Essential oils (EO) have diverse applications, such as antibacterial and antifungal activity. However, they are susceptible to oxidation in the presence of air, light, and moisture. In addition, they are thermally unstable. In this sense, it is necessary to develop techniques to increase the lifespan of EO. In this work, EO was obtained from cloves and characterized by different techniques. The major compounds found were eugenol (83%), eugenol acetate (9%), and β-caryophyllene (8%). The EO was encapsulated by extrusion using a microfluidic device. The sodium alginate was used as wall material, and the CaCl2 solution was used as a crosslinking agent. The microcapsule presented sizes of 164.7 ± 0.3 μm, with an encapsulation yield of 64 ± 14%. Functional characteristic groups of EO were observed in the microcapsule by infrared and Raman spectroscopies. The microcapsule increased the thermal decomposition of the EO from 162 to 230 °C. Release kinetics of the capsule was performed, with an equilibrium time of 72 h and release of 54% of the EO. Finally, the pure EO and encapsulated EO-microcapsules were applied in the Aedes aegypti larvae control, showing mean lethal concentration necessary to eliminate 50% (LC50) values of 74.4 and 96.9 μg mL-1 and lethal concentration necessary to eliminate 90% (LC90) of 106.2 and 133.3 μg mL-1 for pure EO and encapsulated EO, respectively. Therefore, it was concluded that these microcapsules have the potential for application in the Aedes aegypti larvae control.

This work describes a green synthesis, the characterization, and biological evaluation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The AgNPs suspension was synthesized using aqueous leaf extract of Eucalyptus grandis, which presented a characteristic band at 407 nm in the UV-Vis spectrum. The AgNPs presented a spherical shape and size of 9.7 ± 0.3 nm. The nanoparticles were stable over a month, indicating that E. grandis’ extract is suitable for their preparation and stabilization. The X-ray analysis showed that the crystallinity of AgNPs corresponded to the centered face phase of silver. The antibacterial and leishmanicidal activities of AgNPs were evaluated. The AgNPs presented antibacterial activity on the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli at 53.9 µg mL-1. The leishmanicidal activity evaluation against promastigote forms of Leishmania infantum, Leishmania amazonensis, and Leishmania braziliensis showed that the biological response is dependent on the volume of AgNP suspension. It was demonstrated that L. infantum was more sensitive to the nanoparticle’s treatment than L. amazonensis and L. braziliensis. The treatment of L infantum promastigotes with 150 µL of AgNP suspension reduced parasite growth by 67.9%, a result which was similar to the treatment with 1 (66.7%) or 2 µL (70.6%) of amphotericin B used as a positive control.

Abstract Water stress limits the initial growth and development of maize mass and grain, as well as the physiological process for absorbing the amount of mineral elements. The objective was to evaluate the effect of silicon on germination and growth of corn seedlings submitted to water deficit. The experiment was carried out in the laboratory and the experimental design was completely randomized (factorial 3 × 4), with three concentrations of calcium silicate (0.0; 1.0 and 2.0 mM) and 4 solutions of PEG-6000 to simulate different osmotic potentials (0, 0; -0.3; -0.6; -0.9 MPa). Germination percentage, germination speed index (GSI), mean germination time (MGT), percentage of non-germinated and abnormal germinated, length and dry matter of shoot, root and total seedlings were evaluated. Water deficiency reduced the parameters TG, GSI and MGT. The water deficit reduce the MSPA, MSR and MST with more than 80% reduction in mass from seedlings without deficiency to seedlings with deficiency. For CPA, CR and CT there was a reduction of at least 87%, 70% and 77%, respectively, among seeds without deficiency compared to seeds submitted to deficiency. The use of silicon in corn seeds did not attenuate the stress caused by water deficit simulated by PEG-6000.

Resumo O estresse hídrico limita o crescimento inicial e o desenvolvimento da massa e do grão de milho, assim como no processo fisiológico para a absorção da quantidade de elementos minerais. Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do silício na germinação e no crescimento de plântulas de milho submetidas a deficiência hídrica. O experimento foi desenvolvido em laboratório e o delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado (DIC) (fatorial 3 × 4), sendo três concentrações de Silicato de cálcio (0,0; 1,0 e 2,0 mM) e 4 soluções de PEG-6000 a simular diferentes potenciais osmóticos (0,0; -0,3; -0,6; -0,9 MPa). Foram avaliados a porcentagem de germinação, o índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG), o tempo médio de germinação (TMG), a porcentagem de não germinadas e de germinadas anormais, o comprimento e matéria seca da parte aérea, raiz e total das plântulas. A deficiência hídrica diminuiu os parâmetros TG, IVG e TMG. O déficit hídrico reduz a MSPA, MSR e MST com mais de 80% de redução da massa das plântulas sem deficiência para as plântulas com deficiência. Para CPA, CR e CT houve redução de, no mínimo, 87%, 70% e 77%, respectivamente entre as sementes sem deficiência em comparação as sementes submetidas a deficiência. A utilização de silício em sementes de milho não atenuou o estresse causado pela deficiência hídrica simulada por PEG-6000.

Abstract Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a non-lactose fermenting Gram-negative bacteria responsible for causing numerous nosocomial infections. The present research aimed to analyze the anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa potential of 2-Chloro-N-(4-fluoro-3-nitrophenyl)acetamide (A8). The antibacterial potential of A8 was evaluated from the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and Association using the checkerboard method. MIC and MBC values were 512 µg/mL for all P. aeruginosa strains evaluated, demonstrating predominantly bactericidal activity. Furthermore, when A8 was associated with the drug ceftriaxone, pharmacological additivity and indifference were evidenced. In this sense, the synthetic amide was interesting, since it demonstrates the potential to become a possible candidate for an antimicrobial drug.

Resumo Pseudomonas aeruginosa é uma bactéria Gram-negativa não fermentadora de lactose, responsável por causar inúmeras infecções nosocomiais. A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar o potencial anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa da molécula 2-Cloro-N-(4-fluoro-3-nitrofenil)acetamida (A8). O potencial antibacteriano do A8 foi avaliado a partir da Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM), Concentração Bactericida Mínima (CBM) e Associação pelo método de checkboard. Os valores de CIM e CBM foram de 512 µg/mL para todas as cepas de P. aeruginosa avaliadas, demonstrando atividade predominantemente bactericida. Além disso, quando o A8 foi associado ao fármaco ceftriaxona, evidenciou-se aditividade e indiferença farmacológica. Nesse sentido, a amida sintética se mostrou interessante, pois demonstra potencial para se tornar um possível candidato a fármaco antimicrobiano.

Abstract The Baixada Maranhense Environmental Protection Area of the Brazilian state of Maranhão encompasses a biologically rich region that includes the basins of four principal rivers, the Mearim, Pericumã, Pindaré, and Turiaçu, which form a complex of wetlands. The present study provides a comprehensive inventory of the fish fauna of the rivers that drain the Baixada Maranhense based on the identification of voucher specimens that were deposited in a scientific collection. Expeditions were conducted between 2014 and 2020. The inventory identified a total of 100 fish species representing 79 genera, 34 families, and 11 orders, which are found in both freshwater and estuarine environments. Six (Potamotrygon orbignyi, Leporinus piau, Moenkhausia loweae, Serrasalmus spilopleura, Pachypops fourcroi and Peckoltia greedoi) of the 100 taxa identified here are considered to be new records for one or more of the basins surveyed during this study, based on the existing data, while four – Colossoma macropomum, Megaleporinus macrocephalus, Cichla sp. and Cichla kelberi – are not native. The most speciose orders were the Siluriformes and Characiformes, while the most diverse families were the Loricariidae, Characidae, Auchenipteridae, Cichlidae, and Serrasalmidae. These data are consistent with the findings of most of the previous studies of freshwater ecosystems in the Neotropical region, in particular those of the rivers of Maranhão. The results of the present study represent an important advance in the understanding of the diversity of the fish fauna of the Mearim, Pericumã, Pindaré, and Turiaçu rivers, which are still poorly studied, and have likely had their diversity underestimated up to now.

Resumo A Área de Proteção Ambiental da Baixada Maranhense do estado brasileiro do Maranhão abrange uma região biologicamente rica que engloba as bacias de quatro rios principais, Mearim, Pericumã, Pindaré e Turiaçu, formando um complexo de áreas inundáveis. O presente estudo fornece um inventário abrangente da ictiofauna de rios que drenam a Baixada Maranhense a partir da identificação de espécimes com material testemunho depositados em coleção científica. As expedições foram realizadas entre 2014 e 2020. O inventário identificou um total de 100 espécies de peixes representando 79 gêneros, 34 famílias e 11 ordens que são encontradas em ambientes de água doce e estuarinos. Dos 100 táxons identificados, seis (Potamotrygon orbignyi, Leporinus piau, Moenkhausia loweae, Serrasalmus spilopleura, Pachypops fourcroi e Peckoltia greedoi) são considerados novo registros para uma ou mais das drenagens aqui levantadas, em comparação com os dados existentes, enquanto quatro: Colossoma macropomum, Megaleporinus macrocephalus, Cichla sp. e Cichla kelberi não são nativos. As ordens mais especiosas foram Siluriformes e Characiformes, enquanto as famílias mais diversas foram Loricariidae, Characidae, Auchenipteridae, Cichlidae e Serrasalmidae. Esses dados corroboram a maioria dos outros estudos de ecossistemas de água doce da região Neotropical, em particular o dos rios do Maranhão. Os resultados do presente estudo representam um avanço importante no conhecimento da diversidade da fauna de peixes dos rios Mearim, Pericumã, Pindaré e Turiaçu, que ainda são pouco estudados e provavelmente com uma diversidade subestimada.

Biomedical engineering has been constantly looking for the development of new materials that have bioactive surfaces and that are responsible for new bone formation, induce osteoblast differentiation and present antibacterial properties. Here, we present innovative and applied research to evaluate the influence of niobium pentoxide thin films (Nb2O5) deposited on the surface of a Ti-6Al-4V alloy via the reactive sputtering technique on antibacterial activity, on the cellular proliferation of MC3T3 cells and on biomineralization capacity. Results demonstrated the reactive sputtering technique improved the cell viability, the osteogenic performance of cells involved in the osseointegration process, the ability to delay bacterial proliferation within the first six hours of contact with S. aureus as well as the capacity to promote rapid amorphous apatite formation in vitro. These findings confirm the great potential of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy functionalized with Nb2O5 for future applications in implantable devices. properties Here NbO Nb O (Nb2O5 Ti6Al4V TiAlV Ti 6Al 4V Al V activity MCT MC T MC3T viability process S vitro Nb2O devices (Nb2O

Abstract Today’s demand for environmentally friendly and energy-efficient solutions to the construction industry has driven researchers to match natural resources with traditional technics to develop new building technologies. However, there are literature limitations about the correlation of fiber-matrix interface with the failure of natural fibers in mortar plates, which hinders the advances in understanding the mechanical properties of these composites on a structural scale. The present work investigated the mechanical behavior and fractography of cement-based composites reinforced by natural piassava and jute fibers. The experimental program included flexural tests and scanning electron microscopy analyzes. The developed composite material under flexural tests demonstrated a flexural-softening behavior, reaching up to 5.7 MPa, with a considerable residual strength ruled by toughness. The fractography analyses presented the fibers’ structure after mechanical tests and how effective its interaction with the matrix was. The piassava fibers demonstrated significant adherence when favorably oriented, while jute fibers (used as twisted yarn) provided voids in the composite by its partial matrix-covered filaments.

Resumo Biomas tropicais como o Cerrado brasileiro e a Floresta Amazônica apresentam uma grande diversidade de fungos e insetos. As interações entre esses organismos podem ser benéficas para ambos os parceiros. Em riachos, essas interações contribuem para a decomposição da serapilheira. O estudo do trato digestório (TD) de insetos como um habitat para microrganismos fúngicos é uma oportunidade para obtenção de linhagens fúngicas com potencial biotecnológico, podendo trazer luz para o entendimento das relações simbióticas entre esses organismos em florestas tropicais. Esse estudo investigou a comunidade fúngica do TD de larvas de Triplectides (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae) coletados em riachos de baixa ordem nos biomas Cerrado e Floresta Amazônica no Brasil. Foram obtidos 49 isolados fúngicos e identificados entre 32 espécies de 12 gêneros. O gênero Roussoella foi encontrado apenas no DT de insetos em riachos da Floresta Amazônica, enquanto sete gêneros ocorreram apenas no DT de insetos em riachos do Cerrado. O gênero Penicillium (40%) foi o mais frequente. No Cerrado, 78% foram produtoras de CMCase, mais que o dobro da Floresta Amazônica (35%). E 62% foram produtoras de xilanase, no Cerrado, e 71% na Floresta Amazônica. Nesse contexto, a comunidade fúngica do TD de larvas Triplectides pode desempenhar um papel importante na dieta de insetos por quebrar o material lignocelulósico.

Abstract Tropical biomes such as Brazilian Cerrado and Amazon Forest have a great diversity of fungi and insects. Interactions between these organisms can be beneficial to both partners. In streams, these interactions contribute to litter decomposition. Studying the digestive tract (DT) of shredder insects as a habitat for fungal microorganisms is an opportunity to obtain fungal strains with biotechnological potential, which may help to understand the symbiotic relationships between these organisms in tropical forests. This study investigated the fungal community in the DT of larvae of Triplectides (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae) collected in low-order streams in the Cerrado and Amazon Forest biomes in Brazil. Forty-nine fungal isolates were obtained and identified among 32 species and 12 genera. The genus Roussoella was only found in the DT of insects in Amazon Forest streams, while 7 genera only occurred in the DT of insects in Cerrado streams. The genus Penicillium (40%) was the most frequent. In the Cerrado, 78% were producers of CMCase, more than two-fold that in the Amazon Forest (35%). And 62% were producers of xylanase, in the Cerrado and 71% in the Amazon Forest. In this context, the fungal community in the DT of Triplectides larvae may play an important role in the insect diet by breaking down lignocellulosic material.

Resumo O feijão-caupi (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) é uma leguminosa amplamente cultivada por pequenos, médios e grandes produtores em diversas regiões brasileiras. No entanto, uma das preocupações para a produção de feijão-caupi no Brasil nos últimos anos é a baixa atividade pluviométrica nessas regiões, o que gera o acúmulo de sais na superfície. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos do estresse salino nos parâmetros de crescimento e atividade enzimática em plantas de feijão-caupi em diferentes concentrações de brassinosteróides. O experimento foi desenvolvido em casa de vegetação com delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 3 x 3. Os tratamentos consistiram de três níveis de brassinosteróides (0, 3 e 6 µM EBL) e três níveis de estresse salino (0, 50 e 100 mM NaCl). Os fatores de crescimento (altura, diâmetro e número de folhas) diminuíram na condição salina. Com a presença do brassinosteroide a altura não aumentou, mas o número de folhas sim, principalmente na dosagem salina de 100 mM NaCl. Na variável integridade de membrana, o brassinosteróide foi eficiente em ambas as dosagens de salinidade, o mesmo não ocorrendo com o teor relativo de água, onde a condição salina não afetou a quantidade de água na hortaliça, com a aplicação de brassino manteve-se elevada, diminuindo apenas na dosagem de NaCl 100 mM. A enzima nitrato redutase foi bastante afetada no sistema radicular mesmo com a aplicação de doses crescentes de brassino. Portanto, o uso de brassinosteroides como promotor de tolerância salina em plântulas de feijão-caupi foi positivo. A concentração de 3µM de EBL proporcionou o efeito mais satisfatório em tolerar os efeitos deletérios da condição salina. O mesmo não pode ser concluído para a concentração de 6µM de EBL que não promoveu tolerância a algumas variáveis.

Abstract Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is a legume widely cultivated by small, medium and large producers in several Brazilian regions. However, one of the concerns for the production of cowpea in Brazil in recent years is the low rainfall activity in these regions, which generates the accumulation of salts on the surface. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of salt stress on growth parameters and enzyme activity in cowpea plants at different concentrations of brassinosteroids. Experiment was developed in a greenhouse using a completely randomized experimental design in a 3 x 3 factorial scheme. The treatments consisted of three levels of brassinosteroids (0, 3 and 6 µM EBL) and three levels of salt stress (0, 50 and 100 mM NaCl). Growth factors (height, diameter and number of leaves) decreased in the saline condition. With the presence of brassinosteroid the height did not increase, but the number of leaves did, mainly in the saline dosage of 100 mM NaCl. In the variable membrane integrity, brassinosteroid was efficient in both salinity dosages, the same not happening with the relative water content, where the saline condition did not affect the amount of water in the vegetable, with the application of brassino it remained high, decreasing only at dosage 100 mM NaCl. The nitrate reductase enzyme was greatly affected in the root system even with the application of increasing doses of brassino. Therefore, brassinosteroids as a promoter of saline tolerance in cowpea seedlings was positive. The concentration of 3µM of EBL provided the most satisfactory effect in tolerating the deleterious effects of the saline condition. The same cannot be concluded for the concentration of 6µM of EBL that did not promote tolerance to some variables.

Resumo O estudo da relação entre fungos e insetos traz importantes contribuições para o conhecimento da biodiversidade fúngica e para o entendimento das interações ecológicas mutualísticas. Este estudo relata a ocorrência de uma comunidade de fungos filamentosos no trato digestivo (TD) de larvas minadoras de insetos do gênero Stenochironomus em riachos de dois biomas brasileiros. Os fungos foram obtidos do trato digestivo de larvas encontradas em troncos e folhas de riachos de baixa ordem na Floresta Amazônica e Cerrado no norte do Brasil. A comunidade fúngica foi triada para atividades xilanolíticas e celulolíticas. A diversidade de espécies fúngicas no TD de larvas possivelmente está relacionada à diversidade de dietas das espécies desse gênero e à diversidade de substratos nos ecossistemas. A diversidade e riqueza de espécies fúngicas foram influenciadas mais pelas diferenças ecológicas entre os locais do que pelos tipos de substratos em que foram coletados (tronco e folha). A maioria dos fungos no TD de larvas de Stenochironomus amostradas em folhas exibiu atividade enzimática celulolítica. Tais resultados reforçam que os micobiomas do DT de larvas de Stenochiromonus produzem enzimas que contribuem para o processo de decomposição de restos vegetais em seus hospedeiros.

Abstract The study of the relationship between fungi and insects brings important contributions to the knowledge of fungal biodiversity and to the understanding of mutualistic ecological interactions. This study reports the occurrence of a community of filamentous fungi in the digestive tract (DT) of mining insect larvae belonging to genus Stenochironomus in streams of two Brazilian biomes. Fungi were obtained from the digestive tract of larvae found on trunks and leaves of low-order streams in the Amazon Forest and Cerrado in the north of Brazil. The fungal community was screened for xylanolytic and cellulolytic activities. The diversity of fungal species in the DT of larvae is possibly related to the diversity of diets of species of that genus and the diversity of substrates in the ecosystems. The diversity and richness of fungal species were influenced by ecological differences between locations more than by the types of substrates in which they were collected (trunk and leaf). Most fungi in the DT of Stenochironomus larvae sampled in leaves exhibited cellulolytic enzyme activity. Such results stress that the mycobiomes of the DT of Stenochiromonus larvae produce enzymes that contribute to the process of breaking down plant remains in their hosts.

In this study, antimicrobial activity of extracts and lupenone from A. inundata (Fabaceae, Mimosoideae), were tested. In addition, the multi-element composition of the leaves, bark and stems (heartwood) of A. inundata was evaluated using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). Lupenone was isolated in the petroleum ether extract of leaves, for the first time. Biological assays were conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic) of extracts, their fractions and lupenone. The results showed antimicrobial and antileishmanial activity of these compounds, which may be useful for obtaining a chemical composition and biological activity database on Albizia species. For multi-element composition, we found the mean concentrations (minimum-maximum) of Al, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, P, V and Zn in the samples ranged between 0.06 and 265.41 µg g-1. Concentration ranges of Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn are large, which makes these samples as additional sources of these macronutrients.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) stabilized with glutathione (GSH) were used as nanosensors for the determination of fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin (CIP), norfloxacin (NOR) and enrofloxacin (ENRO) in aqueous systems. The AgNPs were stabilized with GSH (Ag-GSH NPs), whereas the decrease of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 400 nm and the bathochromic shift of the absorption band were monitored. The method was validated and the analytical performance was verified. The results were satisfactory, with recoveries between 83.7 and 110% in almost all the experimental conditions and the repeatability and intermediate accuracy of less than 20%. The limits of detection were 0.397, 0.437 and 0.398 µmol L-1, and the limits of quantification were 1.203, 1.323 and 1.205 µmol L-1 for ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and enrofloxacin, respectively. The method was selective in a group of drugs and applied in the determination of fluoroquinolones in potable water samples.

RESUMO Este estudo descreveu os padrões reprodutivos e de recrutamento do siri Achelous spinimanus (Latreille, 1819) na região de Ubatuba, litoral norte de São Paulo, Brasil. Os siris foram coletados mensalmente, de janeiro de 1998 a dezembro de 1999, em 18 locais em três enseadas (Ubatumirim, Ubatuba e Mar Virado), utilizando um barco de pesca comercial. Em cada área de amostragem foram registrados a temperatura de fundo, salinidade e teor de matéria orgânica. Um total de 1.911 indivíduos foram coletados: 350 machos adultos, 475 fêmeas adultas não ovígeras, 584 fêmeas adultas ovígeras e 502 jovens. As fêmeas reprodutivas foram mais abundantes em áreas profundas; essa migração pode ser uma estratégia para melhorar a dispersão e a sobrevivência das larvas. As fêmeas ovígeras foram encontradas durante todo o ano, indicando uma reprodução contínua, com sua abundância positivamente correlacionada à temperatura. Durante a pesquisa de dois anos, foram encontrados caranguejos em todos os estágios de desenvolvimento gonadal. Podemos inferir que a região de Ubatuba fornece recursos adequados para o estabelecimento e desenvolvimento de A. spinimanus.

ABSTRACT This study describes the reproductive and recruitment patterns of the swimming crab Achelous spinimanus (Latreille, 1819) in the Ubatuba region of the northern coast of São Paulo, Brazil. Crabs were captured monthly from January 1998 to December 1999 in 18 sites located in three bays (Ubatumirim, Ubatuba, and Mar Virado), using a commercial fishing boat. In each sampling area, bottom temperature, salinity, and organic matter content were recorded. A total of 1,911 individuals were captured: 350 adult males, 475 non-ovigerous adult females, 584 adult ovigerous females, and 502 immature individuals. Reproductive females were more abundant in deeper areas; this migration might be a strategy to improve larval dispersion and survival. Ovigerous females were found year-round, indicating a continuous reproduction, and their abundance was positively correlated with temperature. During the 2-year survey, crabs with all gonadal development stages were found. We can infer that this region provides suitable resources for the development of A. spinimanus.

Abstract This study assessed the effect of non-thermal plasma (NTP) on Nannochloropsis gaditana cell rupture and subsequent lipid extraction. Micrograph images showed that the surface of original N. gaditana cells appeared smooth and had no apparent holes, whereas after NTP the cells showed a non-uniform apparently fractured surface with many pores and large splits. Maximum lipid recovery from N. gaditana cells (~19%) for NTP-assisted rupture was observed at 10 min, similar to extraction after 10 min sonication (19.0%). The lipid recovery after both pretreatments (average 19.0%) was 2-fold higher than the control treatment (no pretreatment 9.5%). In addition, lipids from unruptured algal cells were mainly composed of ω-3polyunsaturated fatty acids (~31% of total fatty acids), while lipids after NTP were predominantly composed of saturated fatty acids (36.0% of total fatty acids), which could be advantageous for biodiesel production. This study demonstrates an alternative approach based on NTP-technology for algal cell rupture prior to lipid extraction with potential uses for algal biodiesel production.

RESUMO Apesar de manter a coloração verde em gramados, a adubação nitrogenada influencia o crescimento da parte aérea e, assim, a frequência de cortes, principal custo de manutenção em gramados. Portanto, objetivou-se avaliar a adubação nitrogenada e o uso do glifosato como regulador de crescimento em grama esmeralda (Zoysia japonica Steud.). O experimento foi conduzido em campo, de agosto/2014 a julho/2015, usando o delineamento em blocos casualizados com 20 tratamentos dispostos em esquema fatorial 5 x 4, com quatro repetições, sendo a testemunha (sem nitrogênio - N); 15 g m-2 de N via solo e sem N via foliar; 30 g m-2 de N via solo e sem N via foliar; 15 g m-2 de N via solo e com N via foliar (1% de ureia em calda de 200 L ha-1); e 30 g m-2 de N via solo e com N via foliar combinados com doses de glifosato (0, 200, 400 e 600 g ha-1 do ingrediente ativo - i.a.). As doses de N foram parceladas em cinco aplicações ao ano. Avaliaram-se: altura, índice de clorofila foliar e acúmulo nas folhas de nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio. A adubação com 15 g m-2 de N via solo e sem N via foliar, parcelada em cinco aplicações ao ano, foi adequada ao gramado, enquanto a adubação foliar não apresentou benefícios ao gramado. O glifosato na dose de 400 g ha-1 do i.a. foi eficiente na redução do crescimento da grama esmeralda, sem prejuízo na sua coloração verde e também propiciou menor acúmulo de N, P e K foliares, reduzindo altura e produção de matéria seca.

ABSTRACT Despite maintaining the green color in turfgrasses, nitrogen (N) fertilization affects shoot growth and, consequently, the frequency of cuts, the main factor in the costs of turfgrass maintenance. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate N fertilization and the use of glyphosate as a growth regulator in Esmeralda grass (Zoysia japonica Steud.). The experiment was conducted in the field, from August 2014 to July 2015, using a randomized block design in a 5 x 4 factorial scheme with four repetitions and 20 treatments, namely: control (without N), 15 g m-2 of N in soil without foliar N; 30 g m-2 of N in soil without foliar N; 15 g m-2 of N in soil with foliar N (1% urea in 200 L ha-1) and 30 g m-2 of N in soil with foliar N combined with glyphosate doses (0, 200, 400 and 600 g ha-1 active ingredient (a.i.)). The N doses were split into five applications along the year. The following variables were evaluated: height, leaf chlorophyll index and foliar accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Fertilization with 15 g m-2 of N in soil without foliar N application, split into five times along the year, was adequate for the turfgrass, while foliar fertilization did not promote benefits. The glyphosate dose of 400 g ha-1 a.i. was effective in reducing the growth of Esmeralda grass, without compromising its color and promoted less N, P and K accumulation in the leaves, reducing the height and dry matter production.