ABSTRACT Brackish waters has been increasingly used in hydroponic systems for the cultivation of vegetables. However, its use can cause significant losses in crop production. Therefore, new alternatives to enhance the tolerance of plants to salt stress are being studied, including seed priming with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Thus, this study aimed to assess the seed priming with H2O2 at different periods of exposure for enhancing the production, water status and pigments concentration of crisp lettuce grown under salt stress. The experiment was carried out under protected conditions, in a completely randomized design, with four replicates. The plants were cultivated in a floating hydroponic system, containing nutrient solution. Five treatments were tested: control (absence of H2O2 and absence of NaCl); salt control (absence of H2O2 and presence of 100 mM NaCl); 0.1 mM H2O2 (12 hours) + 100 mM NaCl; 0.1 mM H2O2 (24 hours) + 100 mM NaCl, and 0.1 mM H2O2 (36 hours) + 100 mM NaCl. In general, salinity reduced the height, production of the fresh and dry mass of the shoot, relative water content, and chlorophylls concentration of lettuce plants. However, the application of 0.1 mM H2O2 for 12 and 36 hours on the seeds, enhanced the growth, water status, and chlorophylls concentration of the plants. Seed priming with H2O2 at a 0.1 mM concentration for 12 hours can be recommended to increase tolerance of lettuce plants grown in a hydroponic system under salt stress.

RESUMO As águas salobras vêm sendo cada vez mais utilizadas em sistemas hidropônicos para o cultivo de hortaliças. Entretanto, seu uso pode provocar prejuízos significativos na produção das culturas. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o condicionamento fisiológico de sementes com H2O2 em diferentes períodos de exposição para melhorar a produção, estado hídrico e teor de pigmentos de alface crespa cultivada sob estresse salino. O experimento foi conduzido em condições protegidas, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições. As plantas foram cultivadas em sistema hidropônico do tipo floating, contendo solução nutritiva de Furlani. Foram testados cinco tratamentos: controle (ausência de H2O2 e ausência de NaCl); controle salino (ausência de H2O2 e presença de 100 mM NaCl); 0,1 mM H2O2 (12 horas) + 100 mM NaCl; 0,1 mM H2O2 (24 horas) + 100 mM NaCl e 0,1 mM H2O2 (36 horas) + 100 mM NaCl. Em geral, a salinidade reduziu a altura, a produção de massa fresca e seca da parte aérea, o teor relativo de água e o teor de clorofilas das plantas de alface. No entanto, a aplicação de 0,1 mM de H2O2 por 12 e 36 horas na semente melhorou o crescimento, o estado hídrico e o teor de clorofila das plantas. O condicionamento de sementes com H2O2 na concentração de 0,1 mM por 12 horas pode ser recomendado para aumentar a tolerância de plantas de alface cultivadas em sistema hidropônico sob estresse salino.

Abstract Objectives Evidence suggests that ketamine’s influence on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) might be involved in its mechanism of rapid antidepressant action. We aimed to evaluate the differential impact of ketamine and esketamine on serum BDNF levels and its association with response patterns in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Methods Participants (n = 53) are from a randomized, double-blind clinical trial comparing the efficacy of single-dose ketamine (0.5mg/kg, n = 27) and esketamine (0.25mg/kg, n = 26) in TRD. Depression severity was assessed before and 24 hours, 72 hours, and 7 days after the intervention, using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Blood samples were collected before infusion, 24 hours, and 7 days afterwards. Results There were no significant changes in BDNF levels at post-infusion evaluation points, and no difference in BDNF levels comparing ketamine and esketamine. Both drugs exhibited similar therapeutic effect. There was no association between BDNF levels and response to treatment or severity of depressive symptoms. Conclusion There was no significant treatment impact on BDNF serum levels – neither with ketamine nor esketamine – despite therapeutic response. These results suggest that ketamine or esketamine intervention for TRD has no impact on BDNF levels measured at 24 hours and 7 days after the infusion. This clinical trial is registered on the Japan Primary Registries Network: UMIN000032355.

Abstract To evaluate the effects in adults rats submitted of a low-protein, high-carbohydrate (LPHC; 6% protein, 74% carbohydrate) diet and reversion (R) to a balanced diet introduced after weaning. Research methods & procedures: Male rats weigting approximately 100g (30 to 32 d old) were treated with control (C; 17% protein, 63% carbohydrate) or LPHC diets for 120 days. The reverse group (R) was treated with the LPHC diet for 15 days, and changed to C diet for another 105 days. Results: The LPHC group showed an increase in serum fasting triglycerides (TAG). Serum adiponectin was increased only in the LPHC group. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity was decreased in the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and cardiac muscles. The adiponectin receptor 1 content is the same among groups in the cardiac muscle, but it is lower in the EDL muscle in the LPHC group. In animals from the R group, these parameters are the same as the LPHC group. Thus, the LPHC diet administered for a long period, it promotes an increase in TAG. It is possible that there is adiponectin resistance in the EDL muscle, due to the lower LPL activity. The reversal of the LPHC diet did not normalize these parameters.

ABSTRACT The burnout variable has been studied in different professions; however, it presents challenges in its measurement. The present study provides evidence of validity based on the internal structure of the Burnout Syndrome Assessment Scale in Public Security Workers (EASB-SP) and presents the estimation of item parameters through the Item Response Theory (IRT). A total of 10,885 public security agents from all states of Brazil participated in the study. The analyses indicated a three-factor structure, with adequate reliability indices and discrimination of the items. The Professional Fulfillment factor presented a lower theta value to be endorsed. The instrument was shown to be an adequate measure, with evidence of validity for the context of Brazilian public security.

RESUMO O Burnout tem sido uma variável estudada em diferentes profissões, embora com desafios em sua medida. O presente estudo apresenta evidências de validade baseada na estrutura interna da Escala de Avaliação da Síndrome de Burnout (EASB-SP) para a segurança pública, além de apresentar a estimativa dos parâmetros dos itens por meio da Teoria de Resposta ao Item (TRI). Participaram do estudo 10.885 agentes da segurança pública de todas as unidades federativas do Brasil. As análises indicaram uma estrutura tri-fatorial, com índices de fidedignidade e discriminação dos itens adequados. O fator de realização profissional indicou menor theta para ser endossado. O instrumento em questão apresenta-se como uma medida adequada e com evidências de validade para o contexto de segurança pública brasileira.

Resumo Os terpenóides, também chamados terpenos ou isoprenóides, são uma família de produtos naturais encontrados em todos os organismos vivos. Muitas plantas são produtoras destes metabolitos secundários, que constituem uma grande parte dos óleos essenciais. Uma das características mais importantes é que os compostos são voláteis, têm odor e podem ser utilizados numa variedade de aplicações em diferentes segmentos industriais ou na medicina tradicional. O Brasil tem uma flora rica e diversificada que pode ser utilizada como fonte de pesquisa para a obtenção de novas moléculas. Dentro desta flora, vale a pena mencionar a Caatinga como um bioma exclusivamente brasileiro que possui plantas adaptadas a uma série de condições climáticas e, portanto, um armazém de compostos a serem descritos. As infecções fúngicas são doenças cada vez mais comuns, devido a isso existe uma grande procura de novos agentes com baixa toxicidade e efeitos secundários. Os cientistas devem procurar novas moléculas que exibam atividade antifúngica para o desenvolvimento de novos medicamentos contra as infecções fúngicas. Esta revisão visa analisar dados científicos dos principais estudos publicados que descrevem o uso de terpenóides e as suas aplicações biológicas como antifúngicos. isoprenóides vivos secundários essenciais voláteis tradicional portanto descritos comuns antifúngicos

Abstract Terpenoids, also named terpenes or isoprenoids, are a family of natural products found in all living organisms. Many plants produce terpenoids as secondary metabolites, and these make up a large part of essential oils. One of most important characteristic is that the compounds are volatile, have odor and can be used in a variety of applications in different industrial segments and traditional medicine. Brazil has a rich and diverse flora that can be used as a source of research for obtaining new molecules. Within the Brazilian flora, it is worth mentioning the Caatinga as an exclusively Brazilian biome where plants adapt to a specific series of weather conditions and therefore become a great storehouse of the terpenoid compounds to be described herein. Fungal infections have become increasingly common, and a great demand for new agents with low toxicity and side effects has thus emerged. Scientists must search for new molecules exhibiting antifungal activity to develop new drugs. This review aims to analyze scientific data from the principal published studies describing the use of terpenes and their biological applications as antifungals. Terpenoids isoprenoids organisms metabolites oils volatile medicine herein common emerged drugs antifungals

The cariogenic processes are mainly caused by the bacterium Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and consist of the demineralization of the tooth that occurs when the acid production overcomes the natural repair or if a problem occurs in the last one. In this work, we performed the synthesis of twenty-one 1,4-naphthoquinones tethered to 1,2,3-1H-triazoles (8a-8k and 9a-9j), antibacterial evaluation against the S. mutans in vitro and the acute toxicity of the better ones in vivo. We observed strong inhibition results in the disc diffusion test ranging, the halos of inhibitions, from 18.66 (± 0.57) to 29 (± 2.64) mm, and good values in the minimum inhibitory concentration (5 to 50 μg), for the compounds 9e, 9h, 9i and 9j: Furthermore, they do not have a cytotoxic effect at the concentrations tested. Besides that, in the in vivo test, they show some slight alteration in the histopathological analyses and the biochemistry. Thus, we found four potential candidates to become instruments for the treatment of cavities.

Objectives: Past suicide attempt (SA) is one of the most important risk factors for suicide death. An ideation-to-action framework posits that impulsivity, potentially traumatic events, and mental disorders also play a role in increasing suicide risk. This study aimed to assess the association between trait impulsivity, lifetime exposure to trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with SA in a sample of Brazilian college students. Methods: A total of 2,137 participants filled self-reported questionnaires consisting of a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire, Trauma History Questionnaire, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist – Civilian version, and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. Results: Our findings suggest that trait impulsivity may be interpreted as exerting a distal effect on SA, even in the presence of other variables – such as trauma history, psychological neglect, and PTSD – which also increase the odds of SA. High and medium levels of impulsivity, history of trauma, and PTSD increased the likelihood of SA. Conclusions: Intervention strategies to prevent SA may target trait impulsivity and exposure to traumatic experiences.

Abstract Objective: To explore the relationship of undernutrition and the short duration of breastfeeding with child development of children 0–66 months of age residing in Ceará, Brazil. Methods: The authors of the present study utilized population-based data from children enrolled in the Study on Maternal and Child Health in Ceará, Brazi (PESMIC). Children’s development was assessed with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire third version, validated in Brazil. Undernutrition was accessed through anthropometric measures obtained by trained staff. Breastfeeding information was obtained through the mothers' report and confirmed in the child's governmental booklet. The authors used logistic regressions adjusted for sample clusters used in PESMIC design in a theoretical model for known determinants of child development following the World Health Organization nurturing framework. Results: A total of 3,566 children were enrolled in the sixth PESMIC study and had their development assessed. The authors found that 8.2%, 3.0%, 2.1%, and 3.6% of children were stunted, underweight, or wasted, at the time of the interview, respectively. All studied factors were associated with a higher prevalence of child development impairment in at least one of the assessed domains. Underweight was the factor with the strongest effect, with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 4,14 (2,26–7,58), p < 0.001. Breastfeeding for up to two months compared to more than six months (AOR2,08 (1,38–3,12)) was also associated. Conclusions: The authors found that undernutrition and short duration of breastfeeding are associated with development outcomes among Brazilian children. As a result, integrated nutritional programs may improve child development outcomes.

Resumo Infecções do trato urinário são responsáveis pela maior parte das infecções humanas, sendo causadas por bactérias, fungos, protozoários, e por microrganismos associados. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a frequência de agentes causadores de infecções vaginais nos exames citológicos de rotina, bem como avaliar as características dos esfregaços positivos. Foi realizada uma pesquisa do tipo documental retrospectiva de aspecto descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa, em um Laboratório de Patologia Clínica de Maceió-AL. Nesse sentido, os resultados dos exames colpocitológicos para Trichomonas vaginalis, Gardnerella vaginalis, Candida spp e HPV foram organizados em um banco de dados, contendo os resultados para estes agentes, bem como a coinfecção bacteriana, protozoária, fúngica e viral. A amostra foi composta por 18.645 mulheres que realizaram exame colpocitológico, no período de 2013 a 2017. Destes exames analisados 27,4% em 2013, 10,9% em 2014, 10,6% em 2015, 15,2% em 2016 e 13,67% em 2017, estavam dentro do limite da normalidade, porém mais que a metade desses exames analisados apresentou algumas infecções causadas por agentes inespecíficos ou microbiológicos. Do total de laudos analisados, 4.073 (21,84%), apresentaram inflamações causadas por algum tipo de agente infeccioso, com a seguinte ordem de frequência: G. vaginalis, e T. vaginalis. Além disto, foi possível confirmar a elevada frequência de coinfecção entre G. vaginalis e Candida spp. Os índices de infecções genitais nesse trabalho mostram que há um problema de saúde pública que deve ser controlado, apontando uma necessidade maior de acompanhamento, orientações e de ações para uma maior conscientização para prevenir esses problemas.

Abstract Urinary tract infections are responsible for most human infections, these are caused by bacteria, fungi, protozoa and associated microorganisms. The goal of this study was to determine the rate of vaginal infection-causing agents in routine cytological exams and also to evaluate the characteristics of positive tested Pap smears. A retrospective documental with descriptive aspect research was performed in a Clinical Pathology laboratory from Maceió-AL. The results of the Pap smears exams for Trichomonas vaginalis, Gardnerella vaginalis, Candida spp and HPV were arranged in a database as well as other data such as bacterial, protozoan, fungal and viral coinfections. The sample was composed by 18.645 women who have undergone Pap smear exams from 2013 to 2017. Of these analyzed exams, 27.4% in 2013, 10.9% in 2014, 10.6% in 2015, 15.2% in 2016 and 13.67% in 2017 were within normal range, however more than half of these exams presented some infections caused by unspecific or microbiological agents. By analyzing all the reports, 4.073 (21.84%) presented inflammations caused by some species of infectious agent with the following rate order: G. vaginalis and T. vaginalis. Furthermore, it was possible to confirm high rates of coinfection by and Candida spp. The rate of genital infections in this study highlights that there is a public health matter that must be controlled, which points a greater need for monitoring, guidance and actions towards greater awareness in order to prevent these problems.

Abstract Antioxidants present in many fruit residues can play an essential role in the prevention of diseases. The aim of this study was to determine nutritional and mineral composition, fatty acids profile, anti-nutrients, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and technological properties of flour from residues generated by umbu fruit processing. Nutritional composition showed high levels of dietary fiber, especially insoluble fiber (56.67%). The flour can be classified as a good source of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, and an excellent source of iron, zinc and copper. Palmitic and stearic saturated fatty acids and oleic and linoleic unsaturated fatty acids were identified. No potentially toxic substances were detected. Significant values of ascorbic acid (44.78 mg/100g), carotenoids (463.73 µg/100g) and flavonoids (37.85 mg QE/100g) were found, as well as very high levels of phenolic compounds (20357.26 mg GAE/100g). Strong antioxidant activity was detected in the flour by three methods (ABTS, DPPH and FRAP) demonstrating a linear positive correlation between phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The flour showed high absorption of water, oil, emulsifying capacity and emulsion stability presenting a great potential for use in foods, especially meat, bakery and dairy products. These results indicate promising prospects to full use of umbu as a functional ingredient.

Abstract The formation of dense water masses at polar regions has been largely influenced by climate changes arising from global warming. In this context, based on ensemble simulations with a coupled model we evaluate the meridional shift of a climate signal (i.e., a cold and fresh water input pulse generated from melting of positive Antarctic sea ice (ASI) extremes) towards the Tropical Atlantic Ocean (TAO). This oceanic signal propagated from Southern Ocean towards the equator through the upper layers due to an increase in its buoyance. Its northward shift has given by the Subantarctic Mode Water (SAMW) and Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW) flows, that inject cold and fresh mode/intermediate waters from into subtropical basin. The signal has reached low latitudes through the equatorial upwelling and spreads out southwards, through the upper branch of southern subtropical gyre. We concluded that 10 years of coupled simulations was enough time to propagate the climate signal generated by ASI positive extremes melting, which reached TOA around 2 year later. The oceanic connection between Southern Ocean and TAO is indeed established within the timescale analyzed in the study (10 years). Nonetheless, the period needed to completely dissipate the disturbance generated from ASI seems to be longer.

Abstract Glyphosate-Resistant Crops (GR crops) have caused considerable changes in weed management worldwide. In Brazil, GR cultivars of soybean and corn were officially introduced in the 2005/06 and 2011/12 crops, respectively. This technology has radically changed the weed management system, having an enormous impact on national agriculture. The objective of this review was to analyze the general aspects that led to the adoption of this technology in Brazil and present its future consequences and challenges. The adoption of GR soybean and corn was swift and comprehensive. Ten years after its introduction, GR soybean and corn are grown in most areas with these crops in Brazil. This success can be attributed to the reduction of costs, the broad spectrum of control provided by glyphosate, the solution for effective management resistance to ALS and ACCase inhibitors, the excellent managing of weeds that are difficult to control, the reduction of crop injury and carryover problems. However, the exclusive and consecutive use of glyphosate alone resulted in intense selection pressure for resistant weeds to this herbicide, which has become one of the most prominent challenges with these crops. Therefore, the future sustainability of GR soybean and corn will not be possible without the combination with other technologies, within integrated weed management.

Resumo Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento das características socioambientais e estudo etnobotânico de plantas medicinais utilizadas por uma comunidade tradicional do nordeste brasileiro, Alagoas, Brasil. O estudo se deu por meio de visitas com aplicação de um questionário contendo perguntas relacionadas aos fatores socio-econômicos e sobre a diversidade das plantas utilizadas como medicinais. O trabalho foi realizado no período de março/2019 a fevereiro/2020, onde foram entrevistadas famílias e catalogadas amostras de plantas para identificação botânica. A população estudada, com 24 entrevistados, foi composta por moradores da comunidade Quilombola Pau D’arco da cidade de Arapiraca - Alagoas. Dos moradores entrevistados, 15 (62,5%) apresentavam idade entre 56 e 80 anos, 11 dos entrevistados cerca de 46%, são naturais da comunidade e 13 (54%) possuíam ensino fundamental incompleto. Ao todo, foram citadas 30 espécies de plantas utilizadas para fins terapêuticos, das quais apresentam maior utilização as plantas contra a hipertensão arterial (Salvia rosmarinus Schleid), diabetes Mellitos (Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth), dor e inflamação (Alternanthera tenella Colla). As espécies citadas estão relacionadas a inúmeras utilizações medicinais, entre os quais predominaram as doenças associadas ao aparelho cardiovascular e processos inflamatórios. O chá é principal forma de preparo das plantas. Percebe-se que as plantas medicinais são amplamente utilizadas por essa comunidade quilombola e o cultivo no quintal é considerado uma tradição.

Abstract The aim of this research is to make a survey of the socio-environmental characteristics and the ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used in a traditional community in the Brazilian Northeast, Alagoas. The study was made based on visits with the application of a questionnaire with questions related to the socio-economic element and on the diversity of plants used in herbal medicine. The research was made from March/2019 to February/2020, where families and interviewed plant exhibitors were interviewed for botanical identification. The studied community, which were 24 interviewees, was compiled by residents of the Quilombola community from Pau D’arco in Arapiraca city - Alagoas. Residents interviewed, 15 (62.5%) attended between 56 to 80 years, 11 interviewees about 46% were born in the community and 13 (54%) had a fundamentally incomplete nature. At the end, there were mentioned 30 plant species used for phytotherapeutic purposes, from which presents bigger usage as plants against arterial hypertension (Salvia rosmarinus Schleid), diabetes Mellitos (Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth), pain and inflammation (Alternanthera tenella Colla), present the biggest number of species in the community. The species cited are related to numerous medicinal uses, among which there will be predominant associations associated with cardiovascular and inflammatory processes. The tea is the main way of preparing plants. It is perceived that medicinal plants are only widely used by this Quilombola community of and growth of the crops in the backyard are considered a tradition.

Resumo Os acidentes escorpiônicos apresentam-se como um grande problema de saúde pública em virtude da grande ocorrência com potencial gravidade. Nesse sentido, o trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a ocorrência de acidentes escorpiônicos em um município do nordeste brasileiro. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo, de caráter exploratório, com abordagem quantitativa em que foram utilizados dados secundários obtidos no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN), no período de 2008 a 2018. Também foram utilizados dados como bairro, presença de feiras livres e a existência de saneamento básico e dados climáticos como temperatura e estação do ano. O geoprocessamento foi utilizado para identificar as possíveis alterações no ambiente. No período analisado, foram registrados 9,330 casos de acidentes com escorpião, com média de 848 notificações anuais. Os acidentes escorpiônicos ocorreram com mais frequência em mulheres (5,686; 60,94%). Em indivíduos na faixa etária de 20 a 29 anos (1,727; 18,51%) foram mais frequentes a picada de escorpião. Com relação ao local das picadas destacaram-se o pé (3,515; 37,67%), seguido da mão (2,818; 30,20%). Não foi observada relação estatisticamente significativa entre os fatores clímáticos e os acidentes escorpiônicos. Foi observado elevado número de casos de acidentes escorpiônicos nos últimos 11 anos estudados. Ficou evidente que durante o período de estudo não existiu relação estatística quando se correlacionou fatores climáticos aos acidentes escorpiônicos. Por sua vez, ao verificar os resultados da análise de geoprocessamento foi visto que fatores antrópicos têm sido motivadores da potencialização da ocorrência desses acidentes.

Abstract Scorpionic accidents are a major public health problem due to the high occurrence with potential seriousness. In this manner, the research aimed to analyze the occurrence of scorpionic accidents in a municipality in the northeastern of Brazil. An exploratory, descriptive study was made, with a quantitative approach, using secondary data which was gotten from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), from 2008 to 2018. Data such as neighborhood, presence of street markets were also used, and the existence of sanitation and climatic data such as temperature and season. Geoprocessing was used to identify possible changes in the environment. In the analyzed period, 9,330 cases of scorpion accidents were recorded, with an average of 848 annual notifications. Scorpionic accidents occurred more frequently in women (5,686; 60.94%). Individuals aged 20 to 29 years (1.727; 18.51%) were more frequent to scorpion stings. Regarding the body parts where the stings were made, the highlights were on the foot (3.515; 37.67%) followed by the hand (2.818; 30.20%). No statistically significant relation was observed between climatic factors and scorpionic accidents. However, the high number of cases of scorpionic accidents was observed in the last 11 years studied. It was evident that during the study period there was no statistical relationship when climatic factors were correlated to scorpionic accidents. On its turn, when it was verified the results of the geoprocessing analysis, it was seen that anthropic factors have been motivating the potentiation of the occurrence of these accidents.

RESUMO Objetivou-se no presente estudo avaliar o efeito da desfolha artificial no crescimento vegetativo e produtivo do feijão caupi sob inoculação com bactérias diazotróficas, em dois experimentos. O primeiro experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação com fatorial 5 × 5 (cinco percentagens de desfolha e cinco fontes de nitrogênio), com quatro repetições. As fontes de nitrogênio consistiram na inoculação bacteriana das cepas INPA 03-11B, UFLA 03-84, UFRB FA34C2-2 e dois tratamentos controle: i - com adubação nitrogenada e ii - sem adubação nitrogenada e sem inoculação. O segundo experimento, foi realizado em campo no esquema fatorial 3 × 5, com três repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de três fontes de nitrogênio: com adubação nitrogenada, sem adubação nitrogenada e uso da cepa bacteriana INPA 03-11B selecionada no primeiro experimento, e cinco percentagens de desfolhamento artificial, cujos valores, nos dois experimentos, foram: 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100%. O desfolhamento artificial do feijão caupi durante o estágio vegetativo causou redução na massa seca dos nódulos bacterianos. A inoculação aumentou a tolerância das plantas ao desfolhamento e aumentou o teor de nutrientes dos grãos (N e P). A inoculação com a cepa INPA 03-11B permitiu que as plantas de caupi tolerassem 50% de desfolhamento no estádio vegetativo. A produtividade média do feijão caupi é reduzida a partir de 50% de desfolhamento artificial durante a fase produtiva e, portanto, dispensa o controle de pragas desfolhantes até esse nível, em condições de campo.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of artificial defoliation on vegetative and productive stages of cowpea inoculated with diazotrophic bacteria, in two experiments. The first experiment was performed in a greenhouse with 5 × 5 factorial (five defoliation percentages and five N sources), with four repetitions. N sources consisted of bacterial inoculation with strains INPA 03-11B, UFLA 03-84, UFRB FA34C2-2, and two control treatments: i - with N fertilization and ii - blank control, without N fertilization and without inoculation. The second experiment was performed in the field, in a 3 × 5 factorial scheme, with three repetitions. Treatments consisted of three N sources: with N fertilization, with bacterial strain INPA 03-11B that was selected in the first experiment, and five percentages of artificial defoliation. Defoliation percentages for both experiments were 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%. Artificial defoliation during the vegetative stage caused reduction in the dry mass of bacterial nodules. Inoculation increased plant tolerance to defoliation and enhanced grain nutrient concentration (N and P). Inoculation with the strain INPA 03-11B allowed cowpea plants to tolerate 50% defoliation in the vegetative stage. The mean productivity of cowpea was reduced under > 50% defoliation during the productive stage; therefore, control of defoliating pests until the productive stage is not necessary under field conditions.