Herbivory and leaf expansion of Cyathea phalerata Mart. (Cyatheaceae) in subtropical Atlantic Forest, southern Brazil / Herbivoria e expansão foliar de Cyathea phalerata Mart. (Cyatheaceae) em Floresta Atlântica subtropical no sul do Brasil

Abstract Herbivory is an interaction with great impact on plant communities since relationships between herbivores and plants are fundamental to the distribution and abundance of species over time and space. The aim of this study was to monitor the rate of leaf expansion in the tree fern Cyathea phalerata and evaluate the damage caused by herbivores to leaves of different ages and whether such damage is related to temperature and precipitation. The study was performed in a subtropical Atlantic Forest fragment located in the municipality of Caraá, in the northeast hillside of Rio Grande do Sul state, in southern Brazil. We monitored 24 mature individuals of C. phalerata with croziers in a population of approximately 50 plants. Leaf expansion rate, percentage of damaged leaves and leaf blade consumption rate by herbivory were calculated. Monthly means for temperature and accumulated rainfall were calculated from daily data. Croziers of C. phalerata were found to expand rapidly during the first and second months after emergence (3.98 cm day-1; 2.91 cm day-1, respectively). Damage caused by herbivory was observed in all of the monitored leaves, but none of the plants experienced complete defoliation. The highest percentage (57%) of damaged leaves was recorded at 60 days of monitoring, and also the highest monthly consumption rate of the blade (6.04%) occurred with young, newly-expanded leaves, while this rate remained between 1.50 and 2.21% for mature leaves. Rates of monthly leaf consumption and damaged leaves showed positive and strong relationship with each other and with temperature. The rapid leaf expansion observed for C. phalerata can be considered a phenological strategy to reduce damage to young leaves by shortening the developmental period and accelerating the increase of defenses in mature leaves.

Resumo A herbivoria é uma interação de grande impacto sobre as comunidades de plantas, uma vez que as relações entre herbívoros e plantas são fundamentais para a distribuição e abundância das espécies ao longo do tempo e do espaço. O objetivo deste estudo foi monitorar a taxa de expansão foliar da samambaia arborescente Cyathea phalerata e avaliar o dano causado por herbívoros a folhas de diferentes idades, assim como verificar se este dano está relacionado à temperatura e à precipitação. O estudo foi realizado em um fragmento de Floresta Atlântica subtropical localizado no município de Caraá, na encosta nordeste do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, no sul do Brasil. Nós monitoramos 24 indivíduos maduros de C. phalerata com báculos em uma população de aproximadamente 50 plantas. A taxa de expansão foliar, a porcentagem de folhas danificadas e a taxa de consumo da lâmina foliar por herbivoria foram calculados. Médias mensais de temperatura e precipitação acumulada foram calculadas a partir de dados diários. Báculos de C. phalerata expandiram rapidamente durante o primeiro e o segundo mês após emergência (3,98 cm dia-1; 2,91 cm dia-1, respectivamente). O dano causado por herbivoria foi observado em todas as folhas monitoradas, mas nenhuma das plantas sofreu desfolhação completa. A maior porcentagem (57%) de folhas danificadas foi registrada aos 60 dias de monitoramento, e também a maior taxa de consumo mensal (6,04%) ocorreu em folhas jovens, recém expandidas, enquanto esta taxa permaneceu entre 1,50 e 2,21% em folhas maduras. As taxas mensais de consumo da lâmina foliar e de folhas danificadas mostraram relação positiva e forte entre si e com a temperatura. A rápida expansão foliar observada em C. phalerata pode ser considerada uma estratégia fenológica para reduzir o dano a folhas jovens, abreviando o período de desenvolvimento e acelerando o aumento das defesas em folhas maduras.

Herbivory and leaf expansion of Cyathea phalerata Mart (Cyatheaceae) in subtropical Atlantic Forest, southern Brazil / Herbivoria e expansão foliar de Cyathea phalerata Mart. (Cyatheaceae) em Floresta Atlântica subtropical no sul do Brasil

Herbivory is an interaction with great impact on plant communities since relationships between herbivores and plants are fundamental to the distribution and abundance of species over time and space. The aim of this study was to monitor the rate of leaf expansion in the tree fern Cyathea phalerata and evaluate the damage caused by herbivores to leaves of different ages and whether such damage is related to temperature and precipitation. The study was performed in a subtropical Atlantic Forest fragment located in the municipality of Caraá, in the northeast hillside of Rio Grande do Sul state, in southern Brazil. We monitored 24 mature individuals of C. phalerata with croziers in a population of approximately 50 plants. Leaf expansion rate, percentage of damaged leaves and leaf blade consumption rate by herbivory were calculated. Monthly means for temperature and accumulated rainfall were calculated from daily data. Croziers of C. phalerata were found to expand rapidly during the first and second months after emergence (3.98 cm day-¹; 2.91 cm day-¹, respectively). Damage caused by herbivory was observed in all of the monitored leaves, but none of the plants experienced complete defoliation. The highest percentage (57%) of damaged leaves was recorded at 60 days of monitoring, and also the highest monthly consumption rate of the blade (6.04%) occurred with young, newly-expanded leaves, while this rate remained between 1.50 and 2.21% for mature leaves. Rates of monthly leaf consumption and damaged leaves showed positive and strong relationship with each other and with temperature. The rapid leaf expansion observed for C. phalerata can be considered a phenological strategy to reduce damage to young leaves by shortening the developmental period and accelerating the increase of defenses in mature leaves.

A herbivoria é uma interação de grande impacto sobre as comunidades de plantas, uma vez que as relações entre herbívoros e plantas são fundamentais para a distribuição e abundância das espécies ao longo do tempo e do espaço. O objetivo deste estudo foi monitorar a taxa de expansão foliar da samambaia arborescente Cyathea phalerata e avaliar o dano causado por herbívoros a folhas de diferentes idades, assim como verificar se este dano está relacionado à temperatura e à precipitação. O estudo foi realizado em um fragmento de Floresta Atlântica subtropical localizado no município de Caraá, na encosta nordeste do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, no sul do Brasil. Nós monitoramos 24 indivíduos maduros de C. phalerata com báculos em uma população de aproximadamente 50 plantas. A taxa de expansão foliar, a porcentagem de folhas danificadas e a taxa de consumo da lâmina foliar por herbivoria foram calculados. Médias mensais de temperatura e precipitação acumulada foram calculadas a partir de dados diários. Báculos de C. phalerata expandiram rapidamente durante o primeiro e o segundo mês após emergência (3,98 cm dia-¹; 2,91 cm dia-¹, respectivamente). O dano causado por herbivoria foi observado em todas as folhas monitoradas, mas nenhuma das plantas sofreu desfolhação completa. A maior porcentagem (57%) de folhas danificadas foi registrada aos 60 dias de monitoramento, e também a maior taxa de consumo mensal (6,04%) ocorreu em folhas jovens, recém expandidas, enquanto esta taxa permaneceu entre 1,50 e 2,21% em folhas maduras. As taxas mensais de consumo da lâmina foliar e de folhas danificadas mostraram relação positiva e forte entre si e com a temperatura. A rápida expansão foliar observada em C. phalerata pode ser considerada uma estratégia fenológica para reduzir o dano a folhas jovens, abreviando o período de desenvolvimento e acelerando o aumento das defesas em folhas maduras.

Herbivory and leaf expansion of Cyathea phalerata Mart. (Cyatheaceae) in subtropical Atlantic Forest, southern Brazil

Abstract Herbivory is an interaction with great impact on plant communities since relationships between herbivores and plants are fundamental to the distribution and abundance of species over time and space. The aim of this study was to monitor the rate of leaf expansion in the tree fern Cyathea phalerata and evaluate the damage caused by herbivores to leaves of different ages and whether such damage is related to temperature and precipitation. The study was performed in a subtropical Atlantic Forest fragment located in the municipality of Caraá, in the northeast hillside of Rio Grande do Sul state, in southern Brazil. We monitored 24 mature individuals of C. phalerata with croziers in a population of approximately 50 plants. Leaf expansion rate, percentage of damaged leaves and leaf blade consumption rate by herbivory were calculated. Monthly means for temperature and accumulated rainfall were calculated from daily data. Croziers of C. phalerata were found to expand rapidly during the first and second months after emergence (3.98 cm day-1; 2.91 cm day-1, respectively). Damage caused by herbivory was observed in all of the monitored leaves, but none of the plants experienced complete defoliation. The highest percentage (57%) of damaged leaves was recorded at 60 days of monitoring, and also the highest monthly consumption rate of the blade (6.04%) occurred with young, newly-expanded leaves, while this rate remained between 1.50 and 2.21% for mature leaves. Rates of monthly leaf consumption and damaged leaves showed positive and strong relationship with each other and with temperature. The rapid leaf expansion observed for C. phalerata can be considered a phenological strategy to reduce damage to young leaves by shortening the developmental period and accelerating the increase of defenses in mature leaves.

Resumo A herbivoria é uma interação de grande impacto sobre as comunidades de plantas, uma vez que as relações entre herbívoros e plantas são fundamentais para a distribuição e abundância das espécies ao longo do tempo e do espaço. O objetivo deste estudo foi monitorar a taxa de expansão foliar da samambaia arborescente Cyathea phalerata e avaliar o dano causado por herbívoros a folhas de diferentes idades, assim como verificar se este dano está relacionado à temperatura e à precipitação. O estudo foi realizado em um fragmento de Floresta Atlântica subtropical localizado no município de Caraá, na encosta nordeste do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, no sul do Brasil. Nós monitoramos 24 indivíduos maduros de C. phalerata com báculos em uma população de aproximadamente 50 plantas. A taxa de expansão foliar, a porcentagem de folhas danificadas e a taxa de consumo da lâmina foliar por herbivoria foram calculados. Médias mensais de temperatura e precipitação acumulada foram calculadas a partir de dados diários. Báculos de C. phalerata expandiram rapidamente durante o primeiro e o segundo mês após emergência (3,98 cm dia-1; 2,91 cm dia-1, respectivamente). O dano causado por herbivoria foi observado em todas as folhas monitoradas, mas nenhuma das plantas sofreu desfolhação completa. A maior porcentagem (57%) de folhas danificadas foi registrada aos 60 dias de monitoramento, e também a maior taxa de consumo mensal (6,04%) ocorreu em folhas jovens, recém expandidas, enquanto esta taxa permaneceu entre 1,50 e 2,21% em folhas maduras. As taxas mensais de consumo da lâmina foliar e de folhas danificadas mostraram relação positiva e forte entre si e com a temperatura. A rápida expansão foliar observada em C. phalerata pode ser considerada uma estratégia fenológica para reduzir o dano a folhas jovens, abreviando o período de desenvolvimento e acelerando o aumento das defesas em folhas maduras.

Which variables influence the herbivory amount on Montrichardia spp. (Araceae) in aquatic ecosystems? / ¿Qué variables influyen en la herbivoría en Montrichardia spp. (Araceae) en los ecosistemas acuáticos?

Abstract Introduction: The study of herbivory is fundamental in ecology and includes how plants invest in strategies and mechanisms to reduce herbivore damage. However, there is still a lack of information about how the environment, plant density, and functional traits influence herbivory in aquatic ecosystems. Objective: To assess if there is a relationship between herbivory, environmental variables, and plant traits two species of Montrichardia, a neotropical aquatic plant. Methods: In September 2018, we studied 78 specimens of Montrichardia arborescens and 18 of Montrichardia linifera, in 18 sites in Melgaço, Pará, Brazil. On each site, we measured water depth, distance to the margin, and plant density. From plants, we measured plant height and leaf thickness, and photographed the leaves to calculate the specific leaf area and percentage herbivory. To identify anatomical structures, we collected fully expanded leaves from three individuals per quadrat. Results: For M. arborescens, plants with thicker leaves and higher specific leaf area have less herbivore damage. For M. linifera, plants from deeper sites and with thicker leaves had more herbivore damage, while plants that grew farther from the margin had less damage. We found anatomical structures related to defense, such as idioblast cells with phenolic compounds, and cells with solid inclusions that can contribute to avoiding severe damage. Conclusions: Herbivory in these Montrichardia species can be explained by a combination of plant and environmental traits (patch isolation and water depth). The main plant traits are leaf thickness and area, but chemical compounds and solid inclusions also help Montrichardia to sustain less damage than other macrophytes.

Resumen Introducción: La herbivoría es fundamental para comprender cómo las plantas invierten en diferentes estrategias para evitar la depredación, lo que implica diferentes mecanismos de defensa. Factores relacionados con el medio ambiente, la densidad de plantas y/o los rasgos funcionales de las plantas pueden influir en la herbivoría en los ecosistemas acuáticos. Sin embargo, todavía falta información sobre cómo esos factores influyen en la herbivoría en los ecosistemas acuáticos y pueden contribuir a la carga de herbivoría. Objetivo: Evaluar si existe una relación entre la herbivoría y las variables ambientales (p. ej., profundidad del agua y distancia al margen), los factores ecológicos (densidad de plantas) y los rasgos estructurales de las plantas (altura, grosor de la hoja y área foliar) e indicar estructuras anatómicas que actúen junto con los rasgos estructurales en el sistema de defensa de especies de Montrichardia. Métodos: Se evaluaron 96 individuos de Montrichardia spp. (78 de M. arborescens y 18 de M. linifera, en 18 sitios) recolectados en septiembre de 2018. En cada sitio, se midió la profundidad del agua, la distancia al margen y la densidad de plantas. De los individuos, medimos la altura de la planta, el grosor de la hoja y fotografiamos las hojas para calcular el área foliar específica y la cantidad de herbivoría (en porcentaje). Para identificar las estructuras anatómicas relacionadas con la defensa de las plantas, se recogió hojas completamente expandidas de tres individuos por cuadrante. Resultados: Para M. arborescens, las plantas con hojas más gruesas y mayor área foliar específica tienen menos daño por herbivoría. Para M. linifera, las plantas con hojas más gruesas y que habitan en sitios más profundos tienen más daño por herbívoros, mientras que las plantas más alejadas del margen tienen menos daño por herbívoros. Se encontró estructuras anatómicas relacionadas con la defensa, como células idioblásticas con compuestos fenólicos y células con inclusiones sólidas que pueden contribuir a evitar daños severos en las características de las hojas. Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados indican que la herbivoría en las especies de Montrichardia podría explicarse por una combinación de características ambientales (aislamiento del parche y profundidad del agua) y de la planta. Descubrimos que los rasgos de las hojas eran factores importantes que impulsaban los cambios en la carga de herbivoría, especialmente el grosor de las hojas y el área foliar específica. Además, las especies de Montrichardia invierten en compuestos químicos e inclusiones sólidas para evitar daños graves en las hojas y, por lo tanto, pueden sufrir menos daños que otras especies de macrófitos.

Monitoring post-release behavioural activity of captive-bred urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) at Togh Managara Safari Park Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan / Monitoramento da atividade comportamental pós-liberação de urial criado em cativeiro (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) em Togh Managara Safari Park Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão

The Punjab urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) is a globally threatened wild sheep species. In Pakistan the species is legally protected and bred in captivity to release into natural habitats to reinforce wild populations. Vigilance and feeding are critical to survival, though the degree to which captive-bred animals exhibit these behaviours post-release has rarely been investigated. We monitored the daily behaviours of five adult urial after release and classifying behaviours from 0600 hrs to 1800 hrs, replicating each one-hour period twice and recording four observations of each animal per hour. At the herd level, vigilance and feeding behaviours were exhibited equally. Males and females invested equal time in feeding, males were more vigilant (p = 0.001) and more aggressive (p = 0.010), and females were more restful (p = 0.019) or engaged in grooming (p = 0.044) or locomotion (p = 0.002). Females spent more time feeding than being vigilant (p = 0.002). Males maintained high levels of vigilance throughout the day. Patterns of resting 1300 hrs to 1500 hrs and feeding in early morning and late afternoon were common for both sexes. Behaviours classified as 'other' were exhibited equally between sexes. Our results reveal positive indications of captive-bred urial balancing threat detection and energy acquisition post-release and exhibiting natural behaviours and activity patterns. We encourage assessment of survivorship to evaluate long-term effectiveness of captive breeding and release as a candidate restoration programme.

O Punjab urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) é uma espécie de ovelha selvagem ameaçada globalmente. No Paquistão, a espécie é legalmente protegida e criada em cativeiro para ser liberada em habitats para reforçar as populações selvagens. Vigilância e alimentação são essenciais para a sobrevivência, embora o grau de comportamento que os animais criados em cativeiro apresenta raramente tenha sido estudado. Cinco uriais adultos foram monitorados diariamente, após a liberação os comportamentos foram classificados das 6 h às 18 h, replicando cada período de uma hora por duas vezes e registrando quatro observações de cada animal por hora. Em nível do rebanho, os comportamentos de vigilância e alimentação foram exibidos igualmente. Machos e fêmeas investiam tempo igual na alimentação, enquanto os machos eram mais vigilantes (p = 0,001) e mais agressivos (p = 0,010), as fêmeas eram mais repousantes (p = 0,019) ou mais engajadas no asseio (p = 0,044) ou na locomoção (p = 0,002). As fêmeas passam mais tempo se alimentando do que vigiando (p = 0,002). Os machos mantiveram altos níveis de vigilância ao longo do dia. Padrões de descanso de 1300 a 1500 horas e alimentação no início da manhã e no final da tarde eram comuns para ambos os sexos. Comportamentos classificados como "outros" foram exibidos igualmente entre os sexos. Os resultados revelam indicações positivas na detecção de ameaça em relação ao equilíbrio de criação urial em cativeiro e em aquisição de energia pósliberação, exibindo comportamentos naturais e padrões de atividade. Neste estudo, encorajou-se a utilização da avaliação de sobrevivência para avaliar a eficácia em longo prazo da reprodução em cativeiro e soltura como um programa de restauração dos candidatos.

Monitoring post-release behavioural activity of captive-bred urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) at Togh Managara Safari Park Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan / Monitoramento da atividade comportamental pós-liberação de urial criado em cativeiro (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) em Togh Managara Safari Park Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão

The Punjab urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) is a globally threatened wild sheep species. In Pakistan the species is legally protected and bred in captivity to release into natural habitats to reinforce wild populations. Vigilance and feeding are critical to survival, though the degree to which captive-bred animals exhibit these behaviours post-release has rarely been investigated. We monitored the daily behaviours of five adult urial after release and classifying behaviours from 0600 hrs to 1800 hrs, replicating each one-hour period twice and recording four observations of each animal per hour. At the herd level, vigilance and feeding behaviours were exhibited equally. Males and females invested equal time in feeding, males were more vigilant (p = 0.001) and more aggressive (p = 0.010), and females were more restful (p = 0.019) or engaged in grooming (p = 0.044) or locomotion (p = 0.002). Females spent more time feeding than being vigilant (p = 0.002). Males maintained high levels of vigilance throughout the day. Patterns of resting 1300 hrs to 1500 hrs and feeding in early morning and late afternoon were common for both sexes. Behaviours classified as 'other' were exhibited equally between sexes. Our results reveal positive indications of captive-bred urial balancing threat detection and energy acquisition post-release and exhibiting natural behaviours and activity patterns. We encourage assessment of survivorship to evaluate long-term effectiveness of captive breeding and release as a candidate restoration programme.

O Punjab urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) é uma espécie de ovelha selvagem ameaçada globalmente. No Paquistão, a espécie é legalmente protegida e criada em cativeiro para ser liberada em habitats para reforçar as populações selvagens. Vigilância e alimentação são essenciais para a sobrevivência, embora o grau de comportamento que os animais criados em cativeiro apresenta raramente tenha sido estudado. Cinco uriais adultos foram monitorados diariamente, após a liberação os comportamentos foram classificados das 6 h às 18 h, replicando cada período de uma hora por duas vezes e registrando quatro observações de cada animal por hora. Em nível do rebanho, os comportamentos de vigilância e alimentação foram exibidos igualmente. Machos e fêmeas investiam tempo igual na alimentação, enquanto os machos eram mais vigilantes (p = 0,001) e mais agressivos (p = 0,010), as fêmeas eram mais repousantes (p = 0,019) ou mais engajadas no asseio (p = 0,044) ou na locomoção (p = 0,002). As fêmeas passam mais tempo se alimentando do que vigiando (p = 0,002). Os machos mantiveram altos níveis de vigilância ao longo do dia. Padrões de descanso de 1300 a 1500 horas e alimentação no início da manhã e no final da tarde eram comuns para ambos os sexos. Comportamentos classificados como "outros" foram exibidos igualmente entre os sexos. Os resultados revelam indicações positivas na detecção de ameaça em relação ao equilíbrio de criação urial em cativeiro e em aquisição de energia pós liberação, exibindo comportamentos naturais e padrões de atividade. Neste estudo, encorajou-se a utilização da avaliação de sobrevivência para avaliar a eficácia em longo prazo da reprodução em cativeiro e soltura como um programa de restauração dos candidatos.

Monitoring post-release behavioural activity of captive-bred urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) at Togh Managara Safari Park Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract The Punjab urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) is a globally threatened wild sheep species. In Pakistan the species is legally protected and bred in captivity to release into natural habitats to reinforce wild populations. Vigilance and feeding are critical to survival, though the degree to which captive-bred animals exhibit these behaviours post-release has rarely been investigated. We monitored the daily behaviours of five adult urial after release and classifying behaviours from 0600 hrs to 1800 hrs, replicating each one-hour period twice and recording four observations of each animal per hour. At the herd level, vigilance and feeding behaviours were exhibited equally. Males and females invested equal time in feeding, males were more vigilant (p = 0.001) and more aggressive (p = 0.010), and females were more restful (p = 0.019) or engaged in grooming (p = 0.044) or locomotion (p = 0.002). Females spent more time feeding than being vigilant (p = 0.002). Males maintained high levels of vigilance throughout the day. Patterns of resting 1300 hrs to 1500 hrs and feeding in early morning and late afternoon were common for both sexes. Behaviours classified as other were exhibited equally between sexes. Our results reveal positive indications of captive-bred urial balancing threat detection and energy acquisition post-release and exhibiting natural behaviours and activity patterns. We encourage assessment of survivorship to evaluate long-term effectiveness of captive breeding and release as a candidate restoration programme.

Resumo O Punjab urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) é uma espécie de ovelha selvagem ameaçada globalmente. No Paquistão, a espécie é legalmente protegida e criada em cativeiro para ser liberada em habitats para reforçar as populações selvagens. Vigilância e alimentação são essenciais para a sobrevivência, embora o grau de comportamento que os animais criados em cativeiro apresenta raramente tenha sido estudado. Cinco uriais adultos foram monitorados diariamente, após a liberação os comportamentos foram classificados das 6 h às 18 h, replicando cada período de uma hora por duas vezes e registrando quatro observações de cada animal por hora. Em nível do rebanho, os comportamentos de vigilância e alimentação foram exibidos igualmente. Machos e fêmeas investiam tempo igual na alimentação, enquanto os machos eram mais vigilantes (p = 0,001) e mais agressivos (p = 0,010), as fêmeas eram mais repousantes (p = 0,019) ou mais engajadas no asseio (p = 0,044) ou na locomoção (p = 0,002). As fêmeas passam mais tempo se alimentando do que vigiando (p = 0,002). Os machos mantiveram altos níveis de vigilância ao longo do dia. Padrões de descanso de 1300 a 1500 horas e alimentação no início da manhã e no final da tarde eram comuns para ambos os sexos. Comportamentos classificados como outros foram exibidos igualmente entre os sexos. Os resultados revelam indicações positivas na detecção de ameaça em relação ao equilíbrio de criação urial em cativeiro e em aquisição de energia pós-liberação, exibindo comportamentos naturais e padrões de atividade. Neste estudo, encorajou-se a utilização da avaliação de sobrevivência para avaliar a eficácia em longo prazo da reprodução em cativeiro e soltura como um programa de restauração dos candidatos.

Sepsis due to Yersinia enterocolitica in an aborted equine fetus: case report / Sepse por Yersinia enterocolitica em um feto equino abortado: relato de caso

Yersinia enterocolitica is a bacterium with zoonotic potential and there are no previous records of this bacteria being isolated from aborted foals. This report aims to describe a case of sepsis due to Y. enterocolitica in a seven month old aborted equine. The fequinoetus was submitted to necropsy and samples of all the organs were collected for the histological exam. Samples of liver, lung, placenta, and stomach contents were collected for bacterial culture. Macroscopically, the liver was enlarged with yellowish heterogeneous color, heart with pale myocardial areas; lungs not collapsed, heavy and shiny, thickened umbilical cord covered with fibrin and pus. Histopathologically, there was moderate multifocal necrosuppurative myocarditis and thrombosis, moderate diffuse suppurative bronchopneumonia, mild multifocal fibrinonecrotic hepatitis, and moderate diffuse necrosuppurative omphalitis with intralesional bacterial myriads and thrombosis. Mild multifocal suppurative placentitis, nephritis, myositis, cystitis, and dermatitis were also observed, in addition to mild diffuse lymphoid rarefaction. The microbiological evaluation identified Y. enterocolitica in the liver, lung, and stomach fluid. This is the first report of sepsis due to Y. enterocolitica causing an abortion in a horse. This bacterium has zoonotic importance; therefore, it should be investigated in abortion in this species, serving as a differential diagnosis in reproductive disorders.(AU)

Yersinia enterocolitica é uma bactéria com potencial zoonótico, e não há informações desse agente como causa de abortamento em equinos. O objetivo deste relato é descrever um caso de sepse por Y. enterocolitica em um feto equino abortado aos sete meses. O feto foi submetido à necropsia, e amostras de todos os órgãos foram processadas para histopatologia. Para microbiologia, foram coletadas amostras de fígado, pulmão, placenta e conteúdo estomacal. Macroscopicamente, observou-se fígado aumentado com coloração amarelada heterogênea; coração com áreas pálidas no miocárdio; pulmões não colabados, pesados e brilhantes; e cordão umbilical espessado e recoberto por fibrina e pus. Na análise histopatológica, havia miocardite necrossupurativa multifocal moderada e trombose, broncopneumonia supurativa difusa moderada, hepatite fibrinonecrótica multifocal discreta e onfalite necrossupurativa difusa moderada com miríades bacterianas intralesionais e trombose. Observou-se também placentite, nefrite, miosite, cistite e dermatite supurativa multifocal discreta, além de rarefação linfoide difusa discreta. A avaliação microbiológica identificou Y. enterocolitica no fígado, no pulmão e no líquido estomacal. Este é o primeiro relato de sepse por Y. enterocolitica causando abortamento na espécie equina. Essa bactéria tem importância zoonótica, portanto deve ser investigada em casos de abortamento nessa espécie, servindo como diagnóstico diferencial em tal distúrbio reprodutivo.(AU)

Effects and mechanisms of nitrogen fertilizers on soil and tritrophic interactions in Chinese medicinal plants ecosystem / 中国中药杂志

Nitrogen is one of the most frequently used fertilizers in growth of Chinese medicinal plants(CMP). As in many other ecosystems, CMP ecosystem is also composed of plant-herbivore-natural enemy(tritrophic) interactions. Nitrogen fertilizer influences the growth and reproduction of CMP, and it is also able to heavily shape the ecosystem functions of CMP ecosystem through bottom-up forces. Understanding the specific effects of nitrogen fertilizer towards each trophic level will be beneficial to improve the resistance of CMP to herbivore and enhance the control efficiency of nature enemies to herbivore, and eventually, maximize the yield and quality of CMP. Most papers published on nitrogen use in plants focused mainly on the impact of nitrogen fertilization on CMP yield and quality. Influences of nitrogen application on CMP ecosystem get little attention at present. Therefore, this review summed up the potential effects of nitrogen fertilization on CMP ecosystem from perspectives of soil and tritrophic interactions. First of all, nitrogen fertilizer might decrease soil microbial biomass and altered the community structures of soil bacteria, fungi and protozoa. Negative effects of nitrogen fertilizer were found on biodiversity of soil bacteria and protozoa. Different fungi species respond differently to nitrogen fertili-zers. Nitrogen deposition can also decrease the soil pH. Decreases in soil microbial diversity and soil acidification can cause negative effects on CMP growth. In addition, nitrogen fertilizer could regulate the pest resistance of CMP including constitutive and inducible resistance. Both positive and negative effects of nitrogen application were found on pest resistance of CMP. Moreover, the development and predation of natural enemies were influenced by nitrogen deposition. Nitrogen influences natural enemies in many ways including plant volatiles, plant nutrient and structure and the supplementary food quality. Nectar and honeydew of plants and preys serve as important food source for natural enemies especially in early season when preys are still not available. Finally, the interactions between herbivores and their natural enemies were also shaped by nitrogen fertilizer in many aspects like increasing the nutritional content of prey and changing control efficiency of natural enemies. Some herbivores have evolved a strategy to sequester secondary metabolites which they absorbed from plant during their feeding. Studies showed that sequestration efficiency of secondary metabolites in prey could also be regulated by nitrogen. Parasitic, emergence, reproduction rate and longevity of parasites were found positively correlated with nitrogen deposition. Hopefully this study will shed light on practicable and economical application of nitrogen in cultivation of CMP.

Variación de la abundancia de Lama guanicoe en el Parque Nacional Bosque Fray Jorge, Coquimbo, Chile y su relación con la cobertura vegetal / Variation of the abundance of Lama guanicoe in Bosque Fray Jorge National Park Coquimbo, Chile, and its relation with plant cover

Lama guanicoe se distribuyó en los Andes de Chile desde Arica y Parinacota hasta Magallanes. Actualmente su distribución está fragmentada con poblaciones en las regiones de Tarapacá, Coquimbo, Aysén y Magallanes. En el Parque Nacional Bosque Fray Jorge (Coquimbo), las últimas poblaciones de guanacos silvestres se observaron el año 1920. En 1994 se liberaron ocho individuos en el Parque de los cuales cinco sobrevivieron. Desde entonces se realizaron conteos ocasionales de la población reintroducida. En noviembre de 2013 se elaboró una metodología de monitoreo con base en transectos de conteo. Los objetivos fueron analizar los cambios históricos de la abundancia poblacional de guanacos en el Parque y determinar el uso y selección de hábitat. Se emplearon modelos lineales para analizar las tendencias poblacionales y el Cociente de Selección de Manly para la selección de hábitat. Se evidenció incremento de la población hasta 33 individuos. El principal uso que dieron a los tipos de cobertura fue la alimentación y seleccionaron el Matorral Desértico Mediterráneo Interior de Heliotropium stenophyllum y Fluorensia thurifera. Se recomienda marcar los guanacos con collares satelitales para hacer un seguimiento de los movimientos de las tropas, establecer territorios y medir el tamaño poblacional.

Lama guanicoe was distributed in the Andes of Chile from Arica and Parinacota to Magallanes. Currently its distribution is fragmented with populations in Tarapaca, Coquimbo, Aysen and Magallanes Regions. In the Bosque Fray Jorge National Park (Coquimbo), the last populations of wild guanacos were observed in the year 1920. In 1994, eight individuals were released in the Park, of which five survived. Since then, occasional counts of the reintroduced population were made. In November 2013, a monitoring methodology was developed based on count transects. The objectives were to analyze the historical changes in the population of guanacos in the Park and determine the use and selection of habitats. Linear models were used to analyze population trends and the Manly Selection Ratio for habitat selection. There was an increase in the population to 33 individuals. The main use that they gave to the types of cover was the feeding and they selected the Mediterranean Mediterranean Desert Scrub of Heliotropium stenophyllum and Fluorensia thurifera. It is recommended to mark the guanacos with satellite collars to monitor the movements of the troops, establish territories and measure the population size.

Rapid molecular assays for species and sex identification of swamp deer and other coexisting cervids in human-dominated landscapes of the Terai region and upper Gangetic plains, northern India: implications in understanding species distribution and population parameters

Burgeoning pressures of habitat loss is a major cause of herbivore decline across India, forcing them to coexist with humans in non-protected areas. Their conservation in such landscapes is challenging due to paucity of ecological and demographic information. The northern subspecies of swamp deer, Rucervus duvaucelii duvaucelii, is one such herbivore that lives across human dominated landscapes in Terai region and upper Gangetic plains of north India. Here, we describe species-specific molecular markers and a cervid-specific molecular sexing assay for swamp deer and four other coexisting cervids sambar, chital, barking deer and hog deer. Our markers show species-specific band patterns and a high success rate of 88.21% in large number of field collected referencesamples for all species. Faecal pellets from pilot swamp deer survey samples from upper Ganges basin show 93.81% success rate, and only 5.5% misidentification based on morphological characteristics. Our cervid-specific molecular sexing multiplex assay accurately ascertained 81.15% samples to respective sexes. These molecular approaches provide an easy, quick and cheap option to generate critical information on herbivore population parameters and aid their conservation in this mosaic of protected and non-protected grassland habitats.

Positive relationship between soil fertility, plant diversity, and gall richnes

The complexity of nutrient distribution patterns in soils is a determinant environmental component of the structure of plant communities. Numerous insect species that interact with plants are associated with these communities, and some of these interactions result in the formation of unusual structures called galls. In this study, we investigated the relationship of galls, soil fertility and plant communities in three vegetation types, herbaceous restinga (HR), shrub restinga (SR) and shrub-tree restinga (STR), in an area of restinga in southern Brazil. We identified 217 species belonging to 159 genera and 82 families. The plant diversity recorded in the STR was 42.8% higher than the diversity in the other vegetation types. Gall richness increased significantly with increased plant richness. The edaphic gradient was correlated with the floristic diversity in the vegetation types. Our data suggest that an increment in soil fertility (organic matter and litter thickness), associated with climatic conditions, should increase the number of plants that can potentially host galls and, consequently, the richness of galling insects. Gall richness may also be influenced by a higher occurrence of woody plants, due to an increase in leaf surface area available in the tree canopy, especially in STR.

Coprophilous Mucorales (ex Zygomycota) from three areas in the semi-arid of Pernambuco, Brazil

Abstract Mucorales comprises fungi commonly isolated as saprobes from soil, dung, stored grains and plants. Although these fungi have been studied in several countries, there are relatively a few reports of them in semi-arid areas. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to assess and compare the Mucorales communities in dung from different species and breeds of herbivores in the semi-arid of Pernambuco, based on the frequency of occurrence and species richness of these fungi. Samples of dung collected in the cities of Arcoverde, Serra Talhada and Sertânia were incubated in moist chambers in triplicate. Altogether, 24 taxa of Mucorales distributed in the genera Absidia, Circinella, Cunninghamella, Lichtheimia, Mucor, Pilobolus, Rhizopus and Syncephalastrum were identified. The highest species richness was found in sheep excrement. Mucor circinelloides f. griseo-cyanus was the most common taxon, followed by M. ramosissimus. The similarity of the composition of Mucorales species was greatest between the excrements of Guzerá and Sindi breeds (bovine). All mucoralean species isolated are being cited for the first time from animal dung found in Caatinga and a new species of Mucor was recorded. An identification key for species of Mucorales from dung in the semi-arid region of Brazil is provided.

Gall-inducing insects from Serra do Cabral, Minas Gerais, Brazil / Insetos indutores de galhas da Serra do Cabral, Minas Gerais, Brasil

Our goal was describe the gall richness through the characterization of their external shapes and occurrence patterns in their host plants from Parque Estadual da Serra do Cabral. In a universe of 34 families, 64 genera and 89 plant species, 47 gall-inducing insects in 21 families, 32 genera and 39 host plant species were recorded. The families, which hosted higher gall richness, were those with highest abundance. Asteraceae represented 33% of the species collected followed by Malpighiaceae 8% and Fabaceae 8%, each one concentrating 25%, 19% and 8% of gall-inducing insects, respectively. The organ most attacked was the leaf (51%), followed by the stem (42%) and the terminal branch (4%). Ninety-six percent (96%) of galls were glabrous. Only 25.5% of the galls described in our study have been already recorded in previous studies, reinforcing the need to increase the sampling effort toward a better understanding of the richness, distribution, and natural history of gall-inducing insects from Brazil.

Objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a riqueza de morfotipos de galha por meio da caracterização de suas formas e os padrões de ocorrência em suas plantas hospedeiras no Parque Estadual da Serra do Cabral. Num universo de 34 famílias, 64 gêneros e 89 espécies de plantas, foram registradas 47 espécies de galhas induzidas por insetos em 21 famílias, 32 gêneros e 39 espécies de plantas hospedeiras. As famílias que concentraram maior riqueza de insetos galhadores foram as famílias mais abundantes. A família Asteraceae representou 33% das espécies coletadas, seguida das Malpighiaceae 8% e Fabaceae 8%, cada uma concentrando 25%, 19% e 8% das espécies de insetos galhadores, respectivamente. O órgão mais atacado foi a folha (51%), seguido do caule (42%) e ramo terminal (4%). Noventa e seis por cento (96%) das galhas foram glabras. O fato de apenas 25% das galhas descritas neste estudo já terem sido registradas em trabalhos prévios, reforça a necessidade em aumentar o esforço amostral na direção de um maior conhecimento sobre a riqueza, distribuição e história natural dos insetos indutores de galhas no Brasil.

Richness of gall-inducing insects in the tropical dry forest (caatinga) of Pernambuco

Diversity of gall-inducing insects in the tropical dry forest (caatinga) of Pernambuco. We report on the richness of galling insects in the vegetation of caatinga of Pernambuco state, Brazil. We recorded 64 different types of galls collected primarily from leaves and stems of 48 species of host plants belonging to 17 families and 31 genera. The most common gall morphological types were spheroid and discoid, glabrous, predominantly green and with one chamber. The main gall inducing taxon was the Cecidomyiidae (Diptera). The results of this study contribute to existing knowledge of galling insect and host-plant diversity in caatinga.

Diversidade de insetos indutores de galhas na floresta tropical seca (caatinga) de Pernambuco. Este artigo reporta sobre a riqueza de insetos galhadores na vegetação de caatinga de Pernambuco, Brasil. Foram registrados 64 diferentes tipos de galhas coletadas principalmente em folhas e caules de 48 espécies de plantas hospedeiras pertencentes a 17 famílias e 31 gêneros. Os tipos morfológicos de galhas mais comuns foram esferóide e discóides, glabro, predominantemente verde e com uma câmara. O principal táxon indutor de galhas foi Cecidomyiidae (Diptera). Os resultados deste estudo contribuem para o conhecimento da diversidade de insetos galhadores e planta-hospedeira na caatinga.

Composição química e valor nutricional para grandes herbívoros das folhas e frutos de aninga (Montrichardia linifera, Araceae) / Chemical composition and nutritional value of leaves and fruits of aninga (Montrichardia linifera, Araceae) for large herbivores

Montrichardia linifera (Araceae), conhecida popularmente como 'aninga', faz parte dos ecossistemas de várzea da Amazônia e da dieta natural de animais como peixe-boi, tartarugas, peixes, búfalo e gado. Com o objetivo de contribuir para o conhecimento químico e valor nutricional da mesma, folhas e frutos de M. linifera foram coletados às margens dos rios Guamá e Maratauíra, no Estado do Pará, Brasil. Em folhas e frutos foram realizadas análises de umidade, resíduo mineral fixo (cinzas), lipídios, proteínas, fibra bruta, concentração de carboidratos e valor calórico. A composição mineral (Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn e Mn) foi obtida por espectrometria de absorção atômica de chama. Observou-se que tanto as folhas quanto os frutos da aninga, apesar de calóricos (289,75 kcal e 355,12 kcal, respectivamente), possuem baixo valor protéico (0,44% e 0,24 %, respectivamente). As concentrações de manganês obtidas (folha = 3279,46 mg kg-1e fruto = 18151,53 mg kg-1) foram consideradas tóxicas, extrapolando o limite máximo tolerável para ruminantes (1000 mg kg-1). A M. linifera, tem capacidade de absorver e bioacumular grandes quantidades de Ca, Mg e Mn presentes no solo, o que torna inadequada a sua utilização exclusiva na alimentação de quelônios, bovinos e bubalinos, havendo necessidade de mais estudos para sua aplicação como parte da ração.

The aninga (Montrichardia linifera, Araceae) is often found in the floodplain ecosystems of the Amazon and is the natural diet of animals such as manatees, turtles, fish, buffalo and cattle. Aiming to contribute to the chemical knowledge and nutritional value of this plant, leaves and fruits of M. linifera were collected on the banks of the Guama and Maratauira rivers, Para State, Brazil. We determined the moisture content, ash mineral composition, lipids, protein, fiber, carbohydrate and caloric value of the fruits and leaves. The mineral composition (Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn) was obtained by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The leaves and the fruits of M. linifera had caloric values of 289.75 kcal and 355.12 kcal, respectively; and a low protein concentration, 0.44% for leaves and 0.24% for fruits. Manganese concentrations were 3279.46 mg kg-1 for leaves and 18151.53 mg kg-1 for fruits. These Mn concentrations are considered toxic, as they exceed the maximum tolerable for the ruminants (1000 mg kg-1). The M. linifera has the capacity to absorb and bioaccumulate large amounts of Ca, Mg and Mn in the soil, which makes it inappropriate for exclusive use as food for turtles, cattle and buffaloes, requiring more studies for its application as part of the diet.

Feeding habits of coypu (Myocastor coypus Molina 1978) in the wetlands of the Southern region of Brazil

The aim of this study was to determine the diet of coypu (Myocastor coypus) in two areas (Santa Isabel do Sul wetlands - Area 1, and Santa Marta Farm - Area 2) in the Southern region of Brazil, using microhistological analyses of feces. Twenty-four plant species were identified from collected feces samples. Among the identified species, nine are common in the animals' diet in both areas; the presence of Oriza sativa was not detected in any of the samples. Among the identified species, 84 percent and 54 percent of the coypu's diet from Areas 1 and 2, respectively, are aquatic plants. Poaceae family was most common, being found in 82 percent of the samples from both areas. Paspalum disthichum (Area 1) and Panicum tricholaenoides (Area 2) were the most frequent species on the coypu's diet. The diet comparison for both areas indicates that feeding habits vary depending on the type of habitat, environmental conditions and food availability. The absence of rice in our analysis may be an indication for the preservation of native areas around watercourses, so as to prevent coypu from invading irrigated crops.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a dieta do ratão-do-banhado (Myocastor coypus), em duas regiões (áreas alagadas em Santa Isabel do Sul - Área 1 e Fazenda Santa Marta - Área 2), na região sul do Brasil, utilizando microhistological análises de fezes. Foram identificadas 24 espécies de plantas nas amostras de fezes coletadas. Entre as espécies identificadas, nove são comuns a dieta dos animais de ambas as áreas, não sendo detectada a presença de Oriza sativa em nenhuma das amostras. Entre as espécies identificadas, 84 por cento e54 por cento da dieta do ratão-do-banhado, nas Áreas 1 e 2 respectivamente, são plantas aquáticas. A família Poaceae foi a mais abundante, sendo encontrada em 82 por cento das amostras de ambasas áreas. Paspalum disthichum (Área 1) e Panicum tricholaenoides (Área 2), foram as espécies mais frequentes na dieta do ratão-do-banhado. A comparação da dieta de ambas as áreas mostrou que a alimentação varia dependendo do tipo de habitat, condições ambientais e de disponibilidade alimentar. A ausência de arroz na nossa análise pode ser um indicativo de que a preservação de áreas nativas ao redor de cursos d'água, evita que o ratão-do-banhado utilize as culturas de arroz.

Photosynthetic efficiency of Clusia arrudae leaf tissue with and without Cecidomyiidae galls

Leaf galls induced by a still undescribed new species of Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) are frequent on leaves of Clusia arrudae Planchon & Tirana (Clusiaceae) in the rupestrian fields at 1400 m a.s.l. in Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Galls were 7.1 ± 0.7 mm in diameter, one chambered with only one larva inside. Gall tissue is green and soft. Assessments of photosynthetic capacity using chlorophyll-a fluorescence measurements revealed that photosynthetic performance of gall tissue and healthy leaf tissue were rather similar. Hence, the morphological changes due to gall development were not associated with significant changes in the photosynthetic capacity of the tissue.

Galhas induzidas por uma espécie nova ainda não descrita de Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) são frequentes nas folhas de Clusia arrudae Planchon & Tirana (Clusiaceae) em áreas de campos rupestres a 1400 metros de altitude na Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, Brasil. As galhas apresentaram um diâmetro médio de 7,1 ± 0,7 mm e uma loja com uma larva dentro. As galhas são verdes e de tecido macio. Análises da capacidade fotossintética usando medidas de fluorescência da clorofila a revelaram que o desempenho fotossintético dos tecidos da galha e sadios foi similar. Assim, as mudanças induzidas pelo desenvolvimento das galhas não foram associadas a mudanças significativas da capacidade fotossintética do tecido.

Actividad alimentaria de los peces herbívoros y su impacto en arrecifes con diferente nivel de degradación antrópica

The feeding activity of herbivorous fishes and their impact on coral reefs with different levels of anthropogenic degradation. The feeding activity of three herbivorous fishes (Sparisoma viride, Scarus iserti and Acanthurus coeruleus) and its impact on two coral reefs were studied during the dry (February) and rainy (August) seasons of 2006 in Cuba. One of the reef stations is at the "Acuario" dive point in the Guanahacabibes National Park, and is relatively pristine. The second one is located at the north coast of Havana City facing the Instituto de oceanología (IdO) and is subject to pollution and fishing pressures. Herbivore fish composition was analized, and foraging intensity was measured for all Acanthurid and Scarid species, by counting fish bites in 1 m²during five minute intervals (25 replicates). Concurrently, species foraging intensity was measured for juvenile, intermediate, and adult phases, counting fish bites during 10 minutes intervals (10 replicates). Algal consumption rate was estimated using a coefficent of consumed biomass per bite, for each size class. The algal cover was sampled at 20 m linear transects with four replicates at each site. Food items were assessed sampling algae at the observed bitten substrates. Compared to Acuario, herbivores in IdO showed lower species richness and higher density of small size fishes, but large-sized parrotfish was almost absent due to intense fishing. The highest bite rate was observed for the smallest fish size, but net consumption rate was three times greater for medium and great size fishes, which were more abundant in the protected area. Algal cover was lower in Acuario, while in IdO it was very high, and coral cover was very low. In both locations epiphytic algae were the preferred food. These results support generalizations referring to the importance of great size herbivores fishes in controlling excesive algal proliferation on coral reefs. Rev. Biol. Trop. 57 (3): 687-697. Epub 2009 September 30.

Estudiamos la actividad alimentaria de tres peces herbívoros (Sparisoma viride, Scarus iserti y Acanthurus coeruleus) y su impacto, en dos arrecifes de coral de Cuba, durante la época seca (febrero) y la lluviosa (agosto) del 2006. una de las estaciones en los arrecifes está en el lugar de buceo "Acuario" en el parque nacional Guanahacabibes, y es relativamente prístina. La segunda está en la costa norte de la Habana al frente del Instituto de oceanología (IdO) y es objeto de presiones de contaminación y pesca. La composición de los peces herbívoros fue analizada, y la intensidad de búsqueda de alimento ("forrajeo") medida para todas las especies de acantúridos y escáridos, contando los mordiscos de peces en 1 m2 durante intervalos de cinco minutos (25 repeticiones). La intensidad de forrajeo fue medida para las fases joven, intermedia, y adulta, contando los mordiscos de peces durante intervalos de 10 minutos (10 repeticiones). La tasa de consumo de algas se estimó usando un coeficiente de biomasa consumida por mordisco, para cada clase de tamaño. La cobertura de algas fue muestreada en transectos de 20 m en línea con cuatro repeticiones en cada sitio. Las piezas de comida fueron evaluadas por medio de muestreo de algas en los sustratos observados con mordiscos. En comparación con Acuario, los herbívoros en IdO mostraron riqueza de especies más baja y mayor densidad de peces pequeños, pero los peces loro de gran tamaño estuvieron casi ausentes debido a la pesca intensiva. La tasa de mordisqueo más alta se observó para los peces de tamaño más pequeño, pero la tasa neta de consumo fue tres veces mayor para los peces de mediano y gran tamaño, los cuales fueron más abundantes en el área protegida. La cobertura de algas fue más baja en Acuario, mientras que en IdO fue muy alta, y la cobertura de coral fue muy baja. En ambas localidades las algas epífitas fueron el alimento preferido. Estos resultados apoyan las generalizaciones con respecto a la importancia de los peces de gran tamaño para controlar la proliferación excesiva de algas en arrecifes de coral.

High performance liquid chromatography determination of cucurbitacins in the roots of Wilbrandia ebracteata Cogn. / Determinação de cucurbitacinas em raízes de Wilbrandia ebracteata Cogn. por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência

Roots of Wilbrandia ebracteata Cogn., Cucurbitaceae, used in folk medicine for treatment of rheumatic disease, are rich in cucurbitacins. Dihydrocucurbitacin B is the most abundant cucurbitacin while cucurbitacin B is a minor component. A reverse-phase HPLC system was developed for simultaneous quantitative assay of these cucurbitacins in the roots. The optimised experimental conditions were acetonitrile/H(2)0 40:60, flow-rate 1.2 mL/min., detection at 230 nm and isocratic elution. A variety of sample preparation modes were tested and the extraction with dichloromethane under reflux gave better results. The validation process included linearity, accuracy, repeatability and intermediate precision. The calibration curve of dihydrocucurbitacin B was linear from 40.00 to 400 μg/mL, the recovery was 95.5±3.01 percent, the intermediate precision was found to be 1.64 percent and the repeatability varied between 1.30 to 2.05 percent. The calibration curve of cucurbitacin B was linear from 4.00 to 240 μg/mL, intermediate precision was found to be 2.29 percent and repeatability varied between 1.03 to 2.95 percent. Analysis of the same specimen of W. ebracteata every year from 2002 to 2005 revealed a great rise on the cucurbitacin B concentration after the root was attacked by an herbivore.

Raízes de Wilbrandia ebracteata Cogn. (Cucurbitaceae), tradicionalmente empregada no tratamento de doenças reumáticas, contém cucurbitacinas, sendo di-hidrocucurbitacina B a mais abundante, enquanto cucurbitacina B está presente em menor quantidade. Foi desenvolvido um método para determinação quantitativa destas cucurbitacinas. Os parâmetros selecionados foram: eluente isocrático acetonitrila/H(2)0 40:60, fluxo 1,2 mL/min. e detecção em 230 nm. Diversas formas de preparo da amostra foram testadas, sendo que extração com diclorometano sob refluxo forneceu o melhor resultado. O processo de validação incluiu: linearidade, exatidão, repetibilidade e precisão intermediária. A curva de calibração para a di-hidrocucurbitacina B foi linear de 40.00 to 400 μg/mL, a recuperação foi 95,5±3.01 por cento, a precisão intermediária, 1,64 por cento e a repetibilidade variou entre 1,30 a 2,05 por cento. A curva de calibração da cucurbitacina B foi linear de 4,00 to 240 μg/mL, a recuperação encontrada foi igual a 96,6±2.45 por cento, a precisão intermediária, 2,29 por cento e a repetibilidade variou entre 1,03 a 2,95 por cento. Análise do mesmo espécime de W. ebracteata uma vez por ano de 2002 a 2005 revelou grande aumento no teor de cucurbitacina B após a raiz ter sido atacada por herbívoro.