Seed survival of four tropical tree species in response to environment

The response of seed survival to storage duration and environment (temperature and moisture content) in the four tropical tree species: Cedrela odorata L., Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn., Dalbergia spruceana Benth. and Tabebuia alba (Cham.) Sandwith. from Amazonia conformed to the seed viability equation of Ellis and Roberts. Estimates of the seed viability constants to calculate seed longevity in these species are provided.

Characterisation of Bolivian savanna ecosystems by their modern pollen rain and implications for fossil pollen records

The majority of vegetation reconstructions from the Neotropics are derived from fossil pollen records extracted from lake sediments. However, the interpretation of these records is restricted by limited knowledge of the contemporary relationships between the vegetation and pollen rain of Neotropical ecosystems, especially for more open vegetation such as savannas. This research aims to improve the interpretation of these records by investigating the vegetation and modern pollen rain of different savanna ecosystems in Bolivia using vegetation inventories, artificial pollen traps and surface lake sediments. Two types of savanna were studied, upland savannas (cerrado), occurring on well drained soils, and seasonally-inundated savannas occurring on seasonally water-logged soils. Quantitative vegetation data are used to identify taxa that are floristically important in the different savanna types and to allow modern pollen/vegetation ratios to be calculated. Artificial pollen traps from the upland savanna site are dominated by Moraceae (35%), Poaceae (30%), Alchornea (6%) and Cecropia (4%). The two seasonally-inundated savanna sites are dominated by Moraceae (37%), Poaceae (20%), Alchornea (8%) and Cecropia (7%), and Moraceae (25%), Cyperaceae (22%), Poaceae (19%) and Cecropia (9%), respectively. The modern pollen rain of seasonally-inundated savannas from surface lake sediments is dominated by Cyperaceae (35%), Poaceae (33%), Moraceae (9%) and Asteraceae (5%). Upland and seasonally-flooded savannas were found to be only subtly distinct from each other palynologically. All sites have a high proportion of Moraceae pollen due to effective wind dispersal of this pollen type from areas of evergreen forest close to the study sites. Modern pollen/vegetation ratios show that many key woody plant taxa are absent/under-represented in the modern pollen rain (e.g., Caryocar and Tabebuia). The lower-than-expected percentages of Poaceae pollen, and the scarcity of savanna indicators, in the modern pollen rain of these ecosystems mean that savannas could potentially be overlooked in fossil pollen records without consideration of the full pollen spectrum available.

Dietary items of the black falcon falco subniger and zebra finch taeniopygia guttata in Northern Victoria

This note reports an incidental observation of a Black Falcon Falco subniger taking a Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata. The captured Finch voided the contents of its crop, revealing that it had been feeding on Onion Grass Romulea rosea. Zebra Finches have not been reported in the diet of Black Falcons, and Onion Grass seeds have not been reported in the diet of Zebra Finches previously.

Determination of potassium and sodium in an ash sample by gamma-ray spectroscopy

Neutron activation analysis and gamma-ray spectroscopy were used to determine the quantity of potassium and sodium in an ash sample of Tabebuia sp bombarded with thermal neutrons. These techniques, widely applied in nuclear physics, can be used in the context of wood science as an alternative for the usual physical chemistry methods applied in this area. The quantity of K and Na in an 8.60 +/- 0.10 mg of ash was determined as being 1.3 +/- 0.3 mg and 11.0 +/- 1.8 mu g, respectively. The ratio of Tabebuia sp converted into ash was also determined as 0.758 +/- 0.004%.

Vermiculita como substrato para o teste de germinação de sementes de ipê-amarelo

Vermiculite is a substrate used in seedling production of forest species and can be an option for the germination test of ipe seeds. The objective of this research was to evaluate the use of vermiculite in the germination test of Tabebuia chrysotricha seeds and to stablish appropriate particle size and moisture for this substrate. Four replications of 20 seeds were sown in soil, sand, paper rolls, and vermiculite with different particle sizes: micron (0.15-0.20 mm), superthin (0.21-0.30 mm), thin (0.30-0.50 mm) and medium (0.50-1.19 mm) moistened with water equivalent to 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 times the weight of the dry subtrate. Germination test was carried out at 30 degrees C. The percentage of normal seedlings was obtained seven days after sowing (first count) and then weekly until 28 days, when abnormal seedlings and dead seeds were also counted. It was concluded that the germination test of ipe seeds can be carried out with thin or medium vermiculite moistened with water equivalent to 1.5 times the dry weight of the substrate. These treatments resulted in higher and faster germination (21 days).

Avaliação da esporulação de Bionectria ochroleuca em diferentes meios de culturas

The biological control of the plants diseases, caused by fungi, is carried out using others organisms (predator, parasite or pathogen). Among the possible agents of biocontrol, a fungus has been highlighting as promising and it is known as Clonostachys rosea, asexual form of Bionectria ochroleuca. For that, it is necessary the in vitro production of spores of this fungus. In this study were tested several culture media to select those with better conidia production. The study was conducted at Plant Protection Division, in the Plant Production Department, FCA - UNESP, Botucatu campus, São Paulo state, Brazil. We used the isolated CCR64 (Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA)-CNPMA). The means of crops were: BDA; Oats-Agar; Mazeina-Agar; Rice-Agar; V8-5%; V8-10%; V8-20%; TJ-5 %; TJ-10, TJ-20%. The sporulation of the fungus in different culture media was estimated at 8 days after of the incubation. The data were analyzed using method of comparing averages, using the Tukey test, at 5% probability, and the data processed, using (X + 1) 0.5 transformation. All culture media tested were able to produce conidia. It was found that the best culture media for production of conidia of Bionectria ochroleuca is the TJ-5%, followed by TJ-20%, with an sporulation average of 3,5 x 106 conidia / ml.

Desenvolvimento de mudas de Tabeluia chrysotricha em função de substratos e de soluções de fertirrigação

The work aimed to study the development of Tabebuia chrysotricha Standl. seedlings injunction of different substrate and different fertilization solutions. To compose the substrate it was used fibrous and granulated coconut fiber obtaining the following treatments: S1- 100% fibrous, S2- 60% fibrous and 40% granulated, S3- 40% fibrous and 60% granulated and S4- 100% granulated. The basis fertilization was the same for all treatments and the solutions of fertilization varied in order to obtain solutions with the following electric conductivities: EC1- 1.06 dS m(-1), EC2- 2.12 dS m(-1), EC3- 3.2 dS m(-1) and EC4- 4.25 dS m(-1). The propagative material was sowed directly in plastic containers (120mL) with the respective substrates. The fertilization was received through sub irrigation once a week, until the seedlings reached 20cm of height approximately. The chemical analyses of the substrate (EC and pH), through aqueous extraction method 1:1.5 (1 substrate: 1.5 deionized water), the analyses of aerial part height, stein diameter and pairs true leaves number, as well as the weight of total dry, matter, were accomplished each 15 days. In almost every analysis, the substrate with granulated coconut fiber, as well as the smallest EC (1.06 e 2.12 dS m(-1)) of fertilization solutions,formed seedlings with higher averages, indicating faster growth. In the conditions of this experiment, the production of T. chrysotricha seedlings was better in granulated coconut fiber substrate and fertilizer solutions with EC of 1.06 dS m(-1), appreciating the estimated characteristics.

Assessment of estrogenic, mutagenic and antimutagenic activity of nemorosone

Currently, a wide range of research involving natural products is focused on the discovery of new drugs in many different therapeutic areas. A great number of the synthetic compounds on the market were derived from natural products, especially plants. Nemorosone is the major constituent of the floral resin of Clusia rosea Jacq., Clusiaceae, and in Cuban propolis. In vitro studies have shown cytotoxic activity in this substance against various tumor cell lines, including those resistant to various cytotoxic drugs, whereas it has low cytotoxicity to non-tumoral cells. Therefore, in order to characterize the biological activity of nemorosone, a substance with potential antitumor activity, and in view of preclinical testing of the toxicity of drug candidate compounds, the main aim of this study was to determine the mutagenic and antimutagenic activity of nemorosone by the Ames test, using the strains TA97a, TA98, TA100 and TA102 of Salmonella typhimurium. Secondly, to characterize the estrogenic activity in an experimental recombinant yeast model (Recombinant Yeast Assay) mutagenic activity was observed at in any of the concentrations in any of the test strains. To evaluate the antimutagenic potential, direct and indirect mutagenic agents were used: 4 nitro-o-phenylenediamine (NPD), mitomycin C (MMC) and aflatoxin B1 (AFL). Nemorosone showed moderate antimutagenic activity (inhibition level 31%), in strain TA100 in the presence of AFL, and strong antimutagenic activity in TA102 against MMC (inhibition level 53%). Estrogenic activity was observed, with an EEq of 0.41±0.16 nM at various tested concentrations.

Análise farmacognóstica e atividade antibacteriana de extratos vegetais empregados em formulação para a higiene bucal

A utilização de extratos vegetais vem se tornando uma alternativa importante para a prevenção de doenças periodontais. Este trabalho objetivou desenvolver uma formulação de enxagüatório bucal, contendo, em associação, extratos hidroalcoólicos de Rosmarinus officinalis, Plantago major, Tabebuia impetiginosa, Achillea millefollium e Nasturtium officinale; avaliar sua composição farmacognóstica e sua atividade antibacteriana, como também da fórmula proposta. Foram realizados estudos de pré-formulação e análises farmacognósticas para as espécies vegetais. A atividade antibacteriana in vitro foi observada por meio dos métodos de difusão em disco de papel, por hole- plate e por template, frente a Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia colik, Enterococcus faecalis e Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) foi determinada por meio do método de macrodiluições sucessivas em caldo. Os resultados obtidos apresentaram-se de acordo com o histórico farmacognóstico das drogas estudadas. Todas as bactérias foram inibidas pelos extratos, observando-se que as espécies S. aureus e B. subtilis mostraram, aparentemente, maior sensibilidade. A CIM variou, em relação a sensibilidade de cada espécie bacteriana estudada, de 312,5 µL/mL a 1250 µL/mL para os extratos vegetais e de 625 µL/mL a 2500 µL/mL para o enxaguatório bucal. São necessários estudos complementares para a confirmação da eficácia deste produto e sua utilização na prevenção de doenças periodontais.

Lapachol Induces Clastogenic Effects in Rats

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

Quantitative comparisons and models of time-averaging in bivalve and brachiopod shell accumulations

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

Viés Analítico em Estudos Tafonômicos com Macroinvertebrados: Implicações (Paleo)Ambientais e (Paleo)Ecológicas

A review of recent literature shows that most taphonomic studies of Holocene and fossil macrovertebrates are not methodologically standardized. Hence, results from distinct studies are not comparable, even among researches sharing virtually identical goals, targeting the same biological group of similar age and depositional environment. The effects of the shell size in the taphonomic analysis are still poorly understood. In order to study this issue, the taphonomic signatures (articulation, valve type, fragmentation, abrasion, corrosion, edge modification, color alteration, bioerosion and encrustation) of brachiopod shells (Bouchardia rosea (Mawe)), from Ubatuba Bay in the northern coast of São Paulo State, were investigated according to the sieve sizes. In the study area, 14 collecting stations were sampled via Van Veen grab sampler, along a bathymetric gradient, ranging from 0 to 35 m of depth. Bulk samples were sieved through 8 mm, 6 mm, and 2 mm mesh sizes, yielding a total of 5.204 shells. The results indicate that, when taphonomic signatures were independently analyzed per size classes (8 mm, 6 mm, and 2 mm), the taphonomic signatures are recorded in a complex and random way. Additionally, cluster analysis showed that the similarity among the clusters vary according to the considered sieve size. Thus, the sieve size plays an important role in the distribution of taphonomic signatures in shells of distinct sizes. These results suggest that the concentration of the taphonomic analysis on one class (e.g., the largest sieve size, 8 mm) is not always the best method. Rather, the total data (all sieves included) seems more accurate in recording the whole spectrum of taphonomic processes recorded in shells of a given assemblage.

Braquiópodes (Rhynchonelliformea, Bouchardioidea) neógenos da bacia de Pelotas (RS) e seu significado paleoambiental

The occurrence of brachiopods in Cenozoic rocks of the Pelotas Basin is known since 1862. In spite of that, detailed systematic and taphonomic studies are still missing. Investigations made a half century ago, have suggested that these brachiopods could belong to Bouchardia cf. zitteli, a species found in the San Julian Formation, Late Oligocene, Argentina. Our data suggest that those brachiopods may resemble Bouchardia transplatina. In the Uruguayan portion of the Pelotas Basin B. transplatina is known in rocks of the Camacho Formation, Miocene. In addition, small recrystallized shells of brachiopods were also recovered from three Petrobras boreholes (2PJ-1-RS, 2PN-1-RS, and 2GA-1-RS) from the Pelotas Basin. Brachiopods come from the interval of 130 to 150 meters within the Miocene Henryhowella evax Zone. Despite the degree of taphonomic modiication of those brachiopod shells they indubitably belong to Bouchardia sp. This is noteworthy for various reasons: 1- Bouchardia is a brachiopod with warm water afinities. Presently, extant members of this genus are unknown in latitudes up to 34[degree]S, with the main records at 23[degree]S. 2- Although occurring in depths down to 200 meters, the living member (Bouchardia rosea) of this genus is most abundant in shallow platformal, nutrient-rich waters. 3- The occurrence of Bouchardia in the Miocene of the Pelotas Basin indicates that, at least to the interval of Henryhowella evax Zone, warm waters of the Brazilian currents prevail. This interpretation is in strong accordance with other paleoeoceanographic and paleoclimatic data offered by various groups of co-occurring microfossils, such as ostracodes and foraminifers.

Composição florística e estrutura fitossociológica de dois fragmentos de floresta de restinga no Município de Bertioga, SP, Brasil

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Frugivoria e especificidade por hospedeiros na erva-de-passarinho Phoradendron rubrum (L.) Griseb. (Viscaceae)

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