Eucalyptus ESTs involved in the production of 9-cis epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase, a regulatory enzyme of abscisic acid production

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Ant fauna (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Magnoliophyta native to the Atlantic forest

The aim of the study was to analyze the preferences of ant species visiting the trunks of eight species of Magnoliophyta, belonging to the families Fabaceae, Arecaceae, Myrtaceae, Melastomataceae and Euphorbiaceae, located in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil. A total of 101 ant species, belonging to eight subfamilies and 32 genera, were sampled during the 12-month collection period. Close to 30% of the ant species can be considered arboreal, and the others are species that nest in the ground and use trees only for foraging, which can be occasional, as in the case of the Ecitoninae sampled in Arecaceae and Euphorbiaceae. Pachycondyla mesonotalis was the only species collected on all the Magnoliophyta, whereas Camponotus rufipes, Acromyrmex niger and Crematogaster spp., were found on 87.5% of the trees analyzed. No strong similarities were found, using the Jaccard Index, among plant species in the same family of Magnoliophyta based on the visiting ants, except for the Euphorbiaceae species. This result is probably related to the presence of extra-floral nectar, which is very attractive to ants and characteristic of this family.

The mesosomal gland of Xylocopa frontalis (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Xylocopini)

Males of Xylocopa fimbriata and X. micans present mesosomal glands that produce secretions containing many volatile substances with an intense floral fragrance, which resembles the fragrance produced by flowers that are attractive to the females of both species. The mating territories occupied by males of X. frontalis have no helpful resources for the females of this species, which are probably attracted to these environments by sexual pheromone(s) produced in the male mesosomal glands (lek polygyny). In this work, the presence of these glands in males of X. frontalis was confirmed and their anatomy and ultrastructure were described. An attempt to correlate the morphological characteristics of the mesosomal glands with the male territorial behavior was also carried out.

Comparação de dois métodos de aplicação de fungicidas, irrigação por gotejamento e pulverização convencional no controle do mofo cinzento (Botrytis cinerea Pers.: Fr.) em vasos com plantas de lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) Shinn.)

Plan disease control techniques are used through the irrigation water, which reduces the labor and it improves application uniformity with smaller contact of the operator with toxic products, lower environmental impact and lower production cost. In order to control Botrytis cinerea the lisianthus culture, this work aimed to evaluate two fungicide application methods with different treatments. The fungicides were: thiophanate methyl (50 g i.a. L-1), thiophanate methyl + chlorothalonil (50 g i.a. L-1 + 35 g i.a. L-1) and iprodione (50 g i.a. L-1). Number of lesions, number of diseased floral buttons and height of the lisianthus plants were evaluated. It was possible to deduce, that in the growth stage (number of lesions in the plant) as well as in the final stage (number of floral buttons) of the lisianthus culture, the most efficient treatments were 2 (thiophanate methyl + chlorothalonil) and 3 (iprodione). Considering that treatment 2 is a mixture of two fungicides, a systemic and a contact one, independently of application methods, the mixture increased efficiency in relation to treatment 1 (thiophanate methyl). Thus, chemigation was as efficient as spreading technique.

Uso racional de nutrientes no cultivo hidropônico de amorperfeito

The objective of this work was to evaluate different concentrations of nutritional solution in the hydroponic cultivation of Viola x wittrockiana Gams. The experiment was conducted in DFT hydroponic system, in a completely randomized design with a 5×4 factorial scheme and five nutrient solution concentrations (50, 75, 100, 125 and 150%), four evaluation periods with three replications of three plants for each treatment. Plant height, root length, number of leaves, flowers and floral buttons; fresh and dry weight of shoot and root were determined. The results were submitted to variance analysis, Tukey's test for evaluation periods and regression analysis for nutrient solution. A decrease in the development of the shoot and root was observed with an increase of the number of cultivation days; the greatest number of floral buttons occurred in the third week of cultivation. A reduction in the plant height, root system length, the number of leaves and the fresh and dry weight of shoot was observed generally with the increase of nutrient solution concentration.

Glandular dots of Caesalpinia echinata Lam. (Leguminosae): Distribution, structure and ultrastructure

The structure and ultrastructure of immature to fully mature glandular dots in the leaf, floral organs and fruit, and their secretion components were described in Caesalpinia echinata Lam. (Leguminosae) for the first time. Data showed that glandular dots were groups of idioblasts with contents that reacted positively for both lipophilic and hydrophilic substances. Idioblasts originated from successive divisions of the ground meristem cells or mesophyll cells of an ovary of a fertilized flower. Following division, cells enlarged, the cytoplasm became denser and its content became full. No idioblasts were observed after fruit sclerification. Besides these mixed-content idioblasts, some cells in the sepals, petals and mesocarp were found to contain phenolic compounds, which probably represent a kind of constitutive defense mechanism, once the flowers and fruits become highly fitness-valued parts of the plant and can be commonly attacked. The contents of the idioblasts are released as the growth rate of the embryo increases, indicating that the plant probably diverts the precursors of secondary metabolites into the primary metabolism, at this critical time of embryo development.

Uso do regulador de crescimento etil-trinexapac em arroz de terras altas

This work was developed with the objective of evaluating the use of trinexapac-ethyl doses (0, 75, 150, 225 and 300 g of the a.i. ha -1) and application times (active tillering, between active tillering and floral differentiation and at floral differentiation) in upland rice crop development and yield. The experiment was carried out in Selvíria-MS, during the agricultural year of 2006/07. Application of 150 g ha -1 of trinexapac-ethyl in Primavera rice cultivar at panicle initiation differentiation reduces plants height, 0.40 m on average comparing to other times, with lodging absence. Trinexapac-ethyl promotes lange number of abnormal grains, reduction of grain yields in doses above 150 g ha -1, when applied in panicle initiation differentiation stadium. Application of 150 g ha -1 of trinexapac-ethyl at any time does not interfere in crop yield.

Estruturas secretoras de Pavonia alnifolia (Malvaceae), uma espécie ameaçada de extinção

Malvaceae shows a rich morphological diversity of secretory structures, which are of great ecological and taxonomical relevance. Nonetheless, until the present moment, studies on the secretory structures of the studied species were not found. Pavonia alnifolia A.St.-Hil. is endangered species of extinction with restricted distribution within the restingas of Rio the Janeiro and Espírito Santo, Brazil. The species were collected from the former and usual techniques on plant anatomy and histochemistry were performed. Anatomical and histochemical studies of the secretory structures of Pavonia alnifolia are showed in this work. The presence of external and internal secretory structures of mucilage in many organs, idioblasts of phenolic and lipid substances and floral nectaries what is a very important adaptative survival mechanism of the species in the restinga environment. The secretion produced by nectaries is envolved with maintenance of interations with visiting insects, what constitutes a good model to experimental studies with an ecological approach.

Glyphosate como regulador de crescimento em arroz de terras altas

The lodging of some rice cultivars at harvest time can lead to significant losses in yield, and the inappropriate water and nitrogen management, under high-tech conditions, can aggravate the problem. The use of vegetal regulators is an alternative to reduce lodging, however, information on this topic are rare. The study aimed to evaluate the application of glyphosate sub doses (26 g ha -1, 52 g ha -1, 78 g ha -1, 104 g ha -1, 130 g ha -1, 156 g ha -1, and 182 g ha -1) on agronomical traits, development, and yield of upland rice crops irrigated by aspersion, during the floral differentiation period. The experiment was carried out in Selvíria, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, through the agricultural years of 2008/2009 and 2009/2010. The increase of glyphosate sub doses, at the floral differentiation period of the Primavera cultivar, reduced the plants height, panicle size, and, consequently, yield. Sub doses higher than or equal to 78 g ha -1 eliminated the plants lodging process.

Comparative embryology and taxonomic considerations in Eriocaulaceae (Poales)

The genus concept within Eriocaulaceae is widely discussed because it is mainly based on a small number of floral characteristics of unknown functional and evolutionary significance. The aim of the present work is to comparatively study the embryology of representatives of most genera of Eriocaulaceae to identify relevant features that might aid in circumscribing them. In Eriocaulaceae, the uniformity of the embryological characteristics makes it difficult to interpret the existing relationships among the genera. Some embryological characteristics, especially those related to the number of microsporangia, are shown to be unstable and restricted to Paepalanthoideae. The unique pollen morphology may be related to mechanical processes to accommodate the increase in volume after early formation of the pollen wall and may indicate a relationship to an inaperturate ancestor. The placentation, formerly stated to be axile, is more likely to be central due to protusions of the locular base. The shape of the proximal region of the megagametophyte may be responsible for the formation of the antipodal cyst. The seed coat structure is uniform in origin and is a consistent taxonomic characteristic of the family. A review of Eriocaulaceae is necessary, in which additional morphological and anatomical characteristics should be considered and combined. © 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Homologies of the flower and inflorescence in the early-divergent grass anomochloa (poaceae)

Premise of the study: The grass subfamily Anomochlooideae is phylogenetically significant as the sister group to all other grasses. Thus, comparison of their structure with that of other grasses could provide clues to the evolutionary origin of these characters. Methods: We describe the structure, embryology, and development of the flower and partial inflorescence of the monotypic Brazilian grass Anomochloa marantoidea. We compare these features with those of other early-divergent grasses such as Pharus and Streptochaeta and closely related Poales such as Ecdeiocolea. Key results: Anomochloa possesses several features that are characteristic of Poaceae, notably a scutellum, a solid style, reduced stamen number, and an ovary with a single ovule that develops into a single indehiscent fruit. Interpretation of floral patterning in Anomochloa is problematic because the ramification pattern of the florets places the bracts and axes in unusual positions relative to the primary inflorescence axis. Our study indicates that there is a single abaxial carpel in Anomochloa, probably due to a cryptic type of pseudomonomery in Anomochloa that resembles the pseudomonomery of other grasses. On the other hand, the Anomochloa flower differs from the typical grass flower in lacking lodicules and possessing four stamens, in contrast with the tristaminate condition that characterizes many other grasses. Conclusions: Using the median part of the innermost bract as a locator, we tentatively homologize the inner bract of the Anomochloa partial inflorescence with the palea of other grasses. In this interpretation, the pattern of monosymmetry due to stamen suppression differs from that of Ecdeiocolea. © 2012 Botanical Society of America.

Effect of different pulse treatments on vase life of inflorescences of oncidium varicosum 'Samurai'

Oncidium varicosum is a species of orchid that is prevalent in South America. This species produces yellow flowers, which are commonly named golden shower, ballet dancer and Anita's flower. The study of the post-harvest physiology of flowers involves examination of factors related to quality loss of cut flowers, which is related not only to several physiological processes but also to interactions between the floral components and qualitative factors. In this context, our research involved the study of physiological aspects of the post-harvest physiology of cut inflorescences of Oncidium varicosum ('Samurai') after treatment with pulsing solutions containing silver salts, 8-HQC and sucrose. A reduction of relative water content of Oncidium flowers treated with pulsing STS (2 mM) was observed. The soluble carbohydrates and reducing sugars content decreased, and higher contents were measured in flowers treated with STS (2 mM). All parameters related to flower coloration were reduced in all treatments. Similar results were obtained for carotenoid content, except for the STS treatment (2 mM), which differed significantly from the other treatments on the 8th and 12th days of vase life. The inflorescences' longevity varied from 12 days (distilled water) to 15 days (STS 2 mM).

Tooth embedding medium influences the accuracy of electronic apex locator

This study evaluated the influence of tooth embedding media on the accuracy ofan electronic apex locator. The root canal length of 20 human mandibular canines was measured by inserting a 15 K-file into the root canal up to the apical foramen. The distance was measured with a digital caliper. The embedding media evaluated were alginate, saline, floral foam or gauze soaked in saline. Electronic root canal length measurement was performed with Root ZX II. Data were analysed using ANOVA for repeated measurements and Tukey test, at a significance level of 5%. There was no difference between the actual root canal length measurement and the electronic reading recorded with alginate medium. The readings obtained with the other media differed from the actual root canal length measurements. Alginate provided greater accuracy in electronic root canal length determination by Root ZX II than saline, floral foam and gauze.

Intriguing thigmonastic (sensitive) stamens in the Plains Prickly Pear Opuntia polyacantha (Cactaceae)

The movement of sensitive stamens in flowers of the Plains Prickly Pear (Opuntia polyacantha) is described in detail along with the external and internal filament anatomy. The goals of this investigation were: (1) to provide a synthesis of floral phenology and determine whether this rather unique stamen movement is nastic or a tropism and (2) to conduct macro- and micro-morphological analyses of filaments to determine if there are anatomical traits associated with this movement. To better understand the internal and external structure in sensitive filaments of O. polyacantha, we performed comparative anatomical analyses in two additional species from the Opuntioideae with stamens lacking such sensitivity. The consistent unidirectional movement of stamens, independent of the area stimulated, indicates a thigmonastic response. This movement serves multiple purposes, from enhancing pollen presentation to facilitating cross-pollination, protecting pollen and preventing insects from robbing pollen. Anatomically, the sensitive and non-sensitive filaments exhibit different tissue organization. Cuticle thickness, presence of capsular structures, two layers of curved cells, and more and larger intercellular spaces are characteristic of sensitive filaments. A thin unicellular epidermal layer is characteristic in sensitive filaments versus 2-3 epidermal layers in non-sensitive filaments. Another striking feature in sensitive filaments is the presence of papillae and capsular structures. We believe that these elements are related to water mobility with subsequent contraction during the thigmonastic response. Capsular structures might have a role in fluid mobility according to the stimulus of the filaments. We hypothesize that the thigmonastic response is controlled by cells with elastic properties, as evidenced by the plasmolyzed curved and contracted cells in the filaments and the fact that the movement is activated by changes in cell turgor followed by contraction as a result of plasmolysis. © 2013 Elsevier GmbH.

Esenbeckia cowanii (Rutaceae), epitypification and emendation

A complete description of Esenbeckia cowanii Kaastra (Rutaceae) is presented, including new details for floral morphology. The original type of this taxon included only fruiting material, thus we designate an epitype with flowers. In addition, we provide taxonomic emendation to E. cowanii, including its leaf morphology variation, details of the fruit and seed, and an update of its geographic distribution.