In tropical regions, bovine infestation by ticks causes a drastic reduction in milk and meat yield, leading in some cases, to the death of animals. Chemicals have been typically used to combat ticks, however, this strategy leads to the contamination of milk and meat products in addition to the environment. The genetic variability between Bos taurus and Bos indicus breeds for tick resistance and the currently available molecular genetics tools make it possible to use this information in breeding

Status: Completed     Start date: Tue Jul 01 00:00:00 GMT-03:00 2008

Black pepper ( Piper nigrum L.) is highly important in Brazilian agri-business, and it currently occupies the fourth position in the world's market export rates, the state of Pará being responsible for 85% of the national production. In this context, the emergence of fusariosis, caused by the Fusarium solani f. sp. Piperis fungus, has been the source of significant losses to the black pepper culture, especially in Pará. Studies have confirmed the narrow genetic base and the suscep ...

Status: Completed     Start date: Tue Sep 01 00:00:00 GMT-03:00 2009

The program of genetic improvement of the cupuaçu tree ( Theobroma grandiflorum) needs to tend to the demand of new cultivares, especially of those resistant to the Monilophthora perniciosa fungus, the agent responsible for causing the deformity known as witch's broom disease, and also to increase as much as possible the genetic base of planting material. This project aims to develop new technologies which promote the quick multiplication of selected cultivares, as well as to early select ...

Status: Completed     Start date: Wed Apr 01 00:00:00 GMT-03:00 2009