Histamine release induced by glucose (mannose)-specific lectins isolated from Brazilian beans. Comparison with concanavalin A

The histamine releasing properties of glucose (mannose)-specific lectins isolated from Brazilian beans was examined. The Canavalia brasiliensis, Dioclea rostrata, and Dioclea virgata lectins induced histamine release in rat peritoneal mast cells similar to concanavalin A. Less potency and efficacy was observed for Canavalia maritima, Dioclea guianensis, and Dioclea violacea while very low activities were seen for the lectins from Dioclea grandiflora, Canavalia bonariensis, and Cratylia floribunda. The histamine releasing effect was quenched by higher doses of D. virgata lectin similar to what was reported for concanavalin A. This effect was abrogated by increasing the concentration of calcium in the incubating medium. As these above proteins have sites that bind calcium, higher doses of the lectins might withdraw the calcium which is essential for the mast cell secretion.

Characteristics of the histamine release from hamster cheek pouch mast cells stimulated by lectins from Brazilian beans and concanavalin A

We have characterized the histamine releasing effects of lectins extracted from Brazilian beans, in comparison to concanavalin A, in hamster cheek pouch cell suspensions containing mast cells. The lectins from Dioclea virgata, Canavalia brasiliensis, and Dioclea rostrata induce histamine release in a similar manner to concanavalin A, but appear to differ in potency and efficacy. The effects depended on the temperature, pH, and metabolic energy, demonstrating the non-cytotoxic nature of the histamine release. It is suggested that the lectins studied act by the same mechanism as concanavalin A (interacting with sugars in the antibodies bound to the mast cells), since high concentrations of glucose inhibit the histamine release. The lectins at high concentrations quench the histamine release. This suppression is reversed by increasing calcium concentration, suggesting that the lectins bind to the calcium that is essential for the secretion, thereby confirming and extending our previous data using the lectin from Dioclea virgata in rat peritoneal mast cells.

Effects of abscisic acid, ethylene and sugars on the mobilization of storage proteins and carbohydrates in seeds of the tropical tree Sesbania virgata (Leguminosae)

Endospermic legumes are abundant in tropical forests and their establishment is closely related to the mobilization of cell-wall storage polysaccharides. Endosperm cells also store large numbers of protein bodies that play an important role as a nitrogen reserve in this seed. In this work, a systems approach was adopted to evaluate some of the changes in carbohydrates and hormones during the development of seedlings of the rain forest tree Sesbania virgata during the period of establishment. Seeds imbibed abscisic acid (ABA), glucose and sucrose in an atmosphere of ethylene, and the effects of these compounds on the protein contents, alpha-galactosidase activity and endogenous production of ABA and ethylene by the seeds were observed. The presence of exogenous ABA retarded the degradation of storage protein in the endosperm and decreased alpha-galactosidase activity in the same tissue during galactomannan degradation, suggesting that ABA represses enzyme action. On the other hand, exogenous ethylene increased alpha-galactosidase activity in both the endosperm and testa during galactomannan degradation, suggesting an inducing effect of this hormone on the hydrolytic enzymes. Furthermore, the detection of endogenous ABA and ethylene production during the period of storage mobilization and the changes observed in the production of these endogenous hormones in the presence of glucose and sucrose, suggested a correlation between the signalling pathway of these hormones and the sugars. These findings suggest that ABA, ethylene and sugars play a role in the control of the hydrolytic enzyme activities in seeds of S. virgata, controlling the process of storage degradation. This is thought to ensure a balanced flow of the carbon and nitrogen for seedling development.

Storage proteins and cell wall mobilisation in seeds of Sesbania virgata (Cav.) Pers. (Leguminosae)

The endosperm of seeds of Sesbania virgata (Cav.) Pers. accumulates galactomannan as a cell wall storage polysaccharide. It is hydrolysed by three enzymes, one of them being alpha-galactosidase. A great amount of protein bodies is found in the cytoplasm of endospermic cells, which are thought to play the major role as a nitrogen reserve in this seed. The present work aimed at understanding how the production of enzymes that degrade storage compounds is controlled. We performed experiments with addition of inhibitors of transcription (actinomycin-d and alpha-amanitin) and translation (cycloheximide) during and after germination. In order to follow the performance of storage mobilisation, we measured fresh mass, protein contents and alpha-galactosidase activity. All the inhibitors tested had little effect on seed germination and seedling development. Actinomycin-d and cycloheximide provoked a slight inhibition of the storage protein degradation and concomitantly lead to an elevation of the alpha-galactosidase activity. Although alpha-amanitin showed some effect on seedling development at latter stages, it presented the former effect and did not change galactomannan degradation performance. Our data suggest that some of the proteases may be synthesised de novo, whereas alpha-galactosidase seems to be present in the endosperm cells probably as an inactive polypeptide in the protein bodies, being probably activated by proteolysis when the latter organelle is disassembled. These evidences suggest the existence of a connection between storage proteins and carbohydrates mobilisation in seeds of S. virgata, which would play a role by assuring a balanced afflux of the carbon and nitrogen to the seedling development.

Métodos de superação da dormência e temperatura na germinação de sementes de dioclea violácea

The aim of this experiment was to overcome the dormancy and the effect of different temperatures in Dioclea violacea seeds' germination. Two experiments were developed. In the first, it was studied the use of chemical and mechanical scarification in the overcome dormancy seeds. Therefore, were accomplished seven treatments with four replications of 15 seeds each. The experiment constituted of one testify treatment, five chemical scarification treatments (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 hours of immersion in concentrated sulfuric acid - H(2)SO(4)) and one mechanical scarification treatment. In the second experiment, was studied the temperature effects on germination seeds; it was constituted on six treatments with four replications with 12 seeds each. The treatments constituted of constant temperatures 15 degrees C, 20 degrees C, 25 degrees C, 30 degrees C and 35 degrees C and the alternate temperature 20-30 degrees C ( 16 and 8 hours, respectively). Germination, died seeds, hard seeds percentages, medium time germination and germination speed index were determined. The data were submitted to the variance analysis, and the averages compared by the Tukey test to 5% of probability and regression analysis. It was observed that the dormancy overcome of Dioclea violacea seeds can be done with chemical scarification, 3 to 5 hours in H(2)SO(4), as much as with mechanical scarification. Also, it was possible to conclude that Dioclea violacea seeds germinate in a wide temperature strip, with constant temperatures of 20 degrees C, 25 degrees C and 35 degrees C benefit the germination process.

The species of Paspalum L (Poaceae), groups Virgata and Quadrifaria, in Brazil - Distribution and ecology

The Brazilian species of Paspalum L. (Poaceae) groups Virgata and Quadrifaria are revised based on herbarium material and live specimens of recent collections. The Virgata taxa are P. wettsteinii, P. rufum, P. regnellii, P. conspersum, P. virgatum and P. commune, while Quadrifaria encompasses P. intermedium, P. densum, P. millegrana, P. durifolium, P. brunneum, P. usteri, P. plenum, P. quadrifarium, P. coryphaeum, P. exaltatum and P. haummmanii. Both groups are commonly found throughout the country, but rare in the wet areas of the Amazonian forest, and better characterized as megatherm plants.

Quebra de dormência em sementes de Sesbania virgata (Cav.) Pers

Forest species with hard seeds often pose considerable problems to nursery managers because their hard and impermeable seed coats hinder and delay germination. Therefore, this work aimed to determine the most efficient, practical and low cost methodology to overcome dormancy in Sesbania virgata (Cav.) Pers. Seed, a specie with potential for recovery of degraded areas. The seeds were submitted to chemical scarification by immersion in sulfuric acid during a period of 5, 10, 20 and 30 minutes, mechanical scarification and heat treatment. After the scarification the seeds were submitted to germ test in germination chambers at 25oC and photoperiod of 14 h. Treatment with mechanical scarification showed the highest germination percentage (98%), followed by chemical scarification for 30 minutes (57%). The heat treatment in spite of obtaining a higher germination percentage than the controls had abnormal development of seedlings and is not therefore recommended for seeds of S. virgata. From the parameters utilized in this study, we recommend the use of the mechanical scarification to overcome dormancy of S. virgata seeds.

Fruit processing, seed viability and dormancy mechanisms of Persoonia sericea A. Cunn. ex R. Br. and P-virgata R. Br. (Proteaceae)

The morphology of the fruit and difficulties with fruit processing impose major limitations to germination of Persoonia sericea and P. virgata. The mesocarp must be removed without harming the embryo. Fermentation of fruit or manual removal of the mesocarp was effective but digestion in 32% hydrochloric acid (HCl) completely inhibited germination. The endocarp is extremely hard and therefore very difficult and time consuming to remove without damaging the seeds. The most efficient method was cracking the endocarp with pliers, followed by manual removal of seeds. Germination was completely inhibited unless at least half of the endocarp was removed. Microbial contamination of the fruit and seeds was controlled by disinfestation and germination of the seed under aseptic conditions. The results suggest that dormancy in these species is primarily due to physical restriction of the embryo by the hard endocarp.

Influência da temperatura na germinação de sementes de Digitaria insularis, Leptochloa virgata, Pennisetum setosum e Sorghum halepense

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a influência de temperaturas constantes na germinação de sementes de espécies de plantas daninhas da família Poaceae que apresentam ocorrência em áreas de pastagem, para isto, foram analisadas as sementes de Digitaria insularis, Leptochloa virgata, Pennisetum setosum e Sorghum halepense coletadas manualmente de diversas plantas em áreas de pastagem. As sementes foram dispostas em caixas gerbox sobre folha dupla de papel "germitest", umedecido com água destilada equivalente a 2,5 vezes a massa do papel seco. As caixas foram incubadas em três germinadores verticais tipo MANGELSDORF com as temperaturas de 25ºC, 30ºC e 35ºC e fotoperíodo de 12 horas. As avaliações foram realizadas, efetuando-se a contagem diária das ocorrências germinativas, a partir da protrusão da radícula, durante 28 dias após o início do estudo. Os parâmetros avaliados foram porcentagem e índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG), efetuando-se a análise estatística pela análise de variância com comparação de médias pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade e transformação dos resultados de porcentagem de germinação. As temperaturas que proporcionam os melhores resultados de porcentagem e velocidade de germinação são 30 e 35°C, para as espécies de D. insularis, L. virgata e S. halepense, por outro lado, a espécie de P. setosum não apresenta germinação em nenhuma das temperaturas avaliadas (25º 30º e 35ºC) não são adequadas para a sua germinação.

Changes in weed species since the introduction of glyphosate-resistant cotton

Weed management practices in cotton systems that were based on frequent cultivation, residual herbicides, and some post-emergent herbicides have changed. The ability to use glyphosate as a knockdown before planting, in shielded sprayers, and now over-the-top in glyphosate-tolerant cotton has seen a significant reduction in the use of residual herbicides and cultivation. Glyphosate is now the dominant herbicide in both crop and fallow. This reliance increases the risk of shifts to glyphosate-tolerant species and the evolution of glyphosate-resistant weeds. Four surveys were undertaken in the 2008-09 and 2010-11 seasons. Surveys were conducted at the start of the summer cropping season (November-December) and at the end of the same season (March-April). Fifty fields previously surveyed in irrigated and non-irrigated cotton systems were re-surveyed. A major species shift towards Conyza bonariensis was observed. There was also a minor increase in the prevalence of Sonchus oleraceus. Several species were still present at the end of the season, indicating either poor control and/or late-season germinations. These included C. bonariensis, S. oleraceus, Hibiscus verdcourtii and Hibiscus tridactylites, Echinochloa colona, Convolvulus sp., Ipomea lonchophylla, Chamaesyce drummondii, Cullen sp., Amaranthus macrocarpus, and Chloris virgata. These species, with the exception of E. colona, H. verdcourtii, and H. tridactylites, have tolerance to glyphosate and therefore are likely candidates to either remain or increase in dominance in a glyphosate-based system.

Reducing seed viability of flaxleaf fleabane, feathertop Rhodes grass and awnless barnyard grass

In the sub-tropical grain region of Australia, cotton and grains systems are now dominated by flaxleaf fleabane (Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronquist), feathertop Rhodes grass (Chloris virgata Sw.) and awnless barnyard grass (Echinochloa colona (L.) Link). While control of these weed species is best achieved when they are young, previous studies have shown a potential for reducing seed viability and minimising seed bank replenishment by applying herbicides when plants are reproductive. Pot trials were established over two growing seasons to examine the effects of 2,4-D, 2,4-D + picloram, glyphosate and glufosinate which had been successful on other species, along with paraquat and haloxyfop (grasses only). Herbicides were applied at ¾ field rates in an attempt not to kill the plants. Flaxleaf fleabane plants were sprayed at two growth stages (budding and flowering) and the grasses were sprayed at two stages (late tillering/booting and flowering). Spraying flaxleaf fleabane at flowering reduced seed viability to 0% (of untreated) in all treatments except glyphosate (51%) and 2,4-D + picloram (8%). Seed viability was not reduced with the first and second regrowths with the exception of 2,4-D + picloram where viability was reduced to 20%. When sprayed at budding only 2,4-D + picloram reduced seed viability in both trials. Spraying the grasses at late tillering/booting did not reduce viability except for glufosinate on awnless barnyard grass (50%). Applying herbicides at flowering resulted in 0% seed viability in awnless barnyard grass from glufosinate, paraquat and glyphosate and 0% viability in feathertop Rhodes grass for glufosinate. These herbicides were less effective on heads that emerged and flowered after spraying, only slightly reducing seed viability. These trials have shown that attempts to reduce seed viability have potential, however flaxleaf fleabane and feathertop Rhodes grass are able to regrow and will need on-going monitoring and control measures.

Monitoreo de la fauna silvestre en bosque tropical seco secundario, Nandarola, Nandaime, Nicaragua

Los animales silvestres obtienen refugio, hábitat, alimento y agua de la cobertura que les ofrece la vegetación dentro del bosque. En los años 60s, la mayoría de las áreas boscosas de Nandarola fueron deforestadas y usadas en la producción agrícola de granos (frijoles, maíz, arroz) y áreas ganaderas. Los campos fueron recientemente abandonados y están siendo colonizados por un joven bosque secundario (González, 2005). La fauna silvestre también sufre procesos de colonización de las áreas abandonadas, de esta forma, es importante conocer que especies son las primeras en ser parte de esa colonización y evaluar los cambios en composición de las comunidades animales en el tiempo, principalmente porque muchos vegetales dependen de éstos para realizar procesos biológicos y ecológicos tan importantes como lo son la dispersión y la polinización. Hasta el momento se han realizados dos muestreos para el monitoreo de la fauna silvestre en un parche de bosque seco secundario de 3.5 ha en Nandarola, realizándose 17 visitas en el primero (año 2007) y 15 en el segundo (año 2009), distribuidas en ocho meses (octubre-mayo en cada muestreo). El área era agrícola y fue abandonado hace 17 años con fines de convertirlo en área forestal. Para la toma de datos se establecieron seis transectos de 20 x 100 m y seis puntos de conteo de 25 m de radio. Fueron contados e identificados todos los animales silvestres de los grupos mamíferos, aves, reptiles y anfibios mediante la técnica de avistamiento, para los cuales se calculó, se comparó la riqueza, abundancia, diversidad biológica y se describió la composición de especie, la preferencia de hábitat, los hábitos alimenticios y también se determinaron las especies de probable ocurrencia en el área de estudio. En promedio entre los dos muestreos fueron determinaron 113 individuos, agrupados en 35 especies, 34 géneros y 26 familias de fauna silvestre. De estas especies cuatro fueron mamíferos, 21 aves, siete reptiles y tres anfibios. Las familias más representadas según el número de especies fueron: Columbidae (3 especies) e Iguanidae (3). Las especies con mayor promedio de abundancia fueron: Campylorynchus rufinucha (22.5 individuos), Thryothorus pleurostictus (11.5), Calocitta formosa (10.5), Turdus grayi (8), Pachyrampuhus aglaiae (7), Eumomota supersiliosa (6.5) y Trogon melanocephalus (6). La abundancia y la riqueza no varió significativamente entre los muestreos, la diversidad fue mayor en el primero, debido al aumento de la dominancia específica (principalmente por Campylorynchus rufinucha ) en el segundo muestreo. El grupo de los mamíferos, reptiles y anfibios fue poco representado en el área de estudio, pudiéndose deber a factores antropogénicos. El paisaje esta mayormente representado por especies de aves de hábitats abiertos y que se alimentan mayoritariamente de invertebrados y semillas. Por otro lado con una relación menos específica los mamíferos y reptiles fueron principalmente de hábitats generalistas y mayormente consumidores de frutas, hierbas y vertebrados. Entre las especies de probable ocurrencia en el área de estudio se determinaron: Bufo coccifer, Boa constrictor, Ctenosaura similis, Mabuya unimarginata, Amazilia rutila, Aratinga canicularis, Ciccaba virgata, Crax rubra, Polyborus plancus, Dasypus novencintus, Dasyprocta punctata, Felis pardalis, Felis wiedii, Philander opossum, Nasua narica, Odocoileus virginianus, Procyon lotor, Puma concolor, Sylvilagus sp, Tayassu tajacu, entre otros.

吐鲁番洋海墓地植物遗存与古洋海人及环境之间的关系

古民族植物学（Paleoethnobotany）在我国尚属一个比较年轻的学科，其主要研究对象是先民们所栽培或利用过的植物遗存（Plant remains），目的在于揭示古代人们对食物的选择，栽培植物的起源，早期农业的出现以及居址周围的自然与生态环境。吐鲁番地区降水稀少。干燥的环境，使得考古遗址中的植物遗存得以完好的保存。本论文首次对吐鲁番洋海墓地（2500 B. P. ）的包括木材、果实、种子、茎杆、叶片等在内的植物遗存进行了系统的研究，依此分析了当时的植被及环境，并对与当时的土著居民密切相关的植物类群进行了详细研究。 研究表明，吐鲁番洋海墓地植物群包括木材、禾本科粮食作物、杂草及其它植物共18 种。其中我们详细研究了14 种，隶属于7 科14 属，它们分别为禾本科黍属中的黍（Panicum miliaceum），大麦属中的青稞（Hordeum vulgare var. nudum），小麦属中的普通小麦（Triticum aestivum），芦苇属的芦苇（Phragmites australis），虎尾草属的虎尾草（Chloris virgata），小獐毛属的小獐毛（Aeluropus pungens var. pungens），稗属的稗子（Echinochloa crusgali），大麻科大麻属中的大麻（Cannabis sativa），紫草科紫草属中的小花紫草（Lithospermum officinale）， 豆科槐属中的苦豆子（Sophora alopecuroides var. alopecuroides），茄科枸杞属中的黑果枸杞（Lycium ruthenicum），松科云杉属中的云杉属未定种（Picea sp.）， 杨柳科杨属的胡杨（Popules euphratica）及柳属未定种（Salix sp.）。研究表明，这些植物遗存渗透到古洋海人生活的方方面面。其中，粮食作物为可能以黍为主，以普通小麦及青稞为辅;用以作装饰的为小花紫草的小坚果;可能与其原始宗教及医药相关的为大麻;与建筑相关的植物有芦苇、黑果枸杞、云杉（Picea sp.）、胡杨及柳（Salix sp.）等;与当地居民意义不大的杂草有稗子、苦豆子、小獐毛、虎尾草等。其中，大麻及小花紫草遗存的出土意味着当时的土著居民对当地的植物已经有了很高的认识水平;黍、青稞及普通小麦的出土意味着他们可能与东西方文化均有接触，为东西方文明的交融起了桥梁作用;所出土的部份植物如小獐毛、小花紫草、柳、苦豆子，尤其是稗子、芦苇及香蒲属植物等都属于喜湿植物。这说明，在当时的洋海墓地周边环境与今天相似，亦为一块植被丰富的绿洲，其中可能有大面积的湿地。

松嫩平原盐碱化草地模拟模型研究

松嫩平原盐碱化草地是我国著名的天然草场，又是东北西部绿色生态屏障，具有较高的经济价值和重要的生态意义。但是由于各种自然因素和人为因素，致使草地出现退化、沙化和盐渍化，尤其是草地盐渍化加重，生态环境日趋恶化。当地地形条件和气候要素是导致草地原生盐碱化的主要原因。而人类对草地的过度使用，如过度放牧和割草等则是导致草地快速次生盐碱化的主要原因，不仅导致土壤的退化，而且引起草地群落发生次生演替过程。在典型的次生演替过程中，常常可以出现羊革(Aneurolepidium chinense)群落、羊草和一虎尾草(Aneurotepidium chinense＆Chloris virgata)群落、虎尾草(Chloris virgata)群落、碱蓬(Suaeda glauca)群落等演替阶段。 本文试图建立一个过程模型，来模拟草地的生态学过程机理以及人类过度放牧对草地生态系统的影响。本模型包括5个部分：1）主要气候因子的模拟，2)土壤水分动态的模拟，3）土壤盐碱化动态的模拟，4）草地群落生长的模拟，5)不同放牧强度对草地生态系统的影响评价。以下将对各个部分分别描述a 在气候因子模拟子模型中，给出了影响草地生态系统主要气候园子的种类，并重点介绍了如何利用解析法计算太阳辐射，包括平地和坡地的理论可照时间，天文辐射日总量以及总辐射量。利用改进后的Penman式，模拟了全国的潜在蒸散量，与900多个气象站点的水面蒸发观测资料进行了验证，模拟结果很好。 利用面向对象技术，将土壤水分动力学模型与水分平衡模型相结合，建立了土壤水分动态的物理过程模型。模型以ld为步长，可以模拟多种土壤质地的水分动态。利用松嫩平原4中典型土壤（碳酸盐草甸黑钙土、栗钙土、碱化盐土、草甸碱土）1997年土壤湿度观测资料对模型进行了验证，效果根理想。 在水盐平衡模型和动力学模型基础上建立了物理过程模型，来模拟土壤盐碱化动态。模型以ld为步长，适合于模拟异质性强的多层土壤水盐动态。模拟了1997年羊草及碱蓬群落下的土壤盐分、碱化度、pH值动态，并与实验资料进行了比较，模拟结果可以反映土壤盐分和碱化的季节变化规律。 模型将气候要素、土壤湿度、土壤盐分浓度、碱化度和pH值作为影响草地群落生长最重要的环境因子，在土壤水分动态和盐碱化动态模型基础上，建立了过程模型来模拟以羊草(A．chinense)、虎尾草(C.virgata)、星星草(Puccinellialenuiflora)和碱蓬(S. glauca)为建群种的4种植物群落的地上生物量、地下生物量以及枯死生物量变化动态。利用吉林省长岭的气候资料和实验资料，模拟了1991年土壤湿度动态，1991年4种群落土壤盐分、碱化度和pH值变化动态，以及1991年4种群落生长动态，并分另fj利用实验资料进行了验证，模拟效果非常理想。 在此基础上，利用模型对不同放牧强度对土壤水分动态、盐碱化动态的影响进行了评价，并探讨了对群落演替和生长的可能影响。模型选择不放牧、轻牧、重牧、过牧、极牧5种放牧强度，利用模型每15天将地上生物量分别去除0%. 25%、50%、75%和90%，并且相应改变了土壤导水特性来模拟不同的放牧强度。模拟结果表明，重牧、过牧、极牧下土壤湿度显著降低，但在轻牧下土壤温度略有上升。在不放牧时，土壤以脱盐、脱碱过程为主，而轻牧下脱盐、脱碱过程则会变缓：重牧、过牧、极牧下则以盐碱化为主。．不放牧时羊草群落一直占优势，而轻牧下则被羊草一虎尾草群落替代：虎尾草可以忍受轻的盐碱，因此在重牧F取代羊草群落成为优势种;在过牧和极牧下，土壤盐碱化非常迅速，最终只有碱蓬可以忍受强度的盐碱，这时草地变为碱蓬群落或光碱斑。不放牧下草地群落生长良好，生物量最大;轻牧下，草地群落生物量保持在中等水平;而重牧、过牧、极牧下草地生物量迅速减少。通过将每年收割的生物量进行累加，可以发现轻牧下收获的生物量总量是最大的，随着放牧强度的增加，收获的生物量迅速减少，如果同时考虑到适口性的问题，则可以发现轻牧下可 以收获最多的生物量，而过牧和极牧下只能收获极少的适口性非常差的碱蓬。 模拟结果表明，过牧是导致松嫩草地次生盐碱化最重要的原因，它不仅造成草地土壤的退化，而且加速了草地群落的次生演替。适宜的放牧强度对于保护草地免受退化，保持较高的草地生产力水平至关重要。而过牧不仅降低了草地的生产力，而且严重破坏了草地环境，引起草地的迅速退化。