Use of Wing Geometric Morphometric Analysis and mtDNA to Identify Africanization of Apis mellifera in the Central Highlands of Ecuador.

Seventy-five samples were collected from 15 beehives in the central highlands of Ecuador (Tungurahua-Chimborazo) to assess Africanization in managed bee populations using wing geometric morphometric and mitochondrial DNA analyses. The results indicated that when grouping the apiaries based on altitudinal floors into 2600-2800, 2801-3000, and 3001-3274 m above sea level, differences (p < 0.001) were observed. The morphotypes were similar in the first two floors, but the third indicated that altitude plays a crucial role in the differentiation of populations. When comparing with the pure subspecies, we found differences (p < 0.001); the nearest Mahalanobis distance was for Apis mellifera scutellata (D2 = 3.51), with 95.8% Africanization via father in the area. The maternal origin of all patterns belonged to lineage A (A. m. scutellata), with seven haplotypes. The most frequent haplotypes were A26 and A1; however, the A1q haplotype was not detected at the national level or in nearby countries. The identified haplotypes do not coincide with A4, which is predominant in South Africa and Brazil. The results indicate a double origin due to their presence in North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. The formation of specific morphological groups within ecoregions is suggested.

Striking genetic homogeneity in the widespread South American bracken.

PREMISE: Bracken (Pteridium, Dennstaedtiaceae) is a cosmopolitan genus of aggressive disturbance colonizers that are toxic to agricultural livestock. The taxonomy of Pteridium has been treated in multiple schemes, ranging from one to six species worldwide, with numerous subspecies and varieties. Recent work has focused on the worldwide distribution and systematics of the bracken fern, but South America has been poorly represented. We present the first continent-wide sampling and analysis of Pteridium esculentum, a Southern Hemisphere diploid species. METHODS: Within South America, P. esculentum has several morphotypes, distinguished into subspecies by variation in indument and lamina architecture. We used double digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRADSeq) to assess the phylogenetic relationships of P. esculentum subspecies. RESULTS: We found a striking genetic homogeneity in the species, being able to support only two morphotypes from molecular data: P. e. arachnoideum and P. e. campestre. We had high confidence for shallow and deep phylogenetic relationships, but less support for relationships among crown groups. CONCLUSIONS: We describe an east-west geographic pattern that would explain the relationships between populations; and, in contrast to previous studies, we detected differences with P. esculentum from Australia. These results will lay the foundations for studying variations in this species' behavior as a weed, as well as its impact on the production of agricultural livestock in South America.

Linking Acrosome Size and Genetic Divergence in an Inter-Oceanic Mussel from the Pacific and Atlantic Coasts: A Case of Incipient Speciation?

In recent years, advances in analyses of the sperm morphology and genetics of Perumytilus purpuratus have allowed to two evolutionary scenarios for this mussel to be suggested: (1) the scenario of cryptic species and (2) the scenario of incipient or in progress speciation. For a better understanding of the evolutionary history of P. purpuratus, we performed extensive sampling along a latitudinal gradient of ca. 7180 km of coastline-from the Southern Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean-and we delved deeper into the sperm morphology of P. purpuratus, exploring its association with the phylogeny and population genetics to determine whether the variability in sperm traits between the northern and southern regions was a signal of cryptic or incipient species. Overall, our results showed that sperm sizes were strongly correlated with the genetic structure in males of P. purpuratus. We identified at 37° S on the Pacific coast a coincident break of both sperm size and genetic disruption that can be explained by historical events and postglacial recolonization as causal phenomena for the observed divergences. Furthermore, evidence of genetic admixture between lineages was found at 38° S, suggesting the presence of an introgressive hybridization zone and incomplete reproductive isolation in an in fraganti or incipient speciation process.

Structural and histochemical approach to the fruit and seed diversity of Cyperaceae in an evolutionary context.

KEY MESSAGE: The Cyperaceae fruit consistency depends on the mesocarp. Seed structure is diverse and related to the evolutionary history of their species. A new storage tissue is described for Cyperaceae. Anatomy and histochemistry of Cyperaceae fruits (including seeds) are poorly known due to their hard, isolating tissues that prevent anatomical techniques. We performed the first, most comprehensive structural diversity characterisation of fruit and seed in Cyperaceae, accompanied by an unprecedented histochemical characterisation of seeds for this family. We analysed fruits of 29 species, included in 19 genera and 12 tribes within the subfamilies Cyperoideae and Mapanioideae, using light microscopy. Cyperaceae fruits have a pericarp with a one-cell-layered exocarp and endocarp, and a multi-cell-layered mesocarp. The mesocarp of the Mapanioideae has a spongy-fleshy outer region and a hard inner region. The mesocarp of the Cyperoideae has only a hard region. The pericarp is free from the seed coat. Cyperaceae seeds have a three-layered seed coat, an embryo with haustorial function of its scutellum, and two storage tissues: the endosperm and a putative perisperm. Nine seed morphotypes and four seed subtypes were observed among the studied species. Our results suggested that the fruit consistency is determined by the mesocarp. Both the terms "nut" and "achene" should be accepted to refer to the dry fruit of the Cyperaceae until a widely accepted fruit classification for angiosperms is proposed. The Cyperaceae seed structural diversity is high and related to the evolutionary history of the species. The "perisperm" is a new tissue proposed for sedge seeds, and is here characterized for the first time. The seed coat has a different structure than the one described so far for the family.

Microglia in Circumventricular Organs: The Pineal Gland Example.

The circumventricular organs (CVOs) are unique areas within the central nervous system. They serve as a portal for the rest of the body and, as such, lack a blood-brain barrier. Microglia are the primary resident immune cells of the brain parenchyma. Within the CVOs, microglial cells find themselves continuously challenged and stimulated by local and systemic stimuli, even under steady-state conditions. Therefore, CVO microglia in their typical state often resemble the activated microglial forms found elsewhere in the brain as they are responding to pathological conditions or other stressors. In this review, I focus on the dynamics of CVO microglia, using the pineal gland as a specific CVO example. Data related to microglia heterogeneity in both homeostatic and unhealthy environments are presented and discussed, including those recently generated by using advanced single-cell and single-nucleus technology. Finally, perspectives in the CVO microglia field are also included.Summary StatementMicroglia in circumventricular organs (CVOs) continuously adapt to react differentially to the diverse challenges they face. Herein, I discuss microglia heterogeneity in CVOs, including pineal gland. Further studies are needed to better understand microglia dynamics in these unique brain areas. .

Close-Range Thermography and Reflectance Spectroscopy Support In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization of Colletotrichum spp. Isolates from Mango Fruits.

Colletotrichum causing anthracnose in mango is known for its variable virulence that may have an effect on disease development and efficacy of management strategies. In this study, we characterized Colletotrichum spp. isolated from mango fruits under in vitro and in vivo conditions using close-range thermography and reflectance spectroscopy. Twenty-six isolates were phylogenetically characterized to ascertain species using the internal transcribed spacer sequence. Virulence, spectral (in vivo and in vitro), and thermographic responses (in vivo) of these isolates were analyzed. Isolates were grouped into the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides species complex and classified into eight morphotypes. Mycelial growth, conidia production, sporulation abundance, and area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) varied largely among isolates. Disease symptoms were observed 4 days after inoculation (dai), and, for most morphotypes, changes in tissue temperature were registered at 11 dai, with the greatest decrease at 14 dai with pathogen sporulation. In vitro and in vivo morphotypes shared changes in the spectrum range, and main variations were found in the number of informative spectral bands. In vivo average gross reflectance was higher in disease-inoculated tissue than in healthy uninoculated tissue. Morphotype responses varied depending on AUDPC values and postinoculation time. Discriminant analysis of the spectral response using principal component analysis and partial least squares regression explained 94 to 96.3 and 98 to 99.9% of the variance from in vitro and in vivo tests, respectively. Spectral markers were obtained for four distinct morphotype groups. We found three (550 to 650, 650.1 to 790, and 1,300 to 1,400 nm) and two (520 to 830 and 1,100 to 1,450 nm) regions with highly (P < 0.05) discriminant spectral bands for diseased fruits and morphotype characterization.

Claws and toepads in mainland and island Anolis (Squamata: Dactyloidae): Different adaptive radiations with intersectional morphospatial zones.

Anolis lizards have evolved morphologies in response to different selective factors related to microhabitat use. Morphological diversity exhibits evolutionary patterns that reveal similarities and unique regional traits among the mainland and island environments and among Greater Antilles and Lesser Antilles islands. In the Greater Antilles and mainland environments anole species are classified into morphological/ecological groups, that are known as morphotypes (mainland) or ecomorphs (Greater Antilles). Morphotypes are defined only with morphological information; in contrast, for ecomorph assignment both morphology and ethology are required. For mainland species distributed in northwestern South America 10 morphotypes were proposed to include the morphological diversity of 59 species. We obtained data from body size, limbs length, tail length, and the number of lamellae for an additional ten species occurring in the same region and assigned them into morphotypes. We also collected data of the claw and toepad diversity of mainland and island Anolis from northwestern South America and compared it to the claw and toepads morphology recorded for the Greater Antilles and Lesser Antilles islands, under a phylogenetic framework. We found new island morphotypes (MT11-MT13) of Anolis from northwestern South America. When comparing claws and toepads morphology among the 13 morphotypes we found that morphological variation of these traits partially corresponds to morphotype groups. For instance, habitat specialist species like Anolis heterodermus, classified in morphotype 4 (MT4), have a characteristic design of broad toepad and reduced claws, and non-unique design of toepads and claws occurs in morphotypes MT1, MT2, MT5, MT10, and MT13. We also compared claws and toepads of fore and hindlimbs within the same individual, and found that even if limbs show differences in claws and toepads, suggesting that they perform differential biomechanical function, the degree of within individual variation is specific and not related to morphotype assignment. Our data supported the convergent and unique regional evolution among mainland and island anoles, and revealed aspects of correlative evolution of functional traits of claws and toepads that probably are related to minor differences in microhabitat use among mainland and island species, as suggested by previously published literature. Lastly, the evolutionary pattern of morphological diversity of claws and toepads of Anolis in the mainland and island environment supports both unique regional traits and common selective and historical factors that have molded Anolis morphological diversity.

Bacterial Morphotypes as Important Trait for Uropathogenic E. coli Diagnostic; a Virulence-Phenotype-Phylogeny Study.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) belong to the most common pathologies in Mexico and are mainly caused by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). UPEC possesses a wide diversity of virulence factors that allow it to carry out its pathogenesis mechanism in the urinary tract (UT). The development of morphotypes in UT represents an important feature of UPEC because it is associated with complications in diagnosis of UTI. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of bacterial morphotypes, virulence genes, virulence phenotypes, antibiotic resistant, and phylogenetic groups in clinical isolates of UPEC obtained from women in Sonora, Mexico. Forty UPEC isolates were obtained, and urine morphotypes were observed in 65% of the urine samples from where E. coli was isolated. Phylogenetic group B2 was the most prevalent. The most frequent virulence genes were fimH (100%), fliCD (90%), and sfaD/focC (72%). Biofilm formation (100%) and motility (98%) were the most prevalent phenotypes. Clinical isolates showed high resistance to aminoglycosides and ß-lactams antibiotics. These data suggest that the search for morphotypes in urine sediment must be incorporated in the urinalysis procedure and also that clinical isolates of UPEC in this study can cause upper, lower, and recurrent UTI.

Morphotype and haplotype identification of Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae), and its importance for apiculture in Nicaragua.

The ectoparasite Varroa (Acari: Varroidae) is considered to be the main pest of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) in Nicaragua. The aim of this study was to determine morphotypes and mitochondrial haplotypes of the Varroa mites, related to infestation levels in A. mellifera hives in Nicaragua in a cross-sectional study (2013-2016). Samples were taken from 34 sentinel apiaries in five geographical zones; from 713 Varroa females collected during the study, 153 were selected for measurement of various morphometric characters for further classification into morphotypes. The mitochondrial haplotype was assigned to one of the two (Korean or Japanese), using the restriction by SacI of the PCR product of a fragment of the gene CO-I. Morphometric measurement and sequencing revealed the affiliation to the species Varroa destructor with a mean (± SD) body width of 1699.1 ± 60.2 µm and a body length of 1161.1 ± 34.9 µm. Body characters were significantly different among the 34 apiaries. Varroa destructor samples were classified into four morphotypes, with no significant differences in the geographical zones. As GAGCTC SacI enzyme cleavage sequences were not observed, all PCR products were identified as V. destructor Korean haplotype. The CO-I gene nucleotide sequences from two samples V. destructor showed both 100% similarity with the Korean haplotype and 99.8% similarity to the Japanese haplotype. Although the V. destructor mite was identified as a Korean haplotype, host-parasite association in 2 decades has led into a balance without entering into severe losses in the Nicaraguan apiculture.

Phytochemical analysis and evaluation of antioxidant and antimycobacterial activity of Colletia paradoxa from Brazil.

Colletia paradoxa (Spreng.) Esc. (Rhamnaceae, Colletieae) is a medicinal plant, threatened with extinction in Brazil, presenting great morphological variability. Our objective is to investigate the phytochemical components, antioxidant capacity and antimycobacterial activity of different morphotypes of C. paradoxa in different environments. For this, the crude extract of the leaves and branches of the individuals sampled was used. The elimination capacity of the free radicals was determined by the DPPH method, the antimycobacterial activity by the broth microdilution method and the phenolic content by the spectrophotometric method using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and by HPLC. The extracts of C. paradoxa and its morphotypes showed significant amounts of phenolic compounds, including quercetin, quercitrin and rutin, besides considerable antioxidant and antimycobacterial activity No connection was detected between the phytochemical composition and different morphotypes of C. paradoxa.

Chemical composition of the leaf oils from two morphotypes of Psidium cattleyanum at four phenological stages.

The chemical composition of volatile oil extracted from leaves of two morphotypes of Psidium cattleyanum Sabine from southern Brazil was evaluated at four phenological stages. In addition, plant material was evaluated at four different locations of the Planalto Serrano Region of Santa Catarina state, Brazil. Major components found were: 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, α-eudesmol, (E)-caryophyllene and p-cymene in red morphotype whereas 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, myrcene, (E)-caryophyllene and valerianol were found in the yellow morphotype. The differences observed in the chemical composition in red and yellow morphotypes may help in the differentiation between the two morphotypes in the absence of fruits. Also, important differences were observed mainly for 1,8-cineole and α-pinene percentage at different phenological stages.

Geographic distribution of sex chromosome polymorphism in Anastrepha fraterculus sp. 1 from Argentina.

BACKGROUND: Anastrepha fraterculus is recognized as a quarantine pest in several American countries. This fruit fly species is native to the American continent and distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions. It has been reported as a complex of cryptic species, and at least eight morphotypes have been described. Only one entity of this complex, formerly named Anastrepha fraterculus sp. 1, is present in Argentina. Previous cytogenetic studies on this morphotype described the presence of sex chromosome variation identified by chromosomal size and staining patterns. In this work, we expanded the cytological study of this morphotype by analyzing laboratory strains and wild populations to provide information about the frequency and geographic distribution of these sex chromosome variants. We analyzed the mitotic metaphases of individuals from four laboratory strains and five wild populations from the main fruit-producing areas of Argentina, including the northwest (Tucumán and La Rioja), northeast (Entre Ríos and Misiones), and center (Buenos Aires) of the country. RESULTS: In wild samples, we observed a high frequency of X1X1 (0.94) and X1Y5 (0.93) karyomorphs, whereas X1X2 and X1Y6 were exclusively found at a low frequency in Buenos Aires (0.07 and 0.13, respectively), Entre Ríos (0.16 and 0.14, respectively) and Tucumán (0.03 and 0.04, respectively). X2X2 and X2Y5 karyomorphs were not found in wild populations but were detected at a low frequency in laboratory strains. In fact, karyomorph frequencies differed between wild populations and laboratory strains. No significant differences among A. fraterculus wild populations were evidenced in either karyotypic or chromosomal frequencies. However, a significant correlation was observed between Y5 chromosomal frequency and latitude. CONCLUSIONS: We discuss the importance of cytogenetics to understand the possible route of invasion and dispersion of this pest in Argentina and the evolutionary forces acting under laboratory conditions, possibly driving changes in the chromosomal frequencies. Our findings provide deep and integral genetic knowledge of this species, which has become of relevance to the characterization and selection of valuable A. fraterculus sp. 1 strains for mass rearing production and SIT implementation.

ESTUDIOS MORFO-ANATÓMICOS, CITOGENÉTICOS Y MOLECULARES EN Talinum (TALINACEAE): UNA NUEVA ENTIDAD PARA EL NOROESTE ARGENTINO / Morfo-anatomical, cytogenetic and molecular studies in Talinum (TALINACEAE): a new entity from the northwest of Argentina

RESUMEN Talinum paniculatum es una hierba adventicia ampliamente distribuida en Argentina, que tiene importancia económica como maleza de cultivos resistente a herbicidas. Esta especie se presenta en el campo con dos morfotipos y ellos se distinguen por la forma, tamaño y color de sus flores, frutos y hojas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar las características morfo-anatómicas (de hoja y tallo), citogenéticas y moleculares en dos morfotipos de la provincia de Tucumán (Argentina), y establecer diferencias entre ellos. Se utilizaron técnicas morfo-anatómicas y citogenéticas clásicas y se realizaron análisis moleculares con el marcador ITS2. Los resultados evidencian que las características morfológicas, anatómicas, citogenéticas y moleculares de Talinum paniculatum permitieron diferenciar los morfotipos MT1 y MT2. Se concluye que el MT1 corresponde a T. paniculatum y el MT2 a un taxón diferente que aún no se mencionó para la flora de Argentina.

ABSTRACT Talinum paniculatum is an adventitious herb widely distributed in the Argentina. This plant is considered as an economically important herbicide-resistant weed. This species shows two morphotypes in the field which are differentiated by shape, size and colour of their flowers leaves and fruits. The aims of this work were to determinate morpho-anatomical (leave and stem), cytogenetic and molecular traits of two morphotypes from Tucumán province (Argentina) and to establish differences between them. Classical morpho-anatomical and cytogenetic techniques were used, molecular analysis based on the ITS2 marker were performed. The results showed that morphological, anatomical, cytogenetic and molecular traits of T. paniculatum allow us to differentiate the MT1 and MT2 morphotypes. We concluded that MT1 match with T. paniculatum and MT2 is a different taxon still not described for the flora of Argentina.

The lacrimal/ectethmoid region of waterfowl (Aves, Anseriformes): Phylogenetic signal and major evolutionary patterns.

Waterfowl (Aves, Anseriformes) constitute an ancient global radiation, and understanding the pattern and timing of their evolution requires a well-corroborated phylogeny including extant species and fossils. Following the molecular advances in avian systematics, however, morphology has often been held as misleading, yet congruence with molecular data has been shown to vary considerably among different skeletal parts. Here, we explore phylogenetic signal in discrete characters of the lacrimal/ectethmoid region of waterfowl, which is highly variable among species and constitutes a rich source of data. We do so by combining cladistic and multivariate approaches, and using phylogenetic comparative methods. We quantitatively recognize three major morphological types among lacrimal bones, and discuss homoplasy and potential synapomorphies of major clades using a molecular backbone tree. Our results clearly indicate that the lacrimal bone carries substantial phylogenetic signal and could be of systematic value at different levels of the phylogeny of waterfowl, feeding the exploration of other regions of the skull with this combined approach.

Modeling cyanobacterial blooms in tropical reservoirs: The role of physicochemical variables and trophic interactions.

Understanding the importance of environmental variables on the dominance of cyanobacteria is crucial for appropriately managing water resources. Although studies about temperate and subtropical regions show a high influence of nutrients and temperature on blooms, this relationship is still unclear for the tropics. Accordingly, we hypothesized that nutrients and temperature are the main factors driving cyanobacterial blooms in tropical reservoirs, and those relationships are intensified by the zooplankton. To test these hypotheses, we constructed a structural equation model based on the monitoring of ten reservoirs from Northeast Brazil. We analyzed the effects of physicochemical variables and zooplankton on cyanobacterial blooms and the biomass of four morphotypes. Cyanobacterial biomass varied within the reservoirs, with bloom records (0.2-268.4 mg L-1) in all of them, primarily constituted by the colonial morphotype, followed by picocyanobacteria, heterocyted, and non-heterocyted filaments. The cyanobacterial community was driven mainly by chemical variables (55.14% of the variation), followed by physical (48.28%), and zooplankton (39.47%). Through the structural equation model, we demonstrated that total cyanobacterial biomass, as well as the morphotypes, were mainly influenced by omnivorous crustaceans and total dissolved phosphorus. Solar radiation, air temperature, mixing zone, and salinity were important to explain the biomass of the morphotypes. The model explained most of the variation in the picocyanobacterial blooms (79.8%), followed by total cyanobacteria (62.4%), heterocyted filaments (59.1%), non-heterocyted filaments (58.2%), and coccoids (55.1%). Zooplankton groups were also influenced by the physicochemical variables, which presented direct and indirect effects on cyanobacteria. Given the predictions of increased eutrophication, warming, and salinization, cyanobacterial blooms will become more intense in tropical reservoirs. Thus, restoring measures must be adopted to reduce bloom development, such as external phosphorus and salt loadings, and biomanipulation.

Appendicular morphology and locomotor performance of two morphotypes of continental anoles: Anolis heterodermus and Anolis tolimensis.

Anolis lizards have been a model of study in ecomorphology in the Caribbean islands because species with the same type of microhabitat share similar morphological features. But despite their great diversity, little is known about continental species. We analyzed the relationship between the anatomical characteristics of the appendicular skeleton and the locomotor performance of two Anolis species found in Colombia that have different use of habitat. Anolis heterodermus, a strictly arboreal species, was compared with Anolis tolimensis, which inhabits the lower strata of vegetation. These two species differ in their body plan not only in body shape and external morphological features, but also in the skeleton and appendicular musculature. The results highlight the muscle and bone specializations associated with the use of habitat in this genus, such as the presence of more robust bones to enlarge the surface of muscle insertion, the thickening and loss of carpal parts, thickening of tendons associated with the manus, and greater development of muscle mass in the forelimbs by A. heterodermus with respect to A. tolimensis. These differences are related to the use of the microhabitat and the locomotor style of each species.

Identificación del agente causal de la pudrición parda en frutos de duraznero (Prunus pérsica, L. Batsch) en Boyacá / Identification of the causal agent of brown rot in fruits of peach trees (Prunus pérsica, L. Batsch) in Boyacá / Identificação do agente causal da podridão parda em frutos de pessegueiro (Prunus pérsica, L. Batsch) em Boyacá

Resumen La enfermedad fungosa más limitante del duraznero (Prunus pérsica, L. Batsch) en Colombia es la pudrición parda, Monilia spp., que afecta flores, brotes y frutos, causando pérdidas hasta del 80%. El objetivo de la investigación fue identificar el patógeno asociado a pudrición parda en cuatro variedades: Dorado, Rubidoux, Diamante y Rey negro en el departamento de Boyacá. El estudio inicio con la colecta de frutos enfermos en Jenesano, Paipa, Tuta, Sotaquirá y Nuevo Colón. En laboratorio se realizó la obtención, aislamiento y purificación de los hongos presentes. Se realizó también caracterización morfológica de las colonias y conidias sobre cultivos monospóricos y caracterización molecular mediante amplificación por PCR del ADN ribosomal empleando iniciadores ITS4 e ITS5. Se obtuvieron 32 aislamientos del género Monilia y se identificaron tres especies presentes en la zona muestreada: Monilia fructícola, Monilia fructígena y Monilia laxa, en 62,5%, 25% y 12,5%, respectivamente. En la amplificación de la región ribosomal se observaron diferencias entre las dos primeras especies, en el tamaño de las bases amplificadas, siendo M. fructicola de 550 pb y M. fructigena de 545pb. Este trabajo contribuye a la caracterización de las especies de Monilia que afectan al duraznero en varias regiones del departamento de Boyacá.

Abstract The most limiting fungal disease in peach crop (Prunus pérsica, L. Batsch) in Colombia is brown rot, Monilia spp., that affects flowers, buds and fruits, with economic losses of up to 80%. The objective of this work was to identify the pathogen associated with the brown rot in four varieties: Dorado, Rubidoux, Diamante and Rey Negro in Boyacá department. The study started collecting symptomatic fruits in Jenesano, Paipa, Tuta, Sotaquirá and Nuevo Colón. In laboratory were obtained, isolated and purified the fungi present. Also morphological characterization of colonies and conidia were done on monosporic cultures and molecular characterization through PCR amplification of the ribosomal DNA using ITS4 and ITS5 primers. It were obtained 32 isolates of Monilia and three species were identified in the sampled area: Monilia fructícola, Monilia fructígena and Monilia laxa, in a 62.5%, 25% and 12.5%, respectively. In the amplification of the ribosomal region, differences could be observed between the first two species, in the size of the amplified bases, being M. fructicola of 550 bp and M. fructigena of 545 bp. This work contributes to the characterization of the Monilia species that affect the peach tree in several regions of Boyaca's department.

Resumo O mais limitante pêssego doença fúngica (Prunus persica L. Batsch) na Colômbia é o da podridão castanha, Monilia spp., Afectando flores, botões e frutos, causando uma perda de até 80%. O objetivo da pesquisa foi identificar o patógeno associado à podridão parda em quatro variedades: Dorado, Rubidoux, Diamante e Rey negro no departamento de Boyacá. O estudo começou com a coleta de frutas doentes em Jenesano, Paipa, Tuta, Sotaquirá e Nuevo Colón. No laboratório foi realizada a obtenção, isolamento e purificação dos fungos presentes. Caracterização morfológica das colónias e conídios em culturas de esporos e caracterização molecular também foi realizado por amplificação por PCR utilizando iniciadores de ADN ribossomal e ITS4 ITS5. 32 isolados foram obtidos género Monilia e três espécies presentes na área amostrada identificado: Monilia fructicola Monilia laxa, Monilia fructigena e em 62,5%, 25% e 12,5%, respectivamente. Na amplificação da região ribossomais diferenças entre as duas primeiras espécies que foram observados no tamanho das bases amplificados, sendo 550bp M. fructicola e M. fructigena de 545pb. Este trabalho contribui para a caracterização das espécies de Monilia que afetam o pessegueiro em diversas regiões do departamento de Boyacá

Diversity of springtails (Collembola) in agricultural and forest systems in Southern Santa Catarina / Diversidade de colêmbolos (Collembola) em sistemas agrícolas e florestais no Sul de Santa Catarina

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of soil use on the morphological diversity of springtails and to verify the relationship of these organisms with soil physical, chemical, and microbiological properties. Samples were collected in the Southern region of Santa Catarina, involving three municipalities: Orleans, Lauro Müller, and Siderópolis, in the land use systems (LUS) of native forest (NF), Eucalyptus plantation (EP), pasture (PA), integrated crop-livestock (ICL), and no-tillage (NT). Soil samples to determine edaphic properties and pitfall traps were collected in winter and summer, in the same areas. The collected springtails were counted and morphotyped and the data were analyzed through abundance, Shannon-Wiener diversity (H') and Margalef index, Simpson dominance index (D), Pielou evenness index (J), morphotype richness, and Principal Components Analysis (PCA). Springtails morphotypes were influenced by the management conditions of each system, especially the impact of LUS on these organisms depends on the intensity of the forest/agricultural practices used, including crop rotation and soil preparation.

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência do uso do solo na diversidade morfológica de colêmbolos e verificar a relação destes organismos com os atributos físicos, químicos e microbiológicos do solo. Foram coletadas amostras na região Sul de Santa Catarina, envolvendo três municípios: Orleans, Lauro Müller e Siderópolis, nos sistemas de uso do solo (SUS) de floresta nativa (FN), reflorestamento de eucalipto (RE), pastagem perene (PA), integração lavoura-pecuária (ILP) e plantio direto (PD). As coletas de solo para determinação dos atributos edáficos e a instalação de armadilhas de queda, foram realizadas no inverno e verão, nos mesmos pontos. Os colêmbolos coletados foram contados e morfotipados e os dados foram analisados por meio da abundância, diversidade de Shannon-Wiener (H') e Margalef, índice de dominância de Simpson (D), uniformidade de Pielou (J), riqueza de morfotipos e Análise de Componentes Principais (ACP). Os morfotipos de Collembola foram influenciados pelas condições de manejo de cada sistema, sobretudo o impacto dos SUS nesses organismos depende da intensidade das práticas florestais/agrícolas utilizadas, incluindo rotações culturais e preparo do solo.

Plasticity in the shape and growth pattern of asteriscus otolith of black prochilodus Prochilodus nigricans (Teleostei: Characiformes: Prochilodontidae) freshwater Neotropical migratory fish

Using morphometric measurements and wavelets functions, the asterisci otoliths of curimatã, Prochilodus nigricans were analysed to identify the variation in shape and growth increment of individuals from Solimões, Japurá and Negro rivers of the Amazon basin, Brazil. The morphometric and morphological analyses did not reveal evidences of population segregation among rivers, but variations were found in the estimation of otolith growth increment. Also, the otolith shape showed a high variability between individuals, identifying four morphotypes. Morphotype 1 shows a more oval shape with a posterior zone clearly rounded; Morphotype 2 shows the posterior zone rounded, but the anterior end is more elongated; Morphotype 3 shows a completely different shape, elliptic-pentagonal and Morphotype 4 shows the posterior zone rounded, but the anterior end is more elongated and it is the pattern with antirostrum and rostrum more pointed and a deep notch. Therefore, the otolith shape exhibited a phenotypic plasticity that it was not associated with the metabolism of otolith growth. Whereas the otolith shape indicated a homogeneity in the sound perception through Amazon basin, the growth rates revealed an adaptive mechanism to environmental conditions or migratory process of this species.(AU)

Medidas e funções wavelets dos otólitos asteriscus de curimatã, Prochilodus nigricans foram analisados para identificar a variação da forma e do incremento de crescimento dos indivíduos dos rios Solimões, Japurá e Negro da bacia Amazônica, Brasil. As análises morfométricas e morfológicas não revelaram evidências de segregação populacional entre os rios, mas foram encontradas variações na estimativa do incremento do crescimento dos otólitos. Além disso, a forma do otólito mostrou uma alta variabilidade entre os indivíduos, identificando quatro morfotipos. O Morfotipo 1 mostra uma forma mais oval, com zona posterior levemente arredondada; Morfotipo 2 mostra a zona posterior arredondada, mas a extremidade anterior é mais alongada; Morfotipo 3 mostra uma forma completamente diferente, elíptico-pentagonal e Morfotipo 4 mostra a zona posterior arredondada, mas a extremidade anterior mais alongada e ele tem padrão com antirostrum e rostrum mais pontiagudos e abertura profunda. Portanto, a forma do otólito exibiu uma plasticidade fenotípica que não foi associada ao metabolismo do crescimento do otólito. No entanto a forma do otólito indicou uma homogeneidade através da percepção do som na bacia Amazônica, e as taxas de crescimento revelaram um mecanismo adaptativo às condições ambientais ou ao processo migratório da espécie.(AU)

Plasticity in the shape and growth pattern of asteriscus otolith of black prochilodus Prochilodus nigricans (Teleostei: Characiformes: Prochilodontidae) freshwater Neotropical migratory fish

Using morphometric measurements and wavelets functions, the asterisci otoliths of curimatã, Prochilodus nigricans were analysed to identify the variation in shape and growth increment of individuals from Solimões, Japurá and Negro rivers of the Amazon basin, Brazil. The morphometric and morphological analyses did not reveal evidences of population segregation among rivers, but variations were found in the estimation of otolith growth increment. Also, the otolith shape showed a high variability between individuals, identifying four morphotypes. Morphotype 1 shows a more oval shape with a posterior zone clearly rounded; Morphotype 2 shows the posterior zone rounded, but the anterior end is more elongated; Morphotype 3 shows a completely different shape, elliptic-pentagonal and Morphotype 4 shows the posterior zone rounded, but the anterior end is more elongated and it is the pattern with antirostrum and rostrum more pointed and a deep notch. Therefore, the otolith shape exhibited a phenotypic plasticity that it was not associated with the metabolism of otolith growth. Whereas the otolith shape indicated a homogeneity in the sound perception through Amazon basin, the growth rates revealed an adaptive mechanism to environmental conditions or migratory process of this species.(AU)

Medidas e funções wavelets dos otólitos asteriscus de curimatã, Prochilodus nigricans foram analisados para identificar a variação da forma e do incremento de crescimento dos indivíduos dos rios Solimões, Japurá e Negro da bacia Amazônica, Brasil. As análises morfométricas e morfológicas não revelaram evidências de segregação populacional entre os rios, mas foram encontradas variações na estimativa do incremento do crescimento dos otólitos. Além disso, a forma do otólito mostrou uma alta variabilidade entre os indivíduos, identificando quatro morfotipos. O Morfotipo 1 mostra uma forma mais oval, com zona posterior levemente arredondada; Morfotipo 2 mostra a zona posterior arredondada, mas a extremidade anterior é mais alongada; Morfotipo 3 mostra uma forma completamente diferente, elíptico-pentagonal e Morfotipo 4 mostra a zona posterior arredondada, mas a extremidade anterior mais alongada e ele tem padrão com antirostrum e rostrum mais pontiagudos e abertura profunda. Portanto, a forma do otólito exibiu uma plasticidade fenotípica que não foi associada ao metabolismo do crescimento do otólito. No entanto a forma do otólito indicou uma homogeneidade através da percepção do som na bacia Amazônica, e as taxas de crescimento revelaram um mecanismo adaptativo às condições ambientais ou ao processo migratório da espécie.(AU)