Riqueza y diversidad de hormigas (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) según uso de suelo en dos paisajes agroforestales de Colombia / Richness and diversity of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) according to land use in two agroforestry landscapes of Colombia

Introducción: Las hormigas cumplen funciones ecológicas importantes en muchos ecosistemas, y son altamente sensibles a los cambios en el uso del suelo. Sin embargo, la respuesta ante estos cambios está poco documentada, a grandes escalas espaciales y en distintos usos de suelo, en ecosistemas poco estudiados como la Serranía del Perijá. Objetivo: Analizar la riqueza, diversidad y composición de las comunidades de hormigas en cuatro usos de suelo de dos paisajes agroforestales de la Serranía del Perijá, Cesar, Colombia. Métodos: En dos paisajes agroforestales (compensación y no compensación) se delimitaron dos ventanas de muestreo de 4 × 4 km. Dentro de cada ventana y paisaje se escogieron cuatro usos de suelo: bosques, sistemas agroforestales de café, regeneración natural y pastizales, en los cuales se aplicaron dos métodos de captura: trampas Pitfall y sacos Winkler. Se midieron seis variables ambientales: cobertura de dosel, altura de la hojarasca, densidad aparente, temperatura, humedad y dureza del suelo. El esfuerzo de muestreo fueron 384 trampas Pitfall y 192 m2 de extracción de hojarasca. El trabajo de campo se realizó entre febrero y marzo de 2021. Resultados: Las hormigas mostraron alta sensibilidad a los cambios en el uso del suelo. La diversidad y riqueza de especies disminuyó en los usos de suelo con menor cobertura vegetal natural, como los pastizales; mientras que los bosques, en ambos paisajes, conservaron la mayor riqueza de especies. La cobertura de dosel y la disponibilidad de hojarasca fueron los parámetros ambientales que favorecieron la diversidad y riqueza de las comunidades de hormigas en todos los usos de suelo. No se encontraron diferencias entre la composición de hormigas de los dos paisajes estudiados. Conclusiones: Las hormigas responden a los cambios de uso de suelo y en particular a la cobertura vegetal. Se confirmó nuestra hipótesis puesto que los usos de suelo con alta cobertura vegetal fueron los hábitats con mayor riqueza y diversidad de hormigas. La heterogeneidad ambiental, producto de la dinámica de transformación de los paisajes es un elemento que debe considerarse en futuras investigaciones.

Introduction: Ants fulfill important ecological functions in many ecosystems and are highly sensitive to changes in land use. However, the response to these changes is poorly documented, at large spatial scales and in different land uses, in poorly studied ecosystems such as the Serranía del Perijá. Objective: To analyze the richness, diversity, and composition of ant communities in four land uses of two agroforestry landscapes of the Serranía del Perijá, Cesar, Colombia. Methods: Two sampling windows of 4 × 4 km were delimited in two agroforestry landscapes (compensation and non-compensation). In each window and landscape four land uses were chosen: forests, coffee agroforestry systems, natural regeneration and pastures, in which two trapping methods were applied: Pitfall traps and Winkler bags. Six environmental variables were measured: canopy cover, leaf litter height, bulk density, temperature, humidity and soil hardness. The sampling effort was 384 Pitfall traps and 192 m2 of leaf litter extraction. The fieldwork was conducted between February and March 2021. Results: Ants showed high sensitivity to changes in land use. Species diversity and richness decreased in land uses with less natural vegetation cover, such as pastures; while forests, in both landscapes, retained the highest species richness. Canopy cover and leaf litter availability were the environmental parameters that favored the diversity and richness of ant communities in all land uses. No differences were found between the ant composition of the two landscapes studied. Conclusions: Ants respond to changes in land use, particularly to vegetation cover. Our hypothesis was confirmed since land uses with high vegetation cover were the habitats with the greatest richness and diversity of ants. Environmental heterogeneity, a product of the dynamics of landscape transformation, is an element that should be considered in future research.

Microclimate and development of Coffea canephora intercropped with Carica papaya: measures to mitigate climate change

Intercropped systems with Conilon coffee might provide a better environment for coffee production. The aim of this study was to assess the microclimate and development of Conilon coffee intercropped with papaya trees. Papaya was planted with spacing of 3.20 x 2.40 m. The coffee trees were planted after eight months, with spacing of 3.20 x 1.60 m, in-between papaya trees (in the same row). The measurements were taken 0, 40 and 80 cm away from the coffee plants, both in the north and south direction. Concomitantly, an adjoining full sunlight coffee system (not intercropped) was also assessed. The measurements included atmospheric parameters (temperature, irradiance, and relative humidity) and vegetative parameters for the coffee plants (leaf area, relative chlorophyll index, length of plagiotropic branches, length of orthotopic branches and number of nodes) in three periods of the year. The intercropped system of Conilon coffee and papaya trees led to a decrease in both irradiance and temperature, and higher means of relative humidity during daytime in all the periods assessed, which contributes to a better environment for coffee cultivation. The shadow provided by papaya trees in the coffee plants contributed to a higher leaf area but did not affect neither the growth of both plagiotropic and orthotopic branches, nor the number of nodes and the etiolation. The intercropped system of Conilon coffee and papaya trees may be potentially used as a farming system to mitigate climate change.

Organic carbon in soils with different systems of use in Tacarimena Yopal, Colombia / Carbono orgánico en suelos con diferentes sistemas de uso en Tacarimena Yopal, Colombia

ABSTRACT Soil is an important carbon reservoir as it can store twice the amount that atmosphere does and three times the biomass, which makes it a key component for climate change (CC) mitigation projects. It is important to know the potential of soil organic carbon storage (SOC) in the main uses of the soli and their expected dynamics due to potential use changes. SOCS is estimated in 7 of the dominant land use systems in the area of the study, with 5 replicas as follows: 1) banana with shade (SAF+banana); 2) cocoa with shade (Ca+S); 3) citrus (C); 4) low silvopastoral system (SSPB); 5) high silvopastoral system (SSPA); 6) gallery forests (BG); and 7) bush forest (MM). SOC concentration was analyzed in samples composed of 25 soil sub-samples per plot, and the DA was estimated with the cylinder method in a simple per plot. All land uses studied can mitigate CC when storing SOC. BG was the system that showed the highest carbon storage. On the other hand, SAF+banana stored the least SOC (72,7 vs 33,4Mg/ha, respectively). Changes in land use can cause CO2 emissions or an addition in carbon fixation. Changes in land use that increase SOC allow CC mitigation, which makes them feasible for funding, thus allowing an improvement in the livelihood of local producers.

RESUMEN El suelo es un reservorio importante de carbono, ya que puede almacenar el doble de lo contenido por la atmósfera y el triple de la biomasa. Esto lo constituye en un componente clave para proyectos de mitigación del cambio climático (CC). Es importante conocer el potencial de almacenamiento de carbono orgánico del suelo (COS) en los principales usos del suelo y su dinámica esperada, por potenciales cambios de uso. Se estima el COS en los siete de los sistemas de uso del suelo dominantes en el área de estudio, con cinco réplicas, así: 1) plátano con sombrío (SAF+plátano); 2) cacao con sombrío (Ca+S); 3) cítricos (C); 4) sistema silvopastoril bajo (SSPB); 5) sistema silvopastoril alto (SSPA); 6) bosques de galería (BG) y 7) mata de monte (MM). La concentración de COS fue analizada en muestras compuestas de 25 submuestras de suelo por parcela y la DA, se estimó con el método del cilindro en una muestra por parcela. Todos los usos del suelo estudiados pueden mitigar el CC al almacenar COS. El BG fue el sistema que presentó el mayor almacenamiento de carbono; por el contrario, el SAF+plátano almacenó el menor COS (72,7 vs 33,4Mg/ha, respectivamente). Cambios de uso del suelo pueden causar emisión de CO2 o adicionalidad en la fijación de carbono. Cambios de uso del suelo que incrementen el COS permiten la mitigación del CC, pudiendo ser susceptibles de financiamiento, lo que permite mejorar los medios de vida de los productores locales.

Composición y estructura del ensamblaje de hormigas en diferentes usos del suelo en Santa Fe de Antioquia, Colombia / Ant assemblage composition and structure in different land uses in Santa Fe de Antioquia, Colombia

RESUMEN La Estación Agraria Cotové está ubicada en Santa Fe de Antioquia, zona de bosque seco tropical, en la que se han desarrollado actividades agropecuarias por más de 40 años, transformado sus ecosistemas originales y modificando las condiciones ambientales. Por lo anterior, este estudio tiene por objetivo evaluar la composición y la estructura de las hormigas en cinco sitios, con diferentes usos del suelo de la Estación Agraria: frutales, sistema silvopastoril, bosque secundario, pastos de corte y pastoreo con baja densidad de árboles. En cada uso del suelo, se ubicaron tres transectos de 100m cada uno, al interior, interior-borde y borde, tomando una muestra cada 20m, a una profundidad de 10cm. Se identificaron las hormigas presentes, a nivel de morfoespecies y se clasificaron por gremios tróficos y por grupos funcionales. Se recolectaron 5.239 individuos, agrupados en 253 colonias, pertenecientes a 23 géneros y 37 morfoespecies de las subfamilias Myrmicinae, Ponerinae, Formicinae y Ecitoninae. La diversidad fue más alta en bosque secundario y frutales, mientras que la dominancia fue mayor en el sistema silvopastoril y en pastoreo con baja densidad de árboles. Entre bosque secundario y frutales, se encontró el mayor valor de morfoespecies compartidas. Los gremios tróficos mejor representados fueron omnívoros y depredadores y, por grupo funcional, se presentó una mayor proporción de Especialistas de Clima Tropical y de Myrmicinae Generalistas.

ABSTRACT The Agrarian Station Cotové is located in Santa Fe de Antioquia, an area of tropical dry forest in which agricultural activities have been carried out for more than 40 years, which have transformed their original ecosystems and modified the environmental conditions. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the composition and structure of ants in five sites with different land uses: fruit trees, silvopasture, secondary forest, grass for cutting, and pastures with low density of trees. In each land use, three transects of 100m each were located, inside, inside-edge, and edge, taking a sample every 20m to a depth of 10cm. In each site, the ants were identified to morphospecies, and classified by trophic guilds and by functional groups. The diversity index for each land uses were determined. We collected 5239 ants, grouped in 253 colonies, belonging to 23 genera and 37 morphospecies of subfamilies Myrmicinae, Ponerinae, Formicinae y Ecitoninae. Species diversity was highest in secondary forest and fruit trees, while the dominance was higher in silvopasture and pastures with low density of trees. Secondary forest and fruit trees showed the highest value of shared morphospecies. The omnivorous and predator's trophic guilds were the best represented, and regarding functional groups, we found a high proportion of tropical climate specialists and Myrmicinae generalists.

Las funciones ecológicas de los bambúes en la recuperación de servicios ambientales y en la restauración productiva de ecosistemas

Este artículo es una revisión bibliográfica sobre las funciones ecológicas que caracterizan a los bambúes, por las cuales merecen un mayor reconocimiento e inclusión en los programas de restauración ecológica. Los bambúes son un grupo de plantas muy diverso, de amplia distribución geográfica y económicamente importante. Aunque son más reconocidos por los usos comerciales, su potencial de uso en programas de restauración ecológica es prometedor, ya que pueden ser eficientes en la prestación de varios servicios ambientales relacionados con el suelo, el agua y el secuestro de carbono. Su rápido crecimiento, junto con su capacidad para controlar la erosión y mantener el agua a nivel del suelo, así como para proporcionar nutrientes mediante la descomposición de la hojarasca, convierte a los bambúes en un grupo valioso para la recuperación de áreas degradadas y para la restauración productiva de ecosistemas, en particular a través de sistemas agroforestales. Los enfoques agroforestales pueden combinar diferentes especies de bambú con otros cultivos, para satisfacer las necesidades humanas y generar a la vez beneficios para los ecosistemas. De manera similar, los bosques o plantaciones de bambúes, junto con sistemas agroforestales mixtos, pueden actuar como áreas de conexión y corredores biológicos, en paisajes muy fragmentados, proporcionando refugio y alimento para una amplia diversidad de organismos. A pesar de las percepciones de que los bambúes pueden ser invasivos, las pruebas para apoyar esto son limitadas. Recomendamos una evaluación cuidadosa de las características biológicas de las especies de bambúes seleccionadas, antes de su implementación en proyectos de restauración productiva y de recuperación de los servicios ambientales.

This article is a bibliographic review on the ecological functions that distinguish bamboos, for which they deserve greater recognition and inclusion in ecological restoration programs. Bamboos are a highly diverse, geographically widespread and economically important plant group. Although they are more recognized by commercial uses, their potential for use in ecological restoration programs is promising, as they can be effective in delivery of several environmental services related to soil, water and carbon sequestration. Their rapid growth, along with their abilities to control erosion and maintain water at soil level, as well as provide nutrients by litterfall decomposition, make them a valuable group for recovery of degraded areas and in productive restoration of ecosystems, in particular via agroforestry systems. Agroforestry approaches can combine different bamboo species with other crops, to meet human needs while generating benefits for ecosystems. Similarly, bamboo forests or plantations together with mixed agroforestry systems can act as stepping-stones and biological corridors, in very fragmented landscapes by providing shelter and food for a wide diversity of organisms. Despite perceptions that bamboos can be invasive, evidence to support this is limited. We recommend careful evaluation of the biological characteristics of bamboo species selected, prior to deployment in productive restoration projects and for the recovery of environmental services.

Silvicultural performance of eucaliptus and animal behavior in a silvopastoral system / Desempenho silvicultural de eucalipto e comportamento animal em sistema silvipastoril

Silvopastoral system, in which trees and forage species are grown in the same area together with animals, has emerged as a sustainable alternative of agricultural production systems. However, information on different silvicultural arrangements and combinations of forest, animal and grazing components in this system are still scarce. Thus, this study followed the silvicultural performance of the forest component (Eucalyptus urophylla x E. grandis, eucalyptus hybrid, clone I-144) under different population arrangements in a silvopastoral system through periodic dendrometric evaluations and determined the impact of animal component (Nellore females) on tree development and ingestive behavior of animals subjected to rotational grazing in Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu. The study was conducted at Agropecuária Ouro Branco, located in Bandeirantes, MS, Brazil. Total height, diameter at breast height, and wood volume per hectare were evaluated in three- and five-row ranks. To indicate plant growth, the current and average annual increments werecalculated. Animal behavior was evaluated based on the periodic observation of 15 animals randomly selected in the lot. The initial performance of forest component was satisfactory in both populations, but growth indicators indicated greater current and average annual increments in the five-row rank. The presence of forest component does not interfere with the ingestive behavior and wellbeing of animals in the silvopastoral system, as well as, the presence of animal component does not interfere in the plants silvicultural development.

O sistema silvipastoril, onde espécies arbóreas e forrageiras são cultivadas em uma mesma área, conjuntamente com o componente animal, vem se despontando como uma alternativa sustentável de sistemas de produção agrícola, no entanto, informações sobre os diferentes arranjos silviculturais e combinações dos componentes arbóreo, animal e pastagem no sistema ainda são incipientes. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo acompanhar o desenvolvimento inicial do componente florestal (Eucalyptus urophylla x E. grandis, híbrido de eucalipto, clone I-144), em diferentes arranjos populacionais, em sistema silvipastoril, por meio de avaliações dendrométricas periódicas; e, determinar o impacto da inserção do componente animal(fêmeas da raça Nelore) sobre o desenvolvimento das árvores e sobre o comportamento ingestivo dos animais submetidos ao pastejo rotacionado em Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu. O estudo foi realizado na Agropecuária Ouro Branco, situada em Bandeirantes, MS. Tanto nos renques de três, como no de cinco fileiras, foram avaliados a altura total (H), diâmetro a altura do peito (DAP) e volume de madeira por hectare. Para indicar o crescimento das plantas, foram calculados o Incremento Corrente Anual (ICA) e o Incremento Médio Anual (IMA). O comportamento dos animais foi avaliado baseado na observação periódica de 15 animais selecionados aleatoriamente no lote. Verificou-se que o desempenho inicial do componente arbóreo, em ambos os arranjos populacionais, mostrou-se satisfatório, no entanto, os indicadores de crescimento, apontam para um maior incremento corrente e médio anual nas plantas dos renques com cinco fileiras. A presença do componente arbóreo não interfere no comportamento ingestivo e bem-estar dos animais locados no sistema, assim como, a presença dos animais não interfere no desenvolvimento silvicultural das plantas.

Nutrient absorption in Tithonia Diversifolia / Absorción de Nutrientes en Tithonia diversifolia / Absorção de nutrientes em Tithonia diversifolia

Abstract Tithonia diversifolia is a robust shrub that has high ecological plasticity and adaptability, high capacity of nutrient absorption and high nutrient contents. These characteristics make Tithonia diversifolia be considered as a multi-purpose plant, such as for animal feed, soil decontamination and soil restorer. Likewise, it is a plant with high ecological plasticity and adaptability. The study of the nutrient absorption and the fertilization represent an important advance in the development of productive systems focused on maximizing forage productivity, which guarantees the soil sustainability. Based on this, a split plot design was conducted to study the effects of different levels of fertilization. The results showed an impact of the elements and levels of fertilization on the nutrient absorption capacity, finding that the elements that were incorporated in the fertilization increase the foliar contents and the nutrient absorption in the plant.

Resumen Tithonia diversifolia es un arbusto robusto que tiene alta plasticidad ecológica y adaptabilidad, alta capacidad de absorción de nutrientes y alto contenido de nutrientes. Estas características hacen que Tithonia diversifolia sea considerada una planta multipropósito, tanto para alimento animal como para descontaminación y restauración del suelo. El estudio de la absorción de nutrientes y la fertilización representa un avance importante en el desarrollo de sistemas productivos enfocados en la maximización de la productividad de forraje, lo cual garantiza la sostenibilidad del suelo. Con base en esto, se llevó a cabo un diseño experimental de parcelas divididas con el fin de estudiar los efectos de diferentes niveles de fertilización. Los resultados mostraron un impacto de los elementos y los niveles de fertilización en la capacidad de absorción de nutrientes; se encontró que los elementos que fueron incorporados en la fertilización incrementan los contenidos foliares y la absorción de nutrientes en la planta.

Resumo Tithonia diversifolia é um arbusto robusto que tem alta plasticidade ecológica e adaptabilidade, alta capacidade de absorção de nutrientes e alto conteúdo de nutrientes. Estas características fazem com que Tithonia diversifolia seja considerada uma planta multipropósito, tanto para alimento animal como para descontaminação e restauração do solo. O estudo da absorção de nutrientes e da fertilização representa um avance importante no desenvolvimento de sistemas produtivos enfocados na otimizacao da produtividade de forragem, o que garante a sustentabilidade do solo. Baseado em esto, se realizou um desenho experimental de parcelas divididas com a finalidade de estudar os efeitos de diferentes níveis de fertilização. Os resultados mostraram um impacto dos elementos e dos níveis de fertilização na capacidade de absorção de nutrientes. Se encontrou que os elementos que foram incorporados na fertilização incrementam os conteúdos foliares e a absorção de nutrientes na planta.

Sinergias mitigación - adaptación al cambio climático en sistemas de producción de café (Coffea arabica), de Tolima, Colombia / Mitigation - adaptation synergies of climate change of coffee (Coffea arabica) production systems in Tolima, Colombia

Resumen El cambio climático del planeta es generado principalmente por el incremento de las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero. El Panel Intergubernamental de Cambio Climático (IPCC) ha establecido la mitigación y adaptación como estrategias para enfrentar el cambio climático; sin embargo, ambas estrategias se han evaluado poco en conjunto. Con el objetivo de estudiar las posibles sinergias entre mitigación y adaptación, se evaluaron tres sistemas de producción de café en el municipio de Líbano: sistemas agroforestales (SAF) con Cordia allidora, SAF con plátano y monocultivos con cuatro repeticiones por tratamiento. Como indicador de mitigación se estimó la huella de carbono en la producción y procesamiento del grano; mientras que la adaptación se midió como la diversidad de hormigas presentes. Los SAF con C. allidora favorecen tanto la mitigación como la adaptación al cambio climático, tienen una huella de carbono positiva además, tienen una mayor riqueza de géneros de hormigas (12.81 vs -3.0 vs -6.4 Mg CO2e/ha/año en huella de carbono y 1.3 vs 0.6 vs 0.6 de Índice de Margalef de hormigas en SAF con C. alliodora, SAF con plátano y monocultivo, respectivamente). Los sistemas de producción agrícola, manejados de forma amigable con el medio ambiente y en asocio con árboles nativos, son una buena estrategia para implementar programas de mitigación y adaptación al cambio climático. Incluir árboles nativos favorece económicamente a los productores, e incrementa los lugares de refugio y las condiciones mínimas de sobrevivencia, semejantes a los ecosistemas naturales para que los diferentes grupos de animales logren adaptarse a los cambios.(AU)

Abstract Climate change is mainly generated by an increase of greehouse gas emissions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has established mitigation and adaptation as strategies to deal with climate change. However, few studies have been developed jointly. With the purpose of studying the possible synergies between mitigation and adaptation, three coffee production systems in the municipality of Líbano: agroforestry systems (AFS) with Cordia allidora, AFS with plantain and monocultures, with four replications by treatment, were evaluated. As mitigation indicator, the carbon footprint in the coffee production and processing was estimated, whereas the adaptation was measured as the ant diversity. The AFS with C. alliodora favor both mitigation and adaptation to climate change since they have a positive carbon footprint and the greatest richness of ant genus (12.8 vs -3.0 vs -6.4 Mg CO2e/ha/year in carbon footprint and 1.3 vs 0.6 vs 0.6 of Margalef Index of ants in AFS with C. alliodora, AFS with plantain and monoculture, respectively). The agricultural production systems, environmental-friendly managed and associated with native trees, are a good strategy to implement in programs of mitigation-adaptation of climate change. The inclusion of native tree favors the producer's economy and increases the shelter places and the minimal conditions for surviving, similar to natural ecosystems so the different groups of animals for climate change adaptation.(AU)

Los agroecosistemas cafetaleros modernos y su relación con la conservación de mariposas en paisajes fragmentados / Modern coffee agroecosystems and their relationship with butterflies conservation in fragmented landscapes

Resumen El cambio de uso del suelo por la intensificación de la agricultura contribuye a la fragmentación de los bosques tropicales y la pérdida de la biodiversidad. En este sentido, a diferencia de los sistemas agroforestales (SAF) tradicionales, los SAF modernos son considerados de poca importancia para la conservación de la biodiversidad de los fragmentos de bosque. Sin embargo, existe una tendencia al establecimiento de SAF modernos. Debido a la sensibilidad a los cambios ambientales, se evaluó la diversidad de mariposas en SAF modernos de Coffea arabica y Erythrina poeppigiana (CP) y en combinación con Musa spp. (CPM) o Cordia alliodora (la única especie nativa de los SAF) (CPL), además de fragmentos de bosque muy húmedo premontano (FR) en el Corredor Biológico Volcánica Central-Talamanca, Costa Rica. En seis sitios representativos de cada sistema se establecieron tres transectos paralelos de 80 m cada uno y distanciados a 25 m entre los mismos. Cada cafetal y fragmento de bosque fue muestreado durante 1.5 horas en total para el registro de mariposas. Durante tres fechas de muestreo, se obtuvo un esfuerzo de muestreo de 4.5 horas/sitio y 27 horas en cada SAF y en FR. CP y CPM juntos tuvieron una composición de especies de mariposas diferente a la de CPL y FR. CP y CPM juntos resultaron con las especies de áreas abiertas Hermeuptychia hermes y Anartia jatrophae como indicadoras. CPL resultó con las especies de bosques secundarios Heliconus erato petiverana y Pareuptychia ocirrhoe como indicadoras. Por el contrario, FR resultó con diversas especies indicadoras típicas de bosques continuos tales como Pierella helvina incanescens, Caligo eurilochus y Morpho peleides limpida. Además, la riqueza de especies en FR fue mayor en relación a los SAF. Sin embargo, entre los SAF, CPL resultó con la mayor diversidad (Exp(H')) de especies de áreas cerradas que CP. Así mismo, CPM tuvo una mayor abundancia de mariposas frugívoras que CP y CPL. En bosques fragmentados, los cafetales con sombras exóticas pueden ser mejores hábitats para mariposas de bosques si se combinan con árboles nativos y/o frutales.

Abstract Land use change by the intensification of agriculture contributes to tropical forest fragmentation and biodiversity loss. In this sense, in comparison with traditional agroforestry systems (AFS), modern AFS are considered irrelevant for the conservation of biodiversity of tropical forest fragments. However, there is an increasing trend toward the establishment of different types of modern AFS. Owing to the sensitivity to environmental changes, we evaluated the biodiversity of butterflies in AFS with Coffea arabica and Erythrina poeppigiana (CP), and intermixed with Musa spp. (CPM) or Cordia alliodora (the only native species of AFS) (CPL), as well as premontane very humid forest fragments in the Volcánica Central-Talamanca Biological Corridor, Costa Rica. In six representative sites of each system we set up three parallel 80 m line-transects, separated by a distance of 25 m. Each coffee farm and forest fragment (FR) was surveyed during 1.5 hours to record butterflies. All sites were sampled once a month from May to July 2007. We obtained 4.5 hours of sampling/site, and 27 hours of sampling/habitat. Both CP and CPM together had a butterflies' species composition which differed from CPL and FR. The indicator species of both CP and CPM together were Hermeuptychia hermes and Anartia jatrophae which are typical of open areas. CPL resulted with the species of secondary forests Heliconius erato petiverana and Pareuptychia ocirrhoe as indicators. In contrast, FR resulted with several indicator species typical of closed canopy forests such as Pierella helvina incanescens, Caligo eurilochus, and Morpho peleides limpida. Moreover, the richness of species was similar among coffee AFS. Furthermore, the richness of species of each coffee AFS was lower in comparison with FR. However, among coffee AFS, CPL harbored higher diversity (Exp(H')) of forest butterflies than CP. Also, CPM was higher in abundance of frugivorous butterflies in relation with CP and CPL. In fragmented forests, coffee farms with exotic shade species combined at least with a native tree or fruit species, can be a better habitat for forest butterflies than those dominated by an exotic monospecific shade. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(1): 394-402. Epub 2018 March 01.

CARACTERIZACIÓN DE LA FERTILIDAD QUÍMICA DE LOS SUELOS EN SISTEMAS PRODUCTIVOS DE LA ALTILLANURA PLANA, META, COLOMBIA / CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SOIL FERTILITY IN PRODUCTION SYSTEMS OF A FLAT HIGH PLATEAU, META, COLOMBIA

La Altillanura Plana de la Orinoquia de Colombia es por excelencia una despensa agropecuaria. Su fertilidad química dependerá principalmente de sistemas productivos que involucren un manejo de los suelos de manera apropiada y que incrementen los contenidos de la materia orgánica del suelo (MOS). Se aplicó un análisis de tipo multivariado con el objetivo de caracterizar la fertilidad química de los suelos en algunos sistemas productivos de la Altillanura Plana comparados con otros de Piedemonte del departamento del Meta, Oriente de Colombia. Fueron seleccionados cinco sistemas productivos en cada zona. Se encontró una alta variabilidad en las características químicas de los suelos, siendo la MOS y la acidez de los suelos las que tuvieron mayor capacidad discriminatoria entre los sistemas productivos. El análisis de clúster conformo tres grupos bien definidos: suelos de alta, mediana y baja fertilidad; y aunque no se encontró un patrón definido en cuanto a los sistemas productivos que los caracterice en cada uno de los grupos, cinco de los sistemas productivos de Piedemonte estuvieron ubicados en suelos de baja fertilidad. Las pasturas mejoradas y los sistemas silvopastoriles (SPSs) de la Altillanura Plana son una buena opción para aumentar la fertilidad química de los suelos.

The flat high plateau of the Colombian Orinoquia is, par excellence, an agricultural pantry. Its chemical soil fertility depends mainly of productive systems that involve appropriate soil management that increment soil organic matter (SOM). A multivariate analysis was applied in order to characterize the soil chemical fertility in some productive systems of the flat high plateau compared to other foothills of the Department of Meta in the western region of Colombia. Five production systems were selected for each zone. A high variability in the chemical characteristics of the soils was found, being SOM and the acidity of the soils the ones having greater discriminatory capacity among the productive systems. Cluster analysis consisted of three well-defined groups: high, medium and low fertility soils and, although a definite pattern of productive systems was not found in each of the groups, five productive foothill systems were located in low fertility soils. The improved pastures and the silvopastoral systems (SPSs) of flat high plateaus are a good option to increase the chemical fertility of the soils.

Productive sustainability in a silvopastoral system / Sustentabilidade produtiva em sistema silvipastoril

The objective was to analyze the productive and economic sustainability of the silvopastoral system, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. The system had been implanted five years earlier, using Eucalyptus sp. (GG100), arranged in stands with three rows in an East/West direction, 20 meters apart, with 1.2 meters between plants and 1.5 meters between rows. The eucalyptus trees were planted in consortium with Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu and Nelore heifers, in the rearing (post-weaning) phase, weighing 186.2 Kg (± 21.18) and aged approximately 12 months. Samples were collected for chemical evaluation of the soil, determination of the quantity of carbon fixed by the tree species, evaluation of the forest component, study of the animals' grazing behavior, measurement of the physiological and behavioral indicators of stress in the heifers, meteorological monitoring, analysis of animal yield and economic viability. There were improvements in the content of soil organic matter in the surface layer of the soil (0 to 10 cm) and a tendency for the soil organic matter content to rise as distance from the rank of trees increased. The central rows of each stand showed less growth in height and diameter, when compared to the outer rows. There were significant differences for the mass of dry matter from leaves, branches, stem and roots between the different rows in the stand. In general, these values were higher in the lowest row, indicating that in arrangements with three rows, the central row tends to present lower development in relation to the side rows, reflecting negatively on the volume of wood and yield. The capacity for neutralizing greenhouse gases emitted by cattle was influenced by the position of the trees in the stands, and there were differences in the carbon content between the different compartments of the trees. Plasmatic concentrations of cortisol and progesterone were measured and associated with the interval in the day when animals grazed most, between 10.00h and 16.00h. This indicated that the thermal comfort provided in the site by the system was favorable to ingestion at the time of greatest sunshine, as well as resulting in less total time spent on ingestion compared to what is seen in other production systems for cattle in extensive pastures. The financial balance for the silvopastoral activities carried out on the property revealed, in general, greater return rate for the forestry compared to cattle in the system, so far.

Objetivou-se analisar a sustentabilidade produtiva e econômica do Sistema Silvipastoril, em Mato Grosso do Sul, implantado há 5 anos, mediante consórcio entre Eucalyptus sp. (GG100), dispostos em renques com fileiras triplas no sentido Leste/Oeste, distantes entre si por 20 metros, com 1,2 metros entre plantas e 1,5 metros entre fileiras, Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu e novilhas Nelore, em fase de recria, com 186,2 Kg (± 21,18) e aproximadamente 12 meses. Foram coletadas amostras para avaliação química do solo, determinação da quantidade fixada de carbono pela espécie arbórea, avaliação do componente florestal, estudo do comportamento de pastejo dos animais, mensuração dos indicadores fisiológicos e comportamentais de estresse das novilhas, controle meteorológico, da produtividade animal e a viabilidade econômica. Houve melhorias nos teores de matéria orgânica do solo na camada superficial do solo (0 a 10 cm) e uma tendência de aumento do teor de matéria orgânica no solo a medida que se distancia do renque. As fileiras centrais de cada renque tiveram menor crescimento em altura e em diâmetro, quando comparadas às fileiras laterais. Houve diferenças significativas para a massa de matéria seca de folhas, ramos, caule e raízes entre as diferentes fileiras do renque, sendo de maneira geral, maiores na fileira inferior, indicando que em arranjos com fileiras triplas, as fileiras centrais tendem a apresentar um desenvolvimento inferior em relação às fileiras laterais, o que reflete negativamente no volume de madeira e produção. A capacidade de neutralizar a emissão de GEEs por bovinos foi influenciada pela posição das árvores nos renques de plantio e houve diferenças nos teores de carbono dos diferentes compartimentos das árvores. A mensuração das concentrações plasmáticas de cortisol e de progesterona, associados ao intervalo do dia em que se observou maior frequência de pastejo pelos animais, entre 10 e 16 horas, indica que o conforto térmico proporcionado no ambiente local pelo sistema é favorável para a ingestão nos momentos de maior incidência de luz solar, bem como resultou em menor tempo de ingestão total comparado ao que se verifica nos demais sistemas de produção de bovinos em pastejo extensivo. O balanço financeiro das atividades silvipastoril realizadas na propriedade revelou, no geral, maior taxa de retorno à silvicultura comparada à criação de bovinos no sistema, até o momento.

Fijación de carbono atmosférico en la biomasa total de sistemas de producción de cacao en el departamento del tolima, colombia

Los sistemas de uso del suelo con leñosas perennes, como cacaotales, mitigan el cambio climático, al capturar CO2 atmosférico. El objetivo del estudio fue estimar la fijación de carbono en biomasa total en los sistemas de producción de cacao, dominantes del Tolima, Colombia. El estudio, se realizó en Rovira y Falan, empleando un diseño experimental, completamente al azar, con seis sistemas de producción de cacao: monocultivo, sistema agroforestal (SAF) con maderables, SAF con aguacate, SAF con cítricos, SAF con frutales, y SAF con maderables y frutales y tres repeticiones. Se establecieron dos parcelas de muestreo rectangulares, de 1.000m² por unidad de muestreo, donde se identificaron y midieron los árboles con dap ≥ 10cm (diámetro del tronco a la altura del pecho -dap- y altura total -ht). Se establecieron dos sub-parcelas de 256m², por parcela principal, para medir arbustos de cacao: ht y diámetro del tronco, a 30 cm de altura (D30). Se emplearon modelos alométricos, para estimar la biomasa. El SAF con maderables y frutales y SAF con frutales presentaron la mayor biomasa total (122,0 y 72,5t/ ha). En el SAF con maderables y frutales, se evidenció el mayor almacenamiento de carbono, con 61,0t C/ha, mientras que la mayor tasa de fijación de carbono fue de 17,7t/ha/ año, para el SAF con cítricos. Los resultados sugieren que la producción de cacao, que incluyen otras especies vegetales, diversifica la producción e incrementa la seguridad alimentaria y la generación de servicios ambientales, tal como la captura de carbono atmosférico.

The land use systems with woody perennials species, such as cacao plantations, mitigate climate change by capturing atmospheric CO2. The aim of the study was to estimate the fixation of atmospheric carbon in total biomass in the most dominant cocoa production systems in Tolima, Colombia. The study was carried out in Rovira and Falan using a completely randomized experimental design with six cocoa production systems: monoculture, agroforestry system (SAF) with timber trees, SAF with avocado, SAF with citrus species, SAF with fruit trees and SAF with timber and fruit species with three replications. Two rectangular sampling plots 1000m² were established by sampling unit where trees with diameter of trunk at breast height (dbh) ≥ 10cm were identified and measured (dbh and total height - th). Two subplots of 256 m² by main plot, for measuring cocoa bushes were established: ht and trunk diameter at 30cm height (D30). Allometric models to estimate biomass were used. The AFS with timber and fruit species and AFS with fruit species had the greatest biomass (122.0 and 72.5t/ha). In the AFS with timber and fruit species presented the highest carbon storage in biomass with 61.0t C/ha; whereas the greatest carbon fixation rate was 17.7 t/ha/year in AFS with citrus species. The results suggest that cocoa plantations that include other plant species diversify the production and increase food security and generation of environmental services, such as capturing atmospheric carbon.

Efeitos do sombreamento na anatomia foliar de Gallesia integrifolia (Spreng) Harms e Schinnus terebinthifolius Raddi / Effects of shading on leaf anatomy of Gallesia integrifolia (Spreng) Harms and Schinnus terebinthifolius Raddi

Realizou-se estudo com o objetivo de analisar as alterações na anatomia foliar de Gallesia integrifolia (Spreng) Harms e Schinnus terebinthifolius Raddi quando cultivadas em ambientes de sombra moderada ou densa, simulando as condições naturais encontradas em sistemas agroflorestais tradicionais do sul da Bahia, Brasil. Plantas das duas espécies, com aproximadamente um ano de idade, foram cultivadas em casa de vegetação sob quatro níveis de sombreamento (25%, 17%, 10% e 5%). Estudos anatômicos do limbo foliar foram realizados a partir de material incluído em parafina e seccionado em micrótomo rotativo. Os diferentes níveis de sombreamento ocasionaram alterações na estrutura do mesofilo de ambas as espécies, com diferenças significativas na espessura do parênquima paliçádico, limbo foliar, e densidade estomática. Nas condições em que o experimento foi realizado os resultados obtidos indicaram que G. integrifolia apresenta maior capacidade de aclimatação a ambientes de sombra moderada e densa do que S. terebinthifolius, sendo mais indicada para o cultivo em sistemas agroflorestais pré-estabelecidos.

This study was conducted with the aim of analyzing the changes in the leaf anatomy of Gallesia integrifolia (Spreng) Harms and Schinnus terebinthifolius Raddi when grown in environments with moderate to dense shade, simulating the natural conditions found in traditional agroforestry systems in southern Bahia, Brazil. Plants of both species, being approximately one year-old, were grown at four irradiance levels (25%, 17%, 10% and 5%) in a greenhouse. Leaf anatomical studies were made from material embedded in paraffin and sectioned on a rotary microtome. The different irradiance levels caused a shift in the mesophyll anatomy of both species, with significant differences in palisade parenchyma thickness and leaf stomatal density. In the conditions of this experiment, the results indicated that G. integrifolia has a higher capacity for acclimatization to moderate to dense shade than S. terebinthifolius, and it is thus more suitable for cultivation in pre-established agroforestry systems.

Carcass quality of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) finished in silvopastoral system in the Eastern Amazon, Brazil / Qualidade da carcaça de búfalos (Bubalus bubalis) terminados em sistema silvipastoril na Amazônia Oriental, Brasil

The influence of the diet on the quality of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) carcasses of crossbred Murrah and Mediterranean, concentrate fed on traditional (corn/soybean) or on agro-industrial residues (palm oil and coconut cakes) was studied. The animals were sacrificed in a slaughterhouse, and physical and physical-chemical analyses in the carcasses were carried out after 24 hours, and instrumental color and texture analyses of the Longissimus dorsi were carried out 48 hours after cooling. The animals supplemented with palm oil cake had better carcass conformation and fat trim, and differences (P<0.05) in the percentage of fat in the carcass fat thickness and coverage were observed.

Avaliou-se a influência da dieta sobre a qualidade de carcaça de búfalos mestiços das raças Murrah e Mediterrâneo, alimentados com concentrado tradicional - milho/soja - ou resíduos agroindustriais - tortas de coco e dendê. Os animais foram sacrificados em abatedouro comercial, e realizadas análises físicas e físico-químicas na carcaça, após 24 horas, e de cor e textura instrumentais no músculo Longissimus dorsi, após 48 horas de resfriamento. Os animais suplementados com a torta de dendê adquiriram melhor conformação de carcaça e acabamento de gordura, e observaram-se diferenças (P<0,05) no percentual de gordura na carcaça e na espessura de gordura de cobertura.

Tropical Forest Landscape Change and the Role of Agroforestry Systems in Southern Nigeria.

The paper analyzes tropical forest landscape change and deforestation trends in Nigeria. Emphasis’ are on the issues, the environmental analysis of the trends, factors influencing it, and community agroforestry efforts. The time frame and setting for the study runs through the west African nation of Nigeria during the periods of 1976 through 2005 at the national and state levels. In fact, Nigeria was once covered by widespread vegetation comprising of humid tropical forests in the south and savannah grasslands in the north rich in biodiversity. A great percentage of this luxurious vegetation has been cleared by the pressures mounted by human activities with eventual degradation. In terms of methods, the paper uses mixscale approach based on descriptive statistics, temporal spatial analysis and mapping, and photographic images to analyze the trends associated with tropical deforestation. The results show visible changes in the form of large scale decline of Nigeria’s forest landscape over the years. This resulted in the disappearance of forest resources and vegetation cover with mounting threats to sensitive natural areas. Aside from the socio-economic elements linked with the problem, community efforts at the margin using agroforestry systems showed some promise with many benefits to stem the tide of deforestation. To remedy the problems, the paper offered some recommendations ranging from policy overhaul to education.

Population dynamics of earthworms in relation to soil physico-chemical parameters in agroforestry systems of Mizoram, India.

Earthworm population dynamics was studied in two agroforestry systems in the tropical hilly terrain of Mizoram, north-east India, over a period of 24 months, from July 2002 to June 2004. Two sites of agroforestry situated at Sakawrtuichhun (SKT) and Pachhunga University College (PUC) campus, Aizawl, having pineapple as the main crop, were selected for detail studies on population dynamics. Five of the total twelve species of earthworm reported from the state were recorded in the study sites. The density of earthworm ranged from 6 to 243 ind.m-2 and biomass from 3.2 - 677.64 g.m-2 in SKT. Comparatively the density and biomass in PUC, which is at relatively higher altitude were lower with a range of 0 to 176 ind.m-2 and biomass from 0 - 391.36 g.m-2 respectively. Population dynamics of earthworm was significantly correlated with rainfall and physical characters of the soil. Earthworm biomass was significantly affected by rainfall and moisture content of the soil. The influence of chemical factors was relatively less.

Uso dos recursos vegetais por agricultores familiares de Manacapuru (AM) / Use of vegetal resources by Family Farmers in Manacapuru, Amazonas state

Neste estudo é relatado o uso de espécies vegetais por onze famílias que vivem na área rural do município de Manacapuru, no Amazonas. Foi feita uma abordagem participativa durante as entrevistas, utilizando um formulário formal, que considerava toda a propriedade agrícola. No total, foram registradas 173 espécies, cuja maioria (101) apresentou uso medicinal. Sessenta e oito espécies são usadas na alimentação humana e vinte e duas espécies são utilizadas para construção de casas. Noventa e sete espécies (56,1%) provêm somente dos pomares caseiros, 22 espécies (12,7%) existem unicamente na floresta primária e 18 espécies (10,4%) são provenientes das capoeiras. Algumas espécies são encontradas em diferentes ambientes. De fato, a vegetação da região é capaz de prover diferentes recursos para os agricultores, os quais procuram alternativas que possam melhorar sua qualidade de vida. O plantio de espécies frutíferas é bastante comum e representa uma diversificação e melhoria na qualidade alimentar. Porém, há necessidade de incentivo para o plantio de espécies florestais nativas. O aprendizado sobre as plantas medicinais é passado de geração a geração, sempre pelas mulheres.

This study deals with the use of vegetal species by small farmers in the municipal district of Manacapuru, in the State of Amazonas. We used a formal questionnaire for participative interviews which took into consideration the entire agricultural property. Of the one hundred and seventy three species that we registered, the majority (101) presented medicinal use. Sixty-eight species are used for human nutrition and twenty-two for house building. Ninety-seven species (56.1%) come exclusively from domestic orchards; twenty-two (12.7%) exist only in the primary forest; and eighteen species (10.4%) originate from fallows. Some species can be found in different environments. Although the vegetation of the region under study is capable of providing farmers with necessary resources, their look for alternatives that might improve the quality of their lives. Planting fruit species is quite common and means both diversification and better food quality. It is however necessary to encourage planting native forest species. Knowledge and use of medicinal plants is always passed on from generation to generation by women.

El quintal y las frutas: recursos económicos y alimentares en la comunidad negra de Itacoã, Acará, Pará, Brasil / The home garden and fruits: economic and food resources in the black community of Itacoã, Acará, Pará, Brazil

En este estudio, se inventariaron 46 especies de especies fructíferas en la comunidad negra de Itacoã, Acará, Pará, situada a pocos kilómetros de la ciudad de Belem en el Estuario Amazónico. De igual manera se investigó las diversas actividades productivas desarrolladas por las familias y su relación con la generación de renta. Los principales métodos usados en el trabajo fueron las entrevistas y la visita a los quintales y otras áreas de producción de frutas (várzeas y purmas) para identificación y localización de las especies fructíferas. Existe alta diversidad de frutas en todo el territorio, especialmente en los quintales, con abundancia de especies de interés nutricional y/o comercial e importancia de la comercialización de esta producción como fuente de recursos económicos para las familias residentes. De hecho, para el 28% de las unidades familiares, la principal fuente de ingresos anuales es la venta de frutas regionales, a pesar de su marcada estacionalidad, con picos de fructificación durante el período más lluvioso del año. Por último, este estudio reafirma al quintal como modalidad de sistema agroforestal tradicional con bajo uso de insumos, alta diversidad de especies útiles y su múltiple funcionalidad: producción de frutas de origen extractivo, garantía de ingresos monetarios, seguridad alimentar y mantenimiento de relaciones de intercambio no monetario entre los comunitarios.

In this study, 46 fruit-bearing species were inventoried in the black community of Itacoã, Acará ( Pará, Brazil), a few kilometers from the city of Belém in the Amazon estuary. The various productive activities carried out by families and their relationship to income generation were also investigated. The main methods used were interviews and visits to home gardens and other fruit production areas (floodplain forests and fallows), in order to identify and locate the fruit-bearing species. The main findings were: a high fruit diversity throughout the community, especially in home gardens; an abundance of species of nutritional and/or commercial interest; and the importance of the commercialization of this production as a source of economic resources for resident families. The main annual income source of 28% of family units is the sale of regional fruits, in spite of their strong seasonality, with fruiting and maturation peaks during the rainiest period of the year. Finally, this study reasserts the home garden as a type of traditional agroforestry with low input use, high diversity of food and commercial species and multiple functionality: extractive fruit production, cash income, food security and maintenance of non-cash exchange relationships among community members.

Occurrence and diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in trap cultures from soils under different land use systems in the Amazon, Brazil / Ocorrência e diversidade de fungos micorrízicos arbuculares em culturas armadilhas de solos sob diferentes sistema de uso na Amazônia, Brasil

The aim of this work was to evaluate the occurrence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) species diversity in soil samples from the Amazon region under distinct land use systems (Forest, Old Secondary Forest, Young Secondary Forest, Agroforestry systems, Crops and Pasture) using two distinct trap cultures. Traps established using Sorghum sudanense and Vigna unguiculata (at Universidade Regional de Blumenau - FURB) and Brachiaria decumbens and Neonotonia wightii (at Universidade Federal de Lavras - UFLA) were grown for 150 days in greenhouse conditions, when spore density and species identification were evaluated. A great variation on species richness was detected in several samples, regardless of the land use systems from where samples were obtained. A total number of 24 AMF species were recovered using both methods of trap cultures, with FURB';s traps yielding higher number of species. Acaulospora delicata, A. foveata, Entrophospora colombiana and two undescribed Glomus species were the most abundant and frequent species recovered from the traps. Number of species decreased in each genus according to this order: Acaulospora, Glomus, Entrophospora, Gigaspora, Archaeospora, Scutellospora and Paraglomus. Spore numbers were higher in Young Secondary Forest and Pastures. Our study demonstrated that AMF have a widespread occurrence in all land use systems in Amazon and they sporulate more abundantly in trap cultures from land uses under interference than in the pristine Forest ecosystem.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a ocorrência de espécies de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMAs) em amostras de solos da região Amazônica sob diferentes sistemas de uso da terra (Floresta, Capoeira Velha, Capoeira Nova, Sistema Agroflorestal, Culturas e Pastagens) usando dois métodos de culturas armadilhas. Culturas armadilhas estabelecidas com Sorghum sudanense e Vigna unguiculata (na Universidade Regional de Blumenau - FURB) e Brachiaria decumbens e Neonotonia wightii (na Universidade Federal de Lavras - UFLA) foram cultivadas por 150 dias em condições de casa-de-vegetação e avaliadas para o número de esporos e identificação das espécies. Uma grande variação na riqueza de espécies foi detectada em várias amostras, independente do sistema de uso da terra de onde as amostras foram obtidas. Um total de 24 espécies de FMAs foram recuperadas usando ambas metodologias de culturas armadilhas e as culturas estabelecidas na FURB produziram um número maior de espécies. Acaulospora delicata, A. foveata, Entrophospora colombiana e duas espécies não descritas de Glomus foram as espécies mais abundantes e freqüentes recuperadas das culturas armadilhas. O número de espécies diminui em cada gênero na seguinte ordem: Acaulospora, Glomus, Entrophospora, Gigaspora, Archaeospora, Scutellospora e Paraglomus. Número de esporos foi maior na Capoeira jovem e Pastagens. Nosso estudo demonstrou que os FMAs possuem uma ampla dispersão em todos os sistemas de uso na Amazônia e que eles esporulam mais abundantemente em culturas armadilhas estabelecidas de solos sob interferência antrópica do que em solos de Floresta nativa.

Distribución espacio-temporal de hormigas en un gradiente de luz, dentro de un sistema agroforestal de café, en Turrialba, Costa Rica

Temporal and spatial distribution of ants in a light gradient, in a coffee agroforestry system, Turrialba, Costa Rica. Shade trees are frequently present in coffee (Coffea arabica L.) agroforestry systems of Mesoamerica. These systems can harbor a rich entomofauna, including ants, which could be predators of key pests in these systems. However, the role of shade on the distribution and abundance of these ants is unknown, yet such knowledge could suggest guidelines for manipulating certain environmental conditions of their habitat, thereby achieving their conservation and increase. Therefore, we studied the effect of shade on the spatial and temporal distribution of three ant species (Solenopsis geminata, Pheidole radoszkowskii and Crematogaster curvispinosa) that may prey on the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), and the mahogany shootborer, Hypsipyla grandella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). To do this, abundance was evaluated across a sun-shade gradient in a coffee plantation with four alternate plots (from pure sun to total shade) in Turrialba, Costa Rica. In the community that was studied 28 species of ants were collected, of which S. geminata was the dominant species (79 % of the total individuals), followed by P. radoszkowskii (16 %). S. geminata and C. curvispinosa preferred sunny areas, while P. radoszkowskii showed no defined preference. Likewise, with respect to location, S. geminata predominated in the soil, while P. radoszkowskii and C. curvispinosa predominated in coffee bushes. Rev. Biol. Trop. 55 (3-4): 943-956. Epub 2007 December, 28.

En los sistemas agroforestales de café (Coffea arabica L.) de Mesoamérica es frecuente la presencia de árboles de sombra. Estos sistemas pueden albergar una rica entomofauna, incluyendo hormigas, la cuales podrían depredar a plagas claves en dichos sistemas. Sin embargo, se desconoce el papel de la sombra sobre la distribución y abundancia de dichas hormigas, lo cual podría sugerir pautas para manipular ciertas condiciones de su hábitat y lograr su conservación e incremento. Por tanto, se estudió el efecto de la sombra sobre la distribución espacial y temporal de tres especies de hormigas (Solenopsis geminata, Pheidole radoszkowskii y Crematogaster curvispinosa) que pueden depredar a la broca del café, Hypothenemus hampei (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) y al barrenador de las meliáceas, Hypsipyla grandella. Para ello se evaluó su abundancia a través de un gradiente de sol-sombra en un cafetal con cuatro parcelas alternas (desde pleno sol hasta sombra total), en Turrialba, Costa Rica. En la comunidad estudiada se recolectaron 28 especies de hormigas, de las cuales S. geminata fue la dominante (79 % del total de individuos), seguida por P. radoszkowskii (16 %). S. geminata y C. curvispinosa prefirieron las áreas soleadas, mientras que P. radoszkowskii no mostró una preferencia definida. Asimismo, en cuanto a su ubicación, S. geminata predominó en el suelo, mientras que P. radoszkowskii y C. curvispinosa lo hicieron en los arbustos de café.