Agricultural Science Center Research Articles

NOTA TÉCNICA: CONSTRUÇÃO DE SONDAS TDR E AVALIAÇÃO EM DIFERENTES SOFTWARES DE APLICAÇÃO TÉCNICA

A aplicação eficiente de água na agricultura envolve equipamentos modernos e manejo adequado deste recurso natural. A quantidade de água absorvida pela cultura pode ser determinada pelo fluxo de seiva xilemática e a técnica da Reflectometria no Domínio do Tempo (TDR) tem potencial para efetuar essas medições por ser precisa e praticamente livre de interferências. O objetivo deste trabalho foi construir e avaliar sondas TDR de diferentes tamanhos que pudessem ser lidas por três diferentes softwares com a finalidade de mensuração do fluxo de seiva em plantas lenhosas.Foram avaliados seis tamanhos de sondas (200, 150, 100, 70, 50 e 20 mm) sendo construídas e avaliadas características físicas em água deionizada por três programas de aplicação da técnica, PCTDR da Campebell Scientifc, WinTDR da Utah State University e o TDR-Lab da CSIC. Os softwares demonstraram dificuldades na leitura automática, sendo WinTDR e PCTDR mais limitados quanto à leitura manual.O PCTDR não conseguiu realizar leituras em sondas de 1,6 mm de diâmetro de haste. Já o software TDRLab se mostrou promissor na análise de sondas de tamanhos menores, porém ainda são necessários estudos da constituição física das sondas para maior precisão nas leituras.

Biophysical response of young pomegranate trees to surface and sub-surface drip irrigation and deficit irrigation

Due to recurring agricultural water shortages, many farmers are looking for crops such as pomegranate that have both some degree of drought resistance and a higher economic value. To manage limited water effectively, it is necessary to know how pomegranate trees respond to varying levels of applied water and the type of irrigation system used. This study was conducted in experimental orchards located at the University of California Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension (UC KARE) Center and the USDA-ARS San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center in Parlier, California. The impact of surface drip (DI) and subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) at the UC KARE orchard and irrigation levels (35, 50, 75, 100% of crop water use) at the USDA-ARS orchard on tree canopy size [fractional canopy ground cover (f c), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference infrared index (NDII)], canopy-to-air temperature difference, and fruit yield was determined during the 2012–2014 growing seasons. There was no difference in tree canopy size between the DI and SDI systems at the UC KARE site; but trees under SDI produced larger fruit in 2013 and higher yield whilst saving about 10% of water application. The difference in water application highlights an advantage of SDI over DI systems to conserve water without creating negative impacts on tree size or yield. At the USDA-ARS site, the 35 and 50% irrigation treatments significantly reduced tree canopy size in 2013 and 2014, compared to the 75 and 100% irrigation treatments. In 2014, trees irrigated with 75% of crop water use produced more yield than trees irrigated at 35% of crop water use. Furthermore, NDVI and NDII were correlated to f c. The relationships between NDVI to f c and f c to pomegranate crop coefficient were established. The derived crop coefficient from ground-based remotely sensed data may potentially be used as a tool by farmers and water managers to estimate pomegranate tree water use on a field or regional scale using aerial or satellite imagery.

Jujube Cultivar Vitamin C Profile and Nutrient Dynamics during Maturation

Vitamin C profiles of 46 jujube cultivars were assessed from 2012 to 2015, and fruit nutrient dynamics of 10 cultivars during maturation were examined from 25 Aug. to 7 Oct. 2014 at 2-week intervals at New Mexico State University’s Alcalde Sustainable Agriculture Science Center and Los Lunas Agricultural Science Center. This is the first report in the United States profiling Vitamin C in jujube cultivars. The vitamin C content of mature fruit of 45 (of 46) cultivars ranged from 225 to 530 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW) plus ‘Youzao’ having the highest content of 820 mg/100 g FW at early mature stage. In general, drying cultivars had higher vitamin C content than fresh-eating cultivars whereas ‘Jinsi’ series (multipurpose) had relatively higher vitamin C content than others (>400 mg/100 g FW). Fruit vitamin C and moisture content decreased significantly during the maturation process. The average vitamin C contents of nine cultivars at Alcalde decreased more than 40% based on FW from 25 Aug. to 7 Oct. To maximize the vitamin C benefit, the ideal stage to consume fresh-eating cultivars is the creamy stage. Titratable acidity and soluble solids increased significantly during maturation. In mature jujubes, the titratable acidity and soluble solids ranged between 0.27% to 0.46% and 27.2% to 33.7%, respectively. Glucose, fructose, and sucrose content also rose significantly during ripening. Mature fruits contained 31–82 mg/g FW glucose, 32–101 mg/g FW fructose, and 53–159 mg/g FW sucrose among the cultivars tested. Based on sucrose contents, cultivars can be divided into two groups, “high-sucrose” (more sucrose than glucose or fructose) and “low-sucrose” (less sucrose than glucose or fructose). ‘Dagua’, ‘Honeyjar’, ‘Lang’, ‘Li’, ‘Maya’, ‘Sugarcane’, and ‘Sherwood’ belong to the “high-sucrose” group. Total phenolic content and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-reducing capacity in fruit decreased during maturation, and the total phenolic content of mature jujube was 12–16 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight (DW). For mature fruit, ‘Li’ and ‘Li-2’ had the highest DPPH-scavenging efficiency whereas ‘Sugarcane’, ‘So’, and ‘Lang’ had the lowest at Alcalde, NM.

Influence of Irrigation Scheduling Using Thermometry on Peach Tree Water Status and Yield under Different Irrigation Systems

Remotely-sensed canopy temperature from infrared thermometer (IRT) sensors has long been shown to be effective for detecting plant water stress. A field study was conducted to investigate peach tree responses to deficit irrigation which was controlled using canopy to air temperature difference (ΔT) during the postharvest period at the USDA-ARS (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service) San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center in Parlier, California, USA. The experimental site consisted of a 1.6 ha early maturing peach tree orchard. A total of 18 IRT sensors were used to control six irrigation treatments including furrow, micro-spray, and surface drip irrigation systems with and without postharvest deficit irrigation. During the postharvest period in the 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 growing seasons, ΔT threshold values at mid-day was tested to trigger irrigation in three irrigation systems. The results showed that mid-day stem water potentials (ψ) for well irrigated trees were maintained at a range of −0.5 to −1.2 MPa while ψ of deficit irrigated trees dropped to lower values. Soil water content in deficit surface drip irrigation treatment was higher compared to deficit furrow and micro-spray irrigation treatments in 2012. The number of fruits and fruit weight from peach trees under postharvest deficit irrigation treatment were less than those well-watered trees; however, no statistically significant (at the p < 0.05 level) reduction in fruit size or quality was found for trees irrigated by surface drip and micro-spray irrigation systems by deficit irrigation. Beside doubles, we found an increased number of fruits with deep sutures and dimples which may be a long-term (seven-year postharvest regulated deficit irrigation) impact of deficit irrigation on this peach tree variety. Overall, deployment of IRT sensors provided real-time measurement of canopy water status and the information is valuable for making irrigation management decisions.

Impact of KVK Interventions on Socio-economic Status of Beneficiary Households in Dharwad District

The government and non-government agencies have started many projects and programmes with an aim to eradicate poverty, unemployment and enhance income among the rural poor. The turning point and giant leap in this direction came with the establishment of Farm Science Centre or Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) by ICAR in 1974. Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), the light house for rural people, is an innovative science based institution, which undertakes vocational training of farmers, farm women, and rural youths, conducts on-farm research for technology refinement and organizes frontline demonstration to promptly demonstrate the latest agriculture technologies to the farmers as well as the extension workers. The study was conducted in Dharwad district of Karnataka and KVK, Dharwad was purposively selected. Further, a sample of 40 respondents who were influenced by the three most important income and employment enhancing interventions namely household enterprise, vermicomposting and seed production were selected randomly. Thus, the total sample consisted of 120 respondents. It was clear that before the KVK intervention, majority of the respondents were under the low category of socio-economic status. These selected KVK interventions made farmers to generate adequate income, by acting as a subsidiary source of income. This led to the transformation of respondents from low socio-economic status to the medium category.

English

The aim of this study was to determine trap efficiency on capturing fruit fly Ceratitis capitata. The research was conducted in greenhouse of the Entomology Laboratory of the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Sciences Center of the Federal University of Paraiba – CCA/UFPB, Areia – PB. The trap efficiency was evaluated by comparing three types (Delta, Pet and Circular Trap) with standard trap of McPhail type using liquid and semi-solid lures: Bio Anastrepha® 5% and CeraTrap®. Traps were equidistantly arranged in the experimental environment where eight releases of 300 adults of C. capitata, newly emerged, were carried out. The effectiveness of traps was evaluated according to the number of captured flies in the set period. Data were subjected to variance analyses and Tukey test. Standard trap of McPhail type and alternative trap of Pet type were the most efficient on capturing C. capitata in greenhouse environment. The alternative trap of Pet type can replace the standard one on C. capitata trapping. Key words: Fruit production, hydrolyzed proteins, Mediterranean fruit fly.

Desigualdades de gênero na universidade pública:a prática dos docentes das ciências agrárias em estudo

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar as desigualdades de gênero existentes entre os docentes do Centro de Ciências Agrárias (CCA) da Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), procurando identificar os fatores que poderiam influenciar esse viés de gênero. Buscou-se não apenas descrever as desigualdades de gênero nos espaços ocupados por homens e mulheres nos cursos de graduação e nos programas de pós-graduação do CCA/UFV, mas também compreender os mecanismos através dos quais as assimetrias de gênero se perpetuavam. Para tanto, utilizou-se o Currículo Lattes dos professores como fonte de informação para a análise das variáveis que apresentavam padrões diferenciados entre os docentes de ambos os sexos que atuavam nos programas de pós-graduação no campo das ciências agrárias na UFV. A análise dos dados relativos à distribuição por sexo também nos cursos de graduação do CCA visou a apresentar uma perspectiva completa das configurações de gênero em todas as instâncias acadêmicas: graduação, pós-graduação e docência. A grande pista que guiou as conclusões finais desta pesquisa foi alcançada a partir da percepção de que o vínculo de origem do docente mostrava relação com os padrões de orientação estabelecidos pelos professores na pós-graduação.

Doppler ultrasound of the placenta and maternal and fetal vessels during normal gestation in captive agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler, 1831)

The use of ultrasound for pregnancy monitoring is critical for the evaluation of hemodynamic parameters essential to fetal viability. In the present study, using B-mode and Doppler ultrasound, we characterized the placenta, subplacenta, maternal, and fetal vessels during normal gestation of healthy agoutis raised in captivity. In total, 30 agoutis were obtained from the Center for the Study and Preservation of Wild Animals, Center of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Piauí (Núcleo de Estudos e Preservação de Animais Silvestres—NEPAS, Centro de Ciências Agrárias—CCA, Universidade Federal do Piauí—UFPI). These animals were subjected to B-mode and Doppler ultrasound examinations to evaluate their maternal and fetal hemodynamic profiles. The placenta was located in the mesometrial region and had a discoid, ellipsoid, or globular aspect. With spectral Doppler, characteristic systolic and diastolic flow was observed in the umbilical artery. This flow increased during pregnancy. A cross-sectional view revealed a goblet-shaped placenta. The uteroplacental blood flow was characterized by a marked increase in systolic peak velocity during pregnancy, the presence of a rapid deceleration ramp, and a relatively high diastolic speed. The fetal aortic vascular flow was predominantly systolic and diastolic. The caudal vena cava blood flow was characterized by a systolic peak followed by a decreased diastolic wave throughout pregnancy. In the present study, we characterized the morphologic and hemodynamic interactions of the placenta/subplacenta with maternal and fetal vessels in agoutis at 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 days gestation using B-mode and Doppler ultrasound. We determined the approximation and separation of the blood flow values of the umbilical artery, subplacental flow, uteroplacental artery, fetal aorta, and fetal vena cava. We believe these values may contribute to an understanding of the gestational biology and aid delivery prediction in this species.

Study of plant physiological parameters in winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus var. napus f. biennis L.) production on chernozem soil

We made plant physiology examinations in Arkaso winter oilseed rape hybrid substance: relative chlorophyll content (SPAD) and leaf area index (LAI) measurements. The experiment was set in University of Debrecen Agricultural Sciences Center at Látóképi Experimental Station in four replications, in two different sowing times (I. sowing date on 08/22/2014 and II. sowing date on 09/09/2014 sowing againhappened because of the incomplete germination in the second subtance 01/10/2014) Three different plant density 200, 350 and 500 thousand ha-1, under the same nutrient supply, 45 cm row spacing. The experiment was green crop of winter wheat. The relative chlorophyll content (SPAD) and leaf area index (LAI) measurements were made in seven different times. We measured the maximum value of chlorophyll content in the first sowing time at 500, and the second sowing time at 350 thousand ha-1 plant density. The measurement results proved that there was a linear relationship between the number of plants and the LAI. The maximum leaf area index values we measured in both the sowing time at 500 thousand ha-1 reached.

Crop Improvement Technologies at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Farm Science Center) –Senapati, Manipur, India

Crop improvement technologies developed at various research institutes of ICAR and state agricultural universities need to be practically demonstrated at the beneficiary farmer's field. To attain this objective the concept of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (Farm Science Centre) came into existence. After the preliminary trials of proven technologies at the farm science centre level, large trials called the Front Line Demonstrations are conducted at farmer's field to check the suitability and reproducibility of the technology at micro environment level. In addition to the OFTs and FLDs, training is also given tofarmers, rural youth and extension functionaries from time to time to update then regarding the latest technologies developed for crop improvement.

Growth and Yield of Guar (<i>Cyamopsis tetragonoloba</i> L.) Genotypes under Different Planting Dates in the Semi-Arid Southern High Plains

Guar is a drought and salt tolerant summer annual legume, which could be a potential alternative crop in the semi-arid Southern High Plains. Increased use of guar gum in oil industries has increased the demand of guar globally. Planting date effects on stand establishment, physiological parameters, and yield formation of guar genotypes were investigated at the New Mexico State University’s Agricultural Science Center at Clovis, NM for two seasons (2014 and 2015). Four guar genotypes (HES 1123, Kinman, Lewis, and Matador) were tested under three planting dates (June 18, July 7, and July 22 in 2014; and June 18, July 6, and July 20 in 2015). Higher temperature and rainfall were recorded under mid-June planting than early-July and late-July plantings. Guar planted under mid-June had better stand establishment as shown by the higher number of plants m-2, better physiology as revealed by higher photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), leaf area index (LAI), and SPAD values than early-July and late-July plantings. Guar planted under mid-June resulted in taller plants, and therefore, produced higher plant biomass than both of the July plantings. Yield attributing characteristics including clusters plant-1, pods plant-1, seeds plant-1, seed spod-1, 1000 seed weight, and harvest index (HI) were highest under mid-June planting followed by the early-July and late-July plantings, respectively. The mid-June planting increased seed yield by 26% and 55% over early-July and late-July (1399 vs. 1111 and 903 kg·ha-1) plantings, respectively in 2014; while the same increase in 2015 was 51% and 243% (1308 vs. 868 and 381 kg·ha-1), respectively. These results indicate that delaying planting beyond mid-June is detrimental to guar productivity. However, genotypes did not show any significant variation in their performance. Overall, warmer growing conditions and more precipitation under mid-June planting caused better growth and yield formation of guar genotypes.

Vigor de sementes de milho cv. 'Sertanejo' por testes baseados no desempenho de plântulas

RESUMO: Os testes de vigor são importantes no monitoramento da qualidade dos lotes de sementes, pois possibilitam a diferenciação entre eles, fornecendo informações adicionais ao teste de germinação. Dessa forma, no presente trabalho, o objetivo foi avaliar a sensibilidade de diferentes testes de vigor baseados no desempenho de plântulas para separação de lotes de sementes de milho cv. 'Sertanejo'. O experimento foi realizado no Laboratório de Análise de Sementes do Centro de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal da Paraíba, utilizando-se 20 lotes de sementes, em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com exceção do teste de emergência em campo, para o qual se adotou o delineamento em blocos ao acaso. Para caracterização dos lotes, foram avaliados o teor de água, a germinação e o vigor (teste de emergência em campo, primeira contagem, índice de velocidade de germinação e de emergência, bem como comprimento e massa seca das plântulas). Os testes de vigor com maior sensibilidade em ranquear os lotes de milho são os de primeira contagem da germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação e de emergência, comprimento de parte aérea e de raiz.

Photosynthetic pigments and biomass in noni irrigated with saline waters with and without leaching

ABSTRACTThe response of plants to salt stress is an extremely complex phenomenon that involves morphological, physiological and biochemical changes, modifying the leaf contents of chlorophyll and carotenoids, among others and affecting plant growth, development and production. An experiment was carried out from July 2010 to June 2011, in order to evaluate the contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, the chlorophyll a/b ratio and biomass accumulation of shoots and roots of noni plants, when subjected to irrigation and leaching with water of increasing salinity. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, at the Center of Agricultural Sciences of the Federal University of Paraíba, in the municipality of Areia-PB, Brazil. Treatments were distributed in randomized blocks, in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme with four replicates and two plants per plot, and corresponded to levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (0.5; 1.5; 3.0; 4.5 and 6.0 dS m-1) in pots with and without leaching. The increase in irrigation water salinity impairs the leaf contents of chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids and biomass production of noni plants, but to a lesser extent in all the treatments in which same irrigation water was used for leaching.

Physical-chemical effects of irrigation with treated wastewater on Dusky Red Latosol soil

The current water crisis underlines the importance of improving water management. The use of effluent from secondary treatment in agriculture can reduce the discharge of effluent into natural bodies and provide nutrients to crops. This study evaluated the physical and chemical properties of a Dusky Red Latosol soil that had been irrigated with treated wastewater. Conducted at the Center of Agricultural Sciences (CCA) of Federal University of Sao Carlos (UFSCar), in Araras/Sao Paulo/Brazil, 18 undisturbed soil samples were collected and deposited on a constant-head permeameter in order to simulate the irrigation of five growth cycles of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), organized in five different treatments and one control group. For each treatment 0.58 L, 1.16 L, 1.74 L, 2.32 L, and 2.90 L of treated wastewater and distilled water were applied . The treated wastewater came from a domestic waste treatment plant. After the water filtered through the soil, samples of treated wastewater were collected for analyses of electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), turbidity, pH, Na, K, Mg, P and Ca and, in the soil the granulometry, complete fertility, exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat). The Ksat decreased, but did not alter the infiltration of water and nutrients in the soil. The concentration of nutrients in the soil increased, including Na, which raises the need for monitoring soil's salinity. In conclusion, the application of wastewater did not cause damage to the physical properties of the soil, but resulted in a tendency towards salinization.

Availability soil water in the initial conilon coffee development.

Abiotic stresses such as drought can significantly reduce the yield conilon coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre ex Froehner). The objective was to evaluate the influence of the fraction of available soil water on the initial development conilon coffee, evaluating with different water availability. The trial was carried out in the greenhouse of the Agricultural Science Center, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Alegre, ES, in a split-plot 4 x 5, and the plots with four levels of water deficit (100, 50, 30 and 10 % of available water in the soil), and the subplot with five assessment times (1, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after onset of drought) in a completely randomized design with four replicates. The parameters evaluated were: matter of shoot dry, matter of the root system dry, plant height and leaf area. To evaluate the recovery of plants after drought, they are kept for 30 days with soil moisture close to field capacity. The best results of initial development conilon coffee were found when using the levels of 100 and 50% of available water in the soil there were no differences among them, however, differing from 30 to 10% of available water. Coffee subjected to longer periods of drought, significant losses in the initial development, undermining the recovery process after the plants deficit.

Challenges of Strawberry Production in High-pH Soil at High Elevation in the Southwestern United States

In 2011, 16 strawberry cultivars were planted with two planting systems—a black-plastic-covered perennial system (BP) and a matted-row system (MR)—arranged in a split-block design with four replications at the New Mexico State University (NMSU) Sustainable Agriculture Science Center, Alcalde, NM. Cultivars varied greatly in their yield and tolerance to high-pH soil. ‘Allstar’, ‘Chandler’, and ‘Darselect’ were the three most sensitive cultivars to high soil pH among the 16 cultivars tested, whereas ‘Wendy’, ‘Brunswick’, ‘Honeoye’, and ‘Clancy’ were the four most tolerant cultivars by the end of July 2011. Two to three applications of 0.67 g·m–1 (linear row) FeEDDHA were used per year through fertigation to effectively treat leaf chlorosis resulting from high soil pH. After averaging the yields of 2012 and 2013, ‘Mesabi’ and ‘Kent’ had greater yield than others and twice the yield of ‘Jewel’. Early cultivars Earliglow and Annapolis and late cultivars L’Amour and Ovation all had low yields in both years. In Jan. 2013, the minimum temperature reached –21.7 °C, which caused crown damage to some cold-tender cultivars, especially in the black-plastic-covered system. ‘Wendy’, ‘Chandler’, ‘Clancy’, and ‘Jewel’ were the cold-tender cultivars, whereas ‘Mesabi’, ‘Kent’, ‘Cavendish’, and ‘Honeoye’ were the hardiest among those tested. Despite repeated late frosts from 19 Apr. to 4 May 2013 and a delayed harvest season, most cultivars produced greater yield than in 2012 with ‘Mesabi’ and ‘Kent’ being the greatest. There were no significant differences in yields in 2012 and 2013 between BP and MR treatments, but yield in BP was significantly lower than in MR in 2014. With appropriate cultivar selection and management, growers can produce strawberries in high-pH soil at high elevation with a short growing season in the Southwest.

Economically Viable STCR Based Nutrient Management on Soybean (Glycine max)

Soybean is the principle oil seed crop in India. Blanket recommendation of fertilizers for soybean over large area irrespective of soil type has lead to indiscriminate use of costly inputs. This has also resulted in imbalanced use of fertilizers and environment related problems. Hence to economize the fertilizer use soil testing should play important role. Therefore, a study on the soil test for improving soybean productivity was performed as a part of mandatory program of Agriculture Science Center, Rewa in Madhya Pradesh (MP) of India. Soils of study area had pH 6.8 to 7.4, EC 0.17 to 0.23 dSm−1, organic carbon 0.33 to 0.71%, available nitrogen 105 to 214 kg/ha, phosphorus 7.30 to 16.80 kg/ha and potassium 173 to 325 kg/ha. Experiment were conducted in rainy season of 2009–10 with two treatments, farmers practice -T1 (50 kg DAP/ha only) and application of fertilizer on the basis of soil test value -T2. Higher grain yield was observed in T2 (1830 kg/ha) than T1 (1180 kg/ha). The maximum increase in soybean yield was noted due to applied fertilizers on the basis of soil test values in T2. The highest Benefit Cost ratio (B:C ratio) 4.05 was registered in T2.

A Study on Community Based Aquaculture Promoted by KVK-Khordha, Odisha, India

Since 1960s Community aquaculture gained its importance in India through the attempts of Research and Development agencies. Demonstration of fish culture practices in community ponds are challenged by its nature as water bodies are common property resources which requires substantial support from communities, local bodies and other agencies. Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) - Khordha, the Farm Science Centre under Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) works on Front Line Demonstration of community aquaculture in Khordha district. Promotion of community aquaculture by KVK is through the identified ponds and also requests from interested communities. Technical inputs and one time provision of fingerlings of Indian Major Carps viz., Catla, Rohu and Mrigal are supplied for the farmers to adopt the practice. A participatory approach is envisaged for mobilizing communities, stocking ponds and adopting all Scientific Management Practices. During 2011-13, KVK demonstrated fish culture in five community ponds covering an area of 6 ha. An average production was 22.41 q /ha realized against the farmers practice of 15.46 q/ha. High production costs, risks of poaching and other constraints were also elicited by members who adopted the practice. This paper presents the works done by KVK in promoting community aquaculture and its impact in fish production.

Erosivity of rainfall in Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil

The erosive capacity of rainfall can be expressed by an index and knowing it allows recommendation of soil management and conservation practices to reduce water erosion. The objective of this study was to calculate various indices of rainfall erosivity in Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil, identify the best one, and discover its temporal distribution. The study was conducted at the Center of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Lages, Santa Catarina, using daily rainfall charts from 1989 to 2012. Using the computer program Chuveros , 107 erosivity indices were obtained, which were based on maximum intensity in 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 135, 150, 165, 180, 210, and 240 min of duration and on the combination of these intensities with the kinetic energy obtained by the equations of Brown & Foster, Wagner & Massambani, and Wischmeier & Smith. The indices of the time period from 1993 to 2012 were correlated with the respective soil losses from the standard plot of the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) in order to select the erosivity index for the region. Erosive rainfall accounted for 83 % of the mean annual total volume of 1,533 mm. The erosivity index (R factor) of rainfall recommended for Lages is the EI30, whose mean annual value is 5,033 MJ mm ha-1 h-1, and of this value, 66 % occurs from September to February. Mean annual erosivity has a return period estimated at two years with a 50 % probability of occurrence.

Isolation and characterization of mesenchymal progenitors derived from the bone marrow of goats native from northeastern Brazil.

To characterize bone marrow progenitors cells grown in vitro, using native goats from northeastern Brazil as animal model. Ten northeastern Brazil native goats of both genders were used from the Piauí Federal University Agricultural Science Center's (UFPI) - Goat Farming Sector. Bone marrow aspirates where taken from the tibial ridge and seeded on culture plates for isolation, expansion and Flow Cytometry (expression markers - Oct-3/4, PCNA, Ck-Pan, Vimentina, Nanog). Progenitor cells showed colonies characterized by the presence of cell pellets with fibroblastoid morphology. Cell confluence was taken after 14 days culture and the non-adherent mononuclear cell progressive reduction. After the first passage, 94.36% cell viability was observed, starting from 4.6 x 106 cell/mL initially seeded. Cells that went through flow cytometry showed positive expression for Oct-3/4, PCNA, Ck-Pan, Vimentina, and Nanog. Bone marrow progenitor isolated of native goats from northeastern Brazil showed expression markers also seen in embryonic stem cells (Oct-3/4, Nanog), markers of cell proliferation (PCNA) and markers for mesenchymal cells (Vimentina and Ck-pan), which associated to morphological and culture growth features, suggest the existence of a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) population in the goat bone marrow stromal cells studied.