University Of Viçosa Research Articles

Classification of soybean pods using the deep learning techniques

Crop productivity estimate aims at the economic definitions about crop, agricultural management, and land use, among others. However, it is common to observe the use of visual methods to estimate the productivity of the soybean crop through the classification of pods, resulting in a slow, costly method besides being susceptible to human errors. Thus, the objective of this work was to carry out the training of two deep learning methods to classify soybean pods according to the number of grains based on images obtained using a smartphone. Data collection was carried out at the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV). Data consisted of capturing images from a smartphone and training two deep learning models: Mask R-CNN and YOLOv4. To capture the images, the soybean pods were pulled from the plants and placed in a white-bottom container. This procedure occurred for each plant collected. Both models tended towards a better classification for the two- and three-grain pods, reaching a value of 90% for the F1 score metric. This fact may have occurred because of the greater amount of these two types of pods present in the chosen cultivars. Finally, the potential of using deep learning to classify soybean pods based on the number of grains was observed.

Pedagogical experiences in non-formal education spaces: stop Motion workshops as methodological contributions to teaching and learning

This text comes from two experiences of learning in non-formal spaces, such as museums and science centers. The first experience is a short course held in 2017 at the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV) during the Farmer's Week. The second experience refers to thematic workshops held in the classroom. The authors in this experience report examine the significance of activities in non-formal learning spaces, in this specific case, museums and science centers, proposing the use of cinematographic arts, with a focus on animations, to integrate museums-schools in the community /university through the meaning and re-signification of museums as privileged learning spaces. As a result, we experience the creation of new methodological instruments in developing new pedagogical practices involving non-formal learning spaces, re-signifying the extra-class knowledge of the investigated subjects.

Effect of dietary vegetable lipid sources on the growth performance and whole-body fatty acid profile of giant trahira, Hoplias lacerdae

Aim of study: To evaluate which vegetable lipid source promotes better growth performance, whole-body composition and fatty acid profile for juvenile giant trahira (Hoplias lacerdae). Area of study: Fish Nutrition Laboratory of the University of Viçosa (UFV), MG, Brazil. Material and methods: A 50-day feed trial with four treatments, consisting of diets containing different vegetable lipid sources (canola, linseed, soybean or olive oil), was conducted with juveniles of 4.76 ± 0.50 cm and 1.97 ± 0.20 g. Main results: There were no effects of vegetable lipid sources on growth performance. Fish fed diets containing canola oil had higher body lipid deposition and fish fed with linseed oil had lower body lipid content (up to -19.29%) than fish from other treatments. Fish fed canola oil showed lower proportions of saturated fatty acids (up to -11.27%) in the body. Fish fed diets containing soybean oil and linseed oil showed the highest percentages of linoleic and α-linolenic fatty acids, respectively. Fish fed diets containing soybean and linseed oils also had higher total polyunsaturated fatty acids content (up to +81.14%). Fish fed diets containing linseed oil had lower content of monounsaturated fatty acids (up to -58.59%) and higher content of docosahexaenoic (up to +175%) and eicosapentaenoic (not detectable to detectable) acids. Research highlights: Juveniles of giant thraira can alter the whole-body fatty acid profile due to their ability to desaturate and elongate the n3 and n6 series fatty acids. Linseed oil was identified as lipid source for this fish species.

Factors associated with drug use among adolescents

The study aimed to identify factors associated to drug use in adolescents. For this purpose, it has been observed 133 adolescents registred in ninth grade in two municipal schools in Viçosa, who answered an individual questionnaire validated by PAHO / WHO, applied by members of the Uncensored Extension Project of the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV). Substance use and family structure were evaluated. Statistical tools were: Epi-Info 7.0 StatCalc, Pearson's chi-square test, Poisson regression and SPSS version 23.0 and Stata 9.0 programs. The sample had an average of 15 years old, that 26.3% reported drug use, thus, 65,4% related family history of drug use and low education. Other aspects of family structure included: good family perception, absence of violence and family mental disorder by 78.2%, 82.7% and 75.9% of adolescents, respectively. Only males persisted as a factor associated with drug use, with 2.4 times higher use (PR 2.39; 95% IC 1.19-4.78; p = 0.014). Therefore, only the male gender showed a higher risk for drug use, and further studies are needed to evaluate factors associated with drug use, aiming to promote public health.

Behavior of rural and urban free-ranging dogs in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Free-ranging dogs are often associated with human habitation in many developing countries, and are found in both rural and urban environments in Viçosa, Brazil. Urban free-ranging dogs (UFDs) are opportunistic and feed on leftovers, whether given to them or scavenged from trash cans while they wander about the streets. Most free-ranging dogs living in rural areas (RFDs) protect property and cattle. Depending on their behaviors, such as aggression or roaming, both UFDs and RFDs can be a health problem for people and other animals. The aim of this study was to investigate behavioral differences between UFDs and RFDs. Due to the guardian role of RFDs, it was hypothesized that they would be more aggressive and present less locomotor activity than the UFDs. In this study, 40 UFDs living on the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV) campus and 15 RFDs living on 6 rural properties in Viçosa, Brazil, were examined. The dogs were observed for twelve months, at different times during a 24-hour cycle, with 14 behavioral categories being recorded. RFDs showed significantly more vigilance (P< 0.01) and interspecific agonistic behavior (P< 0.01) than UFDs. UFDs showed significantly more locomotor behavior (P< 0.01) than RFDs. UFDs are less aggressive than RFDs, but they move more often. Resource availability, such as scattered food, influenced the locomotor activity in UFDs, whereas RFDs did not experience the same effect as they were supplied with a temporal and spatial feeding schedule. To the RFDs, concentrated resources such as food and shelter are highly defensible. This study showed that, in Viçosa (Brazil), RFDs and UFDs displayed different behaviors. These differences are most likely driven by the resource-defense behavior of RFDs.

Sedimentation in reservoirs. Case study: the reservoir of the São Bartolomeu stream, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Sedimentation in bodies of water is a worldwide problem that impairs its navigability and utilization, and, in reservoirs, this process reduces their partial or total storage capacity. Using single-beam bathymetric survey techniques, this study evaluates the silting process in a reservoir section at the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), located in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, in the Southeast region of Brazil. An analysis of the charts showing the DEM (Digital Elevation Models) and the Elevation x Surface Area x Accumulated Volume for three surveys conducted in 2010, 2012, and 2016 provided the sedimentation rates between these years, as well as the accumulated volume of sediments in the area under analysis for each year. The information we collected shows sediments accumulated in the deepest part of the reservoir in the period between 2010 and 2012. From 2012 to 2016, however, the silting effect was concentrated in shallower depths, whereas the desilting was observed in the deepest parts. Moreover, the sedimentation rate in the analyzed area was linked to the total precipitation in the municipality during the concerning time frame, as well as to changes in land use that occurred over the past years throughout the watershed. This data indicates a call for management actions to reduce soil erosion in the watershed, as well as a need for desilting of the reservoirs in order to recover its storage capacity.

Physical and physiological quality of Jatropha curcas L. seeds at different maturity stages using image analysis

Aim of study: To assess the potential of automated X-ray image analysis to evaluate the physical characteristics of Jatropha curcas seeds, and to relate the parameters obtained with the physiological quality of the seeds harvested at different maturity stages.Area of study: Experimental area of Agronomy Department, Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Brazil.Material and methods: The fruits were harvested from 20 plants, based on the external skin color (green, yellow, brownish-yellow and brown). The study was performed by automated and visual analysis of radiographic images of the seeds, in which measurements of tissue integrity, density and seed filling were performed. Seed dry matter, germination and seedling growth were also analysed.Main results: Variables obtained through automated analysis of radiographic images correlated significantly with all physiological variables (r &gt; 0.9), as well as visual image evaluations (r &gt; 0.75). The seeds extracted from green fruits presented lower tissue integrity and lower physiological quality. Radiographic analysis was efficient for monitoring J. curcas seed quality at different maturity stages. Morpho-anatomical parameters obtained from X-ray analysis were highly correlated with seed physiological attributes.Research highlights: It is important to develop and improve methodologies based on lower-cost techniques, such as X-ray analysis. In this context, we verified that X-ray images can be used for monitoring J. curcas seed filling and maturation. Radiographic images of seeds can be analyzed automatically with ImageJ software. Internal morphology and physical characteristics of seeds have relationship with their physiological quality.

Brazilian germplasm of winter squash (Cucurbita moschata D.) displays vast genetic variability, allowing identification of promising genotypes for agro-morphological traits.

Winter squash fruits (Cucurbita moschata D.) are among the best sources of vitamin A precursors and constitute sources of bioactive components such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Approximately 70% of C. moschata seed oil is made up of unsaturated fatty acids, with high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids and components such as vitamin E and carotenoids, which represent a promising nutritional aspect in the production of this vegetable. C. moschata germplasm expresses high genetic variability, especially in Brazil. We assessed 91 C. moschata accessions, from different regions of Brazil, and maintained at the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV) Vegetable Germplasm Bank, to identify early-flowering accessions with high levels of carotenoids in the fruit pulp and high yields of seed and seed oil. Results showed that the accessions have high variability in the number and mass of seeds per fruit, number of accumulated degree-days for flowering, total carotenoid content, and fruit productivity, which allowed selection for considerable gains in these characteristics. Analysis of the correlation between these characteristics provided information that will assist in selection to improve this crop. Cluster analysis resulted in the formation of 16 groups, confirming the variability of the accessions. Per se analysis identified accessions BGH-6749, BGH-5639, and BGH-219 as those with the earliest flowering. Accessions BGH-5455A and BGH-5598A had the highest carotenoid content, with averages greater than 170.00 μg g-1 of fresh mass. With a productivity of 0.13 t ha-1, accessions BGH-5485A, BGH-4610A, and BGH-5472A were the most promising for seed oil production. These last two accessions corresponded to those with higher seed productivity, averaging 0.58 and 0.54 t ha-1, respectively. This study confirms the high potential of this germplasm for use in breeding for promotion of earlier flowering and increase in total content of fruit pulp carotenoids and in seed and seed oil productivity.

Yield of Potato Minitubers under Aeroponics, Optimized for Nozzle Type and Spray Direction

Potato seed production by conventional methods represents a sizeable investment that, when passed on to farmers, can decrease their profit margins. Potato minitubers produced by aeroponic systems are space- and cost-efficient, and they also provide healthy propagules to be used by farmers. We evaluated the effects of different misting nozzle types, with and without an antidrip feature, and spray direction on potato minituber yield using the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV) Aeroponic System. Potato plants (cv. Agata) propagated from sprouts were grown in a covered, high-density 100-L polyethylene bucket. The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design with four replicates and eight treatments combining misting nozzle types (Fogger, MA-30, and CoolNet) with and without antidrip and comparing upward with downward spray directions. Plants were evaluated weekly from 33 to 68 days after transplant (DAT). The parameters used to evaluate treatments were number and mass of minitubers as a function of harvest times, dry mass of roots, stems, leaves, and total biomass. The number and fresh weight of minitubers, as well as root dry weight, stems, leaves, and total biomass were affected by misting nozzle types and spray direction. Treatments also affected biomass partitioning of roots, stem biomass, and the shoot:root ratio. There was also an effect of harvest time on the number and fresh weight of minitubers for various combinations of misting nozzle type and spray direction, except for minituber number with the CoolNet misting nozzle without antidrip and downward spray direction. On the basis of the assessed parameters, the best minituber production system was achieved with the Fogger spray combined with no antidrip, a rate of 12 L·h−1, and with the downward spray direction. The UFV Aeroponic System produced an average of 491 minitubers per plant. This system is simple to implement and may lead to a more affordable upscaling of potato seed minituber production.

Protection of Cultivars in the Inter-University Network for the Development of the Sugar-Energy Sector

This article aims to analyze the intellectual property in Brazilian agriculture, taking as reference the protection of sugarcane cultivars of the Inter-University Network for the Development of the Sugar-Energy Sector (RIDESA). At first, a review of the literature was carried out with the objective of situating the problem of the protection and registration of cultivars, especially in the Brazilian case, as well as the procedures and stages of mapping and technological prospection of cultivars. Using a descriptive and exploratory methodology, guided by the multiple case study, information was systematized regarding the data obtained in documentary analysis and technological prospection that allowed the construction of a characterization of each of the ten federal universities participating in the network: Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Federal University (UFG), Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Federal University of Sergipe (UFMT), Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Federal University of Goiás , Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) and Federal University of Piauí (UFPI). The results allowed to visualize the objective conditions of research of the Network, performing a mapping of the cultivars registered by each one of the institutions, in the last 15 years, and that, therefore, they are still legally protected. Although the results presented by RIDESA reflect the state of the Network as a whole, it was considered that the need for more in-depth analyzes on the inequality of conditions and resources, as well as resources and technical capacity, which could possibly have a direct influence on the results in terms of intellectual property, observed for each of the institutions that make up the Network.

Characterization and Correlation Analysis of Physical and Physico-Chemical Properties of Cambucá Fruits (Plinia edulis)

Aims: This study was to characterize and correlate physical and physico-chemical properties of cambucá fruits (Plinia edulis).&#x0D; Study Design: Experimental design was completely randomized with fifteen samples of five fruits each.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Experimental orchard of the Department of Plant Science, Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), located in the municipality of Viçosa, Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais during the month of February 2015.&#x0D; Methodology: Fruits were sampled when 100% of peels presented yellow-orange color. The following characteristics were evaluated: longitudinal and transverse diameter, total mass of both pulp and seed, pulp color, soluble solids, titratable acidity, soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio, ascorbic acid and carotenoids contents. To verify the degree of correlation between two physico-chemical variables, a Pearson analysis was performed.&#x0D; Results: Cambucá fruits showed average values of longitudinal and transverse diameter of 37.76 and 44.36 mm, respectively. Fruits’ average mass were 44.12 g and the percentage of pulp was 82.15%. Both soluble solids and titratable acidity presented the respective average values: 10.53 ºBrix, 1.34 mg of citric acid and 100 mL-1 of pulp. Larger cambucá fruits presented higher pulp yield and lower acidity. The increase in ascorbic acid was positively correlated with the contents of soluble solids and carotenoids.&#x0D; Conclusion: Fruits of cambucá have potential for commercialization, their characteristics are similar to those found in other fruit species native to the Myrtaceae family and already found in the fruit market.

Factors associated with perceived stress among professors at a federal public university.

Within the world of work, stress has negative socioeconomic impacts for employers, employees and the government, including the cost of medical treatments, leaves of absence, disability retirement and loss of individual productivity. To identify the main factors that contribute to increase the level of stress of professors at Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Brazil. A questionnaire including Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)-14 and items to investigate personal and occupational characteristics was administered to a sample composed of 222 UFV professors. The study involved quantitative research techniques, descriptive statistics including the t-test to compare means, correlation and multiple linear regression analysis. Strength of association was highest for variables weekend work (R=0.45), physical activity (R=-0.40), administrative and teaching activities (R=0.29), scientific production (R=0.18), temporary administrative position (R=0.15) and graduate level teaching (R=0.14). University professors accumulate many tasks, including teaching, research, outreach and administrative activities. Their regular working hours seem not to be enough, but they are compelled to take work home and do not have time for leisure, physical activity and family life, with consequent increase of their level of stress and risk for illness. We suggest formulating public policies to organize the teaching career with consideration of the incidence of stress.

Three-dimensional modeling of steady-state flow in lake bank filtration – Brazil

Abstract Lake bank filtration (LBF) is an alternative technique of water catchment. LBF has been used by several countries for more than 100 years as pre-treatment for water supply and hydrogeological characterization studies. LBF studies are still recent and essentially focus on water quality with little or no hydrogeological approach. The benefits obtained through this technique were the reason for the implementation of a pilot project on LBF on the lake banks of the ‘lake’ at the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV) in the city of Viçosa (MG), southeastern Brazil. Several hydrogeological studies were carried out in this research. In this article, we highlight the study by means of three-dimensional modeling of steady-state flow to learn the characteristics of the aquifer and its interaction with the ‘lake’. The three-dimensional numerical model of steady-state flow was elaborated for interpretative and predictive purposes. The results demonstrated the potential of the LBF system and how it can be used as an alternative for the UFV campus. The exposed scenario can help groundwater management in the study area.

Molecular caracterization of a corn core collection–landraces subgroup

The efficient use of genetic resources- stored in germplasm collections can be maximized if morphoagronomic and molecular information on the accessions is made available. To achieve this, a collection that is well-structured, well-curated and easily accessible (the core collection) is required. Consequently, the objective of the current study was to characterize 80 landrace accessions from the maize core collection of the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), and assay thenngenetic diversity of the various landraces, considering&#x0D; grain type and ecogeographic origin. For this, AFLP analysis was performed using 12 primer combinations. Genetic diversity of the collection was quantified with the UPGMA method, using the Jaccard Index to quantify dissimilarity. The core collection was divided into four sub-populations by grain type, and into six sub-populations based on ecogeographic origin. Genetic diversity analysis was performed both within and between sub-populations. A high level of genetic variability was found among the landrace accessions of UFV Core Collection, principally among those accessions with dentate type grains.Classification by grain type and ecogeographic origin allowed genetically divergent groups to be distinguished.

Qualidade pós-colheita de oito variedades de pêssego

The fruit physical and chemical characteristics can vary during the maturation period and this variation depends, among other factors, on the weather conditions during fruit development. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in physical and chemical characteristics of eight peach cultivars during two seasons. The cultivars Campinas 1, Coral, Maciel, Marli, Premier, Regis, Rei da Conserva and Tropic Beauty were planted on Okinawa rootstock at the experimental orchard of the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa-MG, Brazil, in 2008 and the following characteristics were evaluated: fruit weight, skin color, firmness, soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid and total carotenoids. The experiment was conducted during 2011 and 2012 growing seasons in a completely randomized design with eight treatments (cultivars), three repetitions and 10 fruits per plot. There were differences between the variables for the two seasons, with the largest variations observed for firmness, ascorbic acid and total carotenoids. Cultivars Maciel and Marli produced fruit with higher mass, Tropic Beauty with greater firmness and Rei da Conserva, Coral and Marli with higher soluble solids contents. The cultivar Rei da Conserva presented higher values for most of the evaluated variables in both seasons. The yellow color, evaluated by the hue angle, is associated with total carotenoids content in peaches.

Characterization of white-fleshed peach cultivars grown in the ‘Zona da Mata’ area of Minas Gerais State, Brazil

There are few information on the physical and chemical characteristics of peach fruit in subtropical climate regions and the majority of the studies were developed in the southern region of Brazil. In this study, physical and chemical characteristics of 12 white-fleshed peach cultivars (Cristal, Cristal Tacoari, Colibri, Delicioso Precoce, Jóia 1, Jóia 2, Jóia 4, Marli, Okinawa, Pérola de Itaquera, Premier and Tropical) were evaluated. The cultivars were planted in the experimental orchard of the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa – MG, Brazil. The experiment was conducted during the 2011 harvest season, in a completely randomized design with 12 treatments (cultivars), three replications and 10 fruits per plot. The cultivars Delicioso Precoce and Marli showed, in general, higher mass and fruit diameter. Fruits of cultivars Jóia 2 and Tropical presented higher firmness. Cultivar Tropical stood out with better balance between acidity and soluble solids and higher vitamin C and carotenoids contents.

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease in professors from a public university

To determine the prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease among professors of a public university. This cross-sectional study included 145 professors from the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), MG, Brazil, in 2010. Analyzed variables included age, weight, height, waist, hip and abdominal circumferences, in addition to total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures. A total of 71% were men, the average age of the men was higher than that of the women (46.9 versus 43.2 years old); half of the participants were overweight (46.9% were overweight and 9.0% were obese). Other factors were: 17.2% presented a waist-hip ratio at risk; 46.9% had greater than normal abdominal circumference; 4.0% presented high total cholesterol, 20.2% high triglycerides, 4.8% of the individuals presented abnormal glucose metabolism; and 16.6% were hypertensive. In comparison with men, women presented lower systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, and abdominal, hip and waist circumferences. There was a trend of increased waist/hip and abdominal circumferences, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and systolic blood pressure as individuals aged. The college professors addressed in this study present important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Hence, prevention and control measures need to be implemented in order to reduce the problem, a process in which nursing professionals play a key role in the achievement of success.

Pseudautomeris brasiliensis (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) and Stenoma sp. (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae) Feeding on Crops of Ctenanthe kummeriana (Marantaceae) in Brazil and an Associate Parasitoid, Enicospilus tenuigena (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)

Abstract Ctenanthe kummeriana (E. Morren) Eichler (Marantaceae) is a cosmopolitan ornamental plant with esthetically appealing color and leaf shape. Pseudautomeris brasiliensis Walker (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) and a nondescribed species of Stenoma (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae) defoliated this plant in the campus of the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, inspiring the study of the association that prevails among these organisms. This could be a rare event, as the association of Lepidoptera with Marantaceae is scarce, with only two previous reports. The aim of this study was to monitor the caterpillars on the two crops of C. kummeriana, one in the “Horto Botânico” (HB) and another in the “Recanto da Cigarra” (RC) for a period of 1 yr, with particular attention to the shelters and damage caused; to assess the gregarious nature and the emergence of parasitoid and lepidopterans; and to provide an accurate morphologic diagnosis of a parasitoid. P. brasiliensis and Stenoma sp. were recorded after the rainy season, exhibiting similar distribution between HB and RC. Enicospilus tenuigena Kriechbaumer, 1901 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) emerged from 76.25% of the P. brasiliensis pupae. P. brasiliensis and Stenoma sp. defoliated the C. kummeriana plants between March and June in the UFV campus, whereas the parasitoid E. tenuigena reduced the populations of the first species.

Caracterização de frutos de cultivares de pessegueiro na Zona da Mata Mineira

This study aimed to evaluate physical and chemical characteristics of fruits of 14 peach cultivars with yellow flesh named Aurora 1, Aurora 2, Biuti, Capdeboscq, Campinas 1, Diamante, Douradão, Dourado 1, Lake City, Maciel, Rei da Conserva, Régis and Tropic Beauty. They were introduced in the experimental orchard of the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa-MG. The experiment was conducted during the 2011 season, in a completely randomized design with 14 treatments (cultivars), three replications and 10 fruits per plot. Fruit with more intense yellow skin coloration were found in cultivars Lake City and Régis and the cultivars Aurora 1, Aurora 2, Capdeboscq, Diamante, Douradão, Dourado 1, Maciel, Régis and Tropic Beauty had yellow flesh color more intense. The fruits of cultivars Capdeboscq, Maciel and Rei da Conserva had, in general, higher fruit weight and diameter. The fruits of cultivars Douradão and Dourado 1 had a better balance between acidity and soluble solids and higher content of vitamin C. Higher levels of carotenoids were found in cultivars Capdeboscq, Campinas 1, Régis and Rei da Conserva.

Emergence ofPalmistichus elaeisis(Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) from Pupae ofThagona tibialis(Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Collected in the Medicinal PlantTerminalia catappa(Combretaceae)

The biological control of pests is an alternative to chemical control in plant crops used in folk medicine. The bark and the roots of tropical almond Terminalia catappa L. (Combretaceae) are indicated for dysentery, bile and gastric fevers and intestinal parasites; the leaves are used to treat colic and hemorrhoids; the unripe fruit is an astringent, the ripe fruit is a laxative, and its oil is used as an emulsifier for soothing the chest. Palmistichus spp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), gregarious endoparasitoids, were little known until the publication of the first revision of this group in 1993. Fifty-four individuals of Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare and LaSalle, 1993 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) were collected after emerging from a pupa of Thagona tibialis Walker, 1855 (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) when their caterpillars defoliated a tree of T. catappa at the campus of the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV) in Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The parasitoid individuals were identified by the Department of Biology of the Lund University in Sölvegatan, Lund, Sweden. The present study includes a new host, pupae of T. tibialis associated to T. catappa, for P. elaeisis in Brazil.