ABSTRACT Considering the importance of silicon (Si) to increase rice resistance to blast, this study investigated the nutritional status of rice plants supplied with this element in response to Pyricularia oryzae infection. Plants were grown in nutrient solutions containing 0 and 2 mmol·L-1 of Si (referred to -Si and +Si plants, respectively). The area under blast progress curve decreased for +Si plants due to a significant increase of 714% on the foliar Si concentration in contrast to -Si plants. For +Si plants, the foliar N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, and B concentrations were significantly lower in comparison to -Si plants. On infected plants, the foliar N, K, and Cu concentrations were significantly lower in comparison to noninfected ones. The foliar Zn, Fe, and Mn concentrations were significantly lower for -Si inoculated plants in comparison to -Si noninoculated ones. The foliar Mn and S concentrations were significantly lower for +Si inoculated plants in comparison to +Si noninoculated ones. The foliar Fe concentration was significantly lower for +Si inoculated plants in comparison to +Si noninoculated ones. Foliar Zn and Mn concentrations were significantly lower for +Si plants in comparison to -Si plants regardless of their inoculation with P. oryzae. Foliar Fe and S concentrations were significantly lower for +Si plants in comparison to -Si plants, respectively, for noninoculated and inoculated plants. Taken together, Si stood for itself in reducing blast symptoms without the need of high foliar concentrations of either macro or micronutrients that could affect plantgrowth.

O pessegueiro é, geralmente, cultivado por causa dos frutos que produz. Entretanto, há os que se cultivam como plantas ornamentais e, inclusive, há programas de melhoramento de pessegueiros para esta finalidade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os genótipos de pessegueiros ornamentais do programa de melhoramento da Embrapa Clima Temperado, quanto ao seu potencial para o uso no paisagismo. Foram observados o início, a plena e o final de floração, a tonalidade e o número de pétalas, o número de sépalas, a cor das folhas e quais genótipos produziram ou não frutos, no campo experimental da referida Instituição. Considerando os resultados obtidos e comparando-os com os observados para as cultivares já lançadas, 'Rosaflor' e 'Nectaflor', verificou-se que, nas progênies avaliadas, há genótipos que mantêm padrões ornamentais similares a essas cultivares e outros que as superam, tanto em número de pétalas, cor das folhas, e maior período de floração, sem produção de frutos. No geral, alguns genótipos destacam-se por complementarem a época de floração das cultivares anteriormente lançadas, ampliando o período disponível de flores, além da aparência igual ou superior às mesmas.

Peach is generally planted because of the fruits; however there are genotypes interesting as ornamental plants and even some breeding lines going on for selecting new material specifically with this aim. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential use for landscape of ornamental peach genotypes, originated from the Embrapa Clima Temperado peach breeding program. Beginning of blooming, full bloom and end of blooming were observed as well as color tonality and number of petals and sepals, leaf blade color and potential of fruit production. According to the obtained results and in comparison with the previous released cultivars, 'Rosaflor' and 'Nectaflor', it was concluded that several genotypes equal or surpass the standards in number of petals, leaf and petal color and longer blooming period, being several without fruit production. There are genotypes which could complement the blooming period of the released cultivars, extending the period of available flowers.