as de J. curcas, são mais propensas à deterioração e consequente perda de qualidade durante o armazenamento. Nesse contexto, técnicas adequadas para a sua conservação tornam-se importantes. Nesse estudo, objetivou-se avaliar diferentes ambientes e embalagens na conservação de sementes de J. curcas ao longo de doze meses de armazenamento. As sementes foram acondicionadas em diferentes embalagens: saco de papel multifoliado; saco de pano e saco plástico de alta densidade. Em seguida, foram armazenadas em diferentes condições: laboratório (23 ± 3 ºC; 64 ± 11% de UR); sala refrigerada (20 ± 2 o C; 55 ± 5% de UR) e câmara fria (10 ± 2 o C; 55 ± 5% de UR). Inicialmente, e a cada três meses, foram realizadas avaliações da qualidade fisiológica (germinação e vigor) das sementes. Sementes de J. curcas acondicionadas em saco plástico e armazenadas em câmara fria mantiveram seu potencial germinativo por doze meses. Houve redução da qualidade fisiológica das sementes mantidas em ambiente de laboratório independente da embalagem utilizada. Verificou-se que a condição mais adequada para o armazenamento das sementes de J. curcas foi o acondicionamento em saco plástico em câmara fria (10 ± 2 o C; 55 ± 5% de UR).Termos para indexação: sementes oleaginosas, qualidade fisiológica, conservação.

ABSTRACT. This study aimed to investigate the effects of growth regulators on germination rates and biochemical compound concentrations in Carica papaya L. seeds ('Formosa' group). The seeds were harvested from fruits at maturation stages 3 and 5 (50 and 75% yellow fruit skin, respectively). The effects of 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid (CEPA), KNO 3 and gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) on seed germination, germination index speed, soluble sugars, starch, lipids, soluble proteins and total proteins of the papaya seeds were evaluated. The seeds from stage 5 showed a higher rate of germination 30 days after sowing than did the seeds from stage 3. Treatment with CEPA decreased seed germination, apparently due to decreased starch mobilization; the opposite response was observed following KNO 3 treatment. GA 3, alone or in combination with KNO 3, stimulated an increase in lipid mobilization. In general, with the exception of CEPA, all growth regulators tested were effective in overcoming seed dormancy, and KNO 3 was the most effective. The seeds from stage 3 fruits treated with KNO 3 or KNO 3 + GA 3 had higher rates of germination at 14 days.Keywords: Carica papaya L, CEPA, ethylene, gibberellins, KNO 3 , reserve compounds.Germinação e alterações bioquímicas em sementes de mamão do grupo 'Formosa' tratadas com fitohormônios RESUMO. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar o efeito de reguladores de crescimento na germinação e na variação de alguns compostos em sementes de Carica papaya L. grupo "Formosa", extraídas de frutos nos estádios de maturação 3 e 5, correspondendo a 50 e 75% da casca com cor amarela, respectivamente. Avaliaram-se os efeitos do ácido 2-cloroetilfosfônico (CEPA), KNO 3 e GA 3 na germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação, no conteúdo de açúcares solúveis, amido, lipídios, proteínas solúveis e totais das sementes. As sementes-controle obtidas de frutos no estádio 5 apresentaram maior germinação aos 30 dias após a semeadura em relação às do estádio 3. O CEPA promoveu diminuição na germinação das sementes, aparentemente, associado com a redução da mobilização de amido, sendo revertida com KNO 3 . O GA 3 , isoladamente e em associação com o KNO 3 , promoveu maior mobilização de lipídios. Em geral, com exceção do CEPA isoladamente, todos os reguladores de crescimento testados foram eficientes na superação da dormência. O KNO 3 mostrou-se o composto mais eficiente em aumentar a germinação. Sementes do estádio 3 tratadas com KNO 3 ou KNO 3 +GA 3 apresentaram maior germinação aos 14 dias.

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We provide herein a description of a new species of Oecanthus collected from the tobacco plantation in southern Brazil, municipality of São Lourenço do Sul, State of Rio Grande do Sul. Description focused metanotal gland features, phallic sclerites, and calling song. A large sampling of individuals was distributed into four groups according to body and appendages color and dotted. We also rank all kind of marks present in the scape and pedicel. We compare linear morphometric variables of the metanotal glands and tegmina, as well as calling song parameters between groups in order do define all of them as the same species. Photographs and measurements are provided.