Fire effects on pollination and plant reproduction: a quantitative review.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Fire may favour plant flowering by opening the vegetation and increasing abiotic resource availability. Increased floral display size can attract more pollinators and increase the absolute fruit and seed production immediately after the fire. However, anthropogenic increases in fire frequency may alter these responses. We aim to assess the effects of fire on pollination and reproductive success of plants at the global scale. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analyses to examine overall fire effects as well as different fire parameters on pollination and on plant reproduction. We also explored to what extent the responses vary among pollinators, pollination vectors, plant regeneration strategies, compatibility systems, vegetation types and biomes. KEY RESULTS: Most studies were conducted in fire-prone ecosystems. Overall, single fires increased pollination and plant reproduction but this effect was overridden by recurrent fires. Floral visitation rates of pollinators were enhanced immediately following a wildfire, and especially in bee-pollinated plants. Fire increased the absolute production of fruits or seeds but not the fruit or seed set. The reproductive benefits were mostly observed in wind-pollinated (graminoids), herbaceous and resprouter species. Finally, fire effects on pollination were positively correlated with fire effects on plant reproductive success. CONCLUSIONS: Fire has a central role in pollination and plant sexual reproduction in fire-prone ecosystems. The increase in the absolute production of fruits and seeds suggests that fire benefits on plant reproduction are likely driven by increased abiotic resources and the consequent floral display size. However, reproduction efficiency, as measured by fruit or seed set, does not increase with fire. In contrast, when assessed on the same plant simultaneously, fire effects on pollination are translated into reproduction. Increased fire frequency due to anthropogenic changes can alter the nature of the response to fire.

Fruit dehiscence mechanism and release of dimorphic seeds with different germination properties in Commelina erecta.

Commelina erecta is a successful weed species. The aims of this study were to analyse the morpho-anatomy of the fruit and dimorphic seeds of the weed C. erecta, the dynamics and type of dormancy, and water entry. Flowers and fruits at different development stages were processed using standard anatomical techniques. Besides, experiments of imbibition, germinability and water entry were performed on both seed types. In the fruit of C. erecta, free and coated seeds are developed within dehiscent and indehiscent carpels, respectively. Dehiscent carpels open through a region of mechanical weakness in the dorsal vascular bundle. This region does not form in the indehiscent carpel. The main anatomical differences between the two seed types were observed in the testa and in the number of covering layers. Imbibition experiments showed that the covering of both seed types is water permeable, so these seeds lack physical dormancy and may exhibit physiological dormancy. Germinability experiments showed that the dormancy in free seeds is variable throughout the reproductive season, whereas, in coated seeds, it is high throughout the reproductive season. The embryotega is an area where the hardness of the seed coat is interrupted and facilitates water entry. Differences in the morpho-anatomy of carpels result in the formation of dimorphic seeds with different covering layers and different germination properties. These different properties allow some seeds germinate immediately after falling from the mother plant, and others to be incorporated into the seed bank. These results are useful for designing weed management strategies in agroecosystems.

Settlement and post-settlement survival of Orbicella annularis and Orbicella faveolata (Scleractinia: Merulinidae) on substrates with coatings

Introduction: One of the main bottlenecks in restoration projects based on sexual reproduction is post-settlement survival, mainly due to competition for substrate with fleshy algae and predation. Therefore, substrates of different shapes and materials have been created and tested, seeking to optimize these processes with attractive surfaces for the larvae and structures where the recruits are protected from predation, and competition is reduced. Objective: To improve settlement and post-settlement survival of two important Caribbean reef-building corals, using different coatings on substrates. Methods: To determine whether substrate coatings properties are favourable to larval settlement in Orbicella annularis, and O. faveolata, collected in Puerto Morelos, Mexican Caribbean, we evaluated their settlement for three weeks on six coatings with a combination of properties. Each coating was designed to provide a combination of two out of three properties: 1) water repellence (hydrophobicity), 2) phosphorescence-based colour, and 3) mineral-enriched surface chemistry. In a separate experiment larvae settlement was tested using coatings with a single property. Finally, we determined the post-settlement survival of O. annularis and O. faveolata on the different coatings for seven weeks. Results: The combination of high hydrophobicity and light blue phosphorescent microparticles and high hydrophobicity and red-orange phosphorescent microparticles resulted in a higher settlement of O. annularis and O. faveolata when compared with other coatings (30.8 - 66.7 % higher). No significant differences were found in the number of larval settled when the water-repellence and the phosphorescence-based were evaluated independently. Post-settlement survival time on substrates was low, with a maximum of 34 days after settlement for O. annularis and 42 days for O. faveolata. Conclusions: In terms of the larval settlement, the combination of the coatings properties appears to play an essential role in the choice of microhabitat for both O. annularis and O. faveolata. But individually these properties did not generate an advantage in the larval settlement. Moreover, some chemical components associated with the coatings may be counterproductive to the survival of the polyps over time.

Introducción: Uno de los principales cuellos de botella en proyectos de restauración basada en reproducción sexual es la supervivencia de las larvas posterior al asentamiento, principalmente por la competencia por el sustrato con algas filamentosas y la depredación. Por ello, se han creado y analizado sustratos de diferentes formas y materiales, buscando optimizar estos procesos con superficies atrayentes para las larvas, y estructuras donde los reclutas se encuentran protegidos de la depredación y se disminuya la competencia. Objetivo: Mejorar el asentamiento y la supervivencia de dos importantes corales formadores de arrecifes del Caribe, utilizando diferentes recubrimientos en sustratos. Métodos: Para determinar si las propiedades de la superficie del sustrato son favorables para el asentamiento de larvas de Orbicella annularis y O. faveolata, recolectadas en Puerto Morelos, Caribe mexicano, evaluamos su asentamiento durante tres semanas en seis recubrimientos con una combinación de propiedades. Cada recubrimiento fue diseñado para proporcionar una combinación de dos de tres propiedades: 1) repelencia al agua (hidrofobicidad), 2) fosforescencia y 3) química superficial enriquecida con minerales. En un experimento separado se evaluó el asentamiento de larvas en sustratos con recubrimientos de una sola propiedad. Finalmente, se determinó la supervivencia posterior al asentamiento de O. annularis y O. faveolata sobre los diferentes recubrimientos durante siete semanas. Resultados: La combinación de alta hidrofobicidad y micropartículas fosforescentes azules y alta hidrofobicidad y micropartículas fosforescentes rojo-naranja dio como resultado un mayor asentamiento de O. annularis y O. faveolata en comparación con otros recubrimientos (30.8 - 66.7 % mayor). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en el número de larvas asentadas cuando se evaluaron de forma independiente la repelencia al agua y la fosforescencia. El tiempo de supervivencia posterior al asentamiento en los sustratos fue bajo, con un máximo de 34 días después del asentamiento para O. annularis y 42 días para O. faveolata. Conclusiones: En el asentamiento de larvas, la combinación de las propiedades del recubrimiento parece desempeñar un papel importante en la elección del microhábitat tanto para O. annularis como para O. faveolata. Pero de forma individual estas propiedades no generaron una ventaja en el asentamiento larvario. Además, algunos componentes químicos asociados con los recubrimientos pueden ser contraproducentes para la supervivencia de los pólipos a lo largo del tiempo.

The sexual reproduction of the nontarget planarian Girardia tigrina is affected by ecologically relevant concentrations of difenoconazole: new sensitive tools in ecotoxicology.

The fungicide difenoconazole, widely used to reduce the negative impacts of fungi diseases on areas with intensive farming, can reach freshwater systems causing deleterious effects on nontarget organisms. The acute and chronic toxicity of a commercial formulation containing 250 g L-1 of difenoconazole (Prisma®) as the active ingredient was assessed in the freshwater planarian Girardia tigrina. The endpoints evaluated were feeding rate, locomotion, regeneration, and sexual reproduction of planarians. The estimated 48 h LC50 of the commercial formulation on planarians expressed as the concentration of the active ingredient difenoconazole was 47.5 mg a.i.L-1. A significant decrease of locomotion (LOEC = 18.56 mg a.i.L-1), delayed regeneration (LOEC = 9.28 mg a.i.L-1), and sexual reproduction impairment, i.e., decreased fecundity and fertility rates (LOEC ≤ 1.16 mg a.i.L-1) were observed on planarians exposed to sublethal concentrations of the formulation. This study demonstrated the importance of using reproductive, physiological, and behavioral parameters as more sensitive and complementary tools to assess the deleterious effects induced by a commercial formulation of difenoconazole on a nontarget freshwater organism. The added value and importance of our research work, namely, the impairment of sexual reproduction of planarians, contributes to the development of useful tools for ecotoxicology and highlights the fact that those tools should be developed as guidelines for testing of chemicals. Our results showed that the use of reproductive parameters of Girardia tigrina would help to complement and achieve a better assessment of the risk posed by triazole fungicides to freshwater ecosystems.

Climate Change Influences Basidiome Emergence of Leaf-Cutting Ant Cultivars.

Maintaining symbiosis homeostasis is essential for mutualistic partners. Leaf-cutting ants evolved a long-term symbiotic mutualism with fungal cultivars for nourishment while using vertical asexual transmission across generations. Despite the ants' efforts to suppress fungal sexual reproduction, scattered occurrences of cultivar basidiomes have been reported. Here, we review the literature for basidiome occurrences and associated climate data. We hypothesized that more basidiome events could be expected in scenarios with an increase in temperature and precipitation. Our field observations and climate data analyses indeed suggest that Acromyrmex coronatus colonies are prone to basidiome occurrences in warmer and wetter seasons. Even though our study partly depended on historical records, occurrences have increased, correlating with climate change. A nest architecture with low (or even the lack of) insulation might be the cause of this phenomenon. The nature of basidiome occurrences in the A. coronatus-fungus mutualism can be useful to elucidate how resilient mutualistic symbioses are in light of climate change scenarios.

The Role of Anaphase-Promoting Complex/Cyclosome (APC/C) in Plant Reproduction.

Most eukaryotic species propagate through sexual reproduction that requires male and female gametes. In flowering plants, it starts through a single round of DNA replication (S phase) and two consecutive chromosome segregation (meiosis I and II). Subsequently, haploid mitotic divisions occur, which results in a male gametophyte (pollen grain) and a female gametophyte (embryo sac) formation. In order to obtain viable gametophytes, accurate chromosome segregation is crucial to ensure ploidy stability. A precise gametogenesis progression is tightly regulated in plants and is controlled by multiple mechanisms to guarantee a correct evolution through meiotic cell division and sexual differentiation. In the past years, research in the field has shown an important role of the conserved E3-ubiquitin ligase complex, Anaphase-Promoting Complex/Cyclosome (APC/C), in this process. The APC/C is a multi-subunit complex that targets proteins for degradation via proteasome 26S. The functional characterization of APC/C subunits in Arabidopsis, which is one of the main E3 ubiquitin ligase that controls cell cycle, has revealed that all subunits investigated so far are essential for gametophytic development and/or embryogenesis.

How do sexual expression, reproductive phenology and reproductive success relate to sexual systems in Fissidens Hedw. (Fissidentaceae)? A case study comparing two different sexual systems in mosses.

Reproductive performance is known to differ between co-sexual and non-co-sexual species. Thus, our aim was to determine whether: (i) the distance between sex structures is negatively associated with sex expression; (ii) male gametangia take longer to mature in rhizautoicous species than in gonioautoicous species; and (iii) the gonioautoicous sexual system has greater reproductive success (i.e. percentage of ramets with sporophyte) than the rhizautoicous sexual system. One population each of the mosses Fissidens scariosus and F. submarginatus, rhizautoicous and gonioautoicous, respectively, in a remnant of Atlantic Forest in Brazil were sampled monthly from September 2016 until August 2017. The number and phenophases of antheridia, archegonia and sporophytes were analysed for each species. Sexual expression and reproductive success were calculated, and reproductive phenology compared across environmental variables. As expected, sexual expression was significantly higher for the gonioautoicous species, which produced antheridia throughout the year and archegonia over many months, while gametangia production by the rhizautoicous species occurred only during the rainy season. Mean number of gametangia per perigonium and perichaetium were slightly higher for the rhizautoicous species (6.84 antheridia; 11.38 archegonia) than for the gonioautoicous species (4.39; 7.62). Gametangia and sporophyte production in the rhizautoicous species were markedly seasonal compared to that of the gonioautoicous species, although reproductive success did not differ. Therefore, we infer that the rhizautoicy (i.e. a functional dioicy) promotes lower expression of gametangia compared to gonioautoicy but is more efficient and so obtains the same reproductive success.

Caracterização e alterações morfológicas em grãos de pólen de fisális (Physalis peruviana L. (Solanaceae)) cultivada sob diferentes espectros luminosos / Characterization and morphological changes in cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L. (Solanaceae)) pollen grains cultivated under different light spectrum

Physalis peruviana L. é uma espécie de interesse comercial pertencente à família Solanaceae, cultivada preferencialmente em ambiente sombreado, que ainda apresenta cultivo restrito a pequenas áreas no Brasil e por isso demanda estudos mais aprofundados. As plantas são diretamente afetadas por fatores ambientais tais como estresse hídrico , temperatura, radiação, dentre outros. Estes fatores afetam não só os órgãos vegetativos, mas também estruturas reprodutivas, podendo acarretar danos às plantas agronomicamente exploradas. Diante da necessidade de sombreamento apresentado pela cultura o presente trabalho objetivou caracterizar o grão de pólen e verificar a influência de malhas fotoconversoras utilizadas no sombreamento sobre a morfologia dos grãos de pólen desta espécie. O trabalho foi desenvolvido na Universidade Federal de Lavras, onde três repetições de duas plantas foram cultivadas a pleno sol e sob malhas fotoconversoras nas colorações branca, azul, vermelha e preta. O pólen de flores em antese foi coletado, processado e fotografado em microscópio eletrônico de varredura (MEV). O diâmetro polar, diâmetro equatorial e área do pólen foram medidos em dez grãos de pólen. Os resultados demonstraram que grãos de pólen de P. peruviana são isopolares, radiais, de formato prolato-esferoidal e tamanho mediano. Também verificou-se aumento da área do grão de pólen quando cultivado em sombreamento com malha fotoconversora branca e a pleno sol.

Physalis peruviana L. is a species of commercial interest belonging to the Solanaceae family, cultivated preferentially in shaded environment, which still has cultivation restricted to small areas in Brazil and therefore requires further studies. Plants are directly affected by environmental factors such as drought, temperature, radiation, among others. These factors affect not only the vegetative organs, but also reproductive structures, which may cause damage to agronomically explored plants. With the need for shading presented by the crop, the present work aimed to characterize the pollen grain and to verify the influence of shade nets used in shading on the morphology of pollen grains of this species. The work was developed at the Lavras Federal University, where three replications of two plants were cultivated under full sun and under shadenets white, blue, red and black. Flower anthesis pollen was collected, processed and photographed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Polar diameter, equatorial diameter and pollen area were measured in ten pollen grains. The results showed that P. peruviana pollen grains are isopolar, radial, prolato-spheroidal in shape and medium in size. There was also an increase in pollen grain area when cultivated in shading with white shade net and in full sun.

Caracterização e alterações morfológicas em grãos de pólen de fisális (Physalis peruviana L. (Solanaceae)) cultivada sob diferentes espectros luminosos / Characterization and morphological changes in cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L. (Solanaceae)) pollen grains cultivated under different light spectrum

Physalis peruviana L. é uma espécie de interesse comercial pertencente à família Solanaceae, cultivada preferencialmente em ambiente sombreado, que ainda apresenta cultivo restrito a pequenas áreas no Brasil e por isso demanda estudos mais aprofundados. As plantas são diretamente afetadas por fatores ambientais tais como estresse hídrico , temperatura, radiação, dentre outros. Estes fatores afetam não só os órgãos vegetativos, mas também estruturas reprodutivas, podendo acarretar danos às plantas agronomicamente exploradas. Diante da necessidade de sombreamento apresentado pela cultura o presente trabalho objetivou caracterizar o grão de pólen e verificar a influência de malhas fotoconversoras utilizadas no sombreamento sobre a morfologia dos grãos de pólen desta espécie. O trabalho foi desenvolvido na Universidade Federal de Lavras, onde três repetições de duas plantas foram cultivadas a pleno sol e sob malhas fotoconversoras nas colorações branca, azul, vermelha e preta. O pólen de flores em antese foi coletado, processado e fotografado em microscópio eletrônico de varredura (MEV). O diâmetro polar, diâmetro equatorial e área do pólen foram medidos em dez grãos de pólen. Os resultados demonstraram que grãos de pólen de P. peruviana são isopolares, radiais, de formato prolato-esferoidal e tamanho mediano. Também verificou-se aumento da área do grão de pólen quando cultivado em sombreamento com malha fotoconversora branca e a pleno sol.(AU)

Physalis peruviana L. is a species of commercial interest belonging to the Solanaceae family, cultivated preferentially in shaded environment, which still has cultivation restricted to small areas in Brazil and therefore requires further studies. Plants are directly affected by environmental factors such as drought, temperature, radiation, among others. These factors affect not only the vegetative organs, but also reproductive structures, which may cause damage to agronomically explored plants. With the need for shading presented by the crop, the present work aimed to characterize the pollen grain and to verify the influence of shade nets used in shading on the morphology of pollen grains of this species. The work was developed at the Lavras Federal University, where three replications of two plants were cultivated under full sun and under shadenets white, blue, red and black. Flower anthesis pollen was collected, processed and photographed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Polar diameter, equatorial diameter and pollen area were measured in ten pollen grains. The results showed that P. peruviana pollen grains are isopolar, radial, prolato-spheroidal in shape and medium in size. There was also an increase in pollen grain area when cultivated in shading with white shade net and in full sun.(AU)

Reproductive biology in cassava: stigma receptivity and pollen tube growth.

Knowledge on the reproductive biology of cassava, relevant to breeders and molecular geneticists, is still limited. Therefore, different studies were carried out to determine the duration of stigma receptivity and the rate of pollen tube growth. Inflorescences were covered for up to 3 days after the first opening of the bracts (e.g. anthesis day) to prevent open pollination. Results indicate that fruit and seed set are drastically reduced when flowers were covered for 2 or 3 days. However, fruits and seeds were obtained even from flowers that had been covered for 3 days after anthesis, although at low frequency. The rate of pollen tube growth was assessed in many combinations of female and male progenitors crossed through controlled pollinations and collecting the pistils at varying hours after pollination (HAP). Pollen tube growth is fast during the first 6 HAP reaching the tip of the nucellar beak. The growth slows down thereafter, taking 10 additional hours to reach the end of the beak. The growth of pollen tubes slows down even further until they enter the embryo sac. Only 10% of samples showed pollen tubes entering the embryo sac between 48 and 66 HAP. Although several tubes may reach the nucellar beak, only one was observed entering the embryo sac. Results, across the different experiments, were highly variable suggesting that the timeline of fertilization is influenced both by genotypic and environmental factors as well as the manual manipulation of inflorescences and cyathia.

Origens do(s) sexo(s) e a rainha dos problemas da biologia evolutiva / Origins of sex(es) and the queen of problems of evolutionary biology

A reprodução sexuada já foi considerada universal, e posteriormente, a forma mais perfeita de reprodução. Todavia, a partir de meados do século XIX, pesquisas no nível celular colocaram em xeque a ideia de que tipos de reprodução assexuadas fossem primitivos ou inferiores. Ao longo do século XX, e adentrando no XXI, hipóteses foram levantadas para explicar as vantagens da reprodução sexuada sobre a assexuada assim como o que permitiria a reprodução sexuada se manter quando seria mais vantajoso se reproduzir de forma assexuada. A mais importante e conhecida é a hipótese da Rainha Vermelha. Paralelamente, vários trabalhos procuraram entrever as pressões ecológicas que permitiram e favoreceram o aparecimento da reprodução sexuada em um cenário situado há cerca de dois bilhões de anos. O objetivo desse trabalho é revisar respostas históricas que marcaram o estudo da origem, da evolução e da manutenção da reprodução sexuada, identificando algumas das principais questões que a comunidade científica elaborou nos últimos duzentos anos.

Sexual reproduction has already been considered universal, and subsequently, the most perfect form of reproduction. However, since the mid-nineteenth century, research at the cellular level has questioned the idea that asexual reproduction types are primitive or inferior. During the twentieth century, and entering the XXI, hypotheses were raised to explain the advantages of sexual reproduction over the asexual as well as what would allow sexual reproduction to be maintained when it would be more advantageous to reproduce asexually. The most important and known is the Red Queen hypothesis. At the same time, several studies have sought to understand the ecological pressures that allowed and favored the appearance of sexual reproduction in a scenario that was around two billion years ago. The aim of this work is to review historical responses that marked the study of the origin, evolution and maintenance of sexual reproduction, identifying some of the main questions that the scientific community has elaborated over the last two hundred years.

Germinação e crescimento inicial de mudas de espécies não convencionais de fisális em diferentes substratos e ambientes / Germination and initial growth of non-conventional species of physalis on different substrates and environments

A utilização de substratos e ambientes é importante fator a ser analisado na determinação da qualidade de germinação e crescimento de mudas de espécies de fisális. Diante do exposto, objetivou-se com o presente trabalho, avaliar a germinação e o crescimento inicial de duas espécies não convencionais de fisális, submetidas a diferentes ambientes e substratos. Conduziu-se dois experimentos simultâneos no período de março a maio/2014, na Unioeste, PR. O delineamento experimental utilizado no primeiro experimento foi blocos casualizados, fatorial 2x3 (2 espécies de fisális: Physalis minima, Physalis ixocarpax 3 ambientes: ambiente protegido com cobertura plástica de 150 µm; telado com 50% de sombreamento e pleno sol), contendo 3 repetições e 50 sementes por parcela experimental. O delineamento do segundo experimento foi blocos casualizados, fatorial 2x4 (2 espécies de fisális: Physalis minima, Physalis ixocarpax 4 substratos: vermiculita expandida de textura média + Latossolo; Húmus Fértil® + Latossolo; areia lavada de textura fina + Latossolo e Húmus Fértil® + vermiculita expandida de textura média, na proporção 1:1 v:v), contendo 3 repetições e 32 sementes por parcela experimental. Monitorou-se os experimentos por 22 dias, para obtenção do índice de velocidade de emergência. Aos 60 dias após a semeadura avaliou-se a altura das plântulas, diâmetro do caule, número de folhas, biomassa fresca e seca das plântulas. Estufa agrícola e telado propiciam índice de velocidade de emergência de sementes de Physalis ixocarpa e Physalis mínima, sem distinção entre esses ambientes. Mudas de P. ixocarpa devem ser produzidas em estufa, utilizando-se como mistura de substrato, Húmus Fértil® + vermiculita expandida de textura média, ou Latossolo + vermiculita. Mudas de P. minima devem ser produzidas em mistura de Húmus Fértil® + vermiculita, sob estufa ou telado.(AU)

The use of substrates and environments is an important factor to be considered in determining the quality of germination and seedling growing of species of physalis. Given the above, the objective with this study was to evaluate the germination and early crowing of two non-conventional species of physalis, subjected to different environments and substrates. Were conducted two simultaneous experiments in the periodfrom March to May / 2014 in Unioeste, PR. The experimental design used in the first experiment was a randomized, 2x3 factorial (2 physalis species: Physalis minima, Physalis ixocarpa x 3 environments: protect environment with plastic cover of 150 µm, greenhouse with 50% of shading and full sun) blocks containing 3 replicates and 50 seeds per experimental plot. The design of the second experiment was randomized, 2x4 factorial (2 physalis species: Physalis minima, Physalis ixocarpa x 4 substrates:expanded vermiculite of medium texture + latossol, Húmus Fértil® + latossol, washed sand of fine texture +latossol and Humus Fértil® + expanded vermiculite of medium texture, in proportion 1:1 v:v) blocks containing three replicates of 32 seeds per experimental plot. Was monitored by 22 days the experiments to obtain the emergence speed index. 60 days after the sowing was evaluated seedling height, stem diameter, number of leaves, fresh and dry biomass of seedlings. We conclude that, agricultural greenhouse and greenhouse of shade net providing emergence speed index of Physalis minima and Physalis Ixocarpa without distinction between these environments. Seedlings of P. ixocarpa should be produced in agricultural greenhouse, using as substrate mix of Humus fértil® commercial substrate + expanded vermiculite or latosol + vermiculite. Seedlings of P. minima must be produced in a mixture of Humus Fértil® + vermiculite under agricultural greenhouse with or under shade net.(AU)

Germinação e crescimento inicial de mudas de espécies não convencionais de fisális em diferentes substratos e ambientes / Germination and initial growth of non-conventional species of physalis on different substrates and environments

A utilização de substratos e ambientes é importante fator a ser analisado na determinação da qualidade de germinação e crescimento de mudas de espécies de fisális. Diante do exposto, objetivou-se com o presente trabalho, avaliar a germinação e o crescimento inicial de duas espécies não convencionais de fisális, submetidas a diferentes ambientes e substratos. Conduziu-se dois experimentos simultâneos no período de março a maio/2014, na Unioeste, PR. O delineamento experimental utilizado no primeiro experimento foi blocos casualizados, fatorial 2x3 (2 espécies de fisális: Physalis minima, Physalis ixocarpax 3 ambientes: ambiente protegido com cobertura plástica de 150 µm; telado com 50% de sombreamento e pleno sol), contendo 3 repetições e 50 sementes por parcela experimental. O delineamento do segundo experimento foi blocos casualizados, fatorial 2x4 (2 espécies de fisális: Physalis minima, Physalis ixocarpax 4 substratos: vermiculita expandida de textura média + Latossolo; Húmus Fértil® + Latossolo; areia lavada de textura fina + Latossolo e Húmus Fértil® + vermiculita expandida de textura média, na proporção 1:1 v:v), contendo 3 repetições e 32 sementes por parcela experimental. Monitorou-se os experimentos por 22 dias, para obtenção do índice de velocidade de emergência. Aos 60 dias após a semeadura avaliou-se a altura das plântulas, diâmetro do caule, número de folhas, biomassa fresca e seca das plântulas. Estufa agrícola e telado propiciam índice de velocidade de emergência de sementes de Physalis ixocarpa e Physalis mínima, sem distinção entre esses ambientes. Mudas de P. ixocarpa devem ser produzidas em estufa, utilizando-se como mistura de substrato, Húmus Fértil® + vermiculita expandida de textura média, ou Latossolo + vermiculita. Mudas de P. minima devem ser produzidas em mistura de Húmus Fértil® + vermiculita, sob estufa ou telado.

The use of substrates and environments is an important factor to be considered in determining the quality of germination and seedling growing of species of physalis. Given the above, the objective with this study was to evaluate the germination and early crowing of two non-conventional species of physalis, subjected to different environments and substrates. Were conducted two simultaneous experiments in the periodfrom March to May / 2014 in Unioeste, PR. The experimental design used in the first experiment was a randomized, 2x3 factorial (2 physalis species: Physalis minima, Physalis ixocarpa x 3 environments: protect environment with plastic cover of 150 µm, greenhouse with 50% of shading and full sun) blocks containing 3 replicates and 50 seeds per experimental plot. The design of the second experiment was randomized, 2x4 factorial (2 physalis species: Physalis minima, Physalis ixocarpa x 4 substrates:expanded vermiculite of medium texture + latossol, Húmus Fértil® + latossol, washed sand of fine texture +latossol and Humus Fértil® + expanded vermiculite of medium texture, in proportion 1:1 v:v) blocks containing three replicates of 32 seeds per experimental plot. Was monitored by 22 days the experiments to obtain the emergence speed index. 60 days after the sowing was evaluated seedling height, stem diameter, number of leaves, fresh and dry biomass of seedlings. We conclude that, agricultural greenhouse and greenhouse of shade net providing emergence speed index of Physalis minima and Physalis Ixocarpa without distinction between these environments. Seedlings of P. ixocarpa should be produced in agricultural greenhouse, using as substrate mix of Humus fértil® commercial substrate + expanded vermiculite or latosol + vermiculite. Seedlings of P. minima must be produced in a mixture of Humus Fértil® + vermiculite under agricultural greenhouse with or under shade net.

A reference floral transcriptome of sexual and apomictic Paspalum notatum.

BACKGROUND: Paspalum notatum Flügge is a subtropical grass native to South America, which includes sexual diploid and apomictic polyploid biotypes. In the past decade, a number of apomixis-associated genes were discovered in this species through genetic mapping and differential expression surveys. However, the scarce information on Paspalum sequences available in public databanks limited annotations and functional predictions for these candidates. RESULTS: We used a long-read 454/Roche FLX+ sequencing strategy to produce robust reference transcriptome datasets from florets of sexual and apomictic Paspalum notatum genotypes and delivered a list of transcripts showing differential representation in both reproductive types. Raw data originated from floral samples collected from premeiosis to anthesis was assembled in three libraries: i) sexual (SEX), ii) apomictic (APO) and iii) global (SEX + APO). A group of physically-supported Paspalum mRNA and EST sequences matched with high level of confidence to both sexual and apomictic libraries. A preliminary trial allowed discovery of the whole set of putative alleles/paralogs corresponding to 23 previously identified apomixis-associated candidate genes. Moreover, a list of 3,732 transcripts and several co-expression and protein -protein interaction networks associated with apomixis were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the 454/Roche FLX+ transcriptome database will allow the detailed characterization of floral alleles/paralogs of apomixis candidate genes identified in prior and future work. Moreover, it was used to reveal additional candidate genes differentially represented in apomictic and sexual flowers. Gene ontology (GO) analyses of this set of transcripts indicated that the main molecular pathways altered in the apomictic genotype correspond to specific biological processes, like biotic and abiotic stress responses, growth, development, cell death and senescence. This data collection will be of interest to the plant reproduction research community and, particularly, to Paspalum breeding projects.

A genetic approach to the rock-paper-scissors game.

Polymorphisms are usually associated with defenses and mating strategies, affecting the individual's fitness. Coexistence of different morphs is, therefore, not expected, since the fittest morph should outcompete the others. Nevertheless, coexistence is observed in many natural systems. For instance, males of the side-blotched lizards (Uta stansburiana) present three morphs with throat colors orange, yellow and blue, which are associated with mating strategies and territorial behavior. The three male morphs compete for females in a system that is well described by the rock-paper-scissors dynamics of game theory. Previous studies have modeled the lizards as hermaphroditic populations whose individual's behavior were determined only by their phenotypes. Here we consider an extension of this dynamical system where diploidy and sexual reproduction are explicitly taken into account. Similarly to the lizards we represent the genetic system by a single locus with three alleles, o, y, and b in a diploid chromosome with dominance of o over y and of y over b. We show that this genotypic description of the dynamics results in the same equilibrium phenotype frequencies as the phenotypic models, but affects the stability of the system, changing the parameter region where coexistence of the three morphs is possible in a rock-paper-scissors game.

Reproductive biology of the native forage grass Trichloris crinita (Poaceae, Chloridoideae).

Trichloris crinita is a perennial forage grass species native to arid regions of the American continent. Due to its extensive area of distribution, good forage quality and resistance to drought and grazing, this species is widely utilised as forage and for revegetation purposes in environments with low water availability. Despite its importance, genetic improvement of T. crinita has been very limited, partly as consequence of the lack of knowledge on its mode of reproduction. In the present work, we studied the reproductive biology of T. crinita by means of embryological analyses, flow cytometric seed screen (FCSS), self-compatibility tests and progeny testing with morphological and molecular markers. Cytological analyses revealed embryo sacs with eight nuclei and of Polygonum type for all T. crinita accessions analysed. FCSS histograms exhibited two clear peaks corresponding to 2C and 3C DNA content, indicating embryo sacs of sexual origin. Controlled pollination experiments designed to evaluate seed set (%) demonstrated that T. crinita is self-compatible, whereas results from morphological and simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker analysis of progeny revealed lack of outcrossing. Together, these results indicate that T. crinita reproduces sexually. It is a self-compatible and autogamous species. It is expected that these data will have a positive impact in the genetics and breeding of this species, and therefore contribute to its proper utilisation in arid regions.

Floral variation and environmental heterogeneity in a tristylous clonal aquatic of the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The balance between stochastic forces and frequency-dependent mating largely governs style morph frequencies in heterostylous populations. In clonal species, deviations from equal morph ratios often result from founder events and unfavourable conditions for sexual reproduction. The aim of this study was to investigate whether different flooding regimes, because of their influence on sexual vs. clonal reproduction, are associated with regional variation in morph frequencies and floral trait differentiation in populations of the clonal, tristylous, aquatic Eichhornia azurea (Pontederiaceae) in the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil. METHODS: Style morph frequencies were sampled from 73 populations distributed across four flooding regimes differing in depth and duration. Measurements of flower size, sex-organ dimension, pollen size and pollen production were made in selected populations, and pollinator assemblages and their functional traits were recorded. KEY RESULTS: Most populations of E. azurea were tristylous (78 %), but the majority exhibited uneven morph ratios. The frequency of the mid-styled morph was significantly lower than that of the long- and short-styled morphs. Morph evenness was positively associated with population size but not with flooding regime. There were significant phenotypic differences among flooding regimes for all floral traits, including populations with reduced flower size, sex-organ length and smaller pollen. Pollinator assemblages varied with flood duration. CONCLUSIONS: The similar morph structure and evenness of populations, regardless of flooding regime, suggest that sexual reproduction and clonal dispersal are sufficiently common to prevent the signature of founder events from dominating in a region. However, the pervasive occurrence of biased morph ratios in most populations suggests that many are in a non-equilibrium state. The reduced frequency of the mid-styled morph in trimorphic and dimorphic populations may be associated with the weak self-incompatibility of this morph resulting in selfing and inbreeding depression. Clonality in E. azurea and the weak self-incompatibility of the mid-styled morph may make it more vulnerable to geitonogamous selfing.

Body size and clonality consequences for sexual reproduction in a perennial herb of Brazilian rupestrian grasslands / Consequências do tamanho de corpo e da clonalidade para a reprodução sexuada de uma herbácea perene doa campos rupestres brasileiros

Body size is one of the most important factors regarding herbaceous perennial plants life-histories, and several fitness components of these organisms are related to size. Clonal plants show distinct kinds of reproduction and can develop offspring by sexual or asexual ways. We aimed to understand how body size affects Comanthera nivea (Eriocaulaceae) sexual reproduction and to verify how clonal growth is related to flower head production in this species. We sampled 600 rosettes in rupestrian grasslands and performed linear regression analysis between body size and number of produced flower heads. We also compared the flower head production between isolated rosettes and rosettes within clones. Our results showed that body size was significantly related, but explained only a small part of flower head production. The flower head production was higher in rosettes within clones than in isolated ones. The clones presented a rosette or a small group of rosettes that concentrated the sexual reproduction. Clonality was positively associated with sexual reproduction. Clonality can represent an important way of allowing the persistence of plants by sexual reproduction in markedly seasonal stressful environments. The cases of clonality enhancing the sexual reproduction must be considered and put in focus on reproductive biology research.

O tamanho de corpo é um dos atributos de história de vida mais importantes para plantas herbáceas perenes e muitos componentes da aptidão desses organismos são relacionados ao tamanho. As plantas clonais apresentam diferentes tipos de reprodução e podem gerar prole por vias sexuadas ou assexuadas. Nosso objetivo foi compreender como o tamanho de corpo afeta a reprodução sexual em Comanthera nivea e verificar como o crescimento clonal relaciona-se à produção de capítulos dessa espécie. Nós amostramos 600 rosetas em campos rupestres e utilizamos regressões lineares para verificar a relação entre o tamanho de corpo e o número de capítulos produzidos pela planta. Nós também comparamos a produção de capítulos entre rosetas isoladas e rosetas pertencentes a clones. Nossos resultados mostram que o tamanho de corpo tem influência positiva significativa na produção de capítulos, mas explica apenas parte da variação nos dados. A produção de capítulos é maior em rosetas pertencentes a clones que em rosetas isoladas. Os clones geralmente apresentam uma roseta, ou um grupo de rosetas, que concentra a reprodução sexual. A clonalidade apresentou ligações significativas com a reprodução sexuada. Em ambientes sazonais a clonalidade pode representar uma importante forma de persistência das plantas já que pode permitir um melhor desempenho da reprodução sexuada em vista dos estresses ambientais. Os casos nos quais a clonalidade representa uma via de melhor desempenho para a reprodução sexuada devem ser considerados e colocados em foco na pesquisa em biologia reprodutiva.

Body size and clonality consequences for sexual reproduction in a perennial herb of Brazilian rupestrian grasslands / Consequências do tamanho de corpo e da clonalidade para a reprodução sexuada de uma herbácea perene doa campos rupestres brasileiros

Body size is one of the most important factors regarding herbaceous perennial plants life-histories, and several fitness components of these organisms are related to size. Clonal plants show distinct kinds of reproduction and can develop offspring by sexual or asexual ways. We aimed to understand how body size affects Comanthera nivea (Eriocaulaceae) sexual reproduction and to verify how clonal growth is related to flower head production in this species. We sampled 600 rosettes in rupestrian grasslands and performed linear regression analysis between body size and number of produced flower heads. We also compared the flower head production between isolated rosettes and rosettes within clones. Our results showed that body size was significantly related, but explained only a small part of flower head production. The flower head production was higher in rosettes within clones than in isolated ones. The clones presented a rosette or a small group of rosettes that concentrated the sexual reproduction. Clonality was positively associated with sexual reproduction. Clonality can represent an important way of allowing the persistence of plants by sexual reproduction in markedly seasonal stressful environments. The cases of clonality enhancing the sexual reproduction must be considered and put in focus on reproductive biology research.(AU)

O tamanho de corpo é um dos atributos de história de vida mais importantes para plantas herbáceas perenes e muitos componentes da aptidão desses organismos são relacionados ao tamanho. As plantas clonais apresentam diferentes tipos de reprodução e podem gerar prole por vias sexuadas ou assexuadas. Nosso objetivo foi compreender como o tamanho de corpo afeta a reprodução sexual em Comanthera nivea e verificar como o crescimento clonal relaciona-se à produção de capítulos dessa espécie. Nós amostramos 600 rosetas em campos rupestres e utilizamos regressões lineares para verificar a relação entre o tamanho de corpo e o número de capítulos produzidos pela planta. Nós também comparamos a produção de capítulos entre rosetas isoladas e rosetas pertencentes a clones. Nossos resultados mostram que o tamanho de corpo tem influência positiva significativa na produção de capítulos, mas explica apenas parte da variação nos dados. A produção de capítulos é maior em rosetas pertencentes a clones que em rosetas isoladas. Os clones geralmente apresentam uma roseta, ou um grupo de rosetas, que concentra a reprodução sexual. A clonalidade apresentou ligações significativas com a reprodução sexuada. Em ambientes sazonais a clonalidade pode representar uma importante forma de persistência das plantas já que pode permitir um melhor desempenho da reprodução sexuada em vista dos estresses ambientais. Os casos nos quais a clonalidade representa uma via de melhor desempenho para a reprodução sexuada devem ser considerados e colocados em foco na pesquisa em biologia reprodutiva.(AU)

As interfaces entre relações de gênero, relações raciais, saúde sexual e reprodutiva: um debate a partir das ciências sociais / The interface between gender relations, race relations, sexual and reproductive health: a debate from the social sciences

Os estudos sobre saúde sexual e reprodutiva inspiram análises interdisciplinares devido à interface que o tema suscita. Nesse texto, procuro analisar as políticas públicas relacionadas ao tema a partir das perspectivas das Ciências Sociais, buscando identificar as ações governamentais no âmbito do estado do Pará. As limitações impostas por tabus e regras sociais, além de outras variáveis presentes nessas políticas públicas, mesmo estando num Estado laico, são indicadas nas discussões que ora desenvolvo. Observa-se que apesar de avanços em termos de acordos internacionais e legislação relativa aos direitos sexuais e reprodutivos, há no Brasil uma série de impedimentos ao exercício pleno desses direitos. Aspectos simbólicos relacionados ao corpo são evidentes no que se refere às práticas de contracepção e higiene. Do mesmo modo, questões relativas à masculinidade, identidade étnico-racial e orientação sexual, dentre outras, estão aquém das possibilidades de atendimento de demandas sociais. Assim, evidencia-se que as questões relacionadas à diversidade e suas interseccionalidades necessitam ser acrescentadas às agendas governamentais referentes à saúde sexual e reprodutiva.(AU)

In this text, analyze public policies related to the topic from the perspectives of the social sciences, seeking to identify the government actions in the state of Pará. The limitations imposed by taboos and social rules, and other variables present in these policies, even being a secular state, are indicated in the discussions that sometimes develop. It is observed that despite advances in international agreements and legislation on sexual and reproductive rights, in Brazil there are a number of impediments to the full exercise of those rights. Symbolic aspects related to the body are evident with regard to hygiene practices and contraception. Similarly, questions relating to masculinity, ethnic-racial identity and sexual orientation, among others, fall short of meeting social demands possibilities. Thus, it is clear that the questions related to diversity and its intersectionalities need to be added to government agendas related to sexual and reproductive health.(AU)

Este ensayo se centra en la noción de la infancia desde la fenomenología de Merleau-Ponty, centrándose en la cuestión de la imitación, incluyendo las posibles repercusiones para las discusiones en la psicología y la educación. A pesar de la escasez de la literatura contemporánea en la psicología fenomenológica, el tema de la niñez ha sido abordado clásicamente por Husserl y Merleau-Ponty. En este último caso, se observa que el fenómeno de los niños se caracterizará ligado a cuestiones de la cultura y de la libertad del niño, entendido como alguien que se asocia com el mundo, como posible para el. La adquisición del lenguaje en la infancia instan a ser considerado como una actitud de posicionamiento infantil en el mundo, y no una mera asimilación. Se concluye con la necesidad de que tanto en la psicología como en la educación, el niño sea considerado como alguien que está en el mundo y es capaz de aprender a asumir las consecuencias de esto.(AU)