Genetic diversity, phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses of Oncideres impluviata (Germar, 1823) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil

ABSTRACT The Cerambycidae Oncideres impluviata (Germar, 1823) is an important insect pest for Acacia mearnsii De Wild in Southern Brazil. The damage caused by their girdling behavior reduces tree productivity, specially in the early years of plant establishment, when girdling is performed on the main trunk of trees. Here, we used a fragment of the mtDNA COI gene to analyze the genetic diversity, population structure and demography of O. impluviata in Southern Brazil, as well as to present the first hypothesis of phylogenetic relationships among species of the genus Oncideres. Our results identified five distinct haplotypes among the populations of O. impluviata, with the most common haplotype identified as O.imp_COI_01. The phylogenetic inferences corroborated the monophyly of O. impluviata with maximum statistical support. In addition, the phylogeny recovered three main population strains that are largely congruent with the haplotype network, which includes two lineages that are found in different edaphic regions of Rio Grande do Sul (Serra do Sudeste and Encosta Inferior do Nordeste). This is the first molecular phylogenetic assessment of O. impluviata. Our findings provide insights into the evolution of a significant species for the Brazilian forestry sector, as well as new resources for planning of pest management strategies.

Infestation of Mangroves by the Invasive Moth Hyblaea puera (Cramer, 1777)(Lepidoptera: Hyblaeidae)

Abstract We report the first known infestation of mangroves by the invasive moth Hyblaea puera in Paraná, Southern Brazil. The infestation caused massive defoliation of Avicennia schaueriana trees, affecting approximately 20,000 hectares of mangroves. We discuss the implications for conservation and management, focusing on protected areas, the ecology of mangroves, and local livelihoods.

A new species of Euricrium Enderlein from southern Brazil, new records for E. varians (Lane), a new combination, and a key for the Neotropical species of the genus.

A new species of the genus Euricrium is described-Euricrium edwardsi sp. n.-from the State of Paraná, southern Brazil. Additional material of E. varians is identified and illustrated, expanding the known distribution of the species. E. unimacula (Lane), n.com. is redescribed based on the female holotype and illustrated, and formally transferred to Euricrium. A key for the Neotropical species of Euricrium is presented and comments are made on the known diversity of the genus.

Genetic variability and population structure of Salvia lachnostachys: implications for breeding and conservation programs.

The genetic diversity and population structure of Salvia lachnostachys Benth were assessed. Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) molecular markers were used to investigate the restricted distribution of S. lachnostachys in Parana State, Brazil. Leaves of 73 individuals representing three populations were collected. DNA was extracted and submitted to PCR-ISSR amplification with nine tested primers. Genetic diversity parameters were evaluated. Our analysis indicated 95.6% polymorphic loci (stress value 0.02) with a 0.79 average Simpson's index. The Nei-Li distance dendrogram and principal component analysis largely recovered the geographical origin of each sample. Four major clusters were recognized representing each collected population. Nei's gene diversity and Shannon's information index were 0.25 and 0.40 respectively. As is typical for outcrossing herbs, the majority of genetic variation occurred at the population level (81.76%). A high gene flow (Nm = 2.48) was observed with a correspondingly low fixation index. These values were generally similar to previous studies on congeneric species. The results of principal coordinate analysis (PCA) and of arithmetic average (UPGMA) were consistent and all three populations appear distinct as in STRUCTURE analysis. In addition, this analysis indicated a majority intrapopulation genetic variation. Despite the human pressure on natural populations our study found high levels of genetic diversity for S. lachnostachys. This was the first molecular assessment for this endemic species with medicinal proprieties and the results can guide for subsequent bioprospection, breeding programs or conservation actions.

Differentiation of repetitive DNA sites and sex chromosome systems reveal closely related group in Parodontidae (Actinopterygii: Characiformes).

Parodon and Apareiodon lack sufficiently consistent morphological traits to be considered a monophyletic group in Parodontidae. Species within this family are either sex-homomorphic or sex-heteromorphic (i.e., lacking a differentiated sex chromosome system, ZZ/ZW or ZZ/ZW(1)W(2)). In this study, a DNA fragment from the heterochromatin segment of the W chromosome of Apareiodon ibitiensis (named WAp) was microdissected and used for in situ mapping of nine Parodontidae species. The species were also characterized using a satellite DNA probe (pPh2004). The species were phylogenetically clustered according to 17 characters, which were examined by both classical and molecular cytogenetic techniques. Given the present results, the single ZZ/ZW sex chromosome system seems to have been derived from a paracentric inversion of a terminal WAp site onto the proximal regions of the short arms of a metacentric chromosome pair, followed by WAp site amplification. We reason that these events restrained recombination and favored differentiation of the W chromosome in some species. Moreover, co-hybridization experiments targeting the WAp and pPh2004 repetitive DNA sites of A. affinis suggest that the ZZ/ZW(1)W(2) sex chromosomes of this species may have arisen from a translocation between the proto-sex chromosome and an autosome. Our phylogenetic analysis corroborates the hypothesis of sex chromosome differentiation and establishes groups of closely related species. The phylogenetic reorganization in response to these new data supports the presence of internal monophyletic groups within Parodontidae.

A new focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the central area of Paraná State, southern Brazil.

We report a new endemic zone of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in the central area of the State of Paraná (Municipality of Prudentópolis), in southern Brazil. This region was not previously considered endemic for CL, and this work constitutes the first report of CL endemicity there. Leishmaniasis was confirmed by smear, culture, and ELISA. Parasites were isolated and identified by random amplification of polymorphic DNA (PCR-RAPD). Phylogeographical analysis, based on two different criteria, was able to distinguish between RAPD profiles from different geographical regions. In total, 100 patients were diagnosed with leishmaniasis by culture and serology methods. The reported incidence rate was 4.32%. Of the 100 patients, 92% of the patients had single lesions, and 79.98% of these lesions were located on their limbs. The fact that 61% of patients were male rural workers points to an extradomiciliar type of transmission. In houses where human leishmaniasis was diagnosed, 29% of the dogs presented anti-Leishmania antibodies. A total of 1663 phlebotomines, representing 5 species, were captured in the studied area with CDC-like light minitraps. Lutzomyia intermedia s.l. was the most prevalent species (94.40%). The isolated parasites were grouped with Leishmania (V.) braziliensis. The epidemiological implications are discussed in the present article.