RESUMO
This study evaluated the chemical profile, antimicrobial activity, and the presence of potentially toxic elements in geopropolis extracts produced by Melipona scutellaris in the Recôncavo region of Bahia, Brazil. It was found that the major chemical compounds belong to the class of phenolic compounds, with emphasis on the presence of gallic acid. In this study, no potentially toxic elements were found in the analysed geopropolis. Regarding the antimicrobial potential, gram-positive bacteria were susceptible to the action of geopropolis extract at concentrations of 0.25 to 2.5 mg.mL-1, highlighting its microbiological activity against Streptococcus mitis (ATCC 00456) and Candida albicans (CCMB 251). Thus, this geopropolis extract can be used as a bacteriostatic rather than a bactericide. Our results suggest the potential for the economic and therapeutic use of M. scutellaris geopropolis, adding value to one of the meliponiculture products.
RESUMO
This study aimed to select and classify sunflower genotypes tolerant to lead (Pb) stress and evaluate their capacity of phytoextraction based on physiological, nutritional, and biochemical responses. Two experiments were carried out under lead stress. In the first experiment, out of 21 genotypes studied three showed higher relative biomass yield and were characterized as Pb-tolerant and five showed lower relative biomass production and were considered Pb-sensitive. In the second experiment, one Pb-tolerant (BRS-G27) and two Pb-sensitive (H251 and AG963) genotypes were studied. In this experiment, Pb stress reduced the growth and contents photosynthetic pigments in all genotypes, but more pronouncedly in sensitive genotypes. There were no substantial changes in micronutrient levels in the leaves and stem, but the levels of Cu and Mn in the stressed roots of sensitive genotypes were much lower than in BRS-G27. The contents of organic solutes in the roots suggest that sensitive genotypes have higher energy costs for osmoregulation by carbohydrates and amino acids synthesis. However, the accumulation of proline may be related to a greater Pb tolerance. Considering the results of dry mass yield, transfer coefficient, translocation factor, and tolerance index, the BRS-G27 genotype can be recommended for use in phytoremediation of Pb-contaminated soils.(AU)
Este estudo teve como objetivo selecionar e classificar genótipos de girassol tolerantes ao estresse por chumbo (Pb) e avaliar sua capacidade de fitoextração com base nas respostas fisiológicas, nutricionais e bioquímicas. Dois experimentos foram realizados sob estresse de Pb. No primeiro experimento, dos 21 genótipos estudados, três apresentaram maior produção relativa de biomassa e foram caracterizados como tolerantes ao Pb e cinco apresentaram menor produção relativa de biomassa e foram considerados sensíveis ao Pb. No segundo experimento foram estudados um genótipo tolerante ao Pb (BRS-G27) e dois sensíveis ao Pb (H251 e AG963). Neste experimento, o estresse por Pb reduziu o crescimento e os teores de pigmentos fotossintéticos em todos os genótipos, porém, mais pronunciado em genótipos sensíveis. Não houve mudanças substanciais nos níveis de micronutrientes nas folhas e no caule, mas os níveis de Cu e Mn nas raízes estressadas de genótipos sensíveis foram muito mais baixos do que o BRS-G27. Os conteúdos de solutos orgânicos nas raízes sugerem que genótipos sensíveis apresentam maiores custos energéticos para osmorregulação por carboidratos e síntese de aminoácidos. No entanto, o acúmulo de prolina pode estar relacionado a uma maior tolerância ao Pb. Considerando os resultados de produção de massa seca, coeficiente de transferência, fator de translocação e índice de tolerância, o genótipo BRS-G27 pode ser recomendado para uso em fitorremediação de solos contaminados com Pb.(AU)