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Vochysia tepuiandina is here described and illustrated. It occurs in southern Ecuador and northern Peru, and is associated with the disjunct “Andean Tepuis” forests found within the Andean piedmont and of the Amazonian forests. This species is placed in the Vochysia section Ciliantha subsection Ferrugineae. It is compared with the similar species V. angustifolia and V. sprucei.

Embryological data provides insights into the taxonomy and evolution of angiosperms. Vochysiaceae is a mostly Neotropical family whose phylogenetic position was greatly influenced by reconstructions based on molecular data, and despite its monosymmetric and oligostemonous flowers, was included as a sister group of polysymmetric and polystemonous Myrtaceae. However, molecular data has yet to resolve the relationships between the genera inside the family. We analysed the early embryology of some species of five out of the six generally accepted Neotropical genera using sequential histological analyses to compare the microsporogenesis and gametogenesis and megasporogenesis and gametogenesis between clades and with the embryology of the well-studied Myrtales. We observed some marked differences in timing and developmental stages, which somewhat corroborate the clades defined from molecular data. Multiple archesporium and embryo sacs, as well as megagametophyte maturation and fertilization long after anthesis, characterized the Qualea-Ruizteranea-Callisthene (QRC) clade, while single embryo sac mature at anthesis characterized the Vochysia-Salvertia (VS) clade. Tri-cellular pollen only occurred in Salvertia convallariodora. Seven of the eight main embryological features supported the Myrtales as present in Vochysiaceae and the remaining one, inner integument with two layers of cells, was observed in some Qualea. Thus, the studied Vochysiaceae embryology conforms very well within the order and only their strongly monosymmetric and oligostemonous flowers are less common among Myrtales.

O Pantanal e considerado uma das maiores areas umidas no interior do continente Sul-Americano e, ao passar por ciclos anuais de inundacao, sua extensa area e colonizada por especies adaptadas aos diversos ambientes, que variam desde terrestres, sazonalmente alagados e aquaticos. Considerando que as variaveis pedologicas, geomorfologicas e o regime hidrico influenciam diretamente no desenvolvimento da comunidade vegetal, este estudo investigou os primeiros 20 cm do solo como fator de diferenciacao de fitofisionomias nas unidades da paisagem do Pantanal do Abobral, estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Foram coletadas amostras simples (0-20 cm) de solo, com cinco repeticoes, em cada unidade de paisagem (Geoambientes), realizando-se analises fisicas e quimicas. Na Cordilheira, ambiente levemente elevado e livre de inundacao, ha presenca de solo naturalmente fertil e basico, que suporta o estabelecimento de floresta semidecidua com sub-bosque. Na planicie de inundacao, no Corixo, ha presenca de mata ciliar sobre solo com caracteristicas redutoras; na Lagoa Intermitente a constante saturacao hidrica favorece vegetacao tolerante a inundacao e macrofitas aquaticas; enquanto o Campo com Cambara, porcao sazonalmente alagada, apresentou a menor fertilidade natural, sendo recoberto por gramineas e processo inicial de colonizacao por Vochysia divergens (Myrtales, Vochysiaceae). O estudo demonstrou que as descontinuidades da paisagem e nas formacoes vegetais sao correlacionadas as caracteristicas fisicas e quimicas dos solos, provando serem um dos principais estratificadores do ambiente, ao lado do nivel do lencol freatico, sempre proximo a superficie, caracteristica marcante do Pantanal. EDAPHIC GRADIENT AND PHYTOPHYSIOGNOMIES OF PANTANAL DO ABOBRAL, BRAZIL. Pantanal is considered one of the largest wetlands inside South America continent. Through the seasonally flood cycles, Pantanal landscape changes in terrestrial, seasonally flooded and aquatic environments, and is colonized by aquatic and terrestrial species. Pedological and geomorphological factors, as well as the water table fluctuation, directly determine plants communities. Thus, this paper investigated the upper soil layer (depth 0-20 cm) as a phytophysiognomies differentiation factor inside Pantanal do Abobral, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Soil samples were collected (0-20 cm), in replicates of five, in each of four different landscape units (here called Geoenvironments) and analyzed for physical and chemical properties. At Cordilheira, slightly higher landscape unit and non-flooded area, occurs natural fertile and basic soil, which supports semi deciduous forest with scrub woodland. At seasonally flooded Geoenvironments, Corixo (periodic river channel) reported riparian forest over soil with reduction characteristics; Lagoa Intermitente (periodic lake) is frequently flooded and colonized by flood tolerant vegetation and macrophytes; and Campo com Cambara, natural grassland periodically waterlogged, had lower fertility and initial colonization by Vochysia divergens (Myrtales, Vochysiaceae). The present study showed that the Pantanal do Abobral discontinuous landscape and vegetation are correlated to superficial edaphic characteristics, proving that soil, is one of the main environmental stratification factors, together with water table, always close to the surface, a striking feature of Pantanal.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-05-01T06:02:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-09-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Vochysia tucanorum (Vochysiaceae) is an aluminum (Al)-accumulating tree species from the Cerrado vegetation in South America, known as ‘Brazilian savanna’. In the field, it may accumulate up to 20,000 mg Al kg−1 dry leaf mass. The soils of this vegetation are acidic (pH < 5.0) with Al saturation higher than 70%, where trees of this species grow well under Al toxicity. However, what would happen if the Al disappeared from the root environment of this species? V. tucanorum seedlings were grown in pots with Cerrado soil and, after exhibiting about ten leaves, they were transferred to nutrient solution with 0 and 1110 µM Al (30 mg L−1) for 60 days. Hypothesizing that their development and photosynthetic performance would be affected, plant biomass, biometric data, leaf gas exchange rates and photochemical parameters were assessed. After seven days in nutrient solution without Al, the plants did not produce new roots, and pre-existing roots became necrotic when compared to those exposed to Al. Until 60 days, plants not exposed to Al stopped growing, showed leaf chlorosis and shed their leaves. While plants exposed to Al showed healthy leaves and roots, increased their root length and biomass and maintained high gas exchange rates and photochemical performances, plants without Al decreased CO2 assimilation rates, explained by low stomatal conductance. This preliminary study suggests the roots as the first organ to sense the lack of Al, and the dysfunction of this organ to absorb water could explain their low photosynthetic responses. Further investigation in this regard is needed. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Vegetal Departamento de Biodiversidade Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Av. 24-A, 1515 Departamento de Biodiversidade Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Av. 24-A, 1515 Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Vegetal Departamento de Biodiversidade Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Av. 24-A, 1515 Departamento de Biodiversidade Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Av. 24-A, 1515 FAPESP: #2014/14386-0 FAPESP: #2018/15359-8 FAPESP: #2018/25658-2 CNPq: 307431/2020-7

Resumo Dentre as espécies madeireiras da Amazônia brasileira comercializadas devido a sua múltipla possibilidade de uso estão Qualea paraensis Ducke, Qualea acuminata Spruceex Warm., Qualea dinizii Ducke e Ruizterania albiflora (Warm.) Marc.-Berti, da família Vochysiaceae A. St.-Hil, todas conhecidas popularmente como “mandioqueira”. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizá-las sob o aspecto anatômico macroscópico e microscópico da madeira, dando ênfase às características qualitativas e quantitativas, visando subsidiar a identificação desse táxon. As espécies estudadas foram selecionadas no acervo da Xiloteca da Embrapa Amazônia Oriental e as descrições dos caracteres anatômicos seguiram as normas preconizadas em anatomia da madeira. As características quantitativas foram submetidas às análises estatísticas. A partir dos resultados foi possível distinguir as espécies por meio de características qualitativas (dos vasos, parênquimas e raios), e características quantitativas (dos vasos, raios e fibras), possibilitando aproximar o xilema secundário de Ruizterania albiflora ao de Qualea paraensis, com Qualea acuminata estando próxima às espécies, e Qualea dinizii se diferenciando das demais. Os resultados obtidos aqui evidenciam a anatomia da madeira como uma ferramenta importante a ser empregada na identificação e distinção confiáveis das espécies conhecidas como “mandioqueira”, principalmente quando não se dispõe de materiais botânicos complementares. Abstract Among the timber species from the Brazilian Amazon, commercialized due to their multiple possibilities of use, are Qualea paraensis Ducke, Qualea acuminata Spruce ex Warm., Qualea dinizii Ducke and Ruizterania albiflora (Warm.) Marc.-Berti, from the family Vochysiaceae A. St.-Hil., all popularly known as “mandioqueira”. The objective of this work was to characterize them under the macroscopic and microscopic anatomical aspect of the wood, emphasizing the qualitative and quantitative characteristics, aiming to subsidize the identification of this taxon. The studied species were selected from the collection of Embrapa Amazônia Oriental Xylotheque and the descriptions of the anatomical characters followed the rules recommended in the wood anatomy. The quantitative characteristics were subjected to statistical analysis. From the results, it was possible to distinguish the species by qualitative characteristics (of the vessels, parenchyma and rays), and quantitative characteristics (of the vessels, rays and fibers), which allowed to approach the secondary xylem of Ruizterania albiflora to that of Qualea paraensis, with Qualea acuminate, being close of both species and Qualea dinizii differing from the others. The results obtained here highlight the wood anatomy like an important tool to be utilized on the reliable identification and distinction of the species known as “mandioqueira”, mainly in the absence of other complementary botanical material.

International audience; Premise To further advance the understanding of the species-rich, economically and ecologically important angiosperm order Myrtales in the rosid clade, comprising nine families, approximately 400 genera and almost 14,000 species occurring on all continents (except Antarctica), we tested the Angiosperms353 probe kit. Methods We combined high-throughput sequencing and target enrichment with the Angiosperms353 probe kit to evaluate a sample of 485 species across 305 genera (76% of all genera in the order). Results Results provide the most comprehensive phylogenetic hypothesis for the order to date. Relationships at all ranks, such as the relationship of the early-diverging families, often reflect previous studies, but gene conflict is evident, and relationships previously found to be uncertain often remain so. Technical considerations for processing HTS data are also discussed. Conclusions High-throughput sequencing and the Angiosperms353 probe kit are powerful tools for phylogenomic analysis, but better understanding of the genetic data available is required to identify genes and gene trees that account for likely incomplete lineage sorting and/or hybridization events.

Vochysia carol-scottii from the pluvial forests of “Choco biogeografico,” a megadiverse region between the Pacific Ocean and the slopes of the Colombian Western Cordillera, Valle del Cauca department, is described and illustrated, and its morphological relationships with other similar Vochysia species are discussed. This new species is a small tree of 12 m tall and shares features with five species (V. artantha, V. assua, V. calamana, V. cayennensis, and V. tomentosa) of section Ciliantha. Morphologically, it is closest to V. artantha, but it differs in its leaves, inflorescences, spurred sepal, petals, and stamen size. A key and synopsis of the 44 species of Vochysia found in Colombia is provided. A brief note on the ethnobotany of Vochysia in the Amazon basin is presented in an appendix.

The relationship between aluminium (Al) and plants has been investigated for a long time. Al is typically harmful to plants, however Qualea grandiflora Mart., a compulsory accumulator of this metal, may benefit from it. To understand this peculiarity, proteomic and metabolite profiling analyses were carried out to investigate, at physiological, metabolic, and molecular levels, the relevance of Al for this species. Qualea grandiflora plants were grown with MS medium with or without Al-supplementation for 120 days. Metabolite profiling using GC-MS and growth analysis were conducted to evaluate the biochemical and physiological effects of Al. Concomitantly, root proteins were extracted, identified and quantified using label-free LC-MS/MS. Al-starved Q. grandiflora plants had shorter shoots, roots, lower biomass, and chlorotic leaves. Furthermore, there was a high coherence between proteomic and metabolomic data. Al was critical for cell wall and lignin syntheses, genetic information processing, and organic acid metabolism. Also, Al might help P uptake in this plant. Qualea grandiflora plants needed Al to grow and develop properly. Moreover, there was a good match between the data from physiological/metabolic analyses and the upregulated metabolic pathways indicated by proteome investigation. Hence, we propose that Q. grandiflora root metabolism is highly dependent on Al.

Qualea genus is commonly found in different phytophysiognomies of the Brazilian Cerrado, growing in open ecosystems to closed forest areas, under high irradiances, fires, low availability of nutrients and seasonal water deficit. We compared the leaf structural traits of Qualea grandiflora Mart., Qualea multiflora Mart., and Qualea parviflora Mart., in a cerradão area in the Cerrado-Amazonian forest transition. Leaf samples were collected at Mário Viana Municipal Biological Reserve, in Nova Xavantina, Mato Grosso state, Brasil, and processed according to the usual techniques for optical microscopy. Thick cuticle, stomatal ridges, stomata distributed between the stomatal crypts, density and distribution of tector trichomes, hypodermis, isobilateral mesophyll with few intercellular spaces, abundance of sclerenchyma associated to vascular bundles and the presence of vascular bundle sheath extensions are typical anatomic traits of xerophytic environments. We found qualitative structural differences among the species, with Qualea grandiflora having stomata with ridges distributed among stomatal crypts, and the presence of a hypodermis in Qualea multiflora, and Qualea parviflora. The results suggest that the species are xeromorphic in the region of Cerrado-Amazonian transition having leaf adaptive traits to deal with the environmental variations of their habitat.

Most aluminium (Al)-accumulating species are found on soils with high Al saturation and low Ca availability (Ca poor). Callisthene fasciculata Mart. (Vochysiaceae), however, is an Al-accumulating tree restricted to Ca-rich soils with low Al saturation in the Brazilian Cerrado savanna. Here we tested its calcicole behaviour, and the possible role of organic acids in detoxification of Al during the early stages of plant development. We assessed growth, dry mass, nutrients, Al and organic acids in seedlings grown for 50 days on two contrasting Cerrado soils; one with high Ca concentrations and low Al saturation and the other with low Ca availability and high Al saturation. Relative to plants on Ca-rich soil, plants on Ca-poor soil had necrotic spots and bronzing of leaves. Roots and shoots contained reduced concentrations of P and Cu, but higher concentrations of Fe, Al and citrate. Despite lower concentrations in the soil, Ca and Mg increased in shoots. Shoot concentrations of oxalate were also higher. We confirmed C. fasciculata as an Al-accumulating species with calcicole behaviour. The increased concentrations of organic acids in plants with higher Al accumulation suggest that high availability of soluble Al does not prevent occurrence of this species on soils with high Al saturation. Instead, the absence of C. fasciculata from Ca-poor soils is probably due to imbalances in tissue Fe, Cu and Zn imposed by this soil type.

A fenologia reprodutiva de arbustos e árvores de uma área de Cerrado da Reserva Biológica Mogi Guaçu (22°10’S; 47°11’W) foi estudada de setembro de 2009 a maio de 2013. Em um transecto de 900 m2, os indivíduos foram marcados e o número total de flores e frutos estimados mensalmente. Os dados foram analisados usando estatística circular para determinar os períodos de maior intensidade de floração e frutificação na comunidade, de acordo com seus modos de dispersão. A floração na comunidade ocorreu entre outubro e novembro. A frutificação foi distribuída continuamente ao longo do ano, com valores de r até 0,3. No último período de observação, a frutificação foi mais intensa no mês de dezembro, provavelmente devido às espécies zoocóricas. Considerando as três famílias principais, Myrtaceae floresceu e frutificou entre agosto e setembro, Malpighiaceae floresceu em novembro e frutificou entre dezembro e janeiro, e as Vochvsiaceae floresceram em janeiro e frutificaram em março. Em geral, a comunidade teve como principal característica a fraca sazonalidade de sua fenologia reprodutiva. No entanto, os eventos reprodutivos tenderam a se concentrar nos meses mais quentes do ano.

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T17:03:06Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-04-14 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Aims: Cerrado woody species are divided into a small group of aluminum (Al)-accumulating species and the rest of the woody species. Both groups grow well on acidic and Al-rich soils. We found a Cerrado remnant growing on a calcareous soil with high calcium (Ca) and low Al saturations (m%). We checked whether Al deposition differs between leaf veins and leaf blade, and predicted that plants grown on the acidic soil store more Al than those grown on the calcareous soil. Methods: Adult plants of Qualea grandiflora and Q. parviflora, two Al-accumulators, were found in this area, and we compared leaf Ca and Al concentrations with those of the same species growing on a dystrophic Cerrado soil. Results: Leaf Ca concentration reflected differences between the soil types, and Ca was more accumulated in leaf veins. However, Al accumulation was independent of m%, and it was more deposited in the leaf blade of both species, which was confirmed by hystochemical reactions and X-ray spectra in SEM analysis (EDS). Conclusions: The leaf tissue to which Al is preferentially allocated in the leaf blade could not be distinguished. Granules in epidermal cells exhibiting high Al EDS peaks suggest an important allocation for this metal. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Vegetal Instituto de Biociências Departamento de Botânica Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Av. 24-A, 1515 Laboratório de Botânica e Ecologia no Domínio Cerrado (LABEC) Universidade Federal de Uberlandia (UFU), Rua 20, 1600 Instituto de Biociências Departamento de Botânica Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Av. 24-A, 1515 Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Vegetal Instituto de Biociências Departamento de Botânica Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Av. 24-A, 1515 Instituto de Biociências Departamento de Botânica Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Av. 24-A, 1515 FAPESP: 2014/14386-0 CNPq: 309149/2017-7

The family Vochysiaceae, representative for Brazilian Cerrado, does not stand out in Caatinga environments. Due to the lack of studies that address the behavior of species of this family in disjunct Cerrado environments, this study aimed to investigate structural, ecological and phenological aspects of Qualea parviflora and Callisthene fasciculata populations. The phytosociological and phenological surveys were carried out in a Cerrado enclave at Serra do Boqueirão, Lavras da Mangabeira municipality, Southern Ceará, Brazil. Twelve sampling units of 12.0 x 30 m (0.432 ha) were plotted randomly, including all living individuals with a ground level diameter ≥ 3 cm, also measuring total heights. For the evaluation of phenophases, the Fournier percentage was used, allowing the estimation of intensity of the phenophase in each individual through a semi-quantitative interval scale of five categories (0 to 4), 0 being equivalent to 0%; (1) 1 to 25%; (2) 26 to 50%; (3) 51 to 75% and (4) 76 to 100%. Each sample was composed of 103 and 78 individuals respectively in 66.6% and 91.6% of the plots, of Q. parviflora and C. fasciculata, respectively. The spatial distribution, measured by the Dispersion (ID) and Morisita (IM) indexes reached the values of 17.14 and 18.26 (ID) and 1.08 and 1.16 (IM), respectively, indicating that the species have an aggregate distribution. The phenophases generally correlated with all the climatic variables studied in the region such as rain and preciptation. All data and results presented here collaborate for future projects in the area. La familia Vochysiaceae, representativa del Cerrado brasileño, no destaca en ambientes de Caatinga, Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar aspectos estructurales, ecológicos y fenológicos de las poblaciones de Qualea parviflora y Callisthene fasciculata. Se realizaron estudios fitosociológicos y fenológicos en un enclave del Cerrado en la Serra do Boqueirão, Lavras da Mangabeira, Sur de Ceará. Se trazaron al azar 12 unidades de muestreo de 12,0 x 30 m (0,432 ha), incluyendo todos los individuos vivos con diámetro a nivel del suelo ≥ 3 cm, también se midieron las alturas totales. Para la evaluación de las fenofases se utilizó el percentil de Fournier, que permite estimar la intensidad de la fenofase en cada individuo a través de una escala de intervalo no cuantitativa de cinco categorías (0 a 4), siendo 0 equivalente a 0%; (1) 1 a 25%; (2) 26 a 50%; (3) 51 a 75% y (4) 76 a 100%. Se muestrearon 103 y 78 individuos en el 66,6% y 91,6% de las parcelas, de Q. parviflora y C. fasciculata, respectivamente. La distribución espacial, medida por el Índice de Dispersión (ID) y el Índice de Morisita (IM), alcanzó valores de 17,14 y 18,26 (ID) y 1,08 y 1,16 (IM), respectivamente, indicando que la especie presenta una distribución agregada. En general, las fenofases se correlacionaron con todas las variables climáticas estudiadas en la región. Los datos y resultados presentados aquí contribuyen a futuros proyectos en la zona. A família Vochysiaceae, representativa do Cerrado brasileiro não se destaca em ambientes de Caatinga. Pela carência de trabalhos que abordem o comportamento de espécies desta família em ambientes disjuntos de Cerrado, este estudo objetivou investigar aspectos estruturais, ecológicos e fenológicos de populações de Qualea parviflora e Callisthene fasciculata. Os levantamentos fitossociológico e fenológico foram realizados em enclave de Cerrado na Serra do Boqueirão, Lavras da Mangabeira, Sul do Ceará. Foram plotadas 12 unidades amostrais de 12,0 x 30 m (0,432 ha), de forma aleatória, incluídos todos os indivíduos vivos com diâmetro ao nível do solo ≥ 3 cm, também aferidas as alturas totais. Para a avaliação das fenofases foi utilizado o percentual de Fournier, que permite estimar a intensidade da fenofase em cada indivíduo por meio de uma escala intervalar sem quantitativa de cinco categorias (0 a 4), sendo 0 equivalente a 0%; (1) 1 a 25%; (2) 26 a 50%; (3) 51 a 75% e (4) 76 a 100%. Foram amostrados 103 e 78 indivíduos em 66,6% e 91,6% das parcelas, de Q. parviflora e C. fasciculata, respectivamente. A distribuição espacial, medida pelos índices de Dispersão (ID) e de Morisita (IM) atingiu os valores de 17,14 e 18,26 (ID) e 1,08 e 1,16 (IM), respectivamente, indicando que as espécies apresentam distribuição agregada. Em geral, as fenofases correlacionaram-se com todas as variáveis climáticas estudadas da região, tais como chuvas e precipitações. Os dados e resultados aqui apresentados colaboram para futuros projetos na área.

Chemical investigation into the ethyl acetate extract of the endophytic fungus Corynespora olivacea (V18) associated with Vochysia divergens identified compounds 1 and 2. The compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods including NMR (1D and 2D) and HRMS. The cytotoxicity of the crude extract and the isolated compounds against normal human lung fibroblast cells, lineage GM07492A, was evaluated by the XTT assay. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first chemical and biological screening of the cytotoxicity of C. olivacea derived from V. divergens.

The study of coleopteran assemblages associated with the canopies of tropical forests can help to expand the knowledge about species diversity and the ecological patterns related to the distribution of this diversity in tropical environments, including wetlands such as the Brazilian Pantanal. In this scenario, the present study examined the effect of temporal variation on the abundance, richness and distribution of the Coleoptera assemblage associated with canopies of Callisthene fasciculata (Spr.) Mart. (Vochysiaceae) throughout the dry and high-water seasonal periods in the Northern Pantanal of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Twelve specimens of C. fasciculata were sampled between 2010 and 2011, six per seasonal period, by thermal fogging with insecticide. A total of 1,663 coleopterans were collected, consisting of 1,572 adults and 91 larvae. The adults are distributed into 38 families and 251 species or morphospecies. Chrysomelidae, Curculionidae, Nitidulidae and Tenebrionidae predominated in terms of abundance and richness. Family distribution, abundance, species richness and trophic guilds varied between the dry and high-water periods, demonstrating a relationship with the phenological conditions of C. fasciculata in addition to seasonality effect. In conclusion, the seasonality imposed by the hydrological regime and its influence on the phenology of C. fasciculata affect the structure of the coleopteran assemblage associated with the canopy of this monodominant vegetation formation in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso. Resumo: O estudo de assembleias de coleópteros associadas às copas de florestas tropicias contribui para a expansão do conhecimento sobre a diversidade de espécies e os padrões ecológicos relacionados à distribuição dessa diversidade em ambientes tropicais, incluindo áreas úmidas como o Pantanal brasileiro. Nesse cenário, o presente estudo avaliou o efeito da variação temporal sobre a abundância, riqueza e distribuição da assembleia de Coleoptera associada às copas de Callisthene fasciculata (Spr.) Mart. (Vochysiaceae) ao longo dos períodos de seca e cheia na região norte do Pantanal de Mato Grosso, Brasil. Doze exemplares de C. fasciculata foram amostrados entre 2010 e 2011, seis por período sazonal, utilizando-se termonebulização com inseticida. Um total de 1.663 coleópteros foram coletados, consistindo em 1.572 adultos e 91 larvas. Os adultos se distribuem em 38 famílias e 251 espécies e morfoespécies. Chrysomelidae, Curculionidae, Nitidulidae e Tenebrionidae predominaram em termos de abundância e riqueza. A distribuição das famílias, abundância, riqueza de espécies e agrupamentos em guildas tróficas variaram entre os períodos de seca e cheia, evidenciando uma estreita relação com as condições fenológicas de C. fasciculata ocasionadas pelo efeito sazonal dessa região. Conclui-se que a sazonalidade imposta pelo regime hidrológico do Pantanal e sua influência sobre a fenologia de C. fasciculata afetam a estrutura da assembleia de coleópteros associados às copas nessa formação monodominante no Pantanal de Mato Grosso.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:39:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 Background: Qualea grandiflora (QG) (Vochysiaceae), also known as “pau-ferro”, “pau-terra” or “pau-de-tucano”, is a very common deciduous tree in the Brazilian Cerrado used in traditional medicine to treat inflammations, ulcers, diarrhea, and infections. There are reports in the scientific literature that demonstrate the medicinal effects of the bark and leaf of the QG. However, studies involving this plant are rather imited. Aim of the study: To perform the phytochemical analysis of the QG hydroalcoholic extract (HAE) of leaves, and to investigate it effects on fibroblast and preosteoblasts. Methods: Phytochemical analysis was done by HPLC-DAD. Murine NIH/3T3 fibroblasts and MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts cell lines (ATCC) were used for the experiments. Cell viability was assessed by the MTT colorimetric assay and the expression of MMP-14 and HIF-1a by immunofluorescence. Results and conclusion: The following compounds were identified by HPLC-DAD, such as quinic acid, ethyl galate, ellagic acid derivatives as O-methylellagic acid O-galloyl, O-methylellagic acid O-deoxyhexoside, galloyl derivatives, flavonol glycoside as kaempferol-O-deoxyhexoside, quercetin-O-deoxyhexoside, myricetin-O-deoxyhexoside and the pentacyclic triterpene arjunglucoside. Cell viability results demonstrated no cytotoxic effects in the studied concentrations. We found in QG HAE some compounds with therapeutic properties that can increase the expression of MMP-14 and HIF-1α, in fibroblasts and preosteoblasts. These data suggest that QG HAE has an action on these two molecules widely involved in physiological conditions, such as collagen remodeling, bone development and growth and pathological processes as HIF signaling in cancer metastasis. University of São Paulo Bauru School of Dentistry Department of Biological Sciences São Paulo State University Faculty of Sciences Department of Biological Sciences. c[Bauru São Paulo State University Faculty of Sciences Department of Biological Sciences. c[Bauru

Para se conhecer com maior precisão o estoque madeireiro e a estrutura de florestas nativas, é de suma importância a identificação das espécies existentes e suas características. Desta maneira, este trabalho objetivou realizar um levantamento florestal, por amostragem aleatória simples, da composição florística em uma área do bioma Cerrado no município de Bandeirantes, Mato Grosso do Sul. A metodologia consistiu na delimitação de cinco parcelas de 10 x 100 m, subdivididas em 25 áreas de 10 x 20 m, sendo estimadas a altura total e comercial e medido o diâmetro à altura do peito (≥ 10 cm) das árvores, obtendo-se o volume de madeira, sendo o fuste classificado quanto à qualidade (estaca, lenha ou serraria). O levantamento resultou em 395 indivíduos pertencentes a 21 famílias e 49 espécies. Para cada espécie foi calculado o índice do valor de importância (IVI), indicando Vochysia tucanorum (Vochysiaceae) como a espécie de maior IVI. Fabaceae foi a família mais representativa, com 12 espécies, seguida por Annonaceae, Bignoniaceae e Vochysiaceae, com três espécies cada. O volume total de madeira para a área foi de 3350,64 m3, sendo que 59,85% dos indivíduos mensurados podem ser destinados à serraria, demonstrando o potencial de uso e justificando um dos motivos da antropização deste bioma.

Nectar production in flowers has been associated with pollination systems and seen as part of plant reproductive strategies. But other factors may have a role on nectar features and its efficacy as reward. We investigated pollination system of Qualea grandiflora, the most widespread woody species of Cerrado, the Neotropical savannas in Central Brazil, focusing on nectar features, their relationship with nocturnal and diurnal pollinators and how nectar affects male fitness, measured through pollen removal. Qualea grandiflora flowers during rainy season; anthesis starts at dusk, with a slightly sweet scent, pollen release and receptive stigma. Flowers remained opened until next evening and were visited and pollinated by a wide range of nocturnal and diurnal animals. Hawk moths were more frequent and responsible for most Q. grandiflora male fitness. Nectar was secreted during the night and early morning, with maximum accumulated volume up to 20.9 μl. Sugar concentration (23.12%) and amount (1.79 mg) remained constant during flower lifespan. No signals of active nectar resorption were observed. Nectar sugar composition was sucrose dominant during the night, and sucrose and hexose rich during the day. Standing crop measurements indicated an important proportion of nectar intake by flower visitors. Qualea grandiflora seemed to synchronize its floral and nectar features with hawk moths. However, nectar composition encompasses general preferences by both diurnal and nocturnal pollinators, assuring a mixed pollination system which seems well adapted to the species continental-scale distribution.

Knowledge of environmental conditions for seed germination and seedling formation of forest species is essential. The objective of this work is to evaluate the germination of Callisthene major seeds under laboratory conditions using six different temperatures (20, 25, 30, 35, 20-30 and 25-35 °C) and germitest paper (on and between paper). A completely randomized design was used with four replicates of 25 seeds per experimental unit. The variables evaluated were germination (%), germination speed index (GSI), average germination time (AGT) in days and normal seedlings. The results indicated that the species has a high germination index (above 94%) for all tested substrates and temperatures; however, the highest germination vigor (GSI and AGT) was obtained by alternating the temperature between 25-35 °C with the substrate on paper.

Several studies have suggested reasons why galls have conspicuous colours, but none of the ideas have been confirmed. However, what if the vibrant colours of some galls are explained simply by the effect of light exposure? This may lead to anthocyanin accumulation, functioning as a defence mechanism against the effects of high light. We studied the globoid galls induced by Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) on Qualea parviflora (Vochysiaceae), relating anthocyanin accumulation and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters to light incidence in abaxial and adaxial galls. We also tested if the anthocyanin accumulation patterns apply to another Cecidomyiidae-induced gall morphotype (intralaminar) within the same plant. Adaxial galls are exposed to higher incident light, with more anthocyanin accumulation and therefore red coloration. In galls from angled leaves, the greater the angle of the leaf, the higher the difference between anthocyanins on the sun and shade sides of galls. Photosynthetic pigment concentrations did not differ between abaxial and adaxial galls. However, we found higher (Fm ' - F')/Fm ' and Fv /Fm in the abaxial galls. Conversely, NPQ and Rfd were higher in adaxial galls. Finally, the pattern of anthocyanin accumulation was not found in the intralaminar gall. Anthocyanin accumulation in galls functions as a photoprotective strategy, maintaining tissue vitality in regions exposed to high light conditions. However, this mechanism may vary even among galls within the same host, indicating idiosyncrasy when it comes to coloration in galls. To date, this is the first study to demonstrate quantitatively why the galls of a specific species may be coloured: the variation in light regimes creates differential anthocyanin accumulation, influencing coloration.

With five neotropical genera and ca. 220 species, Vochysieae is the largest tribe of Vochysiaceae, comprising more than 90 % of its species. Preliminary phylogenetic analyses with matK sequence data indicated that Vochysieae may be paraphyletic, separated into the clades QRC (Qualea, Ruizterania and Callisthene) and VS (Vochysia, Salvertia). Whether the genera and the infrageneric taxa are artificial is still controversial. In this study, we analyzed the distribution of chromosome numbers in mitotic or meiotic cells among 20 species belonging to the genera Callisthene, Qualea, Salvertia, and Vochysia, that are native and common in Central and Southeast Brazilian forests or savannas. Species of Callisthene and Qualea possessed 2n = 22, while species of Salvertia and Vochysia had 2n = 24 (or n = 12). These chromosome numbers corroborate the recognition of two groups, and also suggest that chromosome evolution based on numerical variation is conservative in these lineages.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-11-26T17:48:27Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-01-01 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Assessment of host infection and distribution patterns are crucial to understand the underling mechanisms that shape parasitic plant spread in natural ecosystems. However, such data remain scarce for mistletoes inhabiting Brazilian campo rupestre vegetation, old-growth montane fire-prone grasslands. We evaluated the host range and distribution patterns of the mistletoe Psittacanthus robustus (Loranthaceae) at seven 1-ha plots located at in Serra do Cipo, southeastern Brazil. We investigate if the frequency of parasitism by P. robustus is directly related to the relative abundance of host tree species in the community, and how prevalence and intensity of infection vary among different host tree species. Average mistletoe density was 120 individuals ha(-1), which parasitized eight host species, including trees and shrubs in five families. Four tree species, Vochysia thyrsoidea, Qualea cordata (Vochysiaceae), Trembleya laniflora and Miconia ferruginata (Melastomataceae), comprised 95% of infected individuals. Twenty two percent of 1,108 trees sampled were parasitized by P. robustus, with host specificity within species in Myrtales Clade. Prevalence increased with host height for all tree species, with a highly aggregated distribution in few taller host trees within rocky outcrop patches in campo rupestre. The unveiling patterns of host infection and mistletoe distribution, support future studies addressing plant-plant, bird-plant and fire-plant interactions that might shape infection dynamics of this widespread mistletoe species in campo rupestre. (c) 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved. Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Biol, Programa Posgrad Ecol, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil Univ Fed Minas Gerais, Inst Ciencias Biol, Dept Bot, BR-31270901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Zool, BR-13506900 Rio Claro, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Biol, Dept Biol Anim, CP 6109, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Zool, BR-13506900 Rio Claro, SP, Brazil FAPESP: 2007/59444-4

This study aimed to catalogue and characterize the shrub and tree species in a fragment of Cerradao, in order to produce a dichotomous key based on dendrological characteristics, for the identification of the species in the region. The study area is located in the Cerrado-Pantanal transition, in Caceres, Mato Grosso State, Brazil, and presents an area of 3 hectares that was divided into 32 plots of 48x20 m. The survey was carried out by inventorying the individuals with a diameter ≥ 5.0 cm, at 30 cm from the ground. The key was elaborated upon the observed dendrological characters. A total of 84 species, 73 genera and 34 families were recorded. Fabaceae (21 spp.), Malvaceae (6 spp.), Anacardiaceae/Bignoniaceae (5 spp.), Rubiaceae (4 spp.) and Euphorbiaceae/Vochysiaceae (3 spp.) accounted for 55.95% of the species richness. Among the genera, Bauhinia stood out with three species. The studied fragment has a high species richness, and whereas it presents the most typical components of the region, it also presented low similarity with other areas of the same phytophysiognomy.

A new species of Erisma Rudge, E. panamense M. L. Kawas., S. Castillo & McPherson, is here described, illustrated, and assigned IUCN conservation status.

Enantiostyly is a floral polymorphism in which two floral forms in the same species differ in deflection of the stigma to right or left position. In monomorphic enantiostylous plants, flowers of the two morphs occur within the same individual, usually in the same proportion. In self-compatible species the function of monomorphic enantiostyly is proposed to increase outcrossing rates and offer a reproductive advantage under pollination limitation. Enantiostylous species are usually self-compatible and show heteranthery, with poricide anthers and pollen as pollinator reward; however, there are families, such as Vochysiaceae, that have different characteristics. We analysed the reproductive system and pollination biology of Qualea parviflora and Q. multiflora, two enantiostylous species from the Brazilian Cerrado that have specific morphological and physiological traits. For this, we characterized flower traits, performed hand pollinations and studied floral visitors. We found no differences between morphs in the proportion of flowers, nectar produced or its concentration, pollen quantity and fruit set. Both species were self-incompatible and quite generalist regarding floral visitors. Enantiostyly in self-incompatible plants seems to confer a reproductive advantage by reducing self-interference resulting from stigma clogging. This novel result helps to expand our knowledge on this complex floral polymorphism and opens new avenues for future research on this topic.

Premise Despite the fast pace of exploration of the patterns and processes influencing Neotropical plant hyperdiversity, the taxa explored are mostly from large groups that are widely distributed, morphologically diverse, or economically important. Vochysiaceae is an example of an undersampled taxon, providing an excellent system for investigating Neotropical biogeography. We present a phylogenomics-based hypothesis of species relationships in Vochysiaceae to investigate its evolutionary history through space and time. Methods We inferred a phylogeny for 122 species from Vochysiaceae and seven other families of Myrtales. Fossils from four myrtalean families were used to estimate the divergence times within Vochysiaceae. Historical biogeography was estimated using ancestral range probabilities and stochastic mapping. Results Monophyly of all genera was supported except for Qualea, which was split by Ruizterania into two clades. Vochysiaceae originated ~100 mya, splitting into an Afrotropical and a Neotropical lineage ~50 mya, and its ancestral range is in the area currently occupied by the Cerrado. Conclusions The most recent common ancestor of Vochysiaceae + Myrtaceae had a West Gondwanan distribution, supporting a South American + African ancestral range of Vochysiaceae. On a global scale, geographic range reduction was the principal biogeographic event. At a finer scale, initial range reduction was also important and the Cerrado region was the most ancestral area with multiple colonization events to the Amazon, Central America, and the Atlantic Forest. Colonization events occurred from open areas to forest vegetation, an unusual finding regarding the evolution of plants in the Neotropics.

This dataset brief is about the descriptive proteome of Qualea grandiflora plants by label free mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Q. grandiflora is a plant that accumulates aluminum (Al) in high quantities and requires it for growth and development. Although quite relevant for the understanding of Al effects on plants, the proteome of Q. grandiflora has not been studied yet. Therefore, the current proteome analysis identifies a total of 2010 proteins. Furthermore, the identified Q. grandiflora root proteins are associated with several crucial molecular functions, biological processes, and cellular sites. Hence, the proteome analysis of Q. grandiflora will contribute to unravel how plants evolved to cope with high levels of Al in soils. All data can be accessed at the Centre for Computational Mass Spectrometry - MassIVE MSV000082284 - https://massive.ucsd.edu/ProteoSAFe/dataset.jsp?task=adb9647282a5421a9cffe3124c060f46.

Scientific research based on medicinal plants has been highlighted as a complementary treatment to T2DM, stand out the Vochysiaceae family, which have been widely used in folk medicine by traditional South American communities to treat some diseases. Our study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and antiglycation activities of ethanol extracts of leaves (LF) and stem barks (SB) of Vochysiaceae species, evaluated their capacities to inhibit glycoside and lipid hydrolases related to T2DM and molecular identification by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Our main findings indicate that the ethanolic extract of four of eight analyzed plants such as LF and SB of Q. grandiflora, Q. parviflora, V. elliptica and Calisthene major exhibited, respectively, potential of α-amylase inhibition (IC50 of LF: 5.7 ± 0.6, 4.1 ± 0.5, 5.8 ± 0.5, 3.2 ± 0.6 and IC50 of SB: 3.3 ± 0.7, 6.2 ± 2.0, 121.0 ± 8.6 and 11.2 ± 2.8 μg/mL), capacities of antioxidant (ORAC of LF: 516.2 ± 0.1, 547.6 ± 4.9, 544.3 ± 6.1, 442.6 ± 2.4 and ORAC of SB: 593.6 ± 22.3, 497.7 ± 0.8, 578 ± 12.3, 593.6 ± 19.5 µmol trolox eq/g; FRAP of LF: 796.1 ± 0.9, 427.7 ± 22.0, 81.0 ± 1.9, 685 ± 37.9 and FRAP of SB: 947.4 ± 24.9, 738.6 ± 24.3, 98.8 ± 7.9, 970.8 ± 13.9 µmol trolox eq/g; DPPH IC50 of LF: 14.2 ± 1.8, 36.3 ± 6.9, 11.8 ± 1.9, 13.3 ± 1.2 and DPPH IC50 of SB: 16.0 ± 3.0, 15.5 ± 1.9, 126.1 ± 23. 6, 5.3 ± 0.3 μg/mL, respectively) and antiglycation (BSA/Frutose IC50 of LF: 43.1 ± 3.4, 52.1 ± 6.0, 175.5 ± 32, 8, 111.8 ± 14.7 and BSA/Frutose IC50 of SB:, 40.1 ± 11.9, 51.2 ± 16. 7, 46.6 ± 5.7, 53.5 ± 13.6 μg/mL) and presence of polyphenols, such as flavonoids and condensed tannins. The extracts presented low ability to inhibit α-glycosidase and lipase enzymes in the initial assays, with values below 40% of inhibition. In BSA/methylglyoxal, only Q. grandiflora SB, V. eliptica LF and V. tucanorum LF showed activity (IC50: 655.5 ± 208.5, 401.9 ± 135.2 and 617.1 ± 80.6 μg/mL, respectively) and only C. major LF and SB, in Arg/methylglyoxal (IC50: 485.1 ± 130.8 and 468.0 ± 150.5 μg/ml, respectively). This study presented new findings about the biological and pharmacological potential of some species of Vochysiaceae family, contributing to the understanding of the action and efficacy in use of these plants, in their management of postprandial hyperglycemia and in glycation and oxidative processes that contribute to managing diabetes mellitus.

In T. cruzi, a causative agent of Chagas disease, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (TcPEPCK) is associated with carbohydrate catabolism. Due to its importance in the metabolism of the parasite, it has become a promising target for the development of new drugs against Chagas disease. Aiming to investigate different approaches for ligands screening, TcPEPCK was immobilized on amine-terminated magnetic beads (TcPEPCK-MB) and kinetically characterized by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry activity assay with a KMapp value of 10 ± 1 μM to oxaloacetate as substrate. Natural products library affords highly diverse molecular frameworks through their secondary metabolites, herein a ligand fishing TcPEPCK-MB assay is described for prospecting ligands in four ethanolic extracts of Brazilian Cerrado plants: Qualea grandiflora (Vochysiaceae), Diospyros burchellii (Ebenaceae), Anadenanthera falcata (Fabaceae) and Byrsonima coccolobifolia (Malpighiaceae). The chemical characterization of eleven identified ligands was carried out by liquid chromatography tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry experiments. Senecic acid, syneilesinolide A, phytosphingosine and vanillic acid 4-glucopyranoside are herein reported for the first time for Q. grandiflora, D. burchellii, A. falcata, respectively. In addition, the specificity of the assay was observed since only catechin was fished out from the ethanolic extract of B. coccolobifolia leaves, despite the presence of epicatechin epimer.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:27:27Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2016-07-01 Aims: Aluminum (Al) accumulating plants are distributed throughout the world. In the Cerrado, Al-accumulating and non-accumulating species coexist. Therefore, we anatomically/histochemically explore the sites of Al deposits in Al-accumulating species, and we also ask whether Al can be observed in non-accumulating species. Methods: The anatomical patterns of Al storage in leaf tissues of Al-accumulating [Miconia albicans, M. rubiginosa (Melastomataceae), Qualea grandiflora, and Q. parviflora (Vochysiaceae)] and non-accumulating species [(Styrax ferrugineus and S. camporum (Styracaceae)] were described using different Al indicator dyes: hematoxylin and chrome azurol S (CAS). In addition, Al-specific x-ray spectra from different regions of leaf tissues were measured and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: When compared to hematoxylin, it was confirmed by x-ray spectra in SEM that CAS was a more contrasting indicator of Al presence. Silica granules associated to Al were observed on cell walls of non-lignified leaf tissues of Al-accumulating species. However, granules were also found in leaf midribs of S. camporum. Conclusions: The anatomical description of Al accumulation in leaves and the consistent pattern of Al association with cell walls strongly suggest that Al has structural rather than physiological roles in leaves of Cerrado woody plants, and that Al is perhaps isolated from metabolism. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Biologia Vegetal) Instituto de Biociências Departamento de Botânica Univ Estadual Paulista Unesp, Av. 24-A, 1515 Instituto de Biociências Departamento de Botânica Univ Estadual Paulista Unesp, Av. 24-A, 1515 Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Biologia Vegetal) Instituto de Biociências Departamento de Botânica Univ Estadual Paulista Unesp, Av. 24-A, 1515 Instituto de Biociências Departamento de Botânica Univ Estadual Paulista Unesp, Av. 24-A, 1515

We examine the eudicot order Myrtales, a clade with strong Gondwanan representation for most of its families. Although previous phylogenetic studies greatly improved our understanding of intergeneric and interspecific relationships within the order, our understanding of inter-familial relationships still remains unresolved; hence, we also lack a robust time-calibrated chronogram to address hypotheses (e.g., biogeography and diversification rates) that have implicit time assumptions. Six loci (rbcL, ndhF, matK, matR, 18S, and 26S) were amplified and sequenced for 102 taxa across Myrtales for phylogenetic reconstruction and ten fossil priors were utilized to produce a chronogram in BEAST. Combretaceae is identified as the sister clade to all remaining families with moderate support, and within the latter clade, two strongly supported groups are seen: (1) Onagraceae+Lythraceae, and (2) Melastomataceae+the Crypteroniaceae, Alzateaceae, Penaeaceae clade along with Myrtaceae+Vochysiaceae. Divergence time estimates suggest Myrtales diverged from Geraniales ∼124Mya during the Aptian of the Early Cretaceous. The crown date for Myrtales is estimated at ∼116Mya (Albian-Aptian). BioGeoBEARS showed significant improvement in the likelihood score when the "jump dispersal" parameter was added. South America and/or Africa are implicated as important ancestral areas in all deeper nodes. BAMM analyses indicate that the best configuration included three significant shifts in diversification rates within Myrtales: near the crown of Melastomataceae (∼67-64Mya), along the stem of subfamily Myrtoideae (Myrtaceae; ∼75Mya), and along the stem of tribe Combreteae (Combretaceae; ∼50-45Mya). Issues with conducting diversification analyses more generally are examined in the context of scale, taxon sampling, and larger sets of phylogenetic trees.

The ant-plant mutualism mediated by extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) is based on the provision of extrafloral nectar (a sugar-rich liquid) in exchange for ant defense against herbivores. The extrafloral nectar production can vary depending on the intensity or types of leaf damage caused by different mouthparts of insect herbivores (i.e., sucking or chewing insects). However, it is poorly known how the type of herbivore damage changes the outcomes of tri-trophic interactions. Here, we address how the damage inflicted by different herbivore groups affects extrafloral nectar production and ants’ attendance and aggressiveness. Through an experimental field study, we tested whether the type of leaf damage, sucking or chewing, changes extrafloral nectar volume and sugar concentration, and subsequently ant composition and behavior. We evaluated the extrafloral nectar production and ant attendance and aggressiveness before and after simulated herbivory in Qualea parviflora (Vochysiaceae), a Brazilian savanna EFN-bearing plant. We found that only plants with sucking damage increased the sugar concentration of their extrafloral nectar, only plants with chewing damage increased ant abundance, and surrogate herbivore predation differed before and after simulated herbivory only for sucking damage. We provided the first evidence that the type of damage can influence ant aggressiveness via changes in extrafloral nectar production, translating to changes in the outcomes of this ant-plant mutualism. Ultimately, studies should consider the effects of herbivore damage type when studying insect-plant interactions.

Studies on arthropods associated with tropical rainforest canopies contribute to a further understanding of forest canopy community dynamics and their relationship to the structure and function of this ecosystem. This study evaluated arthropod community composition in monodominant Callisthene fasciculata forest canopy throughout the high water and dry periods in the northern region of the Pantanal in Mato Grosso, Brazil, as a part of a project about arboreal canopy arthropods associated with monodominant areas in this region. Sampling was conducted on 12 individuals of C. fasciculata, six from the high-water season (2010) and six from the dry season (2011), using insecticide fogging. A total of 28,197 arthropods were collected. Hymenoptera (the majority being Formicidae), Diptera, Acari, Thysanoptera, Hemiptera and Coleoptera, were the most representative groups. Although the analysis did not show variation in the abundance of individuals between the high water and dry seasons, the arthropod community varied significantly in taxa composition. Opiliones, Embioptera, Ephemeroptera and Scorpiones occurred only during the high-water period, with Polyxenida and Strepsiptera occurring only in the dry season. Thysanoptera was more abundant in the dry season, showing a relationship with the beginning of the C. fasciculata flowering period. In general, the high water and dry seasons maintain distinct communities in this habitat, illustrating how the temporal variation in the phenology of C. fasciculata imposed by the Pantanal’s hydrological regime alters the composition of the associated arthropod communities in the canopy of these monodominant formations in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso.

Typophorus florigradus Bechyne & Springlova, 1961 (Chrysomelidae, Eumolpinae) has been described based on material sampled from flowers of Convolvulaceae and Commelinaceae species in Utinga, state of Para, Brazil, in 1960. After its description, there have been no new reports about its behavior or host plants. The present note thus aims to record its abundant presence in canopies of Callisthene fasciculata (Spr.) Mart. (Vochysiaceae) in the northern Pantanal region of Mato Grosso, Brazil.

Aluminium in acid soils is a hindrance to crop growth. Nonetheless, Brazilian Cerrado possesses many species such asQualea grandiflora, which are adapted to acid soils with large amounts of Al and accumulate this metal in its tissues and organs. Nonetheless, the mechanisms involved in these processes are poorly understood, mainly at molecular level. Thus, a root proteomic analysis was accomplished to identify Al-responsive proteins inQ. grandifloraplants. Concomitantly, a root growth analysis of plants grown with and without Al supplementation was conducted to determine the effects of Al on the whole plant. Subsequently, proteins from both treatments were identified and quantified by LC-MS/MS in a label-free fashion. From the 2,520 identified proteins, 410 were differentially abundant between the two treatments, which were associated with carbohydrate metabolism, redox activity, stress response and catabolism of organic compounds. Furthermore, Al was crucial for the growth and development ofQ. grandiflora. In fact, this species may have an Al-dependent metabolism. Moreover, it was possible to correlate plant growth to Al-upregulated proteins that were directly involved in cell wall synthesis, oxidative phosphorylation, genetic information processing, and amino acid metabolism. Additionally, this work provides an extensive dataset of Al-regulated protein inQ. grandiflora, which will be crucial to understanding the functions of Al in this species.

Popularly known as red mandioqueira, ‘mandioqueira vermelha’, Qualea paraensis Ducke is a plant species belonging to the family Vochysiaceae, with a natural distribution in the Amazon region. It is used in traditional medicine, by native communities of the Amazon and Bolivia, for the treatment of skin lesions caused by microorganisms. Previous studies of the species have found antimalarial activity in vivo assays. However, studies involving the investigation of numerous biological activities of Q. paraensis are incipient. Biological assays already performed with plants of other species of the genus Qualea have shown promising biological activities. Therefore, this study describes the evaluation of the biological activities (bactericide, fungicide, toxicity, and anticholinesterase) of an ethanolic extract of the bark of Q. paraensis from the state of Roraima, Brazil. For the evaluation of the toxicity of the extract, a system with microcrustacean Artemia salina was used. Antimicrobial activity was tested for the pathogenic groups of fungi (Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium proliferatum), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella tiphymurium), and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus sanguinis). The potential of the extract for the inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was also evaluated. The assays for determining the antimicrobial activity for Gram-positive bacteria revealed satisfactory IC50 (29.98μg/mL) inhibition values for S. sanguinis strains, showing inhibition of 64.6% of their growth. The assay for S. aureus, however, presented low inhibition. For Gram-negative bacteria, there was moderate inhibition of E. coli strains. The extract showed low toxicity to A. salina and inhibition of 23.66% of the AChE enzyme.

The total phenol concentration present in Vochysia divergens Pohl. (Vochysiaceae) leaves in the Pantanal was analyzed. Work was carried out between September/2012 and June/2013 which is made up by the dry season (September/2012), the beginning of the rising water (December/2012), the high water (March/2013) followed by the receding water period (June/2013). For the purpose of the research fifteen trees were selected, five from each sample area. The phenolic content in the leaves was obtained from the samples which were dried, steeped with ethanol: water and centrifuged. The extract was used to determine the concentration of total phenols using the Folin-Ciocalteu spectrometric method. There was no difference among the sampling areas; however the values were different in relation to seasonal periods. The lowest concentration was recorded in the dry season (young leaves) increasing gradually at the beginning of the rising water, with higher levels at the end of high water and receding water season. The highest concentration of phenols occurred during the receding water period (end of the life cycle of V. divergens leaves), followed by high and rising water periods. The increase in phenol concentration is associated with the Pantanal flood cycle, and related to the phenology of the V. divergens leaves.

Rhinoleucophenga myrmecophaga sp. nov., a Drosophilidae species associated with extrafloral nectaries of Qualea grandiflora Mart. (Vochysiaceae) and whose larvae are mostly predaceous on ants, is described from specimens collected in the Cerrado biome of Itirapina, state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Illustrations of imagos, male terminalia, and immatures are also included. This is the first evidence of dipteran larvae that are closely associated with extrafloral nectaries and that feed on visiting ants.

RESUMOO objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a florística e a fitossociologia das espécies presentes em áreas de cerradão e mata mesofítica na Estação Ecológica de Pirapitinga, MG. Para o levantamento da florística e da fitossociologia, foram marcadas 108 parcelas de 100 m2 cada, amostrando-se todos os indivíduos com circunferência à altura do solo (CAS) ≥ 16 cm. Foram calculadas a frequência, densidade, dominância, os valores de importância e de cobertura, índices de Shannon e Pielou e similaridade florística através do índice de Sorensen. Nas duas áreas de estudo, foi amostrado um total de 1.716 indivíduos distribuídos em 67 espécies, 60 gêneros e 35 famílias. As famílias mais ricas foram Fabaceae e Vochysiaceae. O cerradão foi a formação vegetal com maior riqueza de espécies (67) e maior densidade, enquanto a área de mata mesofítica foi a que apresentou uma vegetação com maior desenvolvimento das espécies. ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to evaluate the floristic and phytosociological parameters of the species present in areas of mesophytic forest and dense woodland in the Pirapitinga Ecological Station, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. For the survey of floristic and phytosociological parameters, a total of 108 plots of 100 m2 were implanted, where all individuals with circumference at ground height (CGH) ≥ 16 cm were sampled in areas of dense woodland and mesophytic forest. The following parameters were calculated: frequency, density, dominance, values of importance and cover, Shannon and evenness indices, and floristic similarity by the Sorensen index. In both study areas, a total of 1,716 individuals of 67 species, 60 genera, and 35 families were sampled. The richest families were Vochysiaceae and Fabaceae. The dense woodland area presented the highest species richness (67) and the highest density, while the mesophytic forest area presented the greatest species development.

Se cultivó plántulas de Qualea granditlóra a partir de semillas de "Cerrado", con distintas cantidades de agua, en invernadero o cámara de crecimiento, eligiendo 5 o 10 plantas al azar. Reaccionaron al limitado aporte hídrico disminuyendo la conductividad estomática y los potenciales hídrico y de turgencia. En las plantas bajo deficit hídrico no se observó ajuste osmótico. La relación raiz: vástago fue más alta bajo estrés hídrico, presentando la parte aérea menor crecimiento debido a la menor producción y expansión foliares.

a b s t r a c t Knowledge about plant defense systems against herbivory is crucial to understanding trophic relation- ships in terrestrial ecosystems. Distinct defenses may act either alone or in combination during foliar sprouting. In our study, we explored the effect of the three most conspicuous defenses found in the leaves of Qualea multiflora (Vochysiaceae) during foliar sprouting, which are: (1) the presence of tri- chomes, (2) foliar toughness and (3) activity of extrafloral nectaries (EFNs). In addition, we quantified foliar herbivory at different leaf stages. We determined that the three defenses evaluated vary in effec- tiveness during leaf development. The number of trichomes was higher during early leaf development, toughness at the end, and the activity of EFNs (biotic defense) during the middle period. Foliar herbivory was similar at different leaf ages. The results indicate that Q. multiflora synchronizes its foliar defenses in order to optimize performance in anti-herbivory protection over time.

RESUMO Este trabalho teve como objetivo conhecer a diversidade vegetal de uma área de Cerrado em Prudente de Morais, MG, bem como suas indicações medicinais. Foram feitas nove excursões à reserva da Fazenda Experimental Santa Rita da Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária de Minas Gerais (FESR/EPAMIG) (19°26’20”’ S e 44°09’15”’ W). O material vegetal coletado foi herborizado, identificado e incorporado ao acervo do Herbário PAMG/EPAMIG. O sistema de classificação utilizado foi o APG III. Após a identificação, realizou-se uma pesquisa bibliográfica buscando dados sobre a utilização medicinal das espécies. Coletaram-se 108 espécies pertencentes a 47 famílias. As famílias mais representativas foram: Fabaceae, com 16 espécies, Myrtaceae com sete espécies, Asteraceae e Rubiaceae com seis espécies cada, Malpighiaceae e Solanaceae com cinco espécies cada, Erythroxylaceae, Euphorbiaceae e Vochysiaceae, com quatro espécies cada, Anacardiaceae, Apocynaceae, Lamiaceae e Sapindaceae com três espécies cada, Annonaceae, Arecaceae, Bignoniaceae, Celastraceae e Primulaceae com duas espécies cada. Vinte e nove famílias foram monoespecíficas. Das 108 espécies, 39 são árvores (36%), 43 arbustos (40%), seis subarbustos (5,5%), 14 lianas (13%) e seis são ervas (5,5%). Sessenta e seis (61%) espécies pertencentes a 39 famílias (83%) são utilizadas popularmente, para o tratamento de alguma doença. As famílias com maior número de espécies medicinais foram: Fabaceae com oito espécies; Rubiaceae com cinco espécies e Solanaceae com quatro espécies. As espécies que apresentaram mais finalidades terapêuticas foram: Brosimum gaudichaudii Trécul (Moraceae), Caryocar brasiliense Cambess. (Caryocaraceae), Cochlospermum regium (Mart. ex Schrank) Pilg. (Bixaceae), Croton urucurana Bail. (Euphorbiaceae), Gomphrena officinalis Mart. (Amaranthaceae), Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. ex Hayne (Fabaceae), Lithrea molleoides (Vell.) Engl. (Anacardiaceae), Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão (Anacardiaceae) e Randia. armata (Sw.) DC. (Rubiaceae). As finalidades terapêuticas que apresentaram maior número de espécies foram: tônico (15 spp., 22,7%), afecções do aparelho respiratório (13 spp., 19,6%), afecções da pele (12 spp., 18%) e febres (12 spp., 18%). O conhecimento tradicional sobre as plantas medicinais do cerrado deve ser mais investigado para que seja preservado, valorizado, e para que medidas conservacionistas sejam tomadas evitando que essas plantas desapareçam antes que sua utilização tradicional seja corroborada pela ciência. ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the plant diversity of a Cerrado area in Prudente de Morais, MG, and its medicinal indications. Nine field trips were made to the reserve of Fazenda Experimental Santa Rita of the Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária de Minas Gerais (FESR/EPAMIG) (19°26’20” S and 44°09’15” W). The plant material collected was herborized, identified and incorporated into the collection of the Herbarium PAMG/EPAMIG. The classification system used was the APG III. After identification, we carried out a literature search to find data about the medical use of the species. 108 species were collected, belonging to 47 families. The most representative families were Fabaceae, with 16 species, Myrtaceae with seven species, Asteraceae and Rubiaceae with six species each, Malpighiaceae and Solanaceae with five species each, Erythroxylaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Vochysiaceae, with four species each, Anacardiaceae, Apocynaceae, Lamiaceae and Sapindaceae with three species each, Annonaceae, Arecaceae, Bignoniaceae, Celastraceae and Primulaceae with two species each. Twenty-nine families were monoespecific. From the 108 species, 39 are trees (36%), 43 are shrubs (40%), six are subshrubs (5.5%), 14 are climbing (13%) and six are herbs (5.5%). Sixty-six (61%) species belonging to 39 families (83%) are commonly used for the treatment of diseases. The families with the highest number of medicinal species were the Fabaceae with eight species; the Rubiaceae with five species and the Solanaceae with four species. The species showing more therapeutic purposes were: Brosimum gaudichaudii Trécul (Moraceae), Caryocar brasiliense Cambess. (Caryocaraceae), Cochlospermum regium (Mart. Ex Schrank) Pilg. (Bixaceae), Croton urucurana Bail. (Euphorbiaceae), Gomphrena officinalis Mart. (Amaranthaceae), Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. ex Hayne (Fabaceae), Lithrea molleoides (Vell.) Engl. (Anacardiaceae), Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão (Anacardiaceae) and Randia. armata (Sw.) DC. (Rubiaceae). The therapeutic purposes indicated by the highest number of species were: tonic (15 spp., 22.7%), diseases of the respiratory system (13 spp., 19.6%), skin affections (12 spp., 18%) and fever (12 spp., 18%). The traditional knowledge of medicinal plants of the Cerrado should be investigated further in order to be preserved and enhanced. In that sense, conservation measures should be taken for these plants do not disappear before their traditional use is supported by science.

O fogo exerce um papel importante como modelador dos ecossistemas de diversas formacoes vegetais, especialmente o Cerrado. Sua acao induz a brotacao em diversas especies, muitas vezes formando folhas mais vigorosas e fisiologicamente mais ativas. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho investigou o desempenho fotossintetico de folhas jovens e maduras de Vochysia cinnamomea Pohl (Vochysiaceae) em resposta a acao do fogo natural sobre uma area de cerrado rupestre da Serra da Canastra, Minas Gerais, comparando-se; (1) folhas jovens de area queimada e nao queimada e (2) folhas jovens e maduras de um mesmo individuo. Foram analisadas folhas maduras de individuos de area nao queimada cuja brotacao ocorreu anterior a queimada, e folhas jovens de individuos de areas queimadas e nao queimadas cuja brotacao ocorreu apos a passagem do fogo. Foram coletados e analisados dados relativos as taxas fotossinteticas, rendimento quântico potencial e efetivo, taxa relativa de transporte de eletrons, assimilacao liquida de CO 2 , condutância estomatica, transpiracao e teores de clorofila. Nao houve diferencas significativas entre as folhas jovens da area queimada e da area nao queimada em relacao aos processos fisiologicos testados. Desta forma nao ha nenhum tipo de resposta rapida em relacao a passagem do fogo. Entretanto, foram encontradas diferencas significativas quando comparadas folhas jovens e maduras. E fato que folhas jovens de V. cinnamomea sao estruturalmente distintas de folhas maduras, sao mais suculentas e pilosas enquanto as folhas maduras sao mais coriaceas, glabras e com cuticula evidente. Estas diferencas estruturais e os estagios fisiologicos de maturacao distintos se refletem nas caracteristicas fisiologicas estudadas nestas folhas que, quando maduras apresentam-se com menor grau de fotoinibicao, maior teor de clorofilas e maior assimilacao liquida de CO 2 .

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:33:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-10-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Background and aims: Acidic soil occupies 30% of the world’s ice-free land, and exchangeable aluminum (Al) availability increases under these conditions, being toxic to many plant species. However, some plants accumulate Al without damage to their metabolism. Vochysia tucanorum is an Al-accumulating species endemic to the cerrado vegetation with acidic soils in South America. Here, we predict that it is a calcifuge species. Methods: We assessed macro and micronutrient concentrations as well as Al accumulation, plant height and root length of potted plants grown on acidic and calcareous soil for 60 days. A LC-MS-based metabolite fingerprinting of plants on both conditions was also performed. Results: Plants grown on acidic soil showed higher biomass and Al concentration in roots and shoots than those grown on calcareous soil. Despite the higher concentration of macronutrients on plants grown on calcareous soil, micronutrients concentration was similar between plants grown on these soils. Plants grown on the calcareous soil showed necrotic leaves. The metabolite fingerprinting indicated significant changes in the metabolism of phenolics and organic acids. Conclusions: Due to the high Al accumulation in plants grown on acidic soil, and their inability to survive in calcareous soil, we conclude that V. tucanorum is an Al-accumulating species with calcifuge behavior. AsterBioChem research team School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto University of São Paulo (USP), Av. do Café s/n, Monte Alegre Institute of Biosciences São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. 24-A, 1515 School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castelane, s/n Federal University of Uberlandia (UFU), Rua 20, 1600 Institute of Biosciences São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. 24-A, 1515 School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castelane, s/n FAPESP: 2010/51454-3 FAPESP: 2013/21293-6 FAPESP: 2014/26866-7 CNPq: 304905/2015-1

Floral nectaries are linked with animal pollinators and floral specialization, characterizing some plant groups, such as the mostly Neotropical Vochysiaceae. The phylogeny of these plants has been revised based on molecular data, but their conspicuous spurs were mostly neglected. The appendicular or receptacular origin of these spurs has been discussed but without ontogenetic or anatomical study, and the association between spur structure and pollination systems was never assessed. We studied the spurs of species of four genera of Cerrado Vochysiaceae (tribe Vochysieae), documenting their vascularization and comparing their structure to previously described pollination systems. The spur structure was roughly similar among species, and vascularization confirmed their appendicular origin. Subepidermic secretory tissue surrounded the lumen of the spur and nectar was secreted through nectarostomata. Besides differences in size and cuticle striation, no other association between spur structure and pollination system was observed. However, the structure is somewhat distinct in Qualea parviflora, which sports a pluriseriate internal epidermis padding the spur lumen, which may provide protection against damage by the large bees that visit these relatively small flowers. The conservative histology and vasculature somewhat confirmed the monophyly of the tribe Vochysieae and the appendicular origin of the spur in the Cerrado Vochysiaceae.

Spiders are generalist predators and present a high diversity of capturing and foraging, as well as considerable species richness in tropical habitats. Although, generally, not presenting specific relations to the host plant, they can be influenced by its phenology, structure and resource availability. So, this study analyzed temporal variation on the structure and composition of Araneae assemblage in Callisthene fasciculata (Spr.) Mart. (Vochysiaceae) canopies, in an area of monodominant vegetation, in the periods of high water, receding water, dry season and rising water in Pantanal of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The collection was performed on 24 individuals of C. fasciculata, six in each seasonal period, in 2010 and 2011, making use of canopy fogging with insecticide. For that, ten nylon funnels were distributed under each canopy of C. fasciculata individuals, in a total of 240 m² of sampled canopies. In all, 3,610 spiders were collected and distributed in 24 families and 55 species. Anyphaenidae (43.3%; 6.5 ind./m2), Pisauridae (16.2%; 2.4 ind./m2), Araneidae (12.7%; 1.9 ind./m2) and Salticidae (12.4%; 1.9 ind./m2) were the most representative. Osoriella tahela Brescovit, 1998 was the most abundant species (12.2%). The nocturnal aerial runners of foliage (45.6%; 6.9 ind./m2), nocturnal aerial ambushers of foliage (17.3%; 2.6 ind./m2), aerial orb weavers (13.3%; 2.0 ind./m2) and the diurnal aerial runners of foliage (12.5%; 1.9 ind./m2) spiders represented the most abundant guilds. Significant differences were observed in the composition of families and behavioral guilds, as well as abundance and richness among seasonal periods. The assemblage showed the highest abundance in receding water and highest species richness in high water period, probably related to the hydrologic cycle of the area and its influence on C. fasciculata phenology, indicating the importance of this plant species for spider’s diversity maintenance in the Pantanal. RESUMO Aranhas são predadoras, generalistas e apresentam elevada diversidade de estratégias de captura e forrageamento, bem como considerável riqueza de espécies em habitats tropicais. Apesar de, geralmente, não apresentarem relações específicas com hospedeiros vegetais, suas assembleias podem ser influenciadas pela fenologia, estrutura e disponibilidade de recursos sobre o hospedeiro. Assim, este estudo analisou a variação temporal na estrutura e composição da assembleia de aranhas em copas de Callisthene fasciculata (Spr.) Mart. (Vochysiaceae) em área de vegetação monodominante, ao longo dos períodos de cheia, vazante, seca e enchente na região norte do Pantanal de Mato Grosso, Brasil. As coletas foram realizadas sobre 24 exemplares de C. fasciculata, seis em cada período sazonal, em 2010 e 2011, empregando-se a termonebulização de copas com inseticida. Para a coleta, 10 funis de nylon foram distribuídos debaixo da copa de cada indivíduo de C. fasciculata, totalizando 240 m² de copas amostradas. Ao todo foram coletadas 3.610 aranhas e distribuídas em 24 famílias e 55 espécies. Anyphaenidae (43,3%), Pisauridae (16,2%), Araneidae (12,7%) e Salticidae (12,4%) predominaram. Osoriella tahela Brescovit, 1998 foi a espécie mais abundante (12,2% do total). As aranhas corredoras aéreas noturnas de folhagens (45,6%), emboscadeiras noturnas de folhagens (17,3%), tecelãs orbiculares aéreas (13,3%) e as corredoras aéreas diurnas de folhagens (12,6%) representaram as guildas mais abundantes. Diferenças significativas foram observadas na composição de famílias e agrupamentos em guildas comportamentais, bem como para a abundância e riqueza de aranhas entre os períodos sazonais. A assembleia apresentou maior abundância na vazante e maior riqueza de espécies no período de cheia, provavelmente relacionadas com o ciclo hidrológico da região e sua influência sobre a fenologia de C. fasciculata, indicando a importância desta espécie vegetal para a manutenção da diversidade de aranhas no Pantanal.

Vochysia divergens (Vochysiaceae) is considered an invasive species in the wetlands of the Brazilian Pantanal, which hinders the cultivation of agricultural species. In this study, we evaluated the chemical profile by HPLC-DAD (high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector) of leaves extracts from V. divergens seedlings inoculated with endophytic fungi isolated from V. divergens roots. These fungi were collected on dry (D) and wet (W) seasons in the Pantanal. The presence of tannin hexahydroxydiphenoyl (HHDP)-galloyl-glucose and flavone 3',5'-dimethoxy-luteolin were predominant in the seedlings inoculated with endophytic fungi W experiments at 100 and 80%, respectively. Likewise, flavone 3',5-dimethoxy-luteolin-7-O-β-glucoside showed a similar representation in the two evaluated periods, compared with 5-methoxy-luteolin, which was detected only in seedlings inoculated with W endophytic fungi. This approach is new to V. divergens, which has no scientific data on its in vitro elicitation, in the search for a better understanding of the ecological relationships of this species.