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The genus Leptospermum (Myrtaceae) is widespread in Australia and contains several species that are of increasing interest to produce bioactive honey. Here, we used the Maxent algorithm to investig...

Predatory ants are crucial biological control agents in agroecosystems, but such activity may vary during dry and wet seasons. In this study, we investigated whether the mortality caused by predato...

In order to have the maximum quality of life and comfort, several factors need to be met. One of the main points to consider is housing, having a well-planned building avoids problems in the most diverse ways for the owner and maximizes urban well-being in the region, with the objective of generating a better quality of life for the users of the space. The present article deals with a study of a single-family residence with two floors, built in the EPS type construction system, located in the city of Recife-PE, focusing on the evaluation of possible occurrences of pathological manifestations, as well as presenting the results of the entire project. process. As a methodology, a case study was used, based on the IBAPE National Property Inspection standard. The criterion used was based on the Risk Analysis associated with environmental use and exposure. In the course of the article, the problems identified in the building were exposed, in which several problems of cracking, deformation of plate elements, electrical problems and infiltration were found. In addition, there is the absence of a technical project, possible execution problems and the lack of a specialized person in charge to accompany the work, to ensure greater safety throughout the process. Para tener la máxima calidad de vida y comodidad, se deben cumplir varios factores. Uno de los principales puntos a considerar es la vivienda, contar con una edificación bien planificada evita problemas en las más diversas formas para el propietario y maximiza el bienestar urbano de la región, con el objetivo de generar una mejor calidad de vida para los usuarios de la misma espacio. El presente artículo trata de un estudio de una residencia unifamiliar de dos plantas, construida en el sistema constructivo tipo EPS, ubicada en la ciudad de Recife-PE, con foco en la evaluación de posibles ocurrencias de manifestaciones patológicas, además de presentar los resultados de todo el proceso del proyecto. Como metodología se utilizó un estudio de caso, basado en la norma de Inspección Nacional de Bienes IBAPE. El criterio utilizado se basó en el Análisis de Riesgo asociado al uso y exposición ambiental. En el transcurso del artículo se expusieron los problemas identificados en la edificación, en la que se encontraron varios problemas de agrietamiento, deformación de elementos de placa, problemas eléctricos e infiltraciones. Además, está la ausencia de un proyecto técnico, posibles problemas de ejecución y la falta de un encargado especializado que acompañe la obra, para garantizar una mayor seguridad en todo el proceso. Para se ter o máximo de qualidade de vida e conforto, diversos fatores precisam ser atendidos. Um dos principais pontos a ser pensado é à moradia, ter uma edificação bem planejada evita problemas das mais diversas formas para o proprietário e maximiza o bem-estar urbano na região, com o objetivo de gerar uma maior qualidade de vida para os usuários do espaço. O presente artigo trata de um estudo de uma residência unifamiliar com dois pavimentos, erguido no sistema construtivo do tipo EPS, localizado na cidade de Recife-PE, com foco na avaliação de possíveis ocorrências de manifestações patológicas, bem como apresentar os resultados de todo o processo. Como metodologia foi utilizado um estudo de caso, baseado na norma de Inspeção Predial Nacional do IBAPE. O critério utilizado foi embasado na Análise do Risco associado ao uso e exposição ambiental. No decorrer do artigo foram expostos os problemas identificados na edificação, no qual foram encontrados diversos problemas de fissuração, deformação de elementos de placa, problemas elétricos e de infiltração. Além disso destaca-se a ausência de projeto técnico, possíveis problemas de execução e a falta de um responsável especializado ao acompanhar a obra, para garantir uma maior segurança em todo o processo.

Fipronil has been widely used in agriculture and forestry in Brazil to control several pests. However, this insecticide may be hazardous to non-target organisms, including stingless bees, which are essential pollinators of crops and natural environments. Here, we investigated the effect of 24-h acute oral exposure to LC

The marsh slug, Deroceras laeve (Muller), is a generalist pest of agricultural crops. Slugs are mainly managed with synthetic pesticides that can also have high toxicity toward vertebrates and nont...

Ascia monuste orseis Godart (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) is a neotropical butterfly distributed in South America. During the larval stage, this insect causes economic losses on Brassica crops. Wet and warm conditions are known to increase subspecies occurrence, but it remains unclear why these conditions are more suitable. In this study, we have shown that both conditions are highly favourable for A. monuste orseis. We determined the thermal requirements for immature development and then created models for A. monuste orseis occurrence using Climex algorithm. Two models were built: one for the year-round presence and other for seasonal suitability. We validated the models using subspecies occurrence records and monitoring in two Brazilian regions (Northeast and Southeast). The minimum, optimum and maximum temperature for immature development were estimated at 16.37, 29.16 and 34.95 °C, respectively. The model for year-round presence indicated tropical areas as highly suitable for A. monuste orseis occurrence (with 88% of accuracy) and the seasonal models showed unsuitable areas in some parts of South America during cold and dry periods. Such predictions were observed in the monitored areas where A. monuste orseis was not found. These results can be associated with the mortality caused by low temperature to immature stages and drought conditions that may induce adult migration to moist habitats. Thus, we suggest that A. monuste orseis occurs mainly during wet and warm seasons on Brassica crops due to deleterious effects caused by cold and dry conditions. This information can be used to improve A. monuste orseis management in Brassica crops.

Due to local extinction, the endangered green carpenter bee (Xylocopa aerata) has a disjunct distribution in the southeast of Australia. The species relies on dead softwood from a small selection of plant species for making its nests. Habitat fragmentation, combined with deleterious fire events, is thought to have negatively impacted on nesting substrate availability and recolonisation chances. Here, we use MaxEnt algorithm to model both the current distribution and the effect of climate change scenarios on the distribution of both X. aerata and four plant species that provide most of its nesting substrate: Banksia integrifolia, B. marginata, Xanthorrhoea arborea and Xanthorrhoea semiplana subsp. tateana. The annual mean temperature is the strongest climatic predictor of the distribution of X. aerata and its host plants. The modelled distribution of the bee under current climatic conditions indicates that climatic factors are unlikely to cause local extinctions. In all future scenarios, suitable areas for X. aerata and each of its nesting hosts are expected to contract towards the southeast of mainland Australia. The suitability of Kangaroo Island for the bee and its current local current host species is maintained in all scenarios, while Tasmania will become increasingly suitable for all species. The Grampians National Park in western Victoria, where the bee species were last seen outside of its current range (in the 1930s), is predicted to remain suitable for X. aerata and several host plants under all scenarios. Therefore, this relatively large area of native vegetation may be a good case study for re‐introduction as part of future conservation efforts.

The global search for eco-friendly and human-safe pesticides has intensified, and research on essential oils (EOs) has expanded due to their remarkable insecticidal activities and apparent human-safe. Despite this, most of the literature focuses on short-term and simplified efforts to understand lethal effects, with only a few comprehensive studies addressing sublethal exposures. To fill this shortcoming, we explore the lethal and sublethal effects of Pogostemon cablin (Lamiaceae) EO and an EO-based emulsion (18%) using the coffee berry borer Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) as a model. First, we determine the toxicity of EO and EO-based emulsion using dose-mortality curves and lethal times. Second, we subjected adult females of H. hampei to sublethal doses to assess whether they affected their behavior, reproductive output, and histological features. Our findings reveal that patchoulol (43.05%), α-Guaiene (16.06%), and α-Bulnesene (13.69%) were the main components of the EO. Furthermore, the EO and its emulsion had similar toxicity, with dose-mortality curves and lethal times overlapping 95% confidence intervals. We also observed that sublethal exposure of females of H. hampei reduces reproduction and feeding, increases walking activity, and causes histopathological changes in the midgut. This study advances the knowledge of sublethal effects of an eco-friendly substance on insects.

The global search for eco-friendly and human-safe pesticides has intensified, and research on essential oils (EOs) has expanded due to their remarkable insecticidal activities and apparent human-safe. Despite this, most of the literature focuses on short-term and simplified efforts to understand lethal effects, with only a few comprehensive studies addressing sublethal exposures. To fill this shortcoming, we explore the lethal and sublethal effects of Pogostemon cablin (Lamiaceae) EO and an EO-based emulsion (18%) using the coffee berry borer Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) as a model. First, we determine the toxicity of EO and EO-based emulsion using dose-mortality curves and lethal times. Second, we subjected adult females of H. hampei to sublethal doses to assess whether they affected their behavior, reproductive output, and histological features. Our findings reveal that patchoulol (43.05%), α-Guaiene (16.06%), and α-Bulnesene (13.69%) were the main components of the EO. Furthermore, the EO and its emulsion had similar toxicity, with dose-mortality curves and lethal times overlapping 95% confidence intervals. We also observed that sublethal exposure of females of H. hampei reduces reproduction and feeding, increases walking activity, and causes histopathological changes in the midgut. This study advances the knowledge of the lethal and sublethal effects of an eco-friendly substance on insects.Responsible Editor: Giovanni Benelli.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an idiopathic neurodegenerative disease, and it has been linked to long-term pesticide exposure. In this study, we aimed to determine whether pesticide exposure was associated with the risk of PD and other neurological manifestations. We conducted a pilot case-control study in patients from two neurology outpatient clinics. PD cases (n = 29) were matched with controls (n = 83) randomly selected from the same outpatient clinics. For data collection, telephone-based interviews were performed using a structured questionnaire. Overall, PD cases were proportionally more exposed to pesticides than the control group, but the association was not statistically significant (OR= 1.92; 95%, CI: 0.77–4.66; p = 0.15). We identified a high prevalence of neurological and psychological symptoms among the study participants, especially among the individuals who reported pesticide exposure. Our results reinforce the importance of further studies investigating the relationship between PD and pesticides to better understand this phenomenon.

A avaliação como instrumento classificatório e/ou seletivo tem sido usada a mais de 500 anos no ocidente, sendo evidenciada sua prática há cerca de 3000 anos antes da era cristã. Contudo, no ambiente escolar tem funcionado como uma ação que incorpora tensões constituintes das práticas sociais e reveladora de seus vínculos com as ações escolares, sendo que muitos têm-na utilizado como mecanismo de punição e exclusão de alguns estudantes. Nesse contexto, há discussões no âmbito educacional, sobre uma mudança de visão que direcione os professores a considerarem a avaliação, como uma ferramenta direcionada a construção coletiva de uma escola de qualidade para todos. Nessa perspectiva, a presente pesquisa buscou colaborar para a construção de novos caminhos acerca dos processos avaliativos utilizados pelos professores na educação básica, uma vez que propõe uma nova forma de avaliar a aprendizagem com base em modelos existentes no presente, mas com um olhar mais holístico do processo de aprendizagem. A presente pesquisa, faz parte do produto educacional do Método das Estações dos Saberes (ES) e seu desenvolvimento ocorreu por meio da pesquisa-ação, numa abordagem qualitativa de Estudo de Caso, desenvolvida em três etapas: coleta de dados a partir da visita a escola e observação de seus espaços; a prática dos professores, no contexto do Método ES, seguida da aplicação de um questionário semiestruturado e por fim, mediante a análise destes dados, foi proposto um novo instrumento de avaliação que melhor se adequasse ao Método ES, desenvolvido no âmbito do projeto das Escolas de Tempo e Ensino Integral do Estado da Bahia. A validação da pesquisa se deu a partir da comparação entre a avaliação tradicional e o novo método proposto, partindo-se dos dados coletados na instituição onde o mesmo foi proposto e por meio dos indicadores de aprendizagem da educação básica. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Estações dos Saberes, Avaliação da aprendizagem, Ensino inovador

Anastrepha fraterculus Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a key pest in apple orchards (Malus domestica Borkh.). Decision making for fruit fly management relies on the mean number of flies captured per trap. The number of flies captured depends on trap distribution in the orchards and climatic conditions that explain population density patterns as a function of space and time. Knowledge of A. fraterculus spatial distribution patterns and climatic conditions in apple orchards may help to plan control measures, develop efficient monitoring plans and improve management by targeting specific sites and periods when A. fraterculus occurrence is highest. Therefore, our aim in this study was to determine the seasonal variation and spatial distribution patterns of A. fraterculus in commercial apple orchards using geostatistical analysis. Anastrepha fraterculus density was higher during the warmer periods of the year and when apple trees had fruit. The spatial distribution pattern for this pest varied over the years and between orchards. Pest outbreaks were initially small however, they subsequently spread throughout the entire orchard. The adults of A. fraterculus colonized the orchard during the reproductive phase of apple trees, initiating at the edge of the orchard. The different occurrence sites of the pest foci and their fast growth underline the importance of locating and controlling these foci at the initial stage. Still, basing decision making on mean pest density values when implementing control measures can lead to unnecessary applications. The information found in this study provides useful information to initiate methods for timely management, prevention and control during periods of high favorability in orchard sites with high A. fraterculus incidence, thereby reducing production costs and harmful effects of pesticide use.

The pea leafminer, Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard), is an important pest of tomato crops worldwide. Conventional sampling plans are the starting point for the development of pest control decision-making. The present study aimed to develop a conventional sampling plan for L. huidobrensis during the vegetative and reproductive stages of tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.). The best sampling unit for vegetative and reproductive stages of tomato crops was determined. The frequency distributions of L. huidobrensis densities in tomato crops were assessed, and the ideal number of samples to constitute the sampling plan was determined. The basal leaf of the middle section of the plant canopy was the best plant part for sampling. Pea leafminer densities were fitted to the negative binomial distribution with a common aggregation parameter (Kcommon = 0.7289) that represents all tomato fields. The sampling plan consists of 73 samples per field, irrespective of field size (1, 5, or 10 ha). Evaluations using this sampling plan were performed in 47 min, 1 h 9 min, and 1 h 25 min at a cost of US$1.74, US$2.54, and US$3.12 per sampling in fields of 1, 5, and 10 ha, respectively. The sampling plan developed in this study may lead to more well-informed decision-making for controlling L. huidobrensis in tomato fields up to 10 ha. Additionally, it is inexpensive (up to US$3.12 per sampling area), fast (up to 1 h 25 min per sampling area), and practical (it can be used in tomato crops at the vegetative and reproductive stages).

Nasutitermes corniger (Motschulsky, 1855) (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae) is an important pest in urban environments and bioinsecticides can be an alternative to its control. Here, we determined the toxicity and repellence of the essential oil (EO) prepared from stems of Aristolochia trilobata L. (Aristolochiaceae) and its major constituents on N. corniger. We also investigated behavioral changes of individuals exposed to limonene. The lethal dose required to kill 50% of N. corniger population (LD50) of EO of A. trilobata was 2.44 μg mg−1. Limonene was the most toxic compound to N. corniger followed by linalool (LD50 = 1.02 and 1.29 μg mg−1, respectively). In addition, all treatments presented median lethal time (LT50) less than 11 h. A. trilobata EO and its constituents showed irritability activity, but only limonene repelled soldiers more than workers. The negative behaviors of N. corniger groups were higher in individuals treated with limonene. A. trilobata EO and its constituents, especially the limonene, are promising for the control of N. corniger due the high toxicity, repellence, and possible disturbance in the colonies.

The cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni Hübner (Lep.: Noctuidae), is a destructive pest of Brassica crops. Their larvae defoliate plants, leading to reduced crop yield. Understanding and modeling pest seasonal dynamics is central to management programs because it allows one to set up sampling and control efforts. This study aimed to train, with field-collected data, artificial neural networks (ANN) for T. ni forecasting on Brassica crops. ANNs were used due to their suitability to fit complex models with multiple predictors. Three weather variables (air temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity lagged at different intervals from the day of pest assessment) and three host plants (broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower) along with another plant-related variable (days after transplanting) were used as input variables to build ANNs with different topologies. Two outputs (T. ni eggs or larvae) were tested to verify which one would yield more precise models. ANNs forecasting T. ni eggs performed better, based on Pearson's correlation (r

High temperatures may affect the development and yield of the sweet potato crop. Technologies such as particle films can mitigate their effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of calcium oxide (CaO) particle film on sweet potato remobilization and accumulation of photoassimilates, as well as its impact on the crop yield. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with four replicates per treatment: control, 5, 10 and 15 % of CaO. In general, there was an increase for root volume; average weight per root; dry and fresh weight of roots, branches and leaves; and growth rates at 10 % of CaO. The highest yield and number of marketable roots were observed at 10 and 15 % of CaO. The use of 10 % of CaO caused an increase in the remobilization of photoassimilates and, consequently, an increase in the sweet potato yield. RESUMO Altas temperaturas podem afetar o desenvolvimento e rendimento da cultura da batata-doce. Tecnologias como filmes de partículas podem mitigar seus efeitos. Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de filme de partículas de óxido de cálcio (CaO) na remobilização e acúmulo de fotoassimilados em batata-doce, bem como seu impacto na produtividade da cultura. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições por tratamento: controle; 5; 10; e 15 % de CaO. De maneira geral, houve aumento de volume radicular; peso médio por raiz; massa seca e fresca de raízes, ramos e folhas; e taxas de crescimento para 10 % de CaO. A maior produtividade e número de raízes comercializáveis foram observados para 10 e 15 % de CaO. A utilização de 10 % de CaO causou aumento na remobilização de fotoassimilados e, consequentemente, aumento na produtividade da batata-doce.

Para se ter o máximo de qualidade de vida e conforto, diversos fatores precisam ser atendidos. Um dos principais pontos a ser pensado é à moradia, ter uma edificação bem planejada evita problemas das mais diversas formas para o proprietário e maximiza o bem-estar urbano na região, com o objetivo de gerar uma maior qualidade de vida para os usuários do espaço. O presente artigo trata de um estudo de uma residência unifamiliar com dois pavimentos, erguido no sistema construtivo do tipo EPS, localizado na cidade de Recife-PE, com foco na avaliação de possíveis ocorrências de manifestações patológicas, bem como apresentar os resultados de todo o processo. Como metodologia foi utilizado um estudo de caso, baseado na norma de Inspeção Predial Nacional do IBAPE. O critério utilizado foi embasado na Análise do Risco associado ao uso e exposição ambiental. No decorrer do artigo foram expostos os problemas identificados na edificação, no qual foram encontrados diversos problemas de fissuração, deformação de elementos de placa, problemas elétricos e de infiltração. Além disso destaca-se a ausência de projeto técnico, possíveis problemas de execução e a falta de um responsável especializado ao acompanhar a obra, para garantir uma maior segurança em todo o processo.

The marsh slug

Optical sensors combined with machine learning algorithms have led to significant advances in seed science. These advances have facilitated the development of robust approaches, providing decision-making support in the seed industry related to the marketing of seed lots. In this study, a novel approach for seed quality classification is presented. We developed classifier models using Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy and X-ray imaging techniques to predict seed germination and vigor. A forage grass (Urochloa brizantha) was used as a model species. FT-NIR spectroscopy data and radiographic images were obtained from individual seeds, and the models were created based on the following algorithms: linear discriminant analysis (LDA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), random forest (RF), naive Bayes (NB), and support vector machine with radial basis (SVM-r) kernel. In the germination prediction, the models individually reached an accuracy of 82% using FT-NIR data, and 90% using X-ray data. For seed vigor, the models achieved 61% and 68% accuracy using FT-NIR and X-ray data, respectively. Combining the FT-NIR and X-ray data, the performance of the classification model reached an accuracy of 85% to predict germination, and 62% for seed vigor. Overall, the models developed using both NIR spectra and X-ray imaging data in machine learning algorithms are efficient in quickly, non-destructively, and accurately identifying the capacity of seed to germinate. The use of X-ray data and the LDA algorithm showed great potential to be used as a viable alternative to assist in the quality classification of U. brizantha seeds.

Essential oils (EO’s) have been investigated as a safe alternative to pest management. The toxicity of an EO can vary due to abiotic and biotic factors. The individual compounds of different EO’s have shown promise to insect control and they may present toxicity similar to or greater than the EO’s. In this study, we determined the toxicity of Corymbia citriodora EO compounds against Ascia monuste (Linnaeus, 1764) and Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus, 1758). Citronellal, trans-caryophyllene, and citronellol (LD50 = 23.24, 24.17 and 27.84 μg/mg, respectively) were the most toxic compounds to A. monuste. On the other hand, α-pinene and β-pinene presented low toxicity to this pest. For P. xylostella, citronellol and citronellal were the most toxic compounds (LD50 = 22.36 and 25.53 μg/mg, respectively). The other compounds presented lower toxicity with similar doses. Thus, the individual compounds of C. citriodora EO can be an alternative for A. monuste and P. xylostella control.

A Amazônia vive um paradoxo entre alta disponibilidade de recursos hídricos e o baixo acesso desse recurso que vem se caracterizando pelas más práticas de gestão e pouca efetividade das políticas públicas. No aspecto das formas de usos múltiplos em bacias hidrográficas, esforços têm sido realizados para compatibilizar tais usos, mas que ainda carecem ser aperfeiçoadas. Contudo, nas Bacias Hidrográfica Itacaiúnas - Tocantins observa-se que não há uma política que democratize os usos múltiplos, criando cenários potenciais de conflitos de acesso à água em seus múltiplos usos. O principal objetivo da presente tese é usar o referencial teórico e metodológico das questões da representação espacial e, junto as mapas temáticos avaliamos as estruturas espaciais que conformam as dinâmicas espaciais que estruturam o território da Bacia hidrográfica Itacaiúnas/Tocantins e, que potencializam conflitos pelas formas de uso da água, enquanto recurso estratégico à manutenção social dos atores envolvidos. Tais reflexões estiveram presentes em Bertin (1970) em sua Semiologia gráfica; em Roger Brunet (2001; 1993; 1986; 1980) em sua Nouvelle Géographie universelle, revisitando ainda os aportes da modelização das paisagens da Escola Soviética. Como contribuição da Escola Soviética da Cartografia Ambiental/Geografia Aplicada e nas aportações da Escola Europeia/Francesa de Geografia moldando a Cartografia do Brasil, em especial, os modelos de cartografia de Hérve Théry e Marcello Martinelli para construir uma narrativa cartográfica que representasse as dinâmicas e as disparidades da bacia em tela. Assim têm-se uma Geografia Complexa dos recursos hídricos, dos quais apresentamos as dinâmicas ambientais e sociais que configuram dinâmicas territoriais e suas disparidades sociais na bacia. O contexto das macropolíticas e seus rebatimentos realizados pelos empreendimentos de larga escala têm provocado ambientes e potenciais conflitos, sendo necessário equacionar tais dilemas. Assim, mediante a elaboração de oito unidades elementares reveladoras de tais complexidades dos usos múltiplos dos recursos hídricos (Geodiversidade, IDH, pecuária, conflitos ambientais, entre outro) constrói-se representações gráficas e as cartas temáticas dentro dessas narrativas cartográficas, auxiliadas pelos sistemas geoinformativos que permitem analisar espacialmente as estruturas territoriais em bacia hidrográfica, via políticas de eixos de integração e políticas estaduais que dinamizam as formas de uso dos recursos hídricos. The Amazon is experiencing a paradox between the high availability of water resources and the low access to this resource, which is the result of poor management practices and effective public policies. In the aspects of forms of multiple uses in watershed, efforts have been made to make these uses compatible, but they still need to be improved. However, in Watershed the Itacaiúnas/Tocantins, it is observed that there is no policy that democratizes multiple uses, creating potential scenarios for conflicts of access to water in its multiple uses. Using as theoretical reference and methodological the issues of spatial representation and thematic maps, we seek to assess the spatial structures that conforms the territorial spaces of the Itacaiúnas/Tocantins hydrographic basin, which empower conflicts for the forms of water use, as a strategic resource for the social maintenance of actors involved. Such reflections were present in Bertin (1970) in his graphic Semiology; in Roger Brunet (2001; 1993; 1986; 1980) in his Nouvelle Géographie universelle, revisiting the contributions of the modeling of the landscapes of the Soviet School. As contribution of the Soviet School of Environmental Cartography/Applied Geography and in the contributions of the European/French School of Geography shaping the Cartography of Brazil, in particular, the cartography models of Hérve Théry and Marcello Martinelli to build a cartographic narrative that represented the dynamics and disparities in the basin. Thus, there is a Complex Geography of water resources, which we present the environmental and social dynamics that configure territorial dynamics and their social disparities in the basin. The context of macro-policies and their impact on large-scale enterprises have caused environments and potential conflicts, being necessary resolve such dilemmas. Thus, through the elaboration of eight elementary units that reveal such complexities of the multiple uses of water resources (Geodiversity, IDH, livestock, environmental conflicts, etc.), graphic representations and thematic maps are constructed within these cartographic narratives, aided by the geoinformative systems that allow spatially analyzing of territorial structures in the hydrographic basin, through policies of integration axes and state policies that dynamics the ways of using water resources.

Ascia monuste orseis Godart (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) is a neotropical butterfly distributed in South America. During the larval stage, this insect causes economic losses on Brassica crops. Wet and warm conditions are known to increase subspecies occurrence, but it remains unclear why these conditions are more suitable. In this study, we have shown that both conditions are highly favourable for A. monuste orseis. We determined the thermal requirements for immature development and then created models for A. monuste orseis occurrence using Climex algorithm. Two models were built: one for the year-round presence and other for seasonal suitability. We validated the models using subspecies occurrence records and monitoring in two Brazilian regions (Northeast and Southeast). The minimum, optimum and maximum temperature for immature development were estimated at 16.37, 29.16 and 34.95 °C, respectively. The model for year-round presence indicated tropical areas as highly suitable for A. monuste orseis occurrence (with 88% of accuracy) and the seasonal models showed unsuitable areas in some parts of South America during cold and dry periods. Such predictions were observed in the monitored areas where A. monuste orseis was not found. These results can be associated with the mortality caused by low temperature to immature stages and drought conditions that may induce adult migration to moist habitats. Thus, we suggest that A. monuste orseis occurs mainly during wet and warm seasons on Brassica crops due to deleterious effects caused by cold and dry conditions. This information can be used to improve A. monuste orseis management in Brassica crops.

Brevicoryne brassicae is an important pest of cabbage crops. In addition to the chemical controls usually used in agroecosystems, natural factors contribute to aphid mortality. In this study, we ev...

Essential oils from plants are a viable alternative to the use of synthetic insecticides. However, the bioactivity of these compounds can vary with plant chemotypes, with important implications for pest control and impact on non-target organisms. In the present work, we analyzed the toxicity of essential oils of two chemotypes of Lippia gracilis Schauer (LGRA-106 [thymol chemotype] and LGRA-109 [carvacrol chemotype]) and their major compounds on Diaphania hyalinata Linnaeus, 1767 and the selectivity of these chemotypes on the pollinator bee Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758 and the predator wasp Polybia micans Ducke 1904. Both thymol and carvacrol chemotypes were toxic to D. hyalinata (LD50 = 5.90 and 4.56 μg mg−1, respectively). The monoterpenes thymol and carvacrol isolated were around two and five times more toxic than their corresponding chemotypes, respectively. The lethal times estimated for the essential oil to cause mortality in 50% of D. hyalinata populations were less than three hours. The treatments were not selective to A. mellifera and P. micans. The essential oils of L. gracilis chemotypes represent promising sources for the synthesis of new insecticidal molecules.

The drywood termite Cryptotermes brevis (Walker, 1853) (Kalotermitidae) is one of the most important wood structural pest in the world. Substances from the secondary metabolism of plants (e.g., essential oils) have been considered an environmentally safer form of control for urban pests, such as termites. In the present study, we analyzed the lethal and sub-lethal effects of essential oil of Lippia sidoides and its major components on C. brevis pseudergates in two routes of exposure (contact and fumigation). The essential oil of L. sidoides and thymol were more toxic to C. brevis pseudergates when applied by contact (LD50 = 9.33 and 8.20 µg mg−1, respectively) and by fumigation (LC50 = 9.10 and 23.6 µL L−1, respectively). In general, treatments changed the individual and collective behaviors of C. brevis pseudergates, as well as the displacement and walking speed. The essential oil of L. sidoides and its major components showed a high potential to control C. brevis pseudergates, due to the bioactivity in the two routes of exposure and the sub-lethal effects on the behavior and walking, important activities for the cohesion of C. brevis colonies.

Plants with extrafloral nectaries attract a variety of ant species, in associations commonly considered mutualistic. However, the results of such interactions can be context dependent. Turnera subulata is a shrub widely distributed among disturbed areas which has extrafloral nectaries at the base of leaves. Here, we evaluated whether the ants associated with T. subulata (i) vary in space and/or time; (ii) respond to simulated herbivory, and (iii) reduce herbivory rates. For this, we quantified the abundance and species richness of ants associated with T. subulata throughout the day in six different sites and the defensive capability of these ants under simulated herbivory in the leaves and stems of T. subulata plants (N = 60). We also checked the proportion of the lost leaf area and quantified leaf damage by chewing herbivores in the host plant. We found that a total of 21 ant species associated with the host plant. Species composition showed significant variation across the sampled sites and throughout the day. Visitation rates and predation by ants were higher in plant stems than in leaves. In general, herbivory rates were not correlated with ant association or activity, with the exception of the proportion of leaf area consumed; there was a significant lower herbivory rate on plants in which ants defended the leaves. Our results suggest that the benefits of association may depend on the ecological context. This context dependence may mask the correlation between the defense of ants and herbivory rates.