RCAAP Repository

Glanders is a disease that affects equidae and eventually other animal species, including humans, characterized by severe zoonosis. The Agricultural Defense of the State of Paraíba in the fulfillment of its attributions works in control applying the established in federal legislation. Thus, many animals are slaughtered and destroyed every year without the data obtained being used in order to characterize the disease epidemiologically in Paraiba territory. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to characterize the geographic distribution of the disease in the State, identify the main equidae species affected, as well as the age group, the races and the sex most affected. Data from the archives of the Official Veterinary Service of the state of Paraíba from January 2013 to December 2017 were used. The results are of 268 equidae tested, of which 41 were positive. Of these, only six presented clinical symptoms, distributed in 34 municipalities of the State, ranging from 10 months to 20 years, of both sexes, with Quarter Horse, Paint Horse, undefined and mixed race animals. There were animals of the equine, muar and asinine species. The event that triggers examination for glanders is the need for a certificate with a negative result in order to obtain the Animal Transit Guide - ATG when the purpose of the movement demands it, which is the case of sporting events with agglomerations of animals and transportation to other states, so most of the animals tested were of the equine and Quarter Horse species. For the same reason age could not be considered as interfering or not in susceptibility to disease. There was no significant difference between sex.

Caesalpinia ferrea Mart. (Caesalpinoideae), known as jucá or pau - ferro, is traditionally used in folk medicine due to its antifungal, antibacterial, antiulcerogenic, anti - inflammatory and analgesic activities. The objective of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effects subinhibitory concentrations of ethanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts from the bark of Caesalpinia ferrea Mart., on, on the biofilm production in Staphylococcus aureus and on the conjugation rate of plasmid conferring antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli. The ethanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts were extracted by means of three techniques, two cold (maceration and turbolise) and one hot (soxhlet). Inhibition of biofilm production was determined in vitro using the 96-well microtiter plate. The effect of Caesalpinia ferrea Mart. on the conjugation rate of plasmids was performed using the strains Escherichia coli h2332 and Escherichia coli J62 as donor and recipient, respectively. In general, lower MIC values were observed for Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacteria. The ethanol and hydroalcoholic extracts had a significant effect (p <0.05) on the inhibition of biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus, at concentrations of 1,16 mg / mL, 0.582 mg / mL, 0.388 mg / mL and 0.291 mg / mL (25% MIC). The plasmideal transfer rate was affected by both extracts (EEMC and EHMC), and for the EEMC extract a reduction (p <0.05) of -4.24 in the conjugation rate was observed for the concentrations 2.34 and 1, 17 mg / mL (25% and 12.5% of MIC). In relation to the EHMC extract, a reduction of -3.47 (p <0.05) was observed in the conjugation rate at the concentration of 2.34 mg / mL. The ethanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts presented low toxicity in Artemia larvae, with a 50% lethal dose of 304,068 μg / ml and 493,549 μg / ml respectively. The results showed that subinhibitory concentrations of ethanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts, obtained from Caesalpinia ferrea Mart bark, reduced the production of biofilm in Staphylococcus aureus and the conjugation rate of plasmids conferring antimicrobial resistance among E. coli.

The body size has been pointed as a potential variable that explains species abundance in different lineages and scales. Such information about the factors influencing both population density and habitat use could aid species conservation programs by choosing potential reintroduction sites, for example. We assessed the relationship between Psittacidae abundance, body size and habitat use in a semi-arid area with conservation interests for reintroduction of extinct Cyanopsitta spixii. Linear transects were plotted to record four parrot species, which density and abundance were estimated by the software DISTANCE 6.0. To verify the relationship between the species and their habitat we used the Soil Ajusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) relative to occurrence points of each species. This points were recorded during sampling in transects. We used ANOVA and Tukey test to identify possible differences on the habitat use between each species, as pointed by SAVI. The most abundant species was Epsittula cactorum with 391 individuals, followed by Primolius maracana (N = 297), Thectocercus acuticaudatus (N = 256) and Amazona aestiva (N = 235). We noticed that the species abundance can be predicted by body mass in the study area. Likewise, species‟ body mass also strongly influences their geographical distribution range (R2 = 0.91 p=0,0049). In contrast, the same does not happen at the local scale (R2 = 0.423 p= 0,0597). We recorded a significant variation on the vegetation index values between the occurrence points of each species (F= 7,9966, p = 0,0049). The values were significantly higher for P. maracana occurrence points, indicating a strong relationship between the species and the arboreal vegetation covering and/or the riparian forest. Our results describe species abundance predictors and suitable habitats of four parrots species as important information to promote conservation actions in the study area, including the reintroduction project of Cyanopsitta spixii.

Populations change through time as consequence of variations in the rates of deaths, births, and migration. Seasonal and inter-annual population fluctuations are associated with endogenous and climatic factors. In order to investigate the seasonality and the effect of endogenous and exogenous factors upon the population dynamics of small mammals, we used data from a capture-mark-recapture study about rodents and marsupials in a mosaic of savanna and forest at the northern tip of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The size, density and biomass of the marsupial populations were seasonal. However, this pattern was not observed for the rodents. Small mammal populations were more strongly correlated to the climatic variables of precipitation and evapotranspiration rate with two and six months lags. The survival of D. albiventris was strongly affected by ENSO and the population was regulated by a negative feedback mechanism. Marmosa murina was weakly affected by the climatic factors. Its population dynamics was mainly determined by a positive feedback and by the effect of D. albiventris population. Our results confirm that neotropical marsupials presents a seasonal population dynamics and they are affected by endogenous and climatic factors. However, the ecological differences, interactions between species and environmental type could drive to distinct responses of the species.

The effects of medium- and long-term smallholder farming systems in the Brazilian tropical seasonal dry forest that promote changes in the organic matter fractions (MOS) and in the physical attributes of Vertisols are unknown. Our aim here, was to evaluate the impact of different land uses on labile carbon, recalcitrant fractions of MOS and physical properties of Vertissolo under common bean – maize – fava bean rotation. This study was carried out at Queimadas, Paraíba, Brazilian Northeast in a Vertissol under field conditions. Soils samples were collected from four environments: MN: Caatinga – This environment contains only native plant species from Caatinga biome (Control); CS: Secondary growth vegetation – This environment contains typical regional tree species (native and exotic plant species) over 10 years old; and SC8 and SC44: These environments were characterized by medium (8 years) and long-term (44 years) smallholder farming systems in a common bean – maize- fava bean rotation. We establish for each environemt one plot of 800 m2. We collected soil samples from four sub-plots in each plot using a randomized systematic sampling. In each sub-plot we five and three soil samples to evaluate the fractions of the MOS and the physical attributes, respectively. For each sub-plot we also collected soil samples in three depths: 0.00 - 0.05 m; 0.05 - 0.10 m; and 0.10 - 0.20 m. Light-fraction of soil organic matter content (MOL), carbon of MOL (C-MOL), nitrogen of MOL (N-MOL), soil total organic carbon (TOC), labile carbon (LC), total nitrogen (TN), soil carbon stock (SCS), soil nitrogen stock (SNS), carbon fraction of humic substancec [i.e., humin (CFHU), humic acids (CFAH) and fulvic acids (CFAF)], bulk density (Bd), total porosity (Pt), soil macroporosity (Ma), soil microporosity (Mi), field capacity (CC), permanent wilting point (PMP), soil available water (AD) and soil resistance to penetration (RP) were investigated. We found the highest values of MOL (2.38 g kg-1), C-MOL (0.77 g kg-1), N-MOL (0.07 g kg-1), C-FHU (5.24 g kg-1), C-FAH xviii (1.9 g kg-1) and C-FAF (1.74 g kg-1) in the MN environment. The highest SCS values were observed in the both MN (10.89 Mg ha-1) and CS (10.58 Mg ha-1) environments in the 0.00 – 0.05 m depth, while the highest values of SNS were observed in the CS (1.60 Mg ha-1) and MN (1.55 Mg ha-1) environments in the 0.10 – 0.20 m depth. When we compared the MN environment with the SC8 and SC44 environments, we have found that these last two environments presented lower values of MOL, C-MOL, N-MOL, COT, NT, ECS, ENS, C-FHU, C-FAH and C-FAF in the order of 25.6 and 48.7 %; 52 and 85.7 %; 57.14 and 85.7 %; 13 and 44 %; 18.5 and 38.5 %; 11.26 and 43.7 %; 11.1 and 42.6 %; 8.55 and 42 %, respectively. The highest values of Ds were found in the MN (1,5 g cm-3) environment and in the 0.10 - 0.20 m depth (1,35 g cm-3). The highest values of Ma were observed in the SC8 and SC44 environments and in the depth of 0 - 0.05 m (0.07; 0.06 and 0.05 m3m-3), respectively. The highest RP (2.25 kg cm-2) was observed in the SC44 environment within the 0.10 - 0.20 m depth. No significant differences were found between the land uses and sampling soil depths for the CL, Pt, Mi, CC, PMP and AD. The medium- and long-term common bean – maize – fava bean rotation alter the labile and recalcitrant fractions of MOS, as well as the physical properties of a Vertisol in field conditions. The soil depth (0.00 - 0.05 m) presented the highest content of MOL, COT, NT, SCS, CFHU, CFAH and CFAF in relation to the subsurface depths (0.05 – 0.10 m and 0.10 – 0.20 m). We found no differences between the soil physical properties (Ds, Ma and RP) in both SC8 and SC44 environments, but they differed from the MN environment. There were no differences in soil water retention relationship among all the studied environments. Our study lighlight the importance to consider the trends of soil carbon contents of humic acid fractions and fulvic acids as potential indicators of changes caused by different land use into soil profile.

The South America is the ichthyic richest area of the Neotropical region, the richest fish fauna in the world. The periphery of South America, however, is characterized by a low ichthyic richness, including the semi-arid regions of the continent, as the Caatinga’s domain. The Mamanguape River basin is part of this context, its headwaters and middle portion running in the Caatinga both wetter or drier, and its lower portion runs in the Atlantic Forest area. As a result the main course at the upper and lower portions, and most of the tributaries are intermittent. The study aims to describe the composition of the freshwater fish fauna of Mamanguape River basin and assess the spatiotemporal distribution of the recorded species and environmental variables associated with the main course. The sample design was established through the distribution of fixed points of seasonal collection (dry and rainy season) in the three stretches of the main curse (High, Medium and Low), six points by stretch, totaling 18 fixed points, and the application of "AquaRap" methodology in the tributaries, in order to archive a wide survey of the basin, within the limits of the study (20 points were added). The 38 collection points were visited between August, 2015 and March, 2016. The specimens were collected with the use of beach seine, casting net and deep net, standardized on Fixed Points through number of tows; in tributaries the effort was standardized following AquaRap methodology. Available secondary data were obtained from UFPB’s Ichthyological Collection (the only collection holding specimens from Mamanguape River basin) were used to build the Systematic List of the Mamanguape River basin’s ichthyofauna. Environmental descriptors were taken at each fixed point during dry and rainy seasons, in order to test them as possible predictors of the fish fauna’s distribution. Statistical analyzes were made in the PAST and R software. 29 species were recorded in the field and two species from secondary data, totaling 31 fish species distributed in 26 genera, 16 families and six orders. Of those, one is endangered (Apareiodon davisi) and three are introduced species (Poecilia reticulata, Cichla cf. monoculars, Oreochromis nilotica). The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed a marked variation in environmental descriptors between the dry and rainy seasons, but found that, considering the changes of the longitudinal river axis, only in the upper stretch was registered significant difference when compared the middle and lower sections, which were similar to each other. Among the recorded species, 28 were recorded in the main course of the basin. The greater dominance (abundance) of species was recorded in the rainy season, and the greatest diversity in the dry season. Ordination analysis from Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (nMDS) indicated that there is no significant variation in faunal composition between dry and rainy seasons, but showed that the three stretches of the river significantly differs to each other, something also demonstrated by the used ecological indices. The altitude, the current speed and the dissolved oxygen significantly influenced the distribution of fish populations, according to Canonical Analysis of redundancy (RDA). The timescale considered here offers no basis for assessing the distinctions of the ictiofaua between sampling periods. The spatial differences in species composition suggest the existence of environmental heterogeneity between different stretches of the river. It is recommended to carry out work that may consider scales not considered in the present study, so that they can propose measures of conservation for the fish fauna of the study area.

Sea turtles are representative umbrella species in marine ecology and conservation. Prior knowledge about the species, from their distribution to population structure and dynamics of them start by individual monitoring. One of the recommended methods is the photo-identification, due to the low cost, high accuracy and non-invasive procedure. Photographic analyses are based on natural marks from animal body, and can be performed by naked eye or computer-assisted. The ease in collecting data is also a further advantage over artificial tags, in which allow the contribution of citizen scientists. Our work aimed to define parameters for the photo-identification of Chelonia mydas and Eretmochelys imbricata using I3S software, based on already used facial scales and the new method from the hind flippers. Focusing on citizen-science projects, we evaluated the quality of the data collected by volunteer divers with different profiles. A total of 53 individuals was captured, Chelonia mydas (n = 47) and Eretmochelys imbricata (n = 6), and 4 recaptures of each species were registered in Fernando de Noronha Archipelago as method validation. We cataloged the records independently on the database, with a set of facial profiles and hind flipper fingerprints. We tested the accuracy of the program in (1) recognizing each individual and (2) differing them among the population. Our results show that both body regions are efficient for photo-identification, and species is the main effect on the scores calculated by the program. Hind flippers indicate to be highly differentiated in E. imbricata, unlike C. mydas, in which are prone to the false-negative errors. Among the 83 records provided by citizen scientists, 43% were discarded mainly due to the angle-of-view and framing errors. The proposed method may help to overcome problems in identification of sea turtles and represents new opportunities of study. However, training on records is highly recommended to enhance data quality.

Bauhinia and Schnella are representatives genres of Bauhiniinea subtribe in Brazil, where they have greater diversity. The genus Bauhinia is pantropical, with about 160 species, of which 57 occur in Brazil, of which 35 are endemic. Schnella is a neotropical group with 47 species, 33 found in Brazil, with 17 endemic. The species of these genera are popularly used in traditional medicine, especially against diabetes and known as "pata-de-vaca" due to the shape of their leaves bilobates. Furthermore, Schnella is also used against diarrhea syphilis and other South American countries. This study aimed to a study of leaf morphoanatomy the three species of Bauhinia: Bauhinia cheilantha (Bong.) Steud., B. pentandra (Bong.) Vogel ex Steud., B. ungulata L., and Schnella outimouta (Aublet) Wunderlin, complemented by a cytogenetic study B. cheilantha and B. ungulata as a subsidy to the group's taxonomy. Leaf anatomy studies were conducted on fresh samples and fixated and also in dried samples after hydration, following the usual techniques for anatomy, analyzed and shown by optical microscopy. Cytogenetic studies were conducted in the roots of an individual of each species, the banding technique, with the fluorochrome 4 ', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and Chromomycin (CMA), which form the bands DAPI-/CMA+ or DAPI +/CMA-. It was observed that these species share the following characters: bilobates leaves, dorsiventral mesophyll, papillose hypophyll, stomata anomocytic the level of the epidermis, distal pulvinus, and trichomes. It was observed that Schnella outimouta distinguished from the species Bauhinia to be hypostomatic with adaxial epidermal glabra, midrib with two collateral bundles and circular petiole. The species of Bauhinia are amphistomatic with pillous epidermis on one or both surfaces, with boat shaped glands, midrib with a single bundle and petiole with lateral projections. In cytogenetic analyzes B. cheilantha and B. ungulata showed symmetrical karyotypes, with 2n = 28, without presenting DAPI+ bands, so devoid of heterochromatic regions rich in AT. On the other hand, rich in GC subterminal bands were observed in the chromosomal short arms in the karyotypes of the two species. However, B. ungulata differentiated itself by having six terminals bands CMA+/DAPI- while B. cheilantha presented only four bands. The use of staining with specific base fluorochromes CMA and DAPI, allowed a clear differentiation chromosome between the two species, although they are difficult taxonomic delimitation in vegetative stage. The results provide cytogenetic and anatomical and distinctive parameters, which are inexistent, for the species of Bauhinia, particularly in regard to the epidermis anatomy and its attachments, vascularization of the medrib, the shape of margins and petioles that were diagnostic for Bauhinia and Schnella corroborating the actual treatment for Bauhiniinae that separete species of Bauhinia and Schnella.

In order to characterize the environmental quality and multitemporias changes Mamanguape River Estuary, remote sensing analyzes were performed (IVs) Vegetation Index and Rating and analysis of diatom community in sediments. Bordered by two protected areas, both federal liability management (CUs), the APA of the Mamanguape River Bar (APA Mamanguape) and ARIE Foz do Mamanguape River (ARIE Mamanguape), the estuary is an important conservation and refuge area for Trichechus manatus. The general hypothesis of this study were: i) conservation units, although quite pressured by anthropogenic changes have served effectively the conservation of Mamanguape estuary and, ii) the species of diatoms found along the estuary and the physicochemical factors indicating high quality environmental body aquatic. For analysis of multitemporal estuary, modifications over the years it was used vegetation and classification index. Six images were obtained corresponding to the region analyzed by Glovis website, for the years 1985, 1994, 1999, 2001, 2010 and 2016. The images were processed in the program ERDAS version 9.3 and analyzed by the NDWI indices Albedo and Classification. It was done Pearson correlation to analyze possible associations between data accumulated rainfall and analyzed indices. The NDWI and Albedo found correlation with the accumulated rainfall, different classification which showed that monoculture (previous deployment creating UC) and the tanks of shrimp (implementation in 2001) increased sharply by 2016, with a decrease in vegetation south associated with monoculture in both conservation areas, with further expansion in APA Mamanguape. For diatoms analysis, the twelve sampling points were predisposed according to the presence of human disturbances (aquaculture tanks, the presence of solid waste and the absence of these factors) at two different periods a higher flow estuary and a lower flow (drought and flood). The ebb was obtained in ANA's website through HIDROWEB software that provides the streamflow data. It was collected in situ Dissolved Oxygen (DO), temperature of water and air, electrical conductivity, water transparency (Seccli), pH, and samples of surface water for later total phosphorus analysis (Pt) and orthophosphate (Ortho-P). Sediment samples were obtained for Pt analyzes, Ortho-P, organic matter and diatoms. 47 taxa was detected diatomaceous distributed on both hydroperiods, with the region of greater richness ZM characterized in mangrove vegetation is composed of silt and clay sediment. There were no major changes of taxa in both periods analyzed, except Seminavis cf. robusta, Pleurosigma aestuari, Cocconeis sp., and Grammatophora sp. found only in the period of higher flow. The species that were present in all zones were Diploneis cf. bombus and Diploneis sp. For ZM were recorded high availability of Pt both in water and sediment and high abundance of diatom species. In conclusion: i) the classification index was more effective in understanding the different landscapes and changes in protected areas, indicating structural changes in vegetation and activity progress with economic purposes; ii) the region of mangrove (ZM) has acted as a nutrient filter and diatomaceous arising both from the continent and ocean, as well as the areas of continental shrimp tanks.

Changes in the equilibrium state of shallow lakes can be induced by in water level fluctuations, promoting changes in the trophic state, structure and dynamics of macrophytes and phytoplankton communities. From the temporal analysis of two shallow lakes with different equilibria, this study aimed to: i) evaluate the structure and dynamics of functional phytoplankton groups (FGs) over a macrophyte cover gradient and its relations with environmental variables in small and shallow lake of clear water (Paraiba, Brazil), and ii) to evaluate the composition and structure of phytoplankton functional groups in lakes with different equilibrium states (clear water and turbid water). The main questions associated were: i) There are differences in the composition and structure FGs in macrophyte coverage gradient? and ii) the composition and structure of functional groups account the differences in the structure and equilibrium states of shallow lakes? Water samples were collected for analysis physical, chemical and biological from August 2014 to June 2015. In the lake clear water (Saint Lucia) transparency values were high (≥ 1) throughout the study period, the pH is kept alkaline , temperatures ranged from 27°C to 34°C. It was verified temporal differences in limnological variables only in 2015, while the spatial scale the total biomass showed no significant difference (p≥1). However, the specific composition of FGs responded to this high environmental heterogeneity (expressed by macrophyte cover) indicating spatiotemporal fluctuations in the composition indicated by the canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). CCA showed that the pH (≤0,05), water temperature (≤0,01), total phosphorous (≤0,07) and orthophosphate (≤0 05) influencing the dynamics of functional groups N, K, S1, X1, W2, TD, SN, P. The lake turbid waters (Lagoon Pao) showed very low levels of transparency and photic zone (≤1), by light limitation indicators, and high phosphorus values revealing the potential for eutrophication. This scenario contrasts with Saint Lucia indicated structure and composition of the different functional groups, with only five common functional groups: K, S1, X1, W2 and P. Among the unique functional groups on the Lagoon pao some were composed of potentially toxic cyanobacteria (SN, F LO, D H1) not found in Santa Lucia indicator that the submerged macrophyte cover can function as an inhibitory dominant these species. The CCA showed a clear separation between the environments, with the TD group, N, W2 and S1 related to St. Lucia, typical of clear water. Already Pond Pao, pH, temperature, concentrations of phosphorus, light attenuation coefficient influenced the occurrence of H1, SN, S1, W2, X1, D, LO, mostly represented by common cyanobacteria in eutrophic environments. Therefore, the structure and composition of said functional groups according to the characteristics of the environments studied, showing shallow lakes with different equilibrium states can share similar functional groups. This study confirms the historical data macrophyte cover can operate as cyanobacteria controller, and possible mechanisms associated allelopathy, the decrease in the pellet resuspension, the absorption of nutrients such as phosphorus, among others.

The assessment of biodiversity has been recognized as an indicator of ecosystem health for several initiatives worldwide. Satellite remote sensing (SRS) have introduced tools that facilitate the search for information related to plant diversity. With this perspective, this study aimed to verify if spectral variables, from Landsat satellite, can be used as plant species diversity indicators in the Caatinga, the largest dry forests core of South America. To obtain the plant diversity data (richness and Shannon index), an exhaustive exploration of phytosociological researches was carried out in the study area. To evaluate the possible association between spectral variables and plant diversity, Pearson correlation analyzes were performed. Regressions were performed to verify the best predictive models for species richness. The results indicate that there is a high positive association between richness and the infrared band near (R = 0,744; P <0.001). This spectral variable can be used as an indicator of species richness using the potential and quadratic regression functions (R² = 0,61 and R ² = 0,56 p <0.001, respectively). Thus, it is concluded that Landsat satellite potential to estimate species richness in dry forest from South America, lies mainly in the near infrared band, allowing to assess biodiversity at multiple scales and providing a continuous source of information for monitoring purposes.

The target species of this study, Epidendrum cinnabarinum Salzm, besides having high ornamental potential, has a disjunct distribution between rocky outcrops in Northeast region, with small populations characterized by large interpopulation genetic differences, which makes the specie genetic integrity being threatened. In vitro cultivation techniques propitiate to obtain a large quantity of seedlings in limited time and space, being able to be used in resettlement projects of the specie or for commercial purposes. Among the components of the culture media, sucrose is a very important component in the culture medium in vitro that serves as a source of carbon and energy. In our study we used the medium 1 / 2MS with five different concentrations of sucrose: 0,0g.L-1; 10,0g.L-1; 20,0g.L-1; 30,0g.L-1 and 40,0g.L-1 sucrose. After 10 days of inoculation and germination it was evaluated, and over 80 days, it was evaluated the leaf primordium formation in protocorm; over 270 days of inoculation were evaluated: number of leaves, numbers of roots, bigger root length, shoot length, stem diameter, number of seedlings and total number of protocorms. For acclimatization seedlings originated in vitro development in these sucrose concentrations, they were transplanted to pots containing vermiculite and sphagnum moss in the ratio 1: 1, comprising five treatments with five replications, and ten seedlings in each individual plot. Over 45 days of acclimatization, the plants were evaluated for survival rate, number of leaves, numbers of roots, bigger root length, shoot length, stem diameter and larger sheet length. There was no germination at a concentration of 0,0g.L-1 sucrose. The remaining sucrose concentrations showed germination and formation of leaf primordia. The concentration of 40,0g.L-1 sucrose showed the best results for the majority of variables, in addition to promote better acclimatization in seedlings of E. cinnabarinum. It was concluded that the in vitro and ex vitro development of E. cinnabarinum was strongly and positively influenced by the concentration of sucrose in the culture medium for all variables with better results at concentrations of 30,0g.L-1 and 40, 0g.L-1 sucrose.

The Croton genus often presents itself in plant communities with several sympatric species without clear evidence of interspecific hybridization. Aiming to evaluate the existence of reproductive isolation barriers and potential hybridization between these species, it was evaluated different aspects of the reproductive biology of three sympatric species of Croton (C. heliotropiifolius, C. jacobinensis e C. urticifolius), in three different populations, by means of reproductive isolation mechanisms of pre-zygotic (flowering synchrony, floral biology and pollinators of each species), as post-zygotic (seed formation after controlled pollination experiments and cytogenetic analysis). We also analyzed the karyotypes of more 12 species of the genus Croton, surveying of all chromosome numbers previously known to the genus, and analyzed in a phylogenetic context in order to identify the ancestral basic number of the genus. The reproductive phenology of species varies among populations; however we observed a significant degree of synchrony floral species within populations. There are sharing of pollinators among them, being the most frequently: Apis sp., and Trigona sp., that visit flowers looking for nectar. They are self-compatible, with high fruit formation, no significant differences with regard to the formation of natural and intraspecific fruit. These results indicate weak pre-zygotic reproductive barriers for these sympatric species of Croton. Moreover, these species are inter-compatible with formation of interspecific fruits, suggesting the occurrence of an incomplete barrier post-zygotic reproductive isolation, allowing the formation of interspecific hybrids. The three species have chromosome number 2n = 20, with different patterns of heterochromatin. Karyotype differences in numbers and chromosomal structure usually constitute effective barriers to post-zygotic reproductive isolation. These results associated with the seed germination study in progress, suggest the need for further investigation in post-zygotic reproductive isolation barriers for these Croton species. Among the other species of the genus analyzed cytogenetically, most presented 2n = 20 except a population of Croton pulegioides (2n = 22) and C. limae (2n = ca.100). Five of the species analyzed had no previous records of chromosome counts: C. limae with 2n = ca.100, and C. rudolphianus, C. tricolor, C. adamantinus, and C. grewioides with 2n = 20. Most species presented two heterochromatic bands CMA+/DAPI– larger, located in the terminals of the short arms of a chromosome pair corresponding to RON. Whereas in species C. rudolphianus, C. urticifolius and C. sellowii, the RON was proximal. All species have distal regions of all chromosome arms (except the NORs), strongly stained with as DAPI. The analysis of molecular phylogeny combined with records of chromosome counts showed that the basic number x = 10 is the most likely for the genus. Although some species showed basic numbers different from x = 10, as C. xalapensis (x = 32), C. ruizianus (x = 8) and C. sarcopetalus (x = c.60), these numbers did not have significant values of Proportional Likelihoods to the ancestral basic number of the genus.

Currently the Brazilian Atlantic Forest is considered one of the world's biodiversity repositories, however fragmentation, habitat loss, strong urbanization and other human disturbance have degraded its rich biological heritage and altered ecological processes that ensure their persistence. Paraiba remain some fragments of forests that are protected by law, but little is known about the level of change in the structure of the remaining biological communities, especially the birds. In addition to identifying the species found in protected areas of the state, the objective was also to test the hypothesis that urbanization reduces the number of species of birds, leading to taxonomic convergence and functional impoverishment of communities, especially in small forest remnants and isolated. The study was conducted in the Paraíba River Estuary region in the northern portion of the Atlantic Forest, inserted in Pernambuco Endemism Center. The sampling was performed by birds MacKinnon lists nine protected areas. We recorded 126 species of birds belonging to 41 families, Thraupidae and Tyrannidae being the most representative families. Nineteen species occurred in the nine protected areas, Pitangus sulphuratus (Great Kiskadee) lists the most common (52.9% of the lists). Two exotic species were recorded (Estrilda astrild and Passer domesticus). About 90% of the observed variation in species richness were explained only by the fragment size, indicating that habitat loss due to urbanization is a major cause of biological erosion in the region. The Taxonomic similarity between areas ranged from 36.5% to 71.4% (mean 52.6%), but did not correlate strongly with the geographical distance or the difference in size of the protected area. This shows that protected areas near or with similar sizes have different avifaunas. Functionally, smaller fragments of communities had proportionally more species susceptible to disturbance, foraging in the air and less foraging in undergrowth. The proportion of endemic or threatened species did not vary depending on the area. Taken together, our results indicate that the loss of habitat due to urbanization results in the loss of species and functional depletion of forest fragments, but does not necessarily lead to convergence Taxonomic the remaining communities. It is recommended that the management of the studied areas is done in an integrated manner to ensure the conservation of birds on a regional scale.

Abiotic factors can act as environmental filters at the local level and influence the establishment, distribution and functional diversity in plant communities in a rainforest, with this premise the present study was carried out at Mata do Pau Ferro State Park, Paraíba, Northeast, Brazil. The functional diversity was calculated using an index based on dendrograms and from eight functional attributes: Specific Foliar Area (SLA), Foliar Blade Size (SL), Basic Wood Density (BWD), Maximum Height (H), Material Content Dry Foliar (LDMC). Basal area (BA), Limbo Division (LBD) and Deciduity (DEC). (FD) as a dependent variable of the following predictive variables: soil fertility represented in this study by the organic matter content and the saturation value of the bases, soil chemistry represented by the components PH, amount of phosphorus (P) , potassium (K), sodium (Na), Aluminum (Al), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Potential Acidity (H ++ Al + 3) sum of bases (SB), cation exchange capacity soil physics represented by the descriptors total porosity and density, canopy opening, altitude, slope and distance of disturbed landscape. Through multiple linear regression analyzes Stepwise we selected the best model using the AIC criterion. 870 individuals belonging to 31 species distributed in 18 families and from their vegetative attributes, functional diversity was calculated, varying significantly as a function of altitude (p <0.001), organic matter and potassium content (p = 0.012926) and soil physics (p <0.001). Thus, local variations in altitude and soil acted as filters, so that, in the studied community, functional diversity reduces in areas with higher concentration of organic matter and increases in areas of higher altitude, more dense and porous soils.

To increase the cultivation of organic melon, especially in Paraíba, there is some difficulties, lack of technical information in relation to crop management. Thus, the aim of this experiment was to determine the influence of nitrogen, from cattle manure and goat on soil fertility, gas exchange, foliar N, P and K, productivity, physical characteristics and mineral composition yellow melon in Entisol. The experiment was conducted in from July to October 2015, in a Entisol using a randomized block design with 10 treatments arranged in a factorial 2 x 5, referring to manure cattle and goats and five N rates (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 kg ha-1) of each organic source. The variables analyzed were: pH, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, aluminum, aluminum more hydrogen, calcium, magnesium, sum of bases; cation exchange capacity, base saturation, soil organic matter, the internal concentration of CO2, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, photosynthetic rate, carboxylation efficiency and water use, foliar nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, number of fruits per plant, yield, average fruit weight, diameter and length of the fruit solids soluble. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and the averages of the two manures compared by F test and the effects of doses evaluated by regression. The potassium content in the soil fertilized with goat manure increased quadratically as a function of N levels, with maximum estimated at 48 kg ha-1 of nitrogen. There was no effect of N rates with organic sources like cattle manure and goat on the levels of sodium, carbon, organic matter, sum of bases and cation exchange capacity. The goat manure as a source of N in some doses provided the highest levels of sodium, carbon, organic matter, sum of bases and cation exchange capacity in the soil. Doses of manure, irrespective of the source, increased transpiration rate (E), photosynthesis rate (A) and carboxylation efficiency (A / C) and decreased internal CO2 concentration. The manure cattle provided higher foliar nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in plants and supplied them nutritionally properly compared with goat manure. The number of fruits per plant, productivity, the diameter and length xvi of fruits increased with the applied nitrogen rates, with the source the cattle manure and goat. Most of the variables, the use of cattle manure yielded better results. The soluble solids content of melon fruit fertilized with goat manure increased linearly with increasing nitrogen rates.

This study was to analyze the use and occupation of the land and its relation to water quality and to assess the distribution of diatoms in the surface sediment of five aquatic ecosystems and their trophic state (catchment area of the Mamanguape River - Paraíba, Brazil). For making the maps of land use and occupation was used buffer of 100 m in accordance with Law 12,651/2012 of the Forest Code. Between September and November 2012 water samples were collected and superficial sediment using an adapted sedimentary testemunhador. At the deepest point of the water column of each aquatic ecosystem were measured in situ abiotic variables: temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, total dissolved solids. In laboratory total organic carbon were analyzed in the sediment and total phosphorus in the water (PTA) and sediment. The land use classes (n = 5) and abiotic variables (n = 9) were related by Spearman correlation. The aquatic ecosystems of Arara I (AI), Dam Araçagi (BA) and Dam Matias (BM) had oligotrophic behavior due to the low PTA values (17.2 μg.l-1, 20.2 μg.l-1 ; 21.3 μg.l-1 respectively). However, P-high organic content in the sediment (93.7 μg.g-1; 156.9 μg.g-1; 123.9 μg.g-1 respectively), change in vegetation (59.61%; 57 , 20%, 78.30% respectively) and alkaline and clear water with high conductivity. The aquatic ecosystem of River Canto Dam (BRC) was classified as mesotrophic (PTA = 53.3 μg.l-1), turbid waters (STD = 229 mg / L), shrubby arboreal vegetation (30.28%) and climate limiting underwater light as the Lake of PAO (LP), eutrophic. Statistical analysis showed no significant correlation. They found 30 taxa, 18 genera and 14 families of diatoms in the sediment. In BM and BA the Aulacoseira gender contributed high absolute abundance. The greatest diversity of diatoms was observed in BRC and LP. The Navicula genus was widely distributed in aquatic ecosystems, the most frequent, indicative of turbulent environments. The trophic state index using as match allowance and bioindication of diatoms infer relevant information on water quality and provides management actions aiming at the recovery and conservation while also attend the fragility of aquatic ecosystems to eutrophication.

The potential for mineralization of organic matter is an essential parameter for understanding the dynamics of C and N in the soil, especially when it emphasizes the semi-arid soils where there’s lacks of information about this phenomenon. This study aimed to evaluate the potential mineralization of C and N in 26 Paraíba semiarid soils. In incubation columns, respective samples to 26 Paraíba semiarid soils were incubated, and weekly until the period of 121 days were collected leachate material for the determination of C, N nitric and ammoniac. With bases in accumulated values in the time series, it was determined the parameters of the kinetic model, estimating the C emission, and N mineralization rate. It was concluded that: under favorable conditions, the emission of C-CO2 to atmosphere is increased until the 91 th day where the emission rate is greater than 99.1%, regardless of soil type; the potential emission of C-CO2 in the Paraiba semi-arid follows the order: Ferralsol > Vertisol > Regosol > Luvisol> Solonetz > Cambisol > Fluvisol> Litosol (FAO/WRB), with mean values of 954.65, 753.46, 590.27, 546.99, 427.97, 408.36, 388.19 and 340.95 mg g-1 soil, respectively; In mineralization of NO3-, all soils tended to stabilize at 56 (days) incubation with upper cumulative rate 96.1%, while the NH4+ ranged from soil, with values between 59.4 and 86.1% in the same period; C emission rate had great influence of soil chemical properties, especially effective CEC, the potential CEC, the sum of bases, and organic matter content; N mineralization rate had no significant difference between soils.

Although is important there are no basic information about fertilization and mineral nutrition, at example of response curves and critical levels for the 'Pérola' pineapple in the main producing municipalities in the Paraiba State. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of application of N, P, K and S rates on the nutritional status, and to determine the critical levels of their nutrients for the 'Pérola' pineapple grown in Argisol of the municipality of Itapororoca, PB. The experiment was conducted under rainfed conditions between December of 2014 and December of 2015, in a randomized block design with 26 treatments and three replications. The treatments were arranged in an experimental matrix Plan Puebla III modified and resulted from the combination of five N rates (50, 300, 500, 700 and 950 kg/ha - urea), five K rates (50, 300, 500, 700 and 950 kg/ha K2O - potassium sulfate), five P rates (20, 120, 200, 280 and 380 kg/ha P2O5 - MAP) and five S rates (20, 120, 200, 280 and 380 kg / ha - potassium sulphate). The plantlets of cv. Pérola were planted at spacings 0.80 × 0.40 ×0.40 m under double-row systems. The following variables were evaluated at the time of floral induction (345 days after planting - dap): fresh weight of leaf 'D' (FWL); content and accumulation of N, P, K and S on the leaf 'D'; pH values and levels of P, K, S and organic matter in soil (0-20 cm). Also, were estimated critical levels of N, P, K and S. By results, was found that the increase in N rates acidified soil, but did not influence, as well as the doses of P, K and S, the organic matter level; however, the levels of P, K and S in the soil increased with doses of their nutrients. The doses of N, P, K and S increased the fresh weight of leaf 'D', although the responses to P and S were conditioned to the doses of N and K, respectively. Doses of N and K increased the levels of N and K and the accumulation of N; however, the N rates decreased the accumulation of K. P concentrations increased with N and K rates, while accumulations have increased with P and S rates. Nutrient rates did not affect the nutritional status of xvi plant on the S. The critical levels of N, P, K and S found for the pineapple 'Pearl' were 17.3; 0.94; 34.9 and 1.5 g/kg, respectively.

In this work we present rigidity and uniqueness results for parabolic and stable constant mean curvature hypersurfaces immersed in Generalized Robertson-Walker and Standard Static spacetimes. We obtained some conditions under which a hypersurface in these ambiences must be parabolic, as well as stable. In order to achieve the uniqueness results, we used some cut-o functions coming from the parabolicity jointly with the stability operator. Also, we introduced the concept of totally trapped submanifold and obtained some uniqueness and non-existence results when the submanifold is p-parabolic. We also presented a lemma of type Nishikawa in order to obtain CalabiBerstein type results for surfaces in Robertson-Walker Generalized spacetimes.