Southwestern Bahia Research Articles

SEASONAL AND SPATIAL VARIATION OF ROAD-KILLED VERTEBRATES ON BR330, SOUTHWEST BAHIA, BRAZIL

In the present study, we aimed to characterize and quantify the vertebrates road-killed along 12.8 km of the BR-330 highway in southwestern Bahia. The road is surrounded by patches of Atlantic Forest and Caatinga and by human-modified areas. From May/2012 to August/2013, we performed 35 surveys, monitoring 448 km in total. During this period, we registered 146 road-killed individuals belonging to 60 species (35 birds, 15 reptiles, 7 mammals and 3 amphibians). The species most likely to be road-killed in the study area were the toad Rhinella jimi and the snakes Oxyrhopus trigeminus and Sibynomorphus neuwiedi . The Jaccard index showed higher values when compared to the observed richness of road-killed species, which is corroborated by the ten new species recorded during five additional surveys from August/2015 to July/2016. The number of road-killed vertebrates was significantly higher in the rainy season than in the dry season. We identified 26 road-kill hotspots along the studied stretch of road. The presence of water bodies associated with vegetational landscape surrounding these hotspots may be a reason for the higher concentration of road-kills. Besides being one of the few studies conducted in an ecotonal area in the northeast of Brazil, our data indicate some important patterns that should be considered for regional and national policies on impact mitigation.

Etiology, occurrence and epidemiology of a begomovirus disease in passionflower in the southwest of Bahia

Severe mosaic symptoms, accompanied by yellow spots, abnormally small leaves, fruit malformation and cracking, reduced plant growth, and high levels of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci MEAM1) infestation were observed in passionflower (Passiflora edulis) orchards in southwestern Bahia, Brazil. The aim of this work was to identify the species of begomovirus infecting the passionflowers, its prevalence in southwestern Bahia, and the spatial and temporal dynamics of the disease. Leaf samples from symptomatic plants collected at 57 orchards located in ten counties were evaluated by PCR for begomovirus infection. Complete nucleotide sequences of DNA-A for two isolates revealed 97 % identity with Passionfruit severe leaf distortion virus (PSLDV). The occurrence of PSLDV in 57 orchards was evaluated based on the presence of characteristic disease symptoms. Approximately 235,000 visually assessed plants exhibited symptoms characteristic of begomovirus infection. Epidemiological studies, conducted in two orchards in Dom Basílio County, showed that disease progress was relatively slow until 121 days after transplanting (DAT), but more rapid in the following 35 days, reaching 100 % infected plants by 156 DAT. The exponential model was fitted to the temporal dynamic of the disease for both areas. An aggregated pattern of diseased plants was predominant for almost all evaluations. It is possible that the primary and secondary spread of the pathogen occurred concurrently during the epidemic progression in both areas, especially late in the season. Containment measures to prevent the virus and the vector from spreading to other passionfruit producing areas in Brazil should be implemented.

Hemocultura em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva: prevalência, perfil de solicitações e susceptibilidade microbiana em um hospital do Sudoeste da Bahia

Blood culture in Intensive Care Units: prevalence, request profile and microbial susceptibility in a hospital in Southwestern Bahia state, Brazil

Pressure injury: incidence in critical units of a regional hospital

Objectives: Measuring the incidence of pressure injury (PI) in users hospitalized in critical units of a public reference institution in southwestern Bahia. Method: Prospective longitudinal study. Data were collected between June and August of 2017, through a direct interview, medical records, medical prescription and inspection of the participant’s skin. Results: Of the 83 participants, 39 (47%) developed PI. The medium stay in the study was 6.8 days. Most of them were male, black or brown and had low schooling. The mean age was 47.6 years (± 19.8). It was evidenced that the continuous use of vasoactive drugs and sedoanalgesia is associated with PI. Thirty- two (38.55%) participants presented a high risk for PI development. The calcaneal region (44%) was the most affected. The number of lesions per participant was 1.28, on average, with lesions in stage 1 (68%) predominating. The occurrence of an unfavorable outcome (death) was statistically significant. Conclusion: The multifactorial character of the emergence of PI requires the adoption of institutional measures focused on the prevention of this adverse event, and should be part of the process of permanent education of professionals.

Incipient tobacco use and associated factors among adolescents from the rural area of Vitória da Conquista in the Brazilian state of Bahia

The aim of this study is to describe incipient tobacco use and associated factors among adolescents from the rural zone of southwestern Bahia. It was based on data from the cross-sectional Adolescer research project among 390 adolescents conducted in 2015. Data were analyzed using frequency and chi-square measurements and Poisson regression with robust variance to estimate the prevalence ratios (PR) for incipient tobacco use in relation to the explanatory variables. Among the adolescents, 5.1% had smoked at some stage and 0.3% smoked regularly. The following variables were associated with incipient smoking: male gender (PR = 6.46); having had sexual intercourse at some stage in life (PR = 20.55); having parents who rarely or never understood their problems (PR=7.89); having 3 or more friends (PR = 0.10). Despite low incipient smoking or the prevalence of regular smoking, which indicate the adoption of a healthier lifestyle or greater autonomy and decision-making ability for non-smoking, it is acknowledged that there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco. The recommendation is that an intersectoral partnership between education and health be created to foster health promotion and disease prevention, with an emphasis on curtailing smoking habits.

Weed Phytosociology in Cassava Cultivation in Two Periods in Southwestern Bahia, Brazil

ABSTRACT: Knowing the most important species in the weed community is necessary to decide the best weed control method to be used. Thus, a phytosociological survey was carried out on cassava cultivation areas located in five rural properties of Cândido Sales, BA, Brazil, one of the state’s largest cassava producers. Two collections were carried out in each property in February (summer) and August (winter) 2016. A square metal frame with 0.25 m2 was randomly placed in each area, zigzagging, and establishing a proportion of 25 castings per hectare, with a sampling area of 6.25 m2 in each area. Weeds were identified and quantified, and then phytosociological parameters of frequency, density, abundance, relative frequency, relative density, relative abundance, and importance value index were determined. The analysis of the similarity between populations of the areas and periods was determined by the Sorensen similarity index. A variation of weed community composition was observed between cassava and harvest periods, with a higher infestation in the summer. A similarity was observed between cassava cultivation areas.

Diversity and preservation of Pleistocene tetrapods from caves of southwestern Bahia, Brazil

The study of two caves from the Serra do Ramalho region is here presented, this is one of the most important karstic areas in Brazil. A taxonomic analysis revealed 29 taxa including Xenarthra, Cetartiodactyla and Carnivora, ranging from Late Pleistocene to Early Holocene. Taphonomic studies reveal taphocoenosis consisting mainly of complete elements, without significant transportation, but also of transported elements, composing spatial-mixed, predominantly in situ-preserved assemblages. The predominance of Xenarthrans found within the caves is probably biased by a taphonomic pattern since these animals would have life habits related to cave environments, therefore with higher chances of preservation. There is evidence of accidental death of the scelidotheriines in Lapa dos Peixes cave, where entrapment of the animals during one or more events of river flooding is pointed as a hypothesis. Deposition took place within different periods of dry and humid climate incorporating bones in clastic and chemical deposits. Cycles of sedimentary deposition and reworking (erosion) may have acted in generating complex and overlapping depositional patterns with time averaging. During depositional phase, while the cave environment was occupied rather by Xenarthrans, parts of other animals were transported in the scope of fluvial systems and gravity loads, as well as by accidental falling or scavengers. The sedimentary deposits are currently being eroded by rain runoff in both caves, causing the reallocation of finer sediments to deeper conduits but the fossils keep close to their original location. This process is exposing a large amount of fossils, allowing extensive sampling which would be impossible with active excavations, since it would require an excessively longer time and damages to the caves.

Estudo normativo do R-1: Teste Não Verbal de Inteligência para uma região da Bahia-Brasil

O R-1: Teste Não Verbal de Inteligência é um instrumento que foi construído com base no Teste de Matrizes Progressivas de Raven de acordo aos pressupostos teóricos da análise fatorial de Spearman, teoria bifatorial. O presente artigo objetivou apresentar normas para o R-1 para uma amostra de motoristas e candidatos a Carteira Nacional de Habilitação de uma região do sudoeste da Bahia - Brasil. A amostra foi composta de 1507 adultos, de ambos os sexos e três níveis de escolaridade, que realizaram avaliação psicológica em uma clínica credenciada ao DETRAN-BA. Para determinar a influência do sexo e da escolaridade foram realizados testes estatísticos, que indicaram diferenças significativas nas pontuações em função dessas variáveis. Os resultados apontaram a necessidade de estabelecer normas por sexo e por nível de escolaridade para a população estudada. Tais estudos contribuem para o avanço nas pesquisas em avaliação psicológica no contexto do trânsito.

Formação profissional e conhecimento sobre biossegurança de Auxiliares de Saúde Bucal dos setores público e privado

Na Odontologia, o conhecimento de medidas de biossegurança relacionadas ao controle de infecção constituem preocupação constante, já que conhecimentos adquiridos podem ser aplicados para a prevenção, minimização ou eliminação de riscos à saúde. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a relação entre a formação profissional e o conhecimento sobre biossegurança de Auxiliares de Saúde Bucal (ASBs) dos serviços público e privado em uma cidade do sudoeste da Bahia. Trata-se de um estudo transversal envolvendo 44 profissionais, sendo 16 do setor público e 28 do setor privado. Utilizou-se questionário semiestruturado com 22 questões. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva e pelo teste Qui-quadrado. A análise dos dados revelou que 45,5% das ASBs ainda não haviam realizado curso técnico profissionalizante, capacitação ou atualização e 77,3% não possuíam registro no Conselho Regional de Odontologia. As participantes que haviam recebido algum tipo de informação técnico-científica mostraram saber mais sobre o significado do termo biossegurança (p<0,05) e realizar com maior frequência a lavagem das mãos entre um paciente e outro (p<0,05). As profissionais do serviço público mostraram maior conhecimento sobre o significado do termo biossegurança (p<0,05) e a possiblidade de transmissão de doenças para os pacientes (p<0,05), em comparação às do serviço privado. Observou-se neste estudo que uma melhor formação profissional das ASBs pode interferir positivamente sobre os conhecimentos de biossegurança referentes ao controle de infecção.

Novas formas de cuidado através das práticas integrativas no Sistema Único de Saúde

Objective: To report the experience of a workshop intended for fostering reflection on the National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices. Data synthesis: Descriptive case study reporting the experience performed in the first half of 2017 at the State University of Southwestern Bahia, in Jequie, Bahia, Brazil. The workshop was held in cooperation with a course of the Academic Master’s Graduate Program in Nursing and Health (PPGES) of the same university, with a duration of approximately four hours. Master’s students with training in Nursing, Psychology and Dentistry mediated the workshop, which had as participants students of the Nursing and Dentistry Undergraduate Programs, and was conducted with use of group dynamics addressing the National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices, based on music therapy. Through personal narratives, the participants expressed the meanings of the experience and their learning process. Conclusion: Conducting workshops creates spaces for reflection so that future professionals understand the need for having Integrative and Complementary Practices included in their clinical practice and work processes. The workshop gave rise to multiprofessional experiences and enabled a rich variety of perspectives regarding the subject and the exchange of experiences among the workshop participants, which will be incorporated into the work routine as an effective, continuous process, and adjusted to the needs of the Brazilian Unified Health System.

Bats (Mammalia, Chiroptera) from an area of Caatinga in southwestern Bahia, Brazil

<p style="text-align: justify;">A floresta estacional de Caatinga do nordeste do Brasil apresenta dossel contínuo de 15-25 m de altura, com um sub-bosque bem desenvolvido e abundância de cactos, lianas e epífitas. O presente estudo fornece um inventário das espécies de morcegos capturados no município de Caetité, no sudoeste da Bahia, Brasil. No total, foram capturados 68 indivíduos de morcegos, pertencentes a nove espécies e três famílias. A riqueza de espécies estimada para a área através do estimador Jackknife 1, foi 9.9. Os morcegos filostomidaeos foram os mais abundantes, e a espécie <em>Carollia perspicillata</em> (Linnaeus, 1758) foi a dominante. Nossos resultados são consistentes com estudos anteriores realizados na Bahia e no bioma Caatinga, fornecendo dados sobre a estrutura local da comunidade de morcegos. Além disso, destaca a importância de inventários rápidos para compreender a diversidade e distribuição da fauna de morcegos.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Palavras chave</strong>: Assembléia de morcegos, Caatinga, Caetité, inventário rápido.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Abstract</strong>: The seasonal deciduous Caatinga scrub forest of northern Brazil has a continuous canopy of 15–25 m in height, with a well-developed understory, and abundant cacti, lianas, and epiphytes. The present study provides an inventory of the bat species recorded in the municipality of Caetité, in southwestern Bahia, Brazil. Sixty-eight individuals were captured, belonging to nine species and three families. The Jackknife 1 procedure estimated a species richness of 9.9. The phyllostomid bats were the most abundant, and <em>Carollia perspicillata</em> (Linnaeus, 1758) was captured most frequently. Our results are consistent with previous studies conducted in Bahia and the Caatinga, providing data on the local bat community structure. It also highlights the importance of rapid inventories for the understanding of the diversity and distribution of the bat fauna.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Key words</strong>: Bat assemblage, Caatinga, Caetité, rapid inventories.</p>

The Subjects’ Discursive Practices in Environmental Sciences at the Scientific Context of the University of Southwestern Bahia, Brazil

The advent of modernity and its conception of knowledge demanded a strong specialization, an intention of universalization and the neutrality of subject and object in a self-centered process of methodological constructions. This process was on the base of the modern sciences since its emergence during the seventeen century until the nineteen century. This model of science has received critical positions since the second middle of nineteen century but it was questioned as a paradigm in crisis at the second middle of twentieth century when the debate about the crisis of the modernity has opened theory conditions to talk about the emergence of interdisciplinary subjects and other paradigms to understand it. One example of it was the emergence of environmental phenomena. After the impact of the Second World War, the environmental sciences as an interdisciplinary approach arise and will propose an effective communication among knowledge in order to offer a more complex perspective since its emergence in the global context. Nevertheless, the legitimization of the new perspective has not become effective because the power relations and the scientific actions on institutions - mainly in universities - have received interference of their disciplinary powers in which is predominant a modern scientifically perspective. This paper aims at discuss the emergence of environmental phenomena and its institutionalization process at the State University of Southwestern Bahia, understanding the scientific actions of researchers and professors as discursive practices in accord with Michel Foucault theory framework.

In vitro degradability of coffee husks treated with doses of fibrolytic enzymes for use in ruminant nutrition

The agricultural activity has generated a progressive amount of waste, which needs a proper treatment to avoid negative environmental impacts. At the same time, values can be added to such waste, as its use in animal feed. This research was conducted at the laboratory of Animal Nutrition, State University of Southwestern Bahia, campuses of Vitória da Conquista and Itapetinga. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of coffee husks on ruminant feeds by increasing doses of fibrolytic enzymes, evaluating their effects on in vitro ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (FDA) of the coffee husk (CH). The experiment was a completely randomized design in a 2x4 factorial scheme. It compounded the following treatments: Coffee husk (CH1): 1.5% enzymes (E) and 24 h enzymatic action (EA); CH2: 3.0% (E) and 24h (EA); CH3: 4.5% (E) and 24 h (EA); CH4: 6% (E) and 24 h (EA); CH5: 1.5% (E) 48 h (EA); CH6: 3% (E) and 48h (EA); CH7: 4.5% (E) and 48h (EA); and CH8: 6% (E) and 48 h (EA), all based on dry matter. An improvement in the degradability of the nutritional parameters MS, NDF, and FDA occurred with the addition of enzymes, with 3% enzyme addition being the best level, and 24 hours, as the best action time. In addition to that, as the EA on coffee husk increased, the degradation rate decreased. Therefore, the use of enzymes can improve the digestibility of the fibrous fraction, enabling the use of the coffee husk and possibly other agroindustrial residues, thus minimizing their adverse effects on nature.

In vitro degradability of coffee husks treated with doses of fibrolytic enzymes for use in ruminant nutrition

The agricultural activity has generated a progressive amount of waste, which needs a proper treatment to avoid negative environmental impacts. At the same time, values can be added to such waste, as its use in animal feed. This research was conducted at the laboratory of Animal Nutrition, State University of Southwestern Bahia, campuses of Vitória da Conquista and Itapetinga. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of coffee husks on ruminant feeds by increasing doses of fibrolytic enzymes, evaluating their effects on in vitro ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (FDA) of the coffee husk (CH). The experiment was a completely randomized design in a 2x4 factorial scheme. It compounded the following treatments: Coffee husk (CH1): 1.5% enzymes (E) and 24 h enzymatic action (EA); CH2: 3.0% (E) and 24h (EA); CH3: 4.5% (E) and 24 h (EA); CH4: 6% (E) and 24 h (EA); CH5: 1.5% (E) 48 h (EA); CH6: 3% (E) and 48h (EA); CH7: 4.5% (E) and 48h (EA); and CH8: 6% (E) and 48 h (EA), all based on dry matter. An improvement in the degradability of the nutritional parameters MS, NDF, and FDA occurred with the addition of enzymes, with 3% enzyme addition being the best level, and 24 hours, as the best action time. In addition to that, as the EA on coffee husk increased, the degradation rate decreased. Therefore, the use of enzymes can improve the digestibility of the fibrous fraction, enabling the use of the coffee husk and possibly other agroindustrial residues, thus minimizing their adverse effects on nature.

QUANTIFICAÇÃO E CORRELAÇÕES DE PARÂMETROS MICROBIOLÓGICOS EM QUEIJOS MINAS FRESCAL NO SUDOESTE DA BAHIA

O Queijo Minas Frescal é um dos derivados do leite mais consumidos no Brasil, considerado como um queijo semigordo e de muito alta umidade, característica que propicia a contaminação por micro-organismos. Nesse sentido, o objetivo desse estudo foi verificar quantitativamente a ocorrência de Staphylococcus coagulase positiva, coliformes totais e Escherichia coli nos queijos Minas Frescal do Sudoeste da Bahia, bem como, as suas correlações. Para isso, foram analisadas três marcas de queijos comercializadas na região, sendo coletadas amostras, em duplicata, de três diferentes lotes. Os resultados foram obtidos pela contagem de colônias características e expressos em UFC/g. Os dados foram apresentados de forma descritiva e as correlações entre os parâmetros foram avaliadas por meio da equação linear de Pearson. Todas as amostras analisadas estavam contaminadas com Staphylococcus coagulase positiva e coliformes totais acima do limite estabelecido pela legislação. Para o parâmetro Escherichia coli, somente 16,6% estavam dentro do limite estabelecido pela legislação vigente. As correlações entre as contagens de Staphylococcus coagulase positiva com Escherichia coli e coliformes totais foram moderadas e negativas (-0,32 e -0,32, respectivamente), e entre Escherichia coli e coliformes totais foi positiva e elevada (0,99). Os produtos analisados encontraram-se impróprios ao consumo, sendo que, apenas uma marca destacou-se por estar em conformidade com a legislação para um dos parâmetros. Assim, entende-se que as condições higiênico-sanitárias para a fabricação do produto podem não estar adequadas, representando um risco ao consumidor final.

“Só o leite materno!” – significados de nutrizes sobre o aleitamento materno exclusivo

Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, exploratório e descritivo, que teve como objetivo conhecer a percepção de nutrizes sobre o aleitamento materno exclusivo. Participaram da pesquisa onze nutrizes do município de Vitória da Conquista, localizado no sudoeste baiano. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas individuais semiestruturadas e analisados por meio da Análise de Conteúdo na modalidade Temática. Foram construídas duas categorias temáticas: O aleitamento materno exclusivo na percepção de nutrizes e As potencialidades e dificuldades acerca do aleitamento materno: percepção de nutrizes. Os resultados apontaram que as nutrizes percebem a prática do aleitamento materno exclusivo como benéfica por conta do alto valor biológico que o leite materno tem para a criança, bem como evidenciaram vários fatores capazes de determinar o percurso da amamentação e, que perpassam por dimensões econômica, social, cultural e emocional.

PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ANEMIA IN CHILDREN ENROLLED IN DAYCARE CENTERS: A HIERARCHICAL ANALYSIS.

ABSTRACTObjective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with anemia in children younger than five years old enrolled in public daycare centers in a city in southwestern Bahia, in the northeast of Brazil.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that included a sample of 677 children enrolled in public daycare centers in Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil. A portable hemoglobinometer was used to measure hemoglobin. The concentration of <11 g/dL was considered the cutoff point for a diagnosis of anemia. A questionnaire was applied to parents/guardians in order to collect socioeconomic data, maternal characteristics and information on the child’s health and nutrition. Height and weight were measured to assess the child’s nutritional status. Poisson regression with robust variance and hierarchical selection of variables was used to identify factors associated with anemia. Results: The prevalence of anemia was 10.2% and was more frequent in children whose homes had no sanitary facilities (PR 3.36; 95%CI 1.40-8.03); in those who did not exclusively breastfeed (PR 1.80; 95%CI 1.12-2.91); in children aged less than 36 months (PR 1.85; 95%CI 1.19-2.89) and those who had low height for age (PR 2.06; 95%CI 1.10-3.85).Conclusions: The prevalence of anemia is considered to be a mild public health problem in the children, who are enrolled in daycare centers. Children with inadequate sanitary conditions, and that were not exclusively breastfed, as well as younger children and children with a nutritional deficit, were more likely to present the condition.

Contributions to the floristic and vegetation knowledge of Espinhaço Septentrional, Bahia, Brazil

The Espinhaco range is a mountain chain that extends from the municipality of Ouro Preto in Minas Gerais to the Chapada Diamantina region in Bahia, eastern Brazil. The Serra Geral of Licinio de Almeida (SGLA) is located in the Espinhaco Septentrional in southwestern Bahia, and its biodiversity is still poorly known. In order to contribute to a better understanding of floristic diversity and the vegetation of SGLA, we have compiled a checklist of its flowering plants and characterized the phyto-physiognomy of the different plant formations. A total of 811 species in 410 genera and 97 families are recorded in our study. Based on floristic composition and ecological parameters, we recognize five plant formations as follows: (1) deciduous forest, (2) semi-deciduous forest, (3) “Cerrado” s.str., (4) rocky fields (“Campos Rupestres”), and (5) rocky Caatinga (“Caatinga Rupestre”). Our results indicate that the SGLA is a transitional area between the “Cerrado” and “Caatinga” domains and constitutes an ecological corridor that links the northern and southern portions of the Espinhaco Range supported by 24 new occurrences recorded for the state of Bahia.

Correlation between infection rate of triatominies and Chagas Disease in Southwest of Bahia, Brazil: a warning sign?

Chagas disease, caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi, has a wide distribution in South America, and its main method of control is the elimination of triatomines. It is presented here the geographic distribution and the rate of natural infection by T. cruzi of triatomines collected and evaluated from 2008 to 2013 in southwest of Bahia. Triatomines were captured in the intradomiciliary and peridomiciliary areas of five cities located in the southwest of Bahia state, identified, and analyzed for the presence of trypanosomatids in their feces. During the study period the number of patients suspected for acute Chagas disease was recovered from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). 8966 triatomines were captured and identified as belonging to eight species. Twenty-six presented themselves infected, being Triatoma sordida the most abundant and with the highest percentage of infection by T. cruzi. Tremedal was the city with the highest number of cases of acute Chagas' disease reported to SINAN. All cities showed triatomines infected with T. cruzi, so there is considerable risk of vectorial transmission of Chagas disease in the southwestern Bahia state, evidencing the need for vector transmission control programs and preventive surveillance measures.

MORPHOPHYSIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF PASSION FRUIT PLANTS FROM DIFFERENT PROPAGATION METHODS AND PLANTING SPACING

ABSTRACT: The passion fruit (Passiflora cincinnata Mast.) is a perennial and drought resistant species that represents a new alternative crop for small farmers in rainfed conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the vegetative and physiological development of passion fruit plants derived from two propagation methods and grown at varied planting spacing. The experiment was conducted from January to June of 2012, in the Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia (State University from Southwestern Bahia), in Brazil. It was carried out in a randomized block design under a 2 x 3 factorial scheme, which consisted of two propagation methods (cutting and seeds) and three planting spacing distances within a row (1.5; 3.0 and 4.0 m), however, at same distance between rows (3.0 m), with four replicates and four plants per plot. Cuttings and seeds were sampled from adult plants pre-selected in native areas from Vitória da Conquista - BA, Brazil. Growth (stem diameter and leaf area) and physiological parameters (leaf chlorophyll content, leaf water potential before dawn, relative water content and leaf gas exchange) were assessed on the 90th, 120th and 150th day after transplanting of seedlings into the field (DAT). Based on our results, we concluded that despite plants propagated via cuttings showed most favorable water status, vegetative growth and photosynthetic capacity were lower whether compared to plants obtained from seeds.