Toads of the Rhinella genus have a pair of paratoid glands that store biological secretions of high toxicity and varied chemical composition, rich in biologically active compounds. The present work aimed to carry out the investigation of the metabolomic profile and evaluation of the biological potential of the secretion paratoid glands (PGS) from Rhinella granulosa. The paratoid secretion was collected in the Piauí state (Brazil), extracted with methanol and the extract was analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Fifty chemical constituents were identified. The extract showed cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines of the central nervous system (half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 1.9 µg mL-1) and prostate (IC50 = 1.6 µg mL-1), unsatisfactory antimicrobial potential (minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) > 312 µg mL-1) and inhibited the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (IC50 = 5.119 mg mL-1). The results presented relevant information about the PGS and contributed to the understanding of the metabolomic and biological potential of R. granulosa.

Rhinella jimi toads (Stevaux, 2002) belong to the Bufonidae family, are endemic in the Brazilian Northeast and are commonly found during rainy periods. In general, amphibians of this family have in their poisons different metabolites that show a diversity of pharmacological activities. The isolation and identification of these compounds are of great importance, and techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry are widely used for the discovery of novel and known compounds in these poisons. For R. jimi poison, the ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts were obtained and thirty compounds were identified by combining ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) with direct infusion atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (DI-APCI-MS/MS) and direct infusion electrospray mass spectrometry (DI-ESI-MS/MS) for each extract, respectively. Marinobufagin (2) and marinobufotoxin (19) were the majorities of each extract, respectively. In addition, other bufadienolides mainly present in the ethyl acetate extract, such other bufotoxins, alkaloids and arginine diacid derivatives were identified in the methanol extract. In a cytotoxic assay by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), the extracts and compound 2 demonstrated half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values better than the positive control doxorubicin, evidencing excellent cytotoxic. This is the most complete study of the chemical composition of R. jimi toad poison and its respective cytotoxic activity, promoting the enrichment of knowledge about this family and species.

Abstract Background: The resistance against antimalarial drugs represents a global challenge in the fight and control of malaria. The Brazilian biodiversity can be an important tool for research and development of new medicinal products. In this context, toxinology is a multidisciplinary approach on the development of new drugs, including the isolation, purification, and evaluation of the pharmacological activities of natural toxins. The present study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity, as well as the antimalarial activity in silico and in vitro of four compounds isolated from Rhinella marina venom as potential oral drug prototypes. Methods: Four compounds were challenged against 35 target proteins from P. falciparum and screened to evaluate their physicochemical properties using docking assay in Brazilian Malaria Molecular Targets (BraMMT) software and in silico assay in OCTOPUS® software. The in vitro antimalarial activity of the compounds against the 3D7 Plasmodium falciparum clones were assessed using the SYBR Green I based assay (IC50). For the cytotoxic tests, the LD50 was determined in human pulmonary fibroblast cell line using the [3(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] (MTT) assay. Results: All compounds presented a ligand-receptor interaction with ten Plasmodium falciparum-related protein targets, as well as antimalarial activity against chloroquine resistant strain (IC50 = 3.44 μM to 19.11 μM). Three of them (dehydrobufotenine, marinobufagin, and bufalin) showed adequate conditions for oral drug prototypes, with satisfactory prediction of absorption, permeability, and absence of toxicity. In the cell viability assay, only dehydrobufotenin was selective for the parasite. Conclusions: Dehydrobufotenin revealed to be a potential oral drug prototype presenting adequate antimalarial activity and absence of cytotoxicity, therefore should be subjected to further studies.

RESUMO A secreção cutânea de anuros da família Bufonidae tem grande potencial na busca de novos compostos ativos para utilização como fármacos candidatos no tratamento de algumas doenças, entre elas o câncer. Neste contexto, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade citotóxica e antimutagênica dos extratos da secreção da glândula parótida de Rhinella marina e Rhaebo guttatus, bem como a análise bioquímica de transaminases e creatinina séricas, para avaliar dano hepático e renal, respectivamente. A avaliação de citotoxicidade foi realizada pelo método colorimétrico baseado no MTT (3-[4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl]-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide), com diferentes concentrações dos extratos em culturas de células do Tumor de Walker ou células esplênicas de rato e camundongo. O teste do micronúcleo foi realizado com camundongos Swiss machos que receberam tratamento oral com os extratos durante 15 dias, seguido de tratamento intraperitoneal com N-etil-N-nitrosuréia (50 mg kg-1). A frequência de eritrócitos policromáticos micronucleados (PCEMN) foi determinada em medula óssea. Os extratos apresentaram ação citotóxica nas células avaliadas. Houve uma redução significativa na frequência de PCEMN (R. marina = 56% e R. guttatus = 75%, p < 0,001), observando-se um potencial antimutagênico dos extratos. Os grupos tratados somente com os extratos apresentaram um aumento na frequência de PCEMNs, evidenciando um potencial mutagênico. As análises bioquímicas não apresentaram diferença significativa entre os tratamentos. Assim, nas condições experimentais testadas, as secreções cutâneas de R. marina e R. guttatus apresentaram potencial quimiopreventivo para câncer.

ABSTRACT The skin secretion from toads of the Bufonidae family has great potential in the search for new active compounds to be used as drug candidates in treating some diseases, among them cancer. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and antimutagenic activity of the parotoid gland secretion extracts of Rhinella marina and Rhaebo guttatus, as well as biochemically analyze transaminases and serum creatinine for liver and renal damage, respectively. Cytotoxicity was performed by the colorimetric method based on MTT (3- [4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl]-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) with different concentrations of the extracts in Walker or splenic tumor cell cultures from rats and mice. The micronucleus test was performed with male Swiss mice treated orally with the extracts for 15 days, and then intraperitoneally with N-ethyl-N-nitrosurea (50 mg kg-1). Micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE) were evaluated in bone marrow. The extracts showed cytotoxic activity in the evaluated cells. There was a significant reduction in the frequency of MNPCE (R. marina = 56% and R. guttatus = 75%, p < 0.001), indicating antimutagenic potential of the extracts. The groups treated only with extract showed an increase in MNPCE frequency, evidencing mutagenic potential. Biochemical analyzes showed no significant difference between treatments. Thus, under our experimental conditions, the extracts of R. marina and R. guttatus skin secretions presented chemopreventive potential for cancer.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar se a baixa escolaridade é um fator de risco para asma não controlada em uma população de pacientes que tem acesso a um pneumologista e ao tratamento. Métodos: Estudo transversal com pacientes com diagnóstico de asma, com idade > 10 anos, acompanhados por ao menos três meses por um pneumologista em ambulatórios na cidade de Jundiaí (SP). Os indivíduos responderam a um questionário específico do estudo, ao Questionário de Controle da Asma com seis questões para avaliar o controle dos sintomas da asma e a um questionário para avaliar a adesão ao tratamento. Avaliou-se a correção no uso de dispositivos inalatórios, e os pacientes realizaram espirometria. Resultados: Foram incluídos 358 pacientes. A escolaridade não foi fator de risco para sintomas de asma não controlados (OR = 0,99; IC95%: 0,94-1,05), presença de distúrbio ventilatório obstrutivo na espirometria (OR = 1,00; IC95%: 0,99-1,01), asma não controlada (OR = 1,03; IC95%: 0,95-1,10) e necessidade de dose moderada/alta de medicações inalatórias (OR = 0,99; IC95%: 0,94-1,06). O número de anos de escolaridade foi semelhante nos grupos com e sem adesão ao tratamento (p = 0,08) e nos grupos com e sem erros na utilização do dispositivo inalatório (p = 0,41). Conclusões: Nesta amostra de pacientes com asma que têm acesso a pneumologista e tratamento, a baixa escolaridade não foi um fator limitante para o controle adequado da asma.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine whether a low level of education is a risk factor for uncontrolled asthma in a population of patients who have access to pulmonologists and to treatment. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving outpatients > 10 years of age diagnosed with asthma who were followed by a pulmonologist for at least 3 months in the city of Jundiai, located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The patients completed a questionnaire specifically designed for this study, the 6-item Asthma Control Questionnaire (to assess the control of asthma symptoms), and a questionnaire designed to assess treatment adherence. Patients underwent spirometry, and patient inhaler technique was assessed. Results: 358 patients were enrolled in the study. Level of education was not considered a risk factor for uncontrolled asthma symptoms (OR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.94-1.05), spirometry findings consistent with obstructive lung disease (OR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.99-1.01), uncontrolled asthma (OR = 1.03; 95% CI: 0.95-1.10), or the need for moderate/high doses of inhaled medication (OR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.94-1.06). The number of years of schooling was similar between the patients in whom treatment adherence was good and those in whom it was poor (p = 0.08), as well as between those who demonstrated proper inhaler technique and those who did not (p = 0.41). Conclusions: Among asthma patients with access to pulmonologists and to treatment, a low level of education does not appear to be a limiting factor for adequate asthma control.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o crescimento dos enxertos e a caracterização anatômica de cultivares de pereira e marmeleiro enxertadas nos porta-enxertos Pyrus calleryana e Chaenomeles sinensis. Foram feitas avaliações quanto às percentagens dos enxertos brotados aos 60 dias e quanto ao comprimento e o diâmetro da brotação dos enxertos aos 120 dias. Cortaram-se porções caulinares da região da enxertia, em seções transversais e longitudinais, e o xilema secundário foi separado para comparação dos tecidos. As pereiras apresentaram bom desenvolvimento sobre o porta-enxerto P.calleryana, e os cortes anatômicos apresentaram tecidos vasculares conectados, o que não ocorreu quando as pereiras foram enxertadas em C.sinensis, em que os enxertos brotaram mas não se desenvolveram, e os tecidos vasculares não se conectaram. Os marmeleiros apresentaram bom desenvolvimento em ambos os porta-enxertos, em razão da boa conexão dos tecidos vasculares. A conexão dos tecidos vasculares é fundamental para o sucesso da enxertia. As espécies utilizadas não diferiram significativamente quanto a seus tecidos do xilema secundário. A incompatibilidade encontrada entre as pereiras e o porta-enxerto C. sinensis não é anatômica.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the graft growth and the anatomical characterization of pear (Pyrus communis x P. pyrifolia) and quince (Cydonia oblonga) cultivars grafted on Pyrus calleryana and Chaenomeles sinensis rootstocks. Sprouted graft percentages at 60 days and the length and diameter of the graft sproutings at 120 days were evaluated. Stem cuttings from the grafting region were performed in transversal and longitudinal sections, and the secondary xylem was separated for tissue comparison. The pear trees showed good development on P.calleryana rootstock, and the anatomical sections showed that the vascular tissues were connected, which did not occur when the trees were grafted on C.sinensis, in which the grafts sprouted, but did not develop, and the vascular tissues did not connect. The quince trees showed good development on both rootstocks due to the good connection of the vascular tissues. The connection of vascular tissues is essential for the success of grafting. The evaluated species did not differ significantly as to their secondary xylem tissues. The incompatibility found between the pear trees and the C.sinensis rootstocks is not anatomical.

The performance of Syrah grapevine under protected cultivation with different plastic films was evaluated during 2012 and 2013 seasons in South of Minas Gerais State. Agronomical and physiological measurements were done on eight years old grapevines, grafted onto ‘1103 Paulsen’ rootstock cultivated under uncovered conditions, covered with transparent and with diffuse plastic films. Both plastic covers induced the highest shoot growth rate and specific leaf area. The diffuse plastic induced greater differences on leaf area, pruning weight and leaf chlorophyll content as compared to uncovered vines. Grapevines under diffuse plastic also had the lowest rates of photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and transpiration. Leaf starch, glucose and fructose contents were not affected by treatment, but leaf sucrose was reduced by transparent plastic. The leaf and stem water potential were higher under diffuse plastic. In 2013, grapevines under diffuse plastic showed the highest yields mainly due to decreased rot incidence and increased cluster weight. Furthermore, berries under diffuse plastic showed the highest anthocyanins concentration. The use of diffuse plastic induces more agronomical benefits to produce Syrah grape under protected cultivation.

O objetivo desse artigo é refletir acerca do trabalho docente na Educação Superior, tomando como referência o campo da Educação Física (EF). Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva, pautada por uma orientação hermenêutica, desenvolvida no contexto da UFSC e da UNOCHAPECÓ. O grupo de colaboradores foi constituído de professores dos cursos de EF das universidades mencionadas. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com os colaboradores, a fim de ampliar a compreensão acerca do tema proposto. Ao fim, consideramos que um referencial hermenêutico possibilitaria redimensionar o trabalho docente na Educação Superior, o que pode implicar uma inflexão no entendimento axiológico, teleológico e epistemológico da prática pedagógica, bem como, um redimensionamento da atividade epistemológica presente neste âmbito.

The aim of this paper was to reflect about the teaching in higher education, with the reference the Physical Education (PE). This is one descriptive research , which is based on hermeneutic orientation. The collaborators were constitutive by professors in PE from UFSC and UNOCHAPECÓ. Were performed semi-structured interviews with the collaborators, for amplify the understanding about the proposed topic. At the end, one referential hermeneutic allow resize the teaching profession, which may imply a shift in the understanding axiological, teleological and epistemological pedagogical practices in this area, as well as a redefinition of epistemological activity present in the initial formation of PE.

El objetivo de este estudio fue reflexionar la enseñanza en la educación superior, tiendo como referencial el campo de la EF (Educación Física). Es una pesquisa descriptiva, con una orientación hermenéutica, desarrollado en el contexto de la UFSC y UNOCHAPECÓ. El grupo estaba formado por los profesores de EF de las universidades mencionadas. Se han desarrollado las entrevistas semi estructuradas con los profesores con el fin de mejorar la comprensión sobre el tema. En el final, se considera que una referencia hermenéutica permite cambiar el tamaño de la profesión docente, que puede implicar un cambio en la comprensión axiológica, teleológica y epistemológicas prácticas pedagógicas en este ámbito, así como una redefinición de la actual actividad epistemológica en la formación inicial del PE.

INTRODUÇÃO: Bombas de roletes desempenham um papel importante na circulação extracorpórea. No entanto, a oclusão dos roletes das bombas deve ser realizada de forma adequada e estas podem ser ajustadas, principalmente por dois métodos: estático e dinâmico. OBJETIVO: Investigar como os perfusionistas brasileiros ajustam as bombas de rolete arterial em seus serviços e testar o uso de um Dispositivo Auxiliar de Calibração que facilita o ajuste pelo método de calibração dinâmica. MÉTODOS: Foi instalada uma bomba de roletes com os acessórios necessários para a realização de sua calibração pelos métodos de velocidade de queda (calibração estática) e calibração dinâmica durante o XXVIII Congresso Brasileiro de Circulação Extracorpórea. Foi solicitado aos perfusionistas que ajustassem uma bomba de roletes conforme procedimento normalmente utilizado em seu serviço. Após cada regulagem, foi medida a respectiva pressão pelo método de calibração dinâmica com o auxílio do dispositivo. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da UNICAMP, sob Nº 1144/2010. RESULTADOS: Participaram da pesquisa 56 perfusionistas. A média das 56 medidas de pressão de calibração dinâmica foi 434 ± 214 mmHg; 76% das medidas realizadas ficaram no intervalo preconizado para o uso da técnica de calibração dinâmica (entre 150 e 500 mmHg). CONCLUSÃO: Os perfusionistas brasileiros tendem a calibrar bombas de roletes com ajustes menos oclusivos. As amplitudes das medidas de pressão de calibração dinâmica tendem a ser menores para perfusionistas mais experientes. O dispositivo pode ser utilizado por perfusionistas para ajustar bombas de roletes com maior precisão e, principalmente, repetitividade e em alguns minutos.

INTRODUCTION: Roller pumps play an important role in extracorporeal circulation. However, occlusion of the rollers should be adequately performed and this can be adjusted mainly by two methods: static and dynamic. OBJECTIVE: To investigate how the Brazilian perfusionists adjust arterial roller pumps in their services and evaluate the application of a Device to Assist Calibration (DAC) that facilitates roller adjustment by the dynamic calibration method. METHODS: We installed a roller pump with accessories to perform adjustment by drop rate (static calibration) and dynamic calibration methods during the XXVIII Brazilian Congress of Extracorporeal Circulation. Perfusionists were asked to adjust the roller pump according to the procedure they usually do in their service. After each adjustment pressure was measured by dynamic calibration method with DAC. The research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of UNICAMP, Nº 1144/2010. RESULTS: There were 56 perfusionists in this study. Pressure average of 56 measurements of dynamic calibration was 434 ± 214 mmHg; 76% of measurements were within the recommended range for the use of the dynamic calibration method (between 150 and 500 mmHg). CONCLUSION: Brazilian perfusionists tend to adjust roller pumps with less occlusive settings. The amplitudes of the dynamic calibration pressure tend to be smaller for more experienced perfusionists because their skills increase with time. The device can be used by the perfusionist to adjust roller pumps with greater accuracy and mainly repeatability in few minutes.

Para verificar o efeito da temperatura ambiente na fermentação ruminal do alimento e nas concentrações de minerais em bovinos em crescimento, foram utilizados 12 bezerros machos (peso médio inicial de 82,9 ± 7,7 kg com 100 dias de idade), durante 38 dias, em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com medidas repetidas no tempo e duas temperaturas ambiente: ambiente termoneutro (24ºC) e ambiente de estresse por calor (33ºC). Os animais expostos à temperatura de 33ºC tiveram ingestão menor de matéria seca, menor nível sérico de T3 (triiodotironina), maior concentração de nitrogênio amoniacal (NH3-N) no líquido ruminal e maior temperatura retal e corporal em todo o período experimental em comparação àqueles animais mantidos no ambiente termoneutro (24ºC). Os animais em ambiente de estresse por calor (33ºC) apresentaram maior concentração de cálcio no soro, que foi maior aos 31 dias de experimentação e menor aos 38 dias. A concentração de fósforo nesses animais foi menor durante todo o período experimental e a de sódio, menor aos 17, 31 e 38 dias de experimentação. As concentrações de potássio e zinco foram menores depois de 24 dias; a de cobre menor até 24 dias; e a de magnésio maior até 17 dias de experimentação, todas em comparação à dos animais mantidos em ambiente termoneutro (24ºC). Os animais sob estresse por calor apresentaram maiores concentrações de nitrogênio amoniacal no líquido ruminal e diminuição nas concentrações séricas de fósforo, sódio, potásseio e zinco. São necessárias mudanças no manejo alimentar de ruminantes em temperaturas acima do conforto térmico, para diminuir as perdas no desempenho.

In order to evaluate the effect of environmental temperature on ruminal fermentation and on mineral levels of growing ruminants, it was used 12 male calves (initial average weight 82.9 ± 7.7 kg, 100 days of age), were employed in a randomized block design (by weight) experiment, with repeated weight measurement and two environmental temperatures: thermoneutral (24ºC) and heat-stressed (33ºC), during 38 days. The animals exposed to 33ºC presented lower dry matter ingestion, lower T3 (triiodothyronine) serum level, higher ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) level in the rumen liquid, and higher rectal and body temperatures during all the experimental period when compared to the animals kept in thermoneutral environment (24ºC). The animals kept under heat stress environment (33ºC) presented higher calcium serum level, which was the highest on 31st day and the lowest on the 38th day of the experiment; phosphorus level was the lowest during all the experimental period; sodium level was lower on the 17th, 31st and 38th experimental days. Potassium and zinc levels were lower after 24 days; copper level was lower until the 24th day; magnesium level was higher until the 17th day, if compared to the ones from the animals kept in thermoneutral environment (24ºC). The heat-stressed animals presented higher levels of ammoniacal nitrogen in the ruminal liquid and a decrease in the phosphorus, sodium, potassium and zinc serum levels. These results show the necessity of changes on feed management to ruminants in temperatures over the thermal comfort limits so that performance loss is decreased.

Um estudo sobre os impactos ambientais causados por atividades agrícolas e industriais, ao longo da bacia do rio Mogi Guaçu, foi realizado neste trabalho. A concentração de alguns metais (Fe, Cd, Cu, Cr, Zn, Ni, Pb e Mn) foi determinada em quinze estações de coleta de sedimentos e em dois períodos diferentes: chuvoso (Março/2001) e seco (Junho/2001). Os métodos de reconhecimento de padrões PCA e HCA foram utilizados para agrupar as amostras coletadas em São Paulo e em Minas Gerais e obter informações relevantes sobre as possíveis fontes de contaminação do rio Mogi Guaçu de acordo com o período de coleta das amostras. As análises quimiométricas realizadas, utilizando as amostras coletas em Março/2001 e em Junho/2001, indicaram que somente a concentração de Cd, Cu, Cr e Pb discrimina as amostras coletadas em São Paulo das amostras coletadas em Minas Gerais. A influência do período de coleta também foi analisada e os resultados obtidos indicaram que a concentração de quatro metais (Cd, Cr, Zn e Mn) foi importante para discriminar as amostras coletadas em Março/2001 das amostras coletadas em Junho/2001. De forma geral, a concentração dos metais estudados se apresenta em altos níveis em todas as estações de coleta e este fato caracteriza um ambiente com alto grau de contaminação causada, principalmente, por atividades antropogênicas.

A study on the environmental impacts caused by agricultural and industrial activities along the Mogi Guaçu river basin was carried out. Concentrations of some metals (Fe, Cd, Cu, Cr, Zn, Ni, Pb and Mn) were determined for fifteen collection stations in two different seasons: rainy (March/2001) and dry (June/2001). Pattern recognition methods (Principal Component Analysis and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis) were used to group samples collected in São Paulo and Minas Gerais and obtain relevant information on possible polluting sources of the Mogi Guaçu river according to the collection season of the samples. A chemometric analyses performed using samples collected in March/2001 and June/2001 indicated that only the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Cr and Pb discriminate samples collected in São Paulo from those collected in Minas Gerais. The influence of the collection season was also analysed and the results indicated that four metals (Cd, Cr, Zn and Mn) were important to discriminate samples collected in March/2001 (rainy season) from those collected in June/2001 (dry season). We verified that the concentrations of the metals studied are at high levels in all collection stations and this fact characterizes an environment with a high degree of contamination caused mainly by anthropogenic activities.

O pepino (Cucumis sativus L.) é, dentre os produtos hortícolas, um dos mais visados para o cultivo em estufas no Brasil devido ao ciclo vegetativo curto e ao elevado valor econômico no período da entressafra. Estudou-se, em condições de ambiente protegido, a influência de diferentes cores de cobertura plástica de solo no florescimento e na produção de pepino híbrido 'Yoshinari' enxertado ou não sobre abóbora híbrida 'Ikky'. Os tratamentos de cobertura foram: preto, preto pintado de branco, verde, e sem cobertura. Os tratamentos cobertos com plástico e sem enxertia apresentaram florescimento com distribuição mais uniforme na planta. O número de flores foi superior no tratamento preto/branco enxertado. Para as plantas não enxertadas, todas as coberturas favoreceram o florescimento. A enxertia favoreceu o florescimento somente para os tratamentos com plástico preto ou verde. A fixação dos frutos aumentou pelo uso de cobertura plástica, mas a enxertia não teve influência. A distribuição uniforme do florescimento manteve-se na frutificação apenas para os tratamentos com plantas enxertadas e cobertura do solo com plástico preto ou verde. Tanto o uso de cobertura plástica quanto a enxertia favoreceram a colheita precoce. Os frutos de melhor qualidade e as maiores produções, em número de frutos, foram obtidos nos tratamentos preto e preto/branco, não enxertados. A enxertia 'Yoshinari'/'Ikky' provocou o aparecimento de frutos mais grossos e menores, fora do padrão de comercialização.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is one of the most cultivated vegetable crops in plastic greenhouses in Brazil because of the short cycle and its high economic value in off-season harvests. To better understand this management technique the effect of different colored polyethylene soil covers was evaluated in relation to flowering and yield of the hybrid cucumber 'Yoshinari' grafted or not on the hybrid squash 'Ikky'. The polyethylene cover colors were black, white on black and green plus a control without cover. Covered but not grafted crops had a more uniform flowering distribution. The number of flowers was greater for the white/black grafted treatment. All the polyethylene covers favored flowering for the non grafted plants. Grafting reduced flowering for the black or green polyethylene covers treatments. The fruit set increased with the use of polyethylene cover but was not influenced by grafting. The uniform distribution of flowering remained during fruiting only for grafted plants and soil covered with black or green polyethylene. Both polyethylene cover and grafting favored early harvesting. The 'Yoshinari'/'Ikky' graft caused taller plants but fruit were thicker and smaller and did not meet the commercial standard. The best quality fruit and highest yields were obtained in the black and white/black treatments, without grafting.