Seed germination characteristics of Phillyrea angustifolia L. and P. latifolia L. (Oleaceae), two Mediterranean shrub species having lignified endocarp

The aim of this study was to determine the germination characteristics of Phillyrea angustifolia L. and P. latifolia L. seeds in order to develop an optimized propagation protocol for Phillyrea species. Seeds of P. angustifolia and P. latifolia were collected from wild plants growing in Cáceres province (CW Spain) and Andalucía (S Spain), respectively. Percentage of water uptake for P. latifolia seeds was calculated. Seeds with and without endocarp were germinated at different constant and alternating temperatures. Seeds without endocarp were soaked in distilled water or gibberellic acid, and then set to germinate. Seeds with endocarp of both species were stratified at 5 ºC for 30 or 90 days and then the endocarp was completely removed from the seeds before they were sowed. Chemical scarification with sulfuric acid and mechanical scarification were tested on P. angustifolia seeds with endocarp. Phillyrea endocarp was permeable to water, since Phillyrea seeds with endocarp imbibed water, but water uptake was faster when the endocarp was removed. Moreover, the encodarp could interfere mechanically in the emergence of the radicle, since seed germination of Phillyrea species was promoted by the complete removal of the lignified endocarp surrounding each seed. Optimal germination temperature for both species was 15 ºC, and lower temperatures produced secondary dormancy. Soaking in distilled water or gibberellic acid did not significantly enhance seed germination. Cold stratification and chemical scarification treatments were detrimental for seed germination. Keywords cold stratification, Phillyrea species, treatments before sowing, seed germination, seed scarification, lignified endocarp.

Winthrop, John, 1606-1676, autographed letter signed (copy) to Richard Odell; Pequot, Conn., 1 side (4 pages), 1652 November 27

Copy of correspondence responding to a November 16, 1652, letter from Odell regarding his daughter's illness, which Winthrop speculates is hemiplegia. According to Winthrop, "The cure depends upon the knowledge of the right cause, and not only that but the constand and due aplication of such things as may conduce them thereto, which is difficult to doe at a distance." Winthrop further writes that he did not at present have medicine to send for her condition, but recommends "some general things that might be helpfull." These included keeping the child warm with fox or rabbit furs, an ointment consisting of herbs, wax, castor oil, worm grease, fox grease, or an ointment of balsam. Winthrop writes he has sent an ointment, but does not specify its ingredients. His other suggestions for treatment include cupping without scarification, and an decoction containing sarsaparilla, guaiacum, and spirit of rosemary.

Improved germination of the Australian natives: Hibbertia commutata, Hibbertia amplexicaulis (Dilleniaceae), Chameascilla corymbosa (Liliaceae) and Leucopogon nutans (Epacridaceae)

Hibbertia commutata (Steudel), H. amplexicaulis (Steudel), Chameascilla corymbosa [(R.Br.) F.Muell. Ex Benth.] and Leucopogon nutans (E. Pritzel) are four Australian species that are difficult to germinate during mine-site rehabilitation. Laboratory germination trails were conducted to identify dormancy mechanisms and to improve germination response. Treatments applied to all species included scarification and scarification followed by soaking seeds in smoke water (1, 5 or 10%) or gibberellic-acid solution (50, 200 or 1000 muM). Additional treatments with kinetin solution (50, 200 or 1000 muM) and smoke water (50 or 100%) were applied to scarified or unscarified seeds of C. corymbosa. Thermal-shock treatment was applied to L. nutans fruit, some of which were subsequently scarified and subjected to both smoke water (10%) and gibberellic-acid solution (1000 muM). Significant germination increases were obtained by using dormancy-breaking treatments on H. commutata ( from 12.8 to 76.0%), H. amplexicaulis (from 6.8 to 55.1%) and C. corymbosa (from 48.5 to 86.4%). Scarification alone increased germination of both Hibbertia species, suggesting that these species display a physical seed coat-imposed dormancy mechanism. Germination of H. amplexicaulis was further increased by the application of gibberellic-acid solution, indicating a possible embryo-imposed dormancy mechanism. Scarification followed by the application of smoke water produced the highest germination response for C. corymbosa seeds. Scarification alone did not significantly increase germination, inferring the existence of a smoke-responsive embryo dormancy mechanism. Seeds of L. nutans, although viable, failed to germinate and are thought to display complex seed coat- and embryo-imposed dormancy mechanisms.

Climatic regulation of seed dormancy and emergence of diverse Malva parviflora populations from a Mediterranean-type environment

Malva parviflora L. (Malvaceae) is rapidly becoming a serious weed of Australian farming systems. An understanding of the variability of its seed behaviour is required to enable the development of integrated weed management strategies. Mature M. parviflora seeds were collected from four diverse locations in the Mediterranean-type climatic agricultural region of Western Australia. All of the seeds exhibited physical dormancy at collection; manual scarification or a period of fluctuating summer temperatures (50/20 degrees C or natural) were required to release dormancy. When scarified and germinated soon (1 month) after collection, the majority of seeds were able to germinate over a wide range of temperatures (5-37 degrees C) and had no light requirement. Germination was slower for seeds stored for 2 months than seeds stored for 2 years, suggesting the presence of shallow physiological dormancy. Seed populations from regions with similar annual rainfall exhibited similar dormancy release patterns; seeds from areas of low rainfall (337-344mm) were more responsive to fluctuating temperatures, releasing physical dormancy earlier than those from areas of high rainfall (436-444mm). After 36 months, maximum seedling emergence from soil in the field was 60%, with buried seeds producing 13-34% greater emergence than seeds on the surface. Scanning electron microscopy of the seed coat revealed structural differences in the chalazal region of permeable and impermeable seeds, suggesting the importance of this region in physical dormancy breakdown of M. parviflora seeds. The influence of rainfall during plant growth in determining dormancy release, and hence, germination and emergence timing, must be considered when developing management strategies for M. parviflora.

Frugivory and Seed Dispersal by Crocodilians: An Overlooked Form of Saurochory?

Saurochory (seed dispersal by reptiles) among crocodilians has largely been ignored, probably because these reptiles are generally assumed to be obligate carnivores incapable of digesting vegetable proteins and polysaccharides. Herein we review the literature on crocodilian diet, foraging ecology, digestive physiology and movement patterns, and provide additional empirical data from recent dietary studies of Alligator mississippiensis. We found evidence of frugivory in 13 of 18 (72.2%) species for which dietary information was available, indicating this behavior is widespread among the Crocodylia. Thirty-four families and 46 genera of plants were consumed by crocodilians. Fruit types consumed by crocodilians varied widely; over half (52.1%) were fleshy fruits. Some fruits are consumed as gastroliths or ingested incidental to prey capture; however, there is little doubt that on occasion, fruit is deliberately consumed, often in large quantities. Sensory cues involved in crocodilian frugivory are poorly understood, although airborne and waterborne cues as well as surface disturbances seem important. Crocodilians likely accrue nutritional benefits from frugivory and there are no a priori reasons to assume otherwise. Ingested seeds are regurgitated, retained in the stomach for indefinite and often lengthy periods, or passed through the digestive tract and excreted in feces. Chemical and mechanical scarification of seeds probably occurs in the stomach, but what effects these processes have on seed viability remain unknown. Because crocodilians have large territories and undertake lengthy movements, seeds are likely transported well beyond the parent plant before being voided. Little is known about the ultimate fate of seeds ingested by crocodilians; however, deposition sites could prove suitable for seed germination. Although there is no evidence for a crocodilian-specific dispersal syndrome similar to that described for other reptiles, our review strongly suggests that crocodilians function as effective agents of seed dispersal. Crocodilian saurochory offers a fertile ground for future research.

Restoring forests degraded by overabundant moose on the island of Newfoundland

Global forests are being degraded at an alarming rate; hence ecological restoration becomes an integral component ensuring future forest health. Beneficial effects of restoration will arise from scientifically based practices that are efficient and effective. On the island of Newfoundland, moose (Alces alces) have become overabundant since their introduction in early 1900’s. Intensive selective browsing by moose on foundation species such as balsam fir (Abies balsamea) interacts with natural insect disturbance and limits advanced regeneration, creating moose meadows. In this thesis, I focused on where and how active restoration should be implemented in Terra Nova National Park (Newfoundland, Canada) balsam fir forests within the context of the natural disturbance regime under conditions of overbrowsing. Environmental surveys and experimental seedling planting were carried out along a disturbance gradient from closed canopy forest to large insect-disturbed stands. To develop cost-effective and science-based planting protocols, several ground treatments were tested to enhance seedlings success: (1) control, field planting, (2) removal of the aboveground vegetation and (3) ground scarification. Results indicate that (1) priority for restoration should be given to insectdisturbed areas > 5 ha rather than smaller gaps, and (2) that active restoration should be implemented following scientifically determined field planting protocols, as no substantial benefit was detected following ground treatment. The recommendations arising for this thesis allow for the development of efficient and effective protocols towards the reestablishment of multi-aged balsam fir forests in Newfoundland.

Seed and vegetative propagation methods for the rare Florida native species Chionanthus pygmaeus (pygmy fringetree)

Chionanthus pygmaeus Small (pygmy fringetree) (Oleaceae) is an endemic and rare Florida species, which has an attractive, small habit giving it great potential for use in managed landscapes. Members of the genus Chionanthus are difficult to propagate via cuttings and possess complex seed dormancies that are not well understood. Conservation of pygmy fringetree and its potential for commercial propagation for use in managed landscapes is contingent on a better understanding of its complex seed dormancy and enhancement of its propagation. I conducted two experiments to assess sexual and asexual propagation methods for pygmy fringetree. The first experiment was conducted to determine what factors are involved in overcoming seed dormancy. Various scarification treatments, which mimicked conditions seeds are exposed to in the wild, were investigated to determine their effects on germination of 20-year-old seeds originally collected from the species’ native range. Treatments included endocarp removal, sulfuric acid, boiling-water, and smoke-water treatments. Prior to treatment initiation, seed viability was estimated to be 12%. Treated seeds went through two cold- and two warm-stratification periods of 4°C and 25°C, respectively, in a dark growth chamber. After 180 days, none of the treatments induced early germination. Seeds were then tested for viability, which was 11%. Seed dormancy of the species is apparently complex, allowing some of the seeds to retain some degree of viability, but without dormancy requirements satisfied. The second experiment was conducted to assess if pygmy fringetree could be successfully propagated via hardwood or root cuttings if the appropriate combination of environmental conditions and hormones were applied. Hardwood and root cuttings were treated with either 1000 ppm IBA talc, 8000 ppm IBA talc, or inert talc. All cuttings were placed on a mist bench in a greenhouse for 9 weeks. Hardwood cuttings were supplemented with bottom heat at 24 °C. No treatments were successful in inducing adventitious root formation. I conclude that pygmy fringetree seeds possess complex dormancy that was not able to be overcome by the treatments utilized. However, this result is confounded by the age of the seeds used in the experiment. I also conclude that vegetative propagation of pygmy fringetree is highly dependent on the time of year cuttings are harvested. Further research of both seed and asexual propagation methods need to be explored before pygmy fringetree can be propagated on a commercial scale.

GERMINAÇÃO DE SEMENTES DE Piptadenia moniliformis Benth. SOB ESTRESSE HÍDRICO

O período de germinação e o estabelecimento de plântulas é um dos fatores mais importantes para a sobrevivência das espécies, principalmente nos locais em que a disponibilidade de água é limitada, como na região da Caatinga. Neste sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do estresse hídrico sobre a germinação de sementes de Piptadenia moniliformis Benth. Foram utilizados três lotes (L1, L2 e L3), correspondentes aos anos de produção de 2006, 2007 e 2008, respectivamente. Antes do teste de germinação, as sementes foram escarificadas com ácido sulfúrico concentrado durante 30 minutos. Para induzir o deficit hídrico, foi utilizado o polietileno glicol (PEG 6000), nos seguintes potenciais osmóticos: - 0,3; -0,6; -0,9, -1,2 e -1,5 MPa e a água (0 MPa) sob as temperaturas de 25 e 30ºC. As características avaliadas foram: porcentagem de germinação e de plântulas normais, índice de velocidade de germinação e massa seca de plântulas. O processo germinativo de sementes de Piptadenia moniliformis Benth. é comprometido a partir de potenciais hídricos inferiores a -0,6 MPa a 25 e 30 °C; potenciais hídricos iguais ou inferiores a -1,2 MPa inibem a formação de plântulas normais nas duas temperaturas; a tolerância ao estresse hídrico simulado com PEG 6000 é variável entre lotes de sementes e temperaturas de germinação.

Avaliação do potencial anti-inflamatório, anticoagulante e hemorrágico de heparinóides presentes em "Artemia franciscana"

Heparan sulfate (HS) and Heparin (Hep) glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are heterogeneous and highly charged polysaccharides. HS is structurally related to Hep but is much less substituted with sulfo groups than heparin and has a more varied structure (or sequence). Because of structural similiarities between these two polymers, they have been described together as heparinoids . Both chains bind a variety of proteins and mediate various physiologically important processes including, blood coagulation, cell adhesion and growth factor regulation. Heparinoids with structural characteristics similar to these described from HS and/or Hep from mammalian tissues have been isolated from different species of invertebrates, although only a few heparinoids from unusual sources have been characterized. The present study describes the presence of unusual heparinoids population from Artemia franciscana, isolated after proteolysis and fractionation by ion exchange resin and named, F-3.0M. The study model in vivo were hemostasis (rat tail scarification) and inflamatoty activity. The tests in vitro were used for coagulations assays (PT and APTT). The analyse of the heparinoids eluted with 3,0M NaCl showed electrophoretic migration in different buffer systems a single band with a behaviour intermediate between those of mammalian HEP and HS. The main products obtained from Artemia heparinoids after enzymatic degradation with heparitinases I and II from F. heparinum were N-sulphated disaccharides (∆U-GlcNS,6S/ ∆U,2S-GlcNS and ∆U-GlcNS) and N-acetylated disaccharides (∆U, GlcNAc). This heparinoid had a lower hemorrhagic effect (400μg/ml) when compared to unfractiionated heparins(25μg/ml).The results also suggest a negligible APTT activity of this heparinoid (62.2s). No action was observed on PT indicating that F-3.0M haven t action on the extrinsic pathway. The results showed that the fraction F- 3.0M have inhibitory effect on migration of leukocytes, 64.5% in the concentration of 10 μg/ml (P<0.001). The search for new heparin and/or heparan sulphates analogs devoid of anticoagulant activity is an atractive alternative and may open up a wide variety of new therapeutic applications

A escarificação na adolescência : a problemática do eu-pele a partir do Rorschach

Dissertação (mestrado)—Universidade de Brasília, Instituto de Psicologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia Clínica e Cultura, 2015.