Estructura de las comunidades de briófitos en los complejos de páramos de Boyacá-Colombia / Structure of bryophyte communities in the paramo complexes of Boyacá-Colombia

Introducción: Los páramos de Boyacá cubren el 18.3 % de la superficie de Colombia, y son diversos en flora y fauna, además, registran una alta variabilidad climática, topográfica y de hábitats, que permite que estos ecosistemas sean centros de diversidad en el Neotrópico, y por tanto albergan una alta diversidad de briófitos. Objetivo: Analizar la estructura y composición de las comunidades de briófitos de los complejos de páramos de Boyacá. Métodos: a partir de información de literatura, bases de datos y revisión de herbarios, se evaluó la composición florística y la completitud de muestreo para los complejos de páramos y sustratos. Resultados: Se encontraron 5 132 ejemplares, con 343 especies de musgos que fue el grupo más diverso, 256 hepáticas y dos antocerotes. El análisis de completitud de muestreo es representativo en un 98 %. Además, encontramos que la preferencia de sustratos es el terrícola con 409 especies y el cortícola con 341. La diversidad alfa del orden 0D mostró que Tota-Bijagual-Mamapacha (TBM) es el complejo más diverso con 368 especies, y Pisba (124) el menos diverso; el índice 1D mostró que el complejo (TBM) presentó 178 especies consideradas comunes, y la dominancia de especies (2D) fue mayor en el complejo Iguaque-Merchán con 119 taxa dominantes y en menor número Guantiva-La Rusia (105) y TBM (102). Conclusiones: El análisis de la diversidad beta mostró que el 62 % de la disimilitud en la composición de especies entre los complejos se debe al recambio de especies, igualmente sucede con la divergencia por sustratos que es del 51 %. Los briófitos en los páramos de Boyacá representan el 36.05 % de la diversidad colombiana, y el 2.96 % a nivel mundial.

Introduction: The Boyacá paramos cover 18.3 % of the Colombian surface, and are diverse in flora and fauna, moreover, have a high temperature, topography, and habitats, which allow these ecosystems to be centers of diversity in the Neotropics, and therefore they harbor a high diversity of bryophytes. Objectives: Analyze the structure and composition of the bryophyte communities of the paramos in the Boyacá complexes. Methods: Using literature, databases and herbariums records, the floristic composition, and the completeness of the sampling for the paramo and substrate complexes was evaluated. Results: We analyzed 5 132 specimens, with 343 species of mosses being the most diverse group, 256 liverworts and two hornworts. The sampling completeness analysis is 98 % representative. In addition, we found that the preference of substrates is terrestrial with 409 species and corticolous with 341. Alpha diversity of order 0D showed that Tota-Bijagual-Mamapacha (TBM) is the most diverse complex with 368 species, and Pisba (124) the least diverse; the 1D index showed that the complex (TBM) presented 178 species considered common, and the dominance of species (2D) was higher in the Iguaque-Merchán Complex with 119 dominant taxa and Guantiva-La Russia (105) and TBM (105) to a lesser number. (102). Conclusions: the analysis of beta diversity showed that 62 % of the dissimilarity in the composition of species between the complexes is due to the species turnover, the same happens with the divergence by substrates that is 51 %. Bryophytes in the Boyacá paramos represent 36.05 % of Colombian diversity, and 2.96 % worldwide.

Development and validation of an analytical method by HPLC-DAD for determination of caffeine in products based on guarana extracts (Paullinia cupana)

Abstract Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a native plant from the Amazon whose seeds contain a high concentration of caffeine. Aqueous extract of guarana is widely used in the world. In this study, the objective was to develop and validate a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography method for the determination of caffeine in extracts and commercial beverages based on guarana. A sensitive, simple, and viable high performance liquid chromatographic method without the need of an analyte extraction procedure was developed and validated according to Brazilian and international requirements. The method presented high performance, fulfilling Brazilian and international requirements, in addition to allowing product compliance tests. Results confirmed high selectivity and linearity (>0.999) between 5 to 135 ug/mL, with no significant matrix effect. Detection and quantification limits were 0.02 µg/mL and 2 µg/mL, respectively. Precision was less than 4 %, and accuracy varied from 99.9-120 %. Applicability of the method was demonstrated by conducting a limited evaluation in products containing caffeine. Commercial extracts showed quite different caffeine levels, while carbonated drinks follow Brazilian and American recommendations. Our results indicate that the developed method can be used to evaluate the quality of the guarana extract and of products containing caffeine

HPLC-DAD analysis, antifungal and antioxidant activity of Solanum dolichosepalum bitter extracts and fractions

Abstract Solanum dolichosepalum is a plant with anti-infective effects. It is a healing agent and has ethnopharmacological uses. In this study, the antifungal activity of extracts and fractions of this species on C. albicans and F. oxysporum was evaluated. The antioxidant activity was measured using the ABTS and DPPH methods, and by determining the total content of phenolic compounds. An HPLC-DAD qualitative analysis was carried out to identify phenolic compounds and alkaloids. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated. Inhibitory effects were found in all the extracts and fractions on the analyzed microorganisms. F. oxysporum was the microorganism most sensitive to the action of S. dolichosepalum extracts. All extracts and fractions showed antioxidant activity, with the acetone extract and the acetone fraction being those that generated the best results. The content of total phenolic compounds showed that acetone has a greater affinity with the phenolic compounds present in S. dolichosepalum. In this plant, p-Hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, ferulic, trans-cinnamic, caffeic, p-coumaric, and rosmarinic acids were found, as well as theobromine, quercetin, and luteolin. The content of total phenolic compounds was determined to be directly proportional to the inhibition of the ABTS and DPPH radicals, and the inhibition of the analyzed microorganisms. It was determined that the extracts and fractions obtained from S. dolichosepalum show antioxidant and antifungal activity.

Chemical and biological properties of nordihydroguaiaretic acid

Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) is a natural product obtained by the alkaline extraction of dried plants of Larrea tridentata species. Due to the biological properties presented, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and cytotoxic capacity, this compound is being increasingly studied. In this review, it was evaluated the benefits of NDGA against different animal models. Besides that, it was found that this compound has antitumor activity similar to its synthetic derivative terameprocol in prostate tumors. The hypoglycemic effect may be evidenced by the inhibition of sugar uptake by NDGA; in obesity, studies have observed that NDGA presented a positive regulatory effect for Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR-α) involved in the oxidation of hepatic fatty acids and reduced the expression of lipogenic genes. Regarding its antioxidant potential, its mechanism is related to the ability to in vitro scavenging reactive substances. Although there are several studies demonstrating the benefits of using NDGA, there are also reports of its toxicity, mainly of liver damage and nephrotoxicity

Comparison of the phytochemical profiles of five native plant species in two different forest formations / Comparação do perfil fitoquímico de cinco espécies vegetais provenientes de duas formações florestais diferentes

Abstract The expression of chemical compounds by individual plants of the same species in different locations may be affected by abiotic factors resulting in differences in the production of allelopathic compounds. The objective of this study was to compare the phytochemical profiles of plant species from two different forest formations in the state of Paraná, Brazil. The forest formations were Seasonal Semideciduous Forest (SSF) and Lowland Ombrophilous Dense Forest (LODF), and the five study species were Jacaranda micrantha, Cecropia pachystachya, Mimosa bimucronata, Schinus terebinthifolius and Cedrela fissilis. Secondary metabolites were extracted by exhaustive extraction with methanol, and the crude extract was fractionated using column chromatography. The fractions were used to calculate the retention factor of the main compounds using thin layer chromatography and phytochemical tests. The classes of compounds identified were practically the same among the analyzed species, however, at different levels of concentration. The type of tannins found in S. terebinthifolius differed between the two forest formations.

Resumo A expressão de compostos químicos de uma mesma espécie pode ser afetada e diferenciada pelos fatores abióticos, resultando em respostas alelopáticas diferenciadas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar o perfil químico de espécies provenientes de duas Formações Florestais do Estado do Paraná. As formações foram a Floresta Estacional Semidecidual e Floresta Ombrófila Densa, sendo as espécies escolhidas: Jacaranda micrantha, Cecropia pachystachya, Mimosa bimucronata, Schinus terebinthifolius e Cedrela fissilis. Foi realizada extração exaustiva dos metabólitos secundários com metanol e o extrato bruto fracionado em coluna cromatográfica. As frações foram utilizadas para calcular o fator de retenção dos constituintes principais empregando cromatografia em camada delgada e para realizar testes fitoquímicos. As classes de compostos identificados foram praticamente as mesmas entre as espécies analisadas, porém, em diferentes níveis de concentração. O tipo de tanino encontrado em S. terebinthifolius foi diferente entre as duas formações florestais.

Phylogenetic structure is determined by patch size in rock outcrop vegetation on an inselberg in the northern Amazon region / Estrutura filogenética é determinada pelo tamanho de manchas de vegetação sobre afloramento rochoso em um inselberg na região norte da Amazônia

Although inselbergs from around the world are iconic ecosystems, little is known on the underlying mechanisms of community assembly, especially in their characteristic patchy outcrop vegetation. Environmental constraints are expected to cause phylogenetic clustering when ecological niches are conserved within evolutionary lineages. We tested whether vegetation patches from rock outcrops of the Piedra La Tortuga Natural Monument, in the northern Amazon region, are phylogenetically clustered, indicating that environmental filtering is the dominant driver of community assemblage therein. We classified all patches according to their size as very small (< 1 m2), small (1-4 m2), medium-sized (4-8 m2), and large patches (8-15 m2). From each class, we randomly selected 10 patches, totalizing 40 patches covering 226 m2. All individuals found in the 40 isolated patches were identified to the species level. We also correlated measurements of phylogenetic community structure with patch size. We found that species from patches are restricted to the clades monocots, fabids, malvids, and lamiids. We conclude that vegetation in this rock outcrop is phylogenetically clustered. Furthermore, we found that phylogenetic turnover between pairs of patches increases with patch size, which is consistent with a scenario of higher environmental stress in smaller patches. Further research is necessary to identify nurse species in inselberg vegetation, which is pivotal for conservation and restoration of this particular ecosystem.

Ainda que os inselbergs ao redor do mundo sejam ecossistemas icônicos, pouco se sabe sobre os mecanismos subjacentes que estruturam suas comunidades vegetais, especialmente nas manchas de vegetação sobre afloramentos rochosos. Espera-se que as restrições ambientais causem agrupamento filogenético quando os nichos ecológicos são conservados dentro das linhagens evolutivas. Nós testamos se as manchas de vegetação dos afloramentos rochosos do Monumento Natural Piedra La Tortuga, no norte da região amazônica, apresentam indicadores filogenéticos de que a filtragem ambiental é o principal direcionador da estruturação da comunidade. Classificamos todas as manchas de acordo com seu tamanho como muito pequenas (<1 m2), pequenas (1-4 m2), médias (4-8 m2) e grandes (8-15 m2). Selecionamos aleatoriamente 10 manchas em cada classe de tamanho, totalizando 40 manchas cobrindo 226 m2. Todos os indivíduos encontrados nas 40 manchas foram identificados ao nível de espécie. Correlacionamos as medidas da estrutura filogenética da comunidade com o tamanho das manchas e encontramos que as espécies das manchas são restritas aos clados das monocotiledôneas, fabídeas, malvídeas e lamiídeas. Concluímos que a vegetação neste afloramento rochoso é agrupada filogeneticamente. Além disso, encontramos que o turnover filogenético entre pares de manchas aumenta com o tamanho da mancha, o que é consistente com um cenário de alto estresse ambiental nas manchas menores. São necessárias mais pesquisas para identificar espécies facilitadoras, que são fundamentais para a conservação e restauração destes ecossistemas.

Archaea diversity in vegetation gradients from the Brazilian Cerrado

Abstract We used 16S rRNA sequencing to assess the archaeal communities across a gradient of Cerrado. The archaeal communities differed across the gradient. Crenarcheota was the most abundant phyla, with Nitrosphaerales and NRPJ as the predominant classes. Euryachaeota was also found across the Cerrado gradient, including the classes Metanocellales and Methanomassiliicoccaceae.

Plant species diversity in a Neotropical wetland: patterns of similarity, effects of distance, and altitude

ABSTRACT The Brazilian Pantanal is an extensive wetland with heterogeneous habitats, primarily due to the river-floodplain system and plants with differential adaptations and reproductive strategies. Factors such as altitude, distance among plant formations, and flood pulse must be considered to better understand its diversity. Aiming to assess the influence of biogeographic patterns in this system, we analyzed the floristic composition of six areas along the Paraguay River, including residual relieves, verifying the pattern of similarity, and effects of distance and altitude. We recorded 356 species in 87 families, mostly perennial (75%), and some annuals (15%) and pluriannuals (5%). Herbaceous plants were the most represented (48%), followed by arboreal (23%), shrubby (15%) and epiphytic (14%) habits, only 12% being endemic to Brazil. The studied areas showed low floristic similarity, but higher resemblance of species between neighboring areas, and no relation with altitude. The upper Paraguay River is diverse, with high spatial variability of species, predominantly perennial. The river-floodplain connectivity may be a determinant factor in species richness and occurrence of endemic species.

Post-fire reproduction of herbs at a savanna-gallery forest boundary in Distrito Federal, Brazil / Reprodução pós-fogo de espécies do estrato herbáceo em área de transição Cerrado-Mata de Galeria no Distrito Federal, Brasil

Abstract In Cerrado, studies of post-fire vegetation recovery show that some herbaceous species are able to flower shortly after fires. However, these were mainly short-term studies that focused on grasslands and savannas. Little is known about the effects of fire on ground layer of forests that border the savannas in Central Brazil. Thus, an accidental burning gave us the opportunity to describe the reproductive activity of the ground layer vegetation after a fire event along a savanna-forest boundary at the IBGE Ecological Reserve, Brasília, Brazil. During the 16-month of the inventory, we registered 170 herbaceous species flowering or fruiting, of which 52 species (31%) may have been influenced by fire that changed their times of reproduction. In the savanna plots reproduction peaked at the end of the rainy season. Of the total number of reproducing species, 90 species occurred only in the savanna and four in the forest. Five herbs were recorded in the forest, savanna and border environments. Late dry season fire probably lead the majority of herbaceous species to have their reproduction spread throughout the study time.

Resumo No Cerrado, estudos de recuperação da vegetação pós-fogo mostram que algumas espécies herbáceas são capazes de florescer logo após queimadas. No entanto, esses foram principalmente estudos de curto prazo, que se concentraram em áreas campestres e savânicas. Pouco se sabe sobre os efeitos do fogo no sub-bosque de matas que margeiam as savanas do Brasil Central. Assim, uma queima acidental nos deu a oportunidade de descrever a atividade reprodutiva pós-fogo do estrato herbáceo ao longo de ecótono cerrado-mata na Reserva Ecológica do IBGE, Brasília, Brasil. Durante os 16 meses do inventário, foram registrados 170 espécies herbáceas com flores ou frutos, das quais 52 espécies (31%) podem ter sido influenciadas pelo fogo, que alterou suas épocas reprodutivas. Nas parcelas de cerrado, a reprodução teve seu pico ao final da estação chuvosa. Do número total de espécies, 90 ocorreram exclusivamente no cerrado e quatro na floresta. Cinco espécies herbáceas foram registradas na floresta, cerrado e borda. O fogo ao final da estação seca pode ter levado a maioria das plantas a se reproduzir através do período de estudo.

Insect Galls of the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia (Southeast Region, Brazil)

ABSTRACT The Parque Nacional do Itatiaia (PNI) (Brazilian Southeast Region) was surveyed monthly for insect galls from February/2014 to December/ 2015. A total of 432 gall morphotypes were found. This number places the PNI as the richest Atlantic forest area in number of gall morphotypes. The galls were found on 47 plant families. Among them, Asteraceae were pointed out as the superhost. The gall richness in the lower part of the PNI is higher than that of the plateau. The insect galls were found in 154 native, 56 endemic and only one exotic plant species. Concerning the conservational status, the host plants include two vulnerable species with three morphotypes together. Several new botanical records were reported. Leaves were the most galled plant organ, followed by stems. Globoid, green, glabrous and one-chambered galls were the most frequent. Cecidomyiidae were the most common gallers. Parasitoids, successors and inquilines composed the associated fauna.

Las plantas suculentas útiles de Santo Domingo Tonalá, Huajuapan, Oaxaca, México / Useful Succulent Plants of Santo Domingo Tonalá, Huajuapan, Oaxaca, Mexico

Se realizó el estudio etnobotánico de las plantas suculentas en Santo Domingo Tonalá, Oaxaca. El trabajo de campo consistió en recorridos mensuales durante un año, a sitios con presencia de estas plantas, y entrevistas semiestructuradas (dos eventos) a 20 colaboradores claves; posteriormente, se llevó a cabo el análisis de los datos etnobotánicos utilizando el método etnográfico de enlistado libre y el índice de valor de uso. Fueron registradas 44 especies, incluidas en seis familias botánicas: Cactaceae, Agavaceae, Nolinaceae, Crassulaceae, Euphorbiaceae y Fouquieriaceae; sobresale Cactaceae, tanto por el número de especies como por los usos asignados. De un total de 21 categorías de uso, las más importantes fueron: comestible, ornamental y medicinal; y la principal forma de manejo es la recolección de plantas de la vegetación natural. Se identificó un grupo de siete especies como las de mayor importancia cultural. Dentro de las plantas suculentas se torna un grupo con gran potencial, como una alternativa de aprovechamiento sustentable por parte de las comunidades; sin embargo, es necesario llevar a cabo estudios que proporcionen información sobre las tasas de extracción de las especies y el estado actual de sus poblaciones. Existe una pérdida incalculable de especies vegetales y desaparición del conocimiento sobre su uso y manejo. En Santo Domingo Tonalá se identificó un importante número de plantas suculentas útiles, por lo cual, para esta región es prioritario diseñar estrategias que contribuyan a la conservación de estos recursos vegetales, así como al rescate y valoración del conocimiento tradicional.

Vigilancia tecnológica de plantas aromáticas: de la investigación a la consolidación de la agrocadena colombiana / Technological monitoring of aromatic plants: from research to the consolidation of the Colombian agro-chain

El sector de plantas aromáticas, medicinales y condimentarias reúne una amplia variedad de especies nativas e introducidas con potencial agroindustrial. Para contribuir al diagnóstico tecnológico del sector en Colombia y brindar elementos de planificación estratégica hacia mejores niveles de desarrollo e internacionalización, se priorizaron ciertas especies aromáticas en este artículo y se planteó una vigilancia tecnología del 2004 al 2014. Se hizo una búsqueda de artículos científicos y patentes en ocho bases de datos en el ámbito nacional, iberoamericano y mundial según temáticas priorizadas. Los datos se procesaron mediante Microsoft Excel, EndNote, Vantage Point (2014) y Thomson Data Analyzer. A nivel nacional, la temática más registrada fue el material de siembra y el mejoramiento genético, mientras que en Iberoamérica y el mundo, fue el efecto biocida. Los países líderes en investigaciones sobre las aromáticas vigiladas fueron Brasil, Colombia y Cuba. A nivel internacional, los líderes en producción científica en PubMed y Scopus fueron India, EE. UU., Brasil y Colombia. La tendencia mundial de patentes es creciente, y su principal enfoque es "Necesidades corrientes de la vida". En conclusión, la vigilancia tecnológica ofreció una visión global de avances y tendencias en investigación y desarrollo tecnológico en áreas temáticas vinculadas con las plantas aromáticas. Además, se identificaron posibles aliados investigativos y fluctuación de la producción científica a través del tiempo.

An enhanced calibration of a recently released megatree for the analysis of phylogenetic diversity / Calibração aperfeiçoada de uma megatree lançada recentemente para a análise da diversidade filogenética

Abstract Dated or calibrated phylogenetic trees, in which branch lengths correspond to evolutionary divergence times between nodes, are important requirements for computing measures of phylogenetic diversity or phylogenetic community structure. The increasing knowledge about the diversification and evolutionary divergence times of vascular plants requires a revision of the age estimates used for the calibration of phylogenetic trees by the bladj algorithm of the Phylocom 4.2 package. Comparing the recently released megatree R20120829.new with two calibrated vascular plant phylogenies provided in the literature, we found 242 corresponding nodes. We modified the megatree (R20120829mod.new), inserting names for all corresponding nodes. Furthermore, we provide files containing age estimates from both sources for the updated calibration of R20120829mod.new. Applying these files consistently in analyses of phylogenetic community structure or diversity serves to avoid erroneous measures and ecological misinterpretation.

Resumo Árvores filogenéticas datadas, ou calibradas, em que os comprimentos dos ramos correspondem ao tempo evolutivo de divergência entre os nós, são importantes requisitos para calcular medidas de diversidade filogenética ou de estrutura filogenética de comunidades. O conhecimento crescente sobre a diversificação e sobre o tempo de divergência evolutiva das plantas vasculares fez necessária uma revisão das estimativas de idades dos nós que são utilizadas para a calibração de árvores filogenéticas por meio do algoritmo bladj do pacote Phylocom 4.2. Comparando a mega-árvore R20120829.new, recentemente publicada, e outras duas filogenias calibradas de plantas vasculares, encontramos 242 nós correspondentes. Modificamos esta mega-árvore (R20120829mod.new), inserindo todos os nomes dos nós correspondentes. Além disso, providenciamos dois arquivos com todas as estimativas das idades para uma calibração mais atualizada. Utilizando esses arquivos de maneira consistente nas análises de diversidade ou de estrutura filogenética de comunidades, evita-se incorreções nas datações e imprecisões na interpretação de informações ecológicas.

Relaciones ocultas a fines del siglo XVIII: La specimen florae americae meridionalis (1780) del Real Jardim Botânico da Ajuda y los diseños científicos de la Real Expedición Botánica al virreinato peruano / Hidden relations at the end of the 18th century: The specimen florae americae meridionalis (1780) of the Royal Jardim Botânico da Ajuda and the scientific designs of the Royal Botanical Expedition to the Peruvian Viceroyalty

Este artículo muestra que en las décadas finales del siglo XVIII, más allá de las relaciones diplomáticas y los conflictos militares entre Portugal y España, existieron importantes conexiones científicas, que han sido poco estudiadas. Teniendo como punto de partida la casi desconocida Specimen Florae Americae Meridionalis (1780), una obra botánica compuesta de cuatro volúmenes, producida en el Real Museu da Ajuda (Lisboa), exploraremos el interés que suscitó en los círculos de estudiosos y aficionados a la botánica en Lisboa la llegada de más de doscientos dibujos de plantas procedentes de la Real Expedición Botánica al Virreinato del Perú (1777-1788). Considerando las personalidades portuguesas, españolas e inglesas que estuvieron implicadas en la presencia de estos diseños en Portugal, recuperaremos algunas de las prácticas que posibilitaban en este período la circulación de conocimientos científicos y el adelanto de la botánica. En este sentido, este estudio pretende realizar una aportación novedosa a la Historia de la Botánica en Portugal y España y apuntar caminos para futuras investigaciones. (AU)

Toxicidade de espécies vegetais / Toxicity of plant species

RESUMO As plantas produzem uma grande variedade de metabólitos secundários que frequentemente são relacionados a mecanismos de proteção da planta contra predadores e patógenos. As espécies tóxicas são aquelas capazes de produzirem compostos que podem causar alterações metabólicas prejudiciais ao homem e aos animais. A toxicidade apresentada por uma espécie vegetal pode estar relacionada a fatores associados ao indivíduo, à planta, ao modo de exposição e a questões ambientais. A intoxicação, aguda ou crônica, causada por plantas é difícil de ser diagnosticada assim como a associação entre os sintomas e o consumo e/ou contato com algumas espécies é difícil de ser estabelecida. No âmbito da saúde pública, as intoxicações causadas por plantas possuem impacto expressivo. No Brasil foram registrados 1026 casos em 2012, sendo que a maior parte deles ocorreu com crianças de 0 a 4 anos, de acordo com os dados do SINITOX. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar um levantamento bibliográfico de espécies vegetais, brasileiras e exóticas aclimatadas, citadas como tóxicas apesar de serem utilizadas com fins ornamentais e medicinais.

ABSTRACT Plants produce a wide variety of secondary metabolites, which are frequently related to a plant’s protective mechanism against predators and pathogens. Toxic species are those capable of producing compounds that can cause metabolic changes harmful to humans and animals. The toxicity of plant species can be associated with aspects related to the individual, the plant, the manner of exposure, and to environmental issues. Acute or chronic intoxication caused by plants is difficult to diagnose and the association between the symptoms and the consumption of and/or contact with plants is hard to establish. In the public health sector, intoxications caused by plants have a wide impact. In Brazil, 1,026 cases were registered in 2012, most of which occurred with children between the ages of 0 to 4 years, according to data reported by SINITOX. The purpose of this study was to perform a bibliographic survey of Brazilian or acclimatized exotic plant species, which have been reported as toxic even though they are used for ornamental or medicinal purposes.

Óleos essenciais e vegetais no controle in vitro de Colletotrichum gloeosporioides / Essential and vegetal oils in the in vitro control of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a atividade antifúngica de óleos essenciais e vegetais no controle in vitro de Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, agente causal da antracnose em pós-colheita de frutíferas. Treze óleos essenciais foram utilizados em concentrações de 0,00%, 0,40%, 0,80%, 1,70%, 3,20%, 6,25%, 12,50%, 25,00%, 50,00% e 100,00%, e uma linhagem padrão de Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Foram avaliadas a concentração inibitória mínima e a concentração mínima fungicida a fim de caracterizar o potencial de cada um dos óleos essenciais avaliados. Verificou-se que os óleos utilizados apresentaram atividade fungicida em diferentes concentrações, as quais variaram de 0,80% (melaleuca), 3,20%, (eucalipto), 6,25% (limão, capim limão, cravo da índia, canela e nim), 12,5% (hortelã e citronela), 25% (copaíba), 50% (coco e gengibre) e 100% (manjericão). O óleo de nim apresentou maior redução da carga microbiana em função do tempo de exposição, sendo necessários 30 minutos para anulação da contagem microbiana. O efeito antifúngico dos óleos essenciais, para controle de Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, depende da planta e da concentração empregada.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal effect of essential and vegetal oils in the in vitro control of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, a causal agent of anthracnose in fruit postharvest. Thirteen essential oils were used at concentrations of 0.00%, 0.40%, 0.80%, 1.70%, 3.20%, 6.25%, 12.50%, 25.00%, 50.00%, and 100.00%, and also a standard strain of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration were assessed to characterize the potential of each of the essential oils tested. We found that used oils showed fungicidal activity at different concentrations, which varied in 0.80% (Melaleuca alternifólia), 3.20%, (Eucalyptus globulus), 6.25% (Citrus limonium, Cymbopogon citratus, Syzygium aromaticum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and Azadirachta indica), 12.5% (Mentha piperita and Cymbopogon winterianus), 25% (Copaifera langsdorfii), 50% (Cocos nucifera and Zingiber officinale), and 100% (Ocimum basilicum). The Azadirachta indica oil showed greater reduction of microbial load because of the exposure time, and took 30 minutes for annulment of microbial count. The antifungal effect of essential oils to control Colletotrichum gloeosporioides depends on the plant and quantity of concentration.

Seed predation food web, nutrient availability, and impact on the seed germination of Senegalia tenuifolia (Fabaceae) / Red alimentaria de depredación de semillas, disponibilidad de nutrientes e impacto sobre la germinación de las semillas de Senegalia tenuifolia (Fabaceae)

Abstract:Food web studies, which include qualitative and quantitative information about species interactions for all trophic levels in a specific community, are important tools to characterize the community structure, and to understand the role of species interaction in natural communities. With this aim, we collected fruits of Senegalia tenuifolia from a total of nine sites from three different areas in Minas Gerais, from June to August 2011. Fruits were collected and taken to the laboratory in special containers, to allow insect development and description. And then, we characterized the food web of insects associated with these seeds, and described interactions between these organisms and the host plant, and assessed the impact of insect attacks on seed germination with an experiment under controlled conditions. Additionally, we estimated the available NPK content and the Carbon:Nitrogen ratio in both fruits and seeds. In S. tenuifolia seeds, we have found 937 associated insects of 15 species structured in four trophic levels. We found two Bruchinae seed-feeders species: Merobruchus terani and Stator maculatopygus. We also have observed the seed-feeding hymenopteran species Allorhogas sp. 1 and Prodecatoma sp. 1, and hymenopteran parasitoids species such as Eupelmus sp.1, Lyrcus sp.1, Eurytoma sp.1, Horismenu s sp.1, Chelonus sp.1, Aprostocetus sp.1, Eiphosoma sp.1 and an unidentified Pteromalinae. Considering quantitative food web metrics, our data have suggested low values of generality and high values of trophic vulnerability, besides others, which demonstrated how species interactions are specialized. The impact of seed-feeding insects on seeds was found severe and prevented their germination. Lastly, seeds contained higher NPK content than fruits. In conclusion, the seed predation food web supported by S. tenuifolia has depicted two different features: specialized species interactions, considering parasitoids and seed-feeding species, and, generalized species interactions, considering host-plant and seed-feeding species. Indeed, seeds are resources with high nutrient concentration supporting a rich and complex food web. Finally, S. tenuifolia seeds are directly impacted by seed-feeding insects, preventing them from germination, which could result in a negative effect on host-plant population.

Resumen:Estudios de redes alimentarias, que incluyen información cualitativa y cuantitativa sobre las interacciones entre especies para todos los niveles tróficos en una comunidad específica, son herramientas importantes para caracterizar la estructura de la comunidad, y para comprender el papel de la interacción de las especies en las comunidades naturales. Con este objetivo, se recolectaron frutos de Senegalia tenuifolia de un total de nueve sitios de tres áreas diferentes, en Minas Gerais, entre junio y agosto 2011. Los frutos fueron recolectados y llevados al laboratorio en contenedores especiales, para permitir el desarrollo y descripción del insecto. Luego, se caracterizó la red alimentaria de los insectos asociados a estas semillas, se describieron las interacciones entre estos organismos y la planta hospedera, y se evaluó el impacto del ataque de insectos en la germinación de semillas mediante un experimento en condiciones controladas. Además, se estimó el contenido de NPK y la relación carbono:nitrógeno en frutos y en semillas. En semillas de S. tenuifolia, se encontraron 937 insectos de 15 especies estructuradas en cuatro niveles tróficos. Se encontraron dos especies de Bruchinae que se alimentan de semillas: Merobruchus terani y Stator maculatopygus. También se observaron especies de himenópteros que se alimentan de semillas: Allorhogas sp. 1 y Prodecatoma sp. 1, y especies de himenópteros parasitoides como: Eupelmus sp.1, Lyrcus sp.1, Eurytoma sp.1, Horismenus sp.1, Chelonus sp.1, Aprostocetus sp.1, Eiphosoma sp.1 y un Pteromalinae no identificado. Nuestros datos sugieren valores bajos de generalidad trófica y valores altos de vulnerabilidad trófica, además de otros, lo que demuestra cómo las interacciones entre especies son especializadas. El impacto en las semillas de los insectos que se alimentan de estas es severo e impidió su germinación. Por último, las semillas tenían un mayor contenido de NPK que los frutos. En conclusión, la red alimentaria de depredación de semillas con S. tenuifolia tiene dos características: interacciones de especies especializadas, considerando parasitoides y especies comedoras de semillas, e interacciones generalizadas entre especies, teniendo en cuenta la planta hospedera y las especies comedoras de semillas. De hecho, las semillas son recursos con alta concentración de nutrientes que proveen una rica y compleja red trófica. Por último, las semillas de S. tenuifolia se ven directamente afectadas por los insectos que se alimentan de semillas, que les impide la germinación, lo que podría resultar en un efecto negativo en la población planta-hospedero.

Water level effect on herbaceous plant assemblages at an artificial reservoir-Lago Azul State Park, Southern Brazil / O efeito do nível hidrométrico sobre a vegetação herbácea de um reservatório artificial no Sul do Brasil

This study presents the effect of water level variation on the assemblages of herbaceous species in Mourão I Reservoir, Lago Azul State Park, Southern Brazil. The structure and distribution of populations was examined in February (dry period) and April (rainy period), 2011, in two transects. These transects started at the forest edge towards the center of the lake. The end of the transect coincided with the end of the plants within the lake. On every two meters along of the transects we sampled a wooden square of 0.25 m2 for species biomass analysis.The macrophyte stand was composed entirely of emergent species. Considering the periods, most species were less frequent in the rainy period (April), but Ipomea ramosissima (Poir.) Choisy, Commelina nudiflora L., Eleocharis acuntagula (Roxb.) Schult. and Verbena litorales (Kunth.) had their frequency increased during this period, probably due to their resistance. The influence of flood as measured by the NMDS point out that both before and after the flood, there are plots with distinct compositions and biomass. The water level variation affects the dynamics of plant composition and structure in marginal areas of the Reservoir.

Resumo Este estudo apresenta o efeito da variação no nível hidrométrico do reservatório Mourão I, no Parque Estadual do Lago Azul, Paraná sobre a assembleia de espécies herbáceas na região de formação do reservatório. O estudo da estrutura e distribuição das populações foi realizado nos meses de fevereiro (seca) e abril (cheia) de 2011, para isto estabeleceu-se em pontos distintos duas transecções. As transecções começavam na bordada floresta em direção ao centro do lago. O fim da coleta na transecção acontecia quando acabavam as plantas dentro do lago. Ao longo das transecções a cada dois metros um quadrado de madeira com área de 0,25 m2 foi utilizado para amostrar as espécies, com coleta de biomassa. A maioria das espécies teve sua frequência reduzida durante a cheia (abril), porém Ipomea ramosissima (Poir.) Choisy, Commelina nudiflora L., Eleocharis acuntagula (Roxb.) Schult. e Verbena litorales (Kunth.) aumentaram sua frequência durante esse período. A influência da cheia medida pelo NMS indica que tanto antes da cheia quanto após a cheia existem parcelas com composições e biomassa típicas. A variação hidrométrica tem influência sobre a dinâmica da composição e estrutural vegetal nas áreas marginais do reservatório.

Preliminar results of paleontological salvage at Belo Monte Powerplant construction / Resultados preliminares do programa de salvamento paleontológico da construção da Hidrelétrica de Belo Monte

Abstract In this paper some preliminary fossil specimens are presented. They represent a collection sampled by Belo Monte’s Programa de Salvamento do Patrimônio Paleontológico (PSPP), which includes unprecedented invertebrate fauna and fossil vertebrates from Pitinga, Jatapu, Manacapuru, Maecuru e Alter do Chão formations from Amazonas basin, Brazil. The Belo Monte paleontological salvage was able to recover 495 microfossil samples and 1744 macrofossil samples on 30 months of sampling activities, and it is still ongoing. The macrofossils identified are possible plant remains, ichnofossils, graptolites, brachiopods, molluscs, athropods, Agnatha, palynomorphs (miosphores, acritarchs, algae cysts, fungi spores and unidentified types) and unidentified fossils. However, deep scientific research is not part of the scope of the program, and this collection must be further studied by researchers who visit Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi, where the fossils will be housed. More material will be collected until the end of the program. The collection sampled allows a mosaic composition with the necessary elements to assign, in later papers, taxonomic features which may lead to accurate species identification and palaeoenvironmental interpretations.

Resumo Neste artigo são apresentados de forma preliminar alguns espécimes fósseis representativos do acervo coletado no Programa de Salvamento do Patrimônio Paleontológico (PSPP) da UHE Belo Monte, que inclui fauna vertebrada e invertebrada inédita das formações Pitinga, Jatapu, Manacapuru, Maecuru e Alter do Chão, da bacia do Amazonas, Brasil. No salvamento paleontológico de Belo Monte foi possível recuperar 495 amostras para microfósseis e 1744 amostras com macrofósseis em 30 meses de amostragem, que ainda continua em andamento. Os macrofósseis identificados são possíveis restos de plantas, icnofósseis, graptolitos, braquiópodes, moluscos, artópodes, Agnatha, palinomorfos (miósporos, acritarcas, cistos de alga, esporos de fungo e tipos indeterminados) além de fósseis não identificados. No entanto, pesquisa científica aprofundada não é parte do escopo do programa, e esta coleção deve ser estudada no futuro por pesquisadores pela visita ao Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi, onde os fósseis ficarão depositados. Mais material será coletado até o fim de 2015. A assemblagem coletada permite a composição de mosaico com elementos necessários para a definição, em artigos futuros, características taxonômicas que levarão à identificação precisa de espécies e interpretações paleoambientais.

Preliminar results of paleontological salvage at Belo Monte Powerplant construction / Resultados preliminares do programa de salvamento paleontológico da construção da Hidrelétrica de Belo Monte

In this paper some preliminary fossil specimens are presented. They represent a collection sampled by Belo Monte’s Programa de Salvamento do Patrimônio Paleontológico (PSPP), which includes unprecedented invertebrate fauna and fossil vertebrates from Pitinga, Jatapu, Manacapuru, Maecuru e Alter do Chão formations from Amazonas basin, Brazil. The Belo Monte paleontological salvage was able to recover 495 microfossil samples and 1744 macrofossil samples on 30 months of sampling activities, and it is still ongoing. The macrofossils identified are possible plant remains, ichnofossils, graptolites, brachiopods, molluscs, athropods, Agnatha, palynomorphs (miosphores, acritarchs, algae cysts, fungi spores and unidentified types) and unidentified fossils. However, deep scientific research is not part of the scope of the program, and this collection must be further studied by researchers who visit Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi, where the fossils will be housed. More material will be collected until the end of the program. The collection sampled allows a mosaic composition with the necessary elements to assign, in later papers, taxonomic features which may lead to accurate species identification and palaeoenvironmental interpretations.

Neste artigo são apresentados de forma preliminar alguns espécimes fósseis representativos do acervo coletado no Programa de Salvamento do Patrimônio Paleontológico (PSPP) da UHE Belo Monte, que inclui fauna vertebrada e invertebrada inédita das formações Pitinga, Jatapu, Manacapuru, Maecuru e Alter do Chão, da bacia do Amazonas, Brasil. No salvamento paleontológico de Belo Monte foi possível recuperar 495 amostras para microfósseis e 1744 amostras com macrofósseis em 30 meses de amostragem, que ainda continua em andamento. Os macrofósseis identificados são possíveis restos de plantas, icnofósseis, graptolitos, braquiópodes, moluscos, artópodes, Agnatha, palinomorfos (miósporos, acritarcas, cistos de alga, esporos de fungo e tipos indeterminados) além de fósseis não identificados. No entanto, pesquisa científica aprofundada não é parte do escopo do programa, e esta coleção deve ser estudada no futuro por pesquisadores pela visita ao Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi, onde os fósseis ficarão depositados. Mais material será coletado até o fim de 2015. A assemblagem coletada permite a composição de mosaico com elementos necessários para a definição, em artigos futuros, características taxonômicas que levarão à identificação precisa de espécies e interpretações paleoambientais.