RCAAP Repository

Abstract The recovery of soil spores is a strategy to strengthen in decline or disappeared populations from natural environments. In this work, we analyzed 25 soil samples extracted from a patch of gallery forest in an “albardón” of Punta Lara Reserve, Buenos Aires. The samples were distributed in 50 Petri dishes, 25 exposed to controlled temperature and light and another 25 kept in darkness. To contribute to the identification of gametophytes and sporophytes, spores of the local species were cultured in vitro. In 18 months of trial, the appearance of gametophytes and sporophytes was observed, in a greater proportion those belonging to a dominant species in the community: Doryopteris concolor. Numerous gametophytes and sporophytes from Gastoniella chaerophylla were also obtained, a taxon not found in the “albardón” for two years. The germination index (GI) was estimated and the morphological characteristics of the gametophytes and sporophytes were recorded. This is the first contribution to the knowledge of the spore banks in Argentina, in a protected area where several threats put at risk the survival of native species. The bases to implement methods of ex situ and in situ conservation of native ferns are provided.

Resumo Este trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar a resposta morfogênica da micropropagação de Aechmea miniata e Aechmea blanchetiana após diferentes tratamentos com citocinina e auxinas. O estabelecimento in vitro se deu a partir de sementes de plantas adultas, com aproximadamente 2 anos de idade. Após descontaminação as sementes foram inoculadas em meio MS. Após 30 dias da germinação, foram isolados segmentos caulinares com aproximadamente 5 mm, e em seguida, foram transferidos para meio MS suplementado com BAP nas concentrações 4,44; 8,88 ou 13,32 µM. Ao final de 225 dias de cultivo, foi avaliado o número de brotos / explante, altura de brotações, porcentagem de enraizamento, número de raízes e comprimento de raízes. Verificou-se que, para as duas espécies, a concentração 4,44 µM de BAP mostrou maior eficiência para a multiplicação. Para a etapa de enraizamento, os brotos obtidos in vitro foram inoculados em meio MS com metade da concentração salina de macronutrientes, acrescido com 1, 2 e 3 µM de AIB ou ANA. Aos 60 dias, verificou-se que as duas espécies apresentaram 100% de enraizamento em meio de cultura sem a adição de reguladores de crescimento. Após enraizamento as plantas foram transferidas para substrato, e aos 180 dias de cultivo foi verificado sobrevivência superior a 80%, independente da espécie.

Abstract In 2015 a chance discovery of the beach moon flower in coastal Brazil led to an investigation of the global occurrence, distribution, and abundance of this pantropical littoral plant species. We here document new distribution records for coastal Brazil and West Tropical Africa; postulate a human-mediated long-distance dispersal for this species from the Indo-Pacific to the Atlantic, followed by local distribution via ocean currents; and provide historical context on the name confusion with other species. We also point out the risks inherent in using specimen information available on the internet without adequate verification for the identity of the specimens as a necessary first step.

Abstract Soluble allelochemicals have generated great interest since they can be used for the biological control of pests, especially of weeds. However, few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of soluble compounds of exudates on germination in relation to exposure time. Here we evaluate the inhibitory effect of aqueous root, stem and leaf extracts of five South American species of Bothriochloa on the percentage of seed germination of four target species (lettuce, lovegrass, maize and wintergreen paspalum) over three exposure periods (48, 120 and 168 h). Aqueous extracts of the five Bothriochloa species inhibited germination; germination inhibition was strongly correlated with exposure time, with the longest treatment period (168 h) being the one of greatest inhibitory activity. Inhibitory activity differed among types of aqueous extracts. The suitable management of allelopathy might improve crop productivity and environmental protection through biologically friendly control of weeds.

Abstract This study aimed to provide the floristic survey of Onagraceae in Ceará state. The floristic study consisted of analyzing material deposited in the herbaria EAC, ESA, FUEL, HCDAL, HUEFS, HUVA, HVASF, INPA, K, MO, NY, P, RB, UFRN and US, as well as field work carried out between 2015 and 2017. In the study area, Onagraceae is represented by the genus Ludwigia, and seven species were recorded: L. erecta, L. helminthorrhiza, L. hyssopifolia, L. leptocarpa, L. nervosa, L. octovalvis and L. tomentosa. All seven species were also sampled in Conservation Units, with L. erecta recorded in six of them. L. erecta and L. helminthorrhiza have a broader distribution in the state. L. nervosa and L. tomentosa are indicated as new occurrences for Ceará, both with only one record in the south of the state, expanding their range in Northeastern Brazil. The information in this manuscript allows identification of Onagraceae representatives in Ceará state, through morphological descriptions, identification keys, taxonomic comments, illustrations, photographs and geographic distribution data.

Abstract Environmental characteristics are among the most important triggers and regulators of plant phenophases, so that the abiotic and biotic changes driven by habitat loss and fragmentation can result in alterations of plant phenological patterns. We investigated whether forest edge and interior have differences in phenological pattern of tree communities. We followed the reproductive phenologies of tree communities in seven forest fragments on a monthly basis for two years (in 200 m² edge and interior plots per fragment). We sampled a total of 0.28 ha of anthropic forest fragments, comprising 313 trees (180 in edge, 133 in interior) belonging to 103 species and 34 families. Our results evidenced reproductive phenological changes between edge and interior tree communities, with: (i) phenological activities differing temporally between the two habitats (edge and forest interior) in all tree communities; (ii) greater phenological intensity at the forest edge than in the forest interior among tree species common to both habitats; (iii) more tree species showed phenological activity at the forest edge in 2010 and interior in 2011, when considering only those exclusive to each habitat. Habitat fragmentation can therefore alter microenvironmental characteristics and influence biologic processes, including the reproductive phenologies of trees, through edge formation.

Abstract Besides their ecological importance, epiphytic species of Orchidaceae play economic and social roles through their commercialization and some are at great risk of extinction. The objectives of this study were to characterize the leaf and root anatomy of fourteen epiphytic Orchidaceae species, which occur in indigenous territory in the Parque Estadual da Serra do Tabuleiro (P.E.S.T.), Santa Catarina, Brazil and to identify adaptive anatomical characteristics related to the epiphytic habit. The species are commercialized by the Guarani and were collected during interviews and guided tours with Guarani in the indigenous territory. The results reveal the species have many morphoanatomical structures that are useful during water shortages resulting from the epiphytic habit. Notable characteristics are related to reserving water (i.e., pseudobulbs and a hypodermis with water-storage cells) and resistance to desiccation in the leaf (i.e., conspicuous cuticle, suprastomatic chamber and extraxylary and pericyclic fibers) and root (i.e., tilosomes and/or exodermal thickening and cortex cells with phi thickenings or sclereids). Descriptions and the identification of adaptive characteristics of epiphytic plant species are useful for conservation and cultivation studies, especially for plants commercially used by the Guarani Indians.

Abstract The present study is a taxonomic treatment of Bignoniaceae from the four municipalities of the coastal region of Piauí state (Cajueiro da Praia, Ilha Grande, Luís Correia, Parnaíba) in Northeast Brazil, based on morphological study of newly collected and existing herbarium material. The study recorded 26 species in 12 genera: Adenocalymma, Anemopaegma, Bignonia, Cuspidaria, Dolichandra, Fridericia, Handroanthus, Lundia, Neojobertia, Pleonotoma, Stizophyllum and Tanaecium. Apart from Handroanthus impetiginosus, which belongs to tribe Tecomeae, all other species belong to tribe Bignonieae. Five species (Adenocalymma apparicianum, A. pedunculatum, Anemopaegma heringeri, A. prostratum, Dolichandra hispida) are new records for the state of Piauí, 15 species are endemic to Brazil, and one has “Vulnerable” conservation status. The results emphasize the importance of taxonomic studies for knowledge of biodiversity and threats to native species, and reinforce the importance of conserving the region’s flora. Species descriptions, illustrations, identification keys and information on geographic distribution and habitat are provided.

Abstract The construction of highways causes several impacts on the environment, including, the suppression of vegetation, which can lead to reduced biodiversity. One mitigating measure involves reallocating plant to protected areas and orchids might be important for this use. An example could be the terricolous orchid Sauroglossum nitidum. In an attempt to optimize the survival of S. nitidum following reallocation, the aim of this study was to investigate whether the fertilization can increase the survival of this orchid. For this, five lots with ten plants per lot were randomly separated, with five plants submitted to soluble fertilization with NPK 10-52-10 (1 g.L-1), spraying each plant with 1 mL of the fertilizer, and the other five sprayed with the same volume of distilled water. This treatment was repeated fortnightly for two months before reallocation. The plants were relocated in September 2015 and monitored monthly until November 2016. Overall orchid survival was 92%. Additionally, flowering was observed to be significantly higher in fertilized plants. In conclusion, reallocation of S. nitidum with previous NPK fertilization is recommended.

Resumo O presente estudo faz parte da série de monografias taxonômicas realizadas para o Ceará. A partir de observações de campo e análise de materiais de herbário foram registradas 17 espécies, pertencentes aos gêneros Banara, Casearia, Prockia e Xylosma. As áreas do Norte do Planalto da Ibiapaba, Serra da Meruoca e Maciços de Baturite e Uruburetama são as mais ricas em espécies, enquanto que o maior número de registros de coletas está na Chapada do Araripe e adjacências. Chave de identificação, descrições, ilustrações, dados de distribuição geográfica e habitat são apresentados.

Resumo Um inventário de fanerógamas da planície costeira da região centro-norte do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil é apresentado. Durante dois anos, todas as fitofisionomias dos municípios de Cidreira, Balneário Pinhal e Palmares do Sul foram amostradas. As espécies foram classificadas quanto ao ambiente de ocorrência, hábito preferencial, naturalidade e grau de ameaça. Foram coletadas 383 espécies de 92 famílias, sendo 365 (95%) nativas e 18 (5%) exóticas. As famílias de maior riqueza foram Asteraceae (45), Poaceae (30), Cyperaceae (24) e Fabaceae (23). As formações campestres apresentaram a maior riqueza florística (146), seguidas pelas florestais (132) e lacustres (17). Os hábitos preferenciais foram herbáceo/arbustivo (68%), árvore (20%), trepadeiras (6%), epífitas (6%) e parasitas (1%). Ao todo, foram registradas 18 espécies em alguma categoria de ameaça. Os dados encontrados representam uma alta riqueza de espécies para região sendo compatíveis às estimativas e ao encontrado por outros autores em áreas costeiras, e devem-se basicamente pelo mosaico fitofisionômico e geográfico da região e pela influência dos biomas Mata Atlântica e Pampa. Ameaças à flora local foram evidenciadas, principalmente relacionadas à degradação dos habitats naturais pelos cultivos agrícola e silvícola.

Abstract Ceratium furcoides is an invasive species that has caused ecological imbalance in several reservoirs in Brazil. This study investigates the main factors that may favor the occurrence of Ceratium furcoides blooms in a tropical reservoir from the Northeast Brazil, during an extreme drought season. Samples containing phytoplankton were collected monthly from February to September 2017. Quantitative analysis of C. furcoides was performed and the cell volume was estimated using geometric formulas. Mean biovolume of C. furcoides showed significant differences, ranging from 0.78 mm3 L-1 to 11.29 mm3 L-1 reported in March and September, respectively. Environmental parameters presented low oscillation throughout the study, except the conductivity. Significant relationships among the C. furcoides biovolume, water temperature and soluble reactive phosphate were observed. The findings reported here suggest that adverse conditions caused by a drought season did not negatively affect this species.

Abstract We present a taxonomic treatment for Malpighiaceae from the Lenheiro Mountain Range, São João del-Rei, Minas Gerais, Brazil, where a total of 23 species and nine genera were recorded. Identification keys for all genera and species are presented, along with morphological descriptions, photo plates, and comments on distribution, ecology and taxonomy of the studied species.

Abstract Tuberculosis (TB) still constitutes a threat to public health in various regions of the world. The existing treatment is long and has many side effects. The need to identify new anti-TB compounds and also adjuvants to control exacerbated inflammation in severe TB cases is relevant. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-mycobacterial activity of extracts and fractions in vitro from plant species collected in the Restinga of Jurubatiba, in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. In addition, to verify their immunomodulatory action and cytotoxicity on macrophages. The dichloromethane fraction of Kielmeyera membranacea and Eremanthus crotonoides showed the lowest MIC50 against Mycobacterium bovis BCG (0.95 ± 1.08 and 2.17 ± 1.11 μg/mL, respectively) and M. tuberculosis H37Rv (4.38 ± 1.19 and 15.28 ± 1.21 μg/mL, respectively). They were also able to inhibit the NO and TNF-α production in LPS-stimulated macrophages, without being toxic to cells. Using gas chromatography analysis coupled with mass spectrometer it was possible to suggest the presence of fatty acids and terpenes in the most promising fractions. Those compounds have been described for their anti-mycobacterial activity. These results have enabled identifying Kielmeyera membranacea and Eremanthus crotonoides as the most promising studied species in searching for new anti-TB compounds with dual activity.

Abstract Ocotea notata (Lauraceae) is popularly known as white-cinnamon. Ocotea species have several medicinal uses, especially for treating chest pain, rheumatism and wounds. The present study aimed to analyze the chemical composition of O. notata n-hexane fraction, in addition to its anti-mycobacterial and immunomodulatory activities. The n-hexane fraction was analyzed by GC-MS and was chromatographed to afford 15 subfractions (SF1-15), where SF5 was identified, by GC-MS and NMR, as the sesquiterpene spathulenol. The n-hexane fraction was the most potent in inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production on LPS-stimulated macrophages (IC50 8.3 ± 0.9 and 5.9 ±1.0 μg/mL, respectively). SF4, a major subfraction, that presents a spathulenol analogous as a constituent, also inhibited NO and TNF-α production. Spathulenol only modulated NO production (IC50 45.6 ± 1.4 μg/mL). The n-hexane fraction, SF4, and spathulenol revealed antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium bovis BCG, M. tuberculosis H37Rv, and M299 strains. Spathulenol inhibited the growth of Mtb H37Rv with MIC50 36.9 ± 1.5 μg/mL (167.5 ± 6.8 μM), and Mtb M299 with MIC5042.1 ± 0.5 μg/mL (191.0 ± 2.2 μM). This is the first report describing the isolation of spathulenol from O. notata leaves and its anti-mycobacterial activity.

Abstract Cephalanthus glabratus is an imperfectly known species of the family Rubiaceae. It is a medicinal plant widely used by the locals in its area of distribution, however until now it has received little attention from the scientific community, which is evidenced in the few articles treating the species. The species is a much-branched shrub, with whorled leaves, glomeriform inflorescences, schizocarpic fruits with 1-seeded mericarps, and seeds with a large spongy strophiole. It grows only in the vegetation of the lowlands and is always related to the basins of the main rivers of the region, Paraguay, Paraná, Uruguay and Río de la Plata, and therefore is strongly threatened by the human activities along them (hydroelectric dams, deforestation, advances of urban areas, reduction of the wetlands, etc.). Following IUCN guidelines and all available distributional data, we rated it NT (Near Threatened). Despite the fact that the genus was taxonomically revised, the nomenclatural type of Cephalanthus glabratus was not correctly clarified, so we have done so here. A detailed description, ecological and distributional data are provided.

The proper disposal of pig manure is of great importance because, when mishandled, it can contaminate water resources. This study aimed to evaluate the nitrogen dynamics in a Cerrado Oxisol and its absorption, over time, by a maize crop managed with pig slurry associated with mineral fertilization (N P K). The study was conducted at a private farm, in the region of Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The maize crop was able to recover 62% of the mineral nitrogen that entered the soil-plant system, while 9% leached as nitrate and, to a lesser amount, as ammonium. The maximum average content of nitrate and ammonium of 92 kg ha-1 and 43 kg ha-1, respectively, was observed in the 0 to 0.3 m soil layer during the early crop development stage. A minimum content of 5.8 kg ha-1 of nitrate and 9.0 kg ha-1 of ammonium, respectively, was measured at the end of the cycle. In addition, the nitrate content at that soil layer, at the end of the maize cycle, remained below the values measured at the native Cerrado, indicating that the agricultural use of the land poses no additional risk to the nitrate accumulation and leaching into the soil profile.

The eastern area of the Province of La Pampa, Argentina lies in a transition zone between the humid temperate climate stretching east and the steppe climate stretching west. The area is very sensitive to changes in precipitation patterns, especially when changes are sudden and there is no time to take adaptive measures to cope with the impacts of climate change. In such cases, agricultural production and the balance of the environment are threatened by potential disaster. In order to determine the long-term occurrence of such phenomena, long-term annual precipitation series (1921-2009) from 14 stations in the study area were analyzed using the procedure of hydrometeorological series segmentation. The results for the study period show a succession of abrupt increases, with annual precipitation increasing by about 30%. Each increase in rainfall can be seen as a fostering factor for the expansion of crop planted area in the following years. However, in recent years, there has been an abrupt and significant decrease in precipitation with a marked return to the conditions that prevailed at the beginning of the period. Because agriculture intensified during the period of increased rainfall, the carrying capacity of the environment could be exceeded if rainfall continues to decrease over a long period of time, causing a decline in production accompanied by environmental degradation.

The overall goal of this report was to understand river discharge variability to improve conventional water management practices of Mexico's northern subtropical rivers. This report addresses whether: a) river discharge tendencies, patterns and cycles can be detected with proxy and instrumental records; and b) annual discharge can be forecasted by stochastic models. Eleven gauging stations of six major rivers; three lowland rivers discharging into the Pacific Ocean (Rios Santa Cruz, Acaponeta, and San Pedro); five upland rivers draining into the Pacific Ocean (Rio San Pedro: Peña del Aguila, Refugio Salcido, San Felipe, Vicente Guerrero and Saltito), one river flowing across the interior Basin (Rio Nazas: Salomé Acosta) and two more rivers discharging into the Northern Gulf of Mexico (Rio San Juan: El Cuchillo and Rio Ramos: Pablillos) were statistically analyzed. Instrumental recorded daily discharge data (1940-1999) and reconstructed time series data (1860-1940) using dendrochronological analysis delivered annual discharge data to be modeled using autoregressive integrated moving average, ARIMA models. Spectral density analysis, autocorrelation functions and the standardized annual discharge data evaluated annual discharge frequency cycles. Results showed ARIMA models with two autoregressive and one moving average coefficient adequately project river discharge for all gauging stations with four of them showing significant declining patterns since 1860. ARIMA models in combination with autocorrelation and spectral density techniques as well as standardized departures, in agreement with present (2002-2010) observations, forecast a wet episode that may last between 9 and 12 years thereafter entering again into a dry episode. Three dry-wet spell cycles with different time scales (1-2 years; 4-7 years; 9-12 years) could be discerned from these analyses that are consistent for all three northern Mexico's river clusters that emerged from a multivariate analysis test.

Hydrogeochemical study of the fractured/weathered basement of the Oban Massif, southeastern Nigeria has been carried out. Results indicated that concentrations of major cations and anions exhibited the following order of abundance: Ca>Na>Mg>K and HCO3>SO4>Cl, respectively, with minor variations across sampling seasons. Ca-Na-Cl-SO4 and Ca-Mg-HCO3 water types have been identified as major facies, resultant from congruent influences of weathering (mainly silicates), ion exchange processes, and water mixing.