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Resumo Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar a contribuição de Neoregelia cruenta na fertilidade do solo em uma duna na Restinga Marambaia (RJ). Foram coletadas amostras de terra nas profundidades de 0-5 e 5-15 cm debaixo de cobertura de bromélias e em área adjacente (5m de distância). Foram observados valores mais elevados de P e Ca sob a vegetação de bromélia, porém pequena influência desta no conteúdo de carbono orgânico total. Os resultados demonstram a importância da cobertura herbácea na fertilidade do solo em ambientes costeiros.

Structure and function are strongly related in bromeliad leaves. Some species do not develop tank rosettes and must rely on other structural and physiological attributes to deal with environmental stressors. Three species of Bromeliaceae without tanks were compared according to their leaf structure (anatomy and pectin composition), water retention abilities, and photosynthetic pathway expressions. Tillandsia stricta is an epiphyte, shaded by the canopy in a riparian forest, T. usneoides occurs on palm trees in an adjacent opened area, while Dyckia minarum is terrestrial and exposed to high light intensities in rupestrian fields. Despite limiting light and/or water conditions in each habitat, these species occur in adjacent areas. While they express CAM metabolism, D. minarum demonstrated more expressive acidity. Its greater investments in tissues related to water absorption and retention may reflect its high exposure to sunlight, poor nutrient availability for growth, and CAM expression. Tillandsia usneoides modifies its water-storing capacity between seasons, a property possibly associated with the presence of high methyl-esterified HGs in its cell walls. The higher succulence and relative water content during the rainy season may stimulate photosynthetic activity and maximize CAM expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many species of Bromeliaceae store water among their leaves creating microhabitats for several biological groups. Using bromeliads in enrichment of reforestation offers an opportunity to understand the occupation of tank habitat, and the impacts of these plants in increasing biodiversity. We translocated 20 rescued individuals of tank-bromeliad Hohenbergia ramageana to enrich a reforested area in Atlantic Forest. Then, we recorded the visiting dynamics of animals in the tank habitat of H. ramageana. Ten orders of vertebrates and invertebrates visited nine terrestrial and eight epiphyte tank-habitats just one month after the translocation. Richness and composition were similar between epiphyte and terrestrial translocations. We found that precipitation explained a significant proportion of variation of the number of visited plants and richness of animal orders. Our results confirm the importance of using tank-bromeliads in reforested ecosystems and bring novelty that reintroduced bromeliads in alternative habitats also play the same role for animal groups as in their original habitat. This knowledge will orientate future plans of conservation of bromeliads and of ecosystem restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have recognized bromeliads as a key food resource for Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus) throughout their range. However, it is still not clear how abundance and especially the nutritional value of bromeliads influence habitat and diet selection. Understanding this is essential because conflicts such as crop damage occur when available natural resources cannot offer an adequate nutritional supply. During June and July 2017, we studied 6 forest and páramo areas in southern Ecuador for signs of bear presence, the abundance and nutritional value of bromeliads, and diet selection by fecal microhistology. The nutritional composition of bromeliads was affected by flowering and recent fire events but we found greater variability across species and ecosystems, with higher protein and lower fiber in páramo. However, bears were more often present in the forest ecosystem, and moreover, their presence was not affected by abundance nor composition of bromeliads. Further similar studies must focus on other key resources, such as temporary fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vriesea incurvata is a native bromeliad from Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest and commercialized as an ornamental pot plant. The morphological characteristics of its floral scape may also indicate it as a new product to use as a cut flower. However, its postharvest behavior was unknown. This study was conducted to determine its vase life by applying distilled water (control) and solutions containing sucrose (50 g L-1), salicylic acid (50 µM), and citric acid (50 g L-1) for periods of 8 and 24 h. Floral scapes maintained in solutions showed vase life greater than 16 days when compared to the control (distilled water). However, solutions with sucrose evidenced the best behaviors related to the maintenance of physiological and aesthetic features during the vase life of the floral scapes. It is concluded that solutions with sucrose, salicylic acid, and citric acid applied for 8 and 24 h extend the vase life of the V. incurvata floral scapes. Sucrose applied for 8 h promotes the maintenance of color, brightness, and turgidity; improves water balance, and reduces the relative fresh weight losses of floral scapes throughout the vase life, extending their longevity up to 24 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years there has been increasing attention in patterns of ß-diversity and mechanisms related to variations in species composition. In this study, we evaluated beta diversity patterns of bromeliads growing on cliffs immersed in Atlantic Forest. We hypothesized that the species composition varies according to the spatial scale, inferring that there is a replacement of species influenced mainly by environmental factors. The study was carried out on sandstone cliffs included in contiguous but distinct vegetation formations: Evergreen and Seasonal forests. Twenty-four vertical rocky outcrops were sampled. The spatial variation in species composition was evaluated by two ß-diversity components, turnover and nestedness. Multivariate analysis and variation partitioning were performed to distinguish niche and stochastic processes. We recorded 26 bromeliad species and a significantly higher contribution of turnover explaining beta diversity. Environmental factors affect ß-diversity patterns of Bromeliaceae. However, individually, the environmental predictors do not explain the data variation. Environmental variations spatially structured, and spatial variables determinate the dissimilarity in the composition of bromeliads on cliffs. Thus, our results revealed that both environmental and spatial effects can act together to define the floristic composition of rock-dwelling bromeliad communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Schinopsis balansae forests of the Wet Chaco are characterized by convex areas with woody vegetation and plain areas with herbaceous vegetation. In the Wet Chaco, Aechmea distichantha is a terrestrial bromeliad that forms dense colonies in the understory and open areas of these forests. The aim of this study was to analyze the spatial and temporal variations in population dynamics of this bromeliad species. We monitored ramets growing in sun and shade conditions during two contrasting years. We analyzed the spatial and temporal variations in survival, flowering, and ramet production. Variations in survival, flowering, and ramet production were more marked between years than between habitats. During the year with wetter and milder temperature conditions, survival and ramet production were higher than during the drier year with more extreme temperatures. Survival of vegetative ramets was less variable than survival of young and reproductive ramets. In the colder year, lower winter temperatures reduced the populations in all stages, being more important in the open areas. Our results highlight the importance of low temperatures on A. distichantha demography at this xerophytic forest located at the southernmost distribution range of this bromeliad species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract Cosmarium bromelicola sp. nov. is a new desmid species described from samplings carried out in bromeliad tanks (phytotelmata) from an area of rocky outcrops at Serra da Jiboia, Bahia State, Northeast Brazil. Presence of subtrapeziform cells with a deep depression at the apical region and twisted X-shaped cell in side view are the diagnostic features for the species. Relationships with the morphologically closest taxa are discussed.

Copyright of Bistua: Revista de la Facultad de Ciencias Básicas is the property of Facultad de Ciencias Basicas de la Universidad de Pamplona and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Between May/2015 and February/2016 a study was carried out to estimate the richness, frequency and fungal similarity associated with Bromeliaceae from three areas in the Bahia state: Serra da Jibóia (municipality of Santa Terezinha), Morro da Redenção (municipality of Campo Formoso) and Orquilândia Tropical (municipality of Camaçari). Three species of Bromeliaceae were selected by area: Alcantarea nahoumii, Vriesea bahiana, Aechmea sp. (Serra da Jibóia); Aechmea aquilega, Hohenbergia catingae, Tillandsia gardneri (Morro da Redenção) and Aechmea Victoriana, A. naohoumii, Neoregelia compacta (Orquilândia Tropical). For each plant species 10 individuals were selected and three leaves of each with symptoms or fungal signs were collected. In the laboratory, indirect isolation was performed, which consisted of disinfestation in alcohol 70%, NaOCl 1% and washing in distilled water of leaf fragments. A total richness of 19 genera distributed in 27 taxa was found in Orquilândia tropical the great species richness was obtained (17 taxa) and the other areas presented 14 taxa each. There was a low similarity between fungal communities in the studied plants: 16.6% to 50% - Serra da Jibóia, 33.3% to 58.8% - Morro da Redenção and 23.3% to 58.3% - Orquilândia Tropical. The study revealed a fungal diversity occuring in different species of bromeliads, both in natural ecosystems and in cultivated areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The phytotelm-dwelling frogs from the genus Phyllodytes Wagler, 1830 have been characterized as specialist frogs regarding their diet strategy which is mainly composed by colonial insects. Herein, we used two species of ants (Camponotus sp. and Gnamptogenys sp.) with distinct defensive mechanisms to test the predatory behavior of Phyllodytes luteolus Wied, 1824. The experiment was conducted with frogs inhabiting a patch of 20 bromeliads (Aechmea cf. blanchetiana). Ants were offered randomly to the frogs until we obtained ten observations of predation of each ant species. We observed and recorded the time that P. luteolus needed to keep each ant species inside its mouth before it could ingest it. Predatory behavior was highly distinct. While Camponotus were caught and swallowed within six seconds and without apparent discomfort, individuals of P. luteolus had more difficulty in swallowing Gnamptogenys individuals, the time of manipulation ranging from 57 to 177 seconds. The mean values of time of predation observed in each treatment was highly significant (p

Las epifitas son plantas que crecen principalmente adheridas a los troncos y ramas de árboles y arbustos. En la presente investigación se realizó el inventario de epífitas vasculares -orquídeas y bromelias- y sus hospederos, los cuales fueron caracterizados según su clasificación taxonómica; analizando también, el impacto sobre el componente de vegetación. Según los resultados, en las cuatro unidades de vegetación, se registraron 62 géneros, 308 especies epifitas y 15.520 individuos de epífitas. En relación con los forófitos se identificaron en total 266 especies de hospederos y 3.040 individuos arbóreos forófitos. En la familia Orchidaceae se identificaron 264 especies y 14.083 individuos; en la familia Bromeliaceae se identificaron 44 especies, agrupadas en 1.437 individuos. En el componente de vegetación el impacto fue negativo, sobre la vegetación arbórea u hospederos, ya que estos individuos serán talados, no obstante la vegetación epífita de orquídeas y bromelias serán trasladadas y monitoreadas, garantizando su sobrevivencia, caso que generará impacto positivo sobre este grupo de especies vegetales.

In Bromeliaceae, cytogenetic and flow cytometry analyses have been performed to clarify systematic and evolutionary aspects. Karyotyping approaches have shown the relatively high chromosome number, similar morphology and small size of the chromosomes. These facts have prevented a correct chromosome counting and characterization. Authors have established a basic chromosome number of x = 25 for Bromeliaceae. Recently, one karyomorphological analysis revealed that x = 25 is no longer the basic chromosome number, whose genome may have a polyploid origin. Besides cytogenetic characterization, the 2C DNA content of bromeliads has been measured. Nuclear DNA content has varied from 2C = 0.60 to 2C = 3.34 picograms. Thus, in relation to most angiosperms, the 2C DNA content of Bromeliaceae species as well as their chromosome size can be considered relatively small. In spite of some advances, cytogenetic and flow cytometry data are extremely scarce in this group. In this context, this review reports the state of the art in karyotype characterization and nuclear DNA content measurement in Bromeliaceae, emphasizing the main problems and suggesting prospective solutions and ideas for future research.

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Copyright of Revista de Investigación Agraria y Ambiental is the property of Revista de Investigacion Agraria y Ambiental and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A cobertura superior das florestas tropicais, formada pelas copas das árvores, constitui um ambiente de extrema diversidade vegetal. Contribuindo com a grande riqueza dessas florestas encontram-se as espécies botânicas epífitas, cuja importância pode ser observada do ponto de vista ecológico, faunístico, etnobotânico e até mesmo farmacológico. Dentre as espécies adaptadas à vida epifítica podemos citar as bromeliáceas, que compõem uma das famílias mais representativas dessa flora com elevada variabilidade genética. Tillandsia recurvata é uma espécie epífita cosmopolita, nativa, adaptada a habitats áridos, utilizada para o tratamento de diversas doenças, mas pouco se tem publicado a respeito das comprovações científicas de suas propriedades. O presente trabalho revisa os aspectos etnofarmacológicos, atividades biológicas e compostos químicos relacionados à espécie em questão, pertencente à Bromeliaceae. A partir do levantamento de dados realizado, observa-se que esta se trata de uma espécie de conhecido uso popular no tratamento de diferentes distúrbios, com alguns estudos farmacológicos que comprovam suas propriedades terapêuticas. Do ponto de vista químico observa-se a presença de terpenos, flavonoides e derivados cinâmicos em sua constituição, em que alguns compostos isolados ilustram a potencialidade desta espécie como fonte de biomoléculas de interesse. Todos estes aspectos considerados nesta revisão contribuem para o conhecimento a respeito da importância biológica e o potencial terapêutico acerca dos metabólitos desta promissora espécie.

The results of a Bromeliaceae Juss. floristic survey in the Piraí Mountain, Araraquara complex(Guaratuba Municipality, Paraná State) are presented. Twenty six species included in nine genera and three subfamilies were registered. Bromelioideae presented the highest genera diversity and Tillandsioideae showed the highest species diversity, including twelve species belonging to the genus Vriesea (46%). It was the first register of Nidularium procerum Lindm., Tillandsia stricta Sol. ex Ker Gawl., Vriesea altodaserrae L. B. Sm., Vriesea erythrodactylon (E. Morren) E. Morren ex Mez, Vrieseaflava And.Costa, H. Luther & Wand., Vriesea friburgensis Mez, Vriesea hoehneana L. B. Sm., Vriesea inflata (Wawra) Wawra e Wittrockia superba Lindm. at the Guaratuba Municipality. Dyckia leptostachya Baker was collected for the first time at the coastal zone of Paraná State, being this record done after 40 years since its last register in the State. For each species, information on phenology, geographic distribution and vulnerability level are included. Apresentam-se resultados de levantamento florístico das espécies de Bromeliaceae Juss. no Pico Piraí, Complexo do Araraquara (Guaratuba, Paraná). Verificou-se a ocorrência de 26 espécies pertencentes a nove gêneros e três subfamílias. Bromelioideae englobou a maior diversidade de gêneros e Tillandsioideae registrou-se a maior diversidade de espécies, sendo 12 delas incluídas no gênero Vriesea (46%). As seguintes espécies foram registradas pela primeira vez no município de Guaratuba: Nidularium procerum Lindm., Tillandsia stricta Sol. ex Ker Gawl., Vriesea altodaserrae L. B. Sm., Vriesea erythrodactylon (E. Morren) E. Morren ex Mez, Vriesea flava And. Costa, H. Luther & Wand.,Vriesea friburgensis Mez, Vriesea hoehneana L. B. Sm., Vriesea inflata (Wawra) Wawra e Wittrockia superba Lindm.. Dyckia leptostachya Baker foi registrada pela primeira vez na zona litorânea paranaense e após 40 anos do último registro de coleta da espécie no Estado. São apresentadas informações sobre fenologia,distribuição geográfica e grau de vulnerabilidade para cada espécie identificada.

Las bromelias son un recurso promisorio presente en nuestros bosques neotropicales. Sin embargo, debido a su extracción no controlada y a la intervención de sus hábitats, algunas poblaciones de estas plantas han disminuido drásticamente, al punto que muchas de ellas se encuentran en grado de amenaza de extinción. Por lo que técnicas de propagación eficientes como el cultivo de tejidos, constituyen un aporte a las estrategias de conservación y manejo sostenible de este recurso, como en el caso de las especies Aechmea veitchii (Baker) y Racinaea crispa (Baker). Con este propósito se utilizaron como explantes porciones de hojas de plantas de campo, y yemas apicales y porciones de hojas de plántulas obtenidas in vitro, a partir de semillas. Se evaluó el efecto de diferentes combinaciones y concentraciones de auxinas y citoquininas sobre la formación de callo embriogénico o no embriogénico y la regeneración de brotes, utilizando como medio basal las sales MS con los macronutrientes a media y completa concentración. Los explantes provenientes de plantas de campo no presentaron respuesta; por el contrario las yemas apicales de plántulas germinadas in vitro de A. veitchii, con IBA (1,0 mg/l), formaron brotes adventicios, las combinaciones TDZ (0,5, 1,0, 1,5 y 2,0 mg/l) con IBA (0,1 mg/l) y BAP (5 mg/l) con ANA (0,2 mg/l) indujeron malformaciones en los brotes desarrollados y multiyemas. Las bases de hojas de A. veitchii presentaron menor respuesta a la formación de brotes adventicios y multiyemas; sin embargo, en el medio suplementado con KIN más 2,4-D se presentó formación de callo. Fue posible el establecimiento in vitro de R. crispa a partir de semillas, sin embargo la respuesta a las combinaciones hormonales fue incipiente.The bromeliads are a promissory resource in our Neotropical forests. However, due to their uncontrolled harvest and the devastation of their habitats, some populations of these plants have declined drastically to the point that many are threatened with extinction. Thus, efficient propagation techniques such as tissue culture constitute an aid to conservation and sustainable management strategies for these resources, as in the case of Aechmea veitchii Baker and Racinaea crispa Baker. To this end, leaf segments of field plants, and apical buds and leaf segments of plantlets cultured in vitro, were used as explants. The effect of different combinations and concentrations of auxin and cytokines on callus formation, type of callus and shoot regeneration were evaluated, using MS medium with half and complete salt concentrations as basal medium. Results showed that there was no response when using explants from field plants; however, in vitro seedlings, adventitious buds were developed on the apical buds of A. veitchii, in MS medium with IBA (1.0 mg/l), TDZ (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg/l) with IBA (0.1 mg/l) and BAP (5.0 mg/l) with ANA (0.2 mg/l) induced malformed buds and shoot clusters. A low percentage of adventitious shoots and bud clusters were obtained from the basal region of the young leaves of A. veitchii; however, in MS medium supplemented with kinetin and 2,4D nodular, callus formation was obtained. In vitro propagation of R. crispa from seeds was possible, but its response to the growth regulators evaluated was poor and no plants were regenerated.

The Atlantic Forest is a biome with megadiversity and a number of bromeliads take part of it. This is the case of Vriesea reitzii, an endemic bromeliad threatened with extinction. Tissue culture techniques are valuable tools for the mass propagation of bromeliads, thus reducing pressure in the natural habitat. The aim of the present work was to establish an in vitro protocol based on the induction and proliferation of nodule cluster cultures of this species. Plantlets maintained in MS liquid culture medium plus NAA (2µM) and BAP (4µM) had the basal regions of leaves excised and then inoculated in gelled with agar (7g L-1) MS culture medium plus with Dicamba (2.5; 5; 10; 20 e 30µM) and Kin (2µM) or free of plant growth regulators. Nodule cluster cultures arose from the basal region of explants. The subculture to MS liquid medium plus GA3 (10µM) and in MS liquid medium free of plant growth regulators resulted in a high proliferation rate. The mean regenerative rate was 39 plantlets/0.03g of nodule culture. Plantlets were acclimatized in a mix substrate of 1:1 (v:v) of carbonized rice coat and Turfa Fertil® mineral supplement.A floresta tropical atlântica é um bioma de alta diversidade, rico em espécies endêmicas de bromélias, entre elas Vriesea reitzii, que se encontra ameaçada de extinção. Técnicas de cultura de tecidos possibilitam a propagação massal de bromélias, reduzindo a pressão de coleta na natureza. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo desenvolver um protocolo regenerativo baseado na indução e no desenvolvimento de culturas nodulares desta espécie. Plantas multiplicadas em meio MS líquido com ANA (2µM) e BAP (4µM) tiveram suas folhas excisadas e inoculadas em meio MS geleificado com ágar (7g L-1) e suplementado com Dicamba (2,5; 5; 10; 20 e 30µM) e Kin (2µM) ou isento de fitorreguladores. A indução de culturas nodulares foi observada na região basal dos explantes. Estas culturas foram subcultivadas em meio de cultura MS líquido suplementado com GA3 (10µM) e subseqüentemente para meio MS líquido isento de fitorreguladores, resultando em altas taxas de proliferação de culturas nodulares que originaram brotos adventícios e microbrotos. A taxa média de regeneração foi de 39 brotos/0,03g de culturas nodulares. As mudas foram aclimatizadas com sucesso em substrato composto por fertilizante organomineral Turfa Fértil® e casca de arroz carbonizada na proporção de 1:1 (v:v).

Avaliou-se a germinação das sementes de Aechmea nudicaulis (L.) Griseb. (Bromeliaceae). As tentativas de produção desta espécie, a partir de sementes, têm ocorrido de forma empírica, utilizando-se substrato à base de pó de xaxim (Dicksonia sellowiana Hook.), que tem restrições de uso, por estar ameaçada de extinção. Foram testados cinco tipos alternativos de substratos de fácil acessibilidade: húmus de minhoca, areia, fibra de casca de coco, serapilheira e Plantmax®. O experimento foi realizado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições e 50 sementes por unidade experimental, àtemperatura ambiente, em viveiro rústico, coberto com sombrite (70%). Leituras semanais foram efetuadas, durante 70 dias. A melhor performance, como substituto alternativo, foi a da serapilheira, que apresentou valores de germinação de 79,5% e sobrevivência de 97%,estatisticamente similares aos obtidos com xaxim (78%; 94,75%; Tukey, p < 0,05). Adicionalmente, este produto apresenta como características positivas, alta disponibilidade, baixo custo e fácil reciclagem.For this study, the germination of Aechmea nudicaulis (L.) Griseb. (Bromeliaceae) was evaluated. Production attempts from seeds for this species have taken place in an empirical form, using substratebased on xaxim (Dicksonia sellowiana Hook.) powder, the use of which is currently restricted, as it is an endangered species. Five easily accessible alternative substratum were tested: worm humus, sand, coconut shell fiber, forest litter, and Plantmax®. The experiment wasconducted using a completely randomized design, with four replications and 50 seeds per experimental unit, at room temperature in a rustic nursery covered with 70% shade cloth. Weekly readings were performed during 70 days. The best alternative as a substitute toxaxim was forest litter, due to its germinability of 79.5% and survival rates of 97%, significantly similar to xaxim (78%; 94.75%; Tukey p < 0,05). Additionally, this product features positive characteristics such as high availability, low cost, and easy recycling.

A mirmecofauna em uma área de Mata Atlântica da Ilha de Santa Catarina foi inventariada utilizando métodos diversos para formigas de solo e de bromélias. Foram feitas amostragens mensais entre março de 2002 e agosto de 2004, utilizando o extrator de Winkler, armadilhas de interceptação e queda, além de coleta de bromélias. Foram encontradas 124 espécies, divididas em nove subfamílias e 33 gêneros. Os gêneros com maior riqueza foram Pheidole, Solenopsis, Crematogaster, Acromyrmex e Camponotus. Encontrou-se mais espécies no solo que nas bromélias, com 8% do total ocorrendo nos dois hábitats. Foram obtidos 11 registros novos para o estado de Santa Catarina e 20 para a região da Grande Florianópolis. Tais resultados estão relacionados com o uso de metodologias novas para a região, e mostram que a fauna de formigas desta ainda precisa ser mais bem estudada.

Tillandsia geminiflora é uma bromélia pouco cultivada no Brasil, mas com potencial para exportação. Para cultivo de bromélias, o xaxim entrava na composição de substratos, até a proibição desta prática. A substituição do xaxim por outros materiais com propriedades semelhantes tem sido pesquisada, e o objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar o desenvolvimento de T. geminiflora em substratos à base de componentes vegetais (xaxim, fibra de coco e casca de Pinus). As observações foram feitas por cerca de dois anos. Casca de coco pura proporcionou os melhores resultados.

En los bosques mesófilos de montaña, los disturbios antropogénicos afectan la abundancia y diversidad de las comunidades de epífitas; sin embargo, las causas de estos cambios han sido poco exploradas. En este trabajo se evalúa la variación del área foliar, grosor de la lámina foliar, masa seca por unidad de área, densidad foliar y contenido de humedad en las diez especies de epífitas vasculares más abundantes de bosque mesófilo y vegetación derivada (bosque conservado, acahual de 20 años y cafetal bajo sombra), ubicado en la región central de Veracruz, México. El propósito del estudio fue entender de qué manera la variación mircroambiental (temperatura, humedad relativa y radiación fotosintéticamente activa), determinada por la apertura del dosel que provocan las actividades antrópicas, influye en las características funcionales de las epífitas. Las condiciones de mayor estrés hídrico y mayor radiación se registraron en la comunidad más modificada y con mayor apertura del dosel (cafetal), y disminuyeron conforme se incrementa el grado de conservación y el dosel es más cerrado (acahual-bosque). Estos cambios microambientales se asociaron con las respuestas funcionales de las especies estudiadas. En el bosque conservado, las epífitas presentaron significativamente hojas más delgadas, con mayor contenido de humedad, menor masa seca y densidad foliar; mientras que en el cafetal se encontró el patrón opuesto. Las características funcionales de las comunidades de epífitas fueron útiles para determinar el estado de conservación en el bosque mesófilo y, permitieron entender que factores microambientales determinan sus respuestas funcionales.

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In vitro culture is an efficient tool for the propagation of plants of ecological and economic importance and allows the understanding about ecophysiological aspects of the species. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of different macronutrient concentrations on in vitro development and ex vitro survival of Vriesea incurvata plantlets, aiming the conservation of this endemic epiphytic bromeliad from the Atlantic Forest. The in vitro germination was assessed at 60 days and the plantlets were cultivated for 180 days on MS medium with 25 or 50% of the macronutrients, 25 or 50% of the nitrogen salts, or with 100% of the original formulation of the medium. The seeds showed 95% germination. In all treatments, there was 100% survival of in vitro cultivated plantlets. The reduction of all macronutrients or of the nitrogen salts was beneficial, and permitted a greater length of the aerial part and of the major root, a higher number of leaves and roots, and more fresh mass, as well as allowed 97% survival of ex vitro acclimatized plantlets. The obtained data allow the establishment of a protocol for in vitro propagation of V. incurvata, aiming its future reintroduction into the natural habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Revista de la Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales is the property of Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicas y Naturales and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In several tropical and subtropical forests, plants of the understorey act as an ecological filter that differentially affects woody species regeneration. In convex sectors of the Schinopsis balansae (Anacardiaceae) forests of the Southeastern Chaco there are dense colonies of terrestrial bromeliads. These may influence forest regeneration by intercepting rain water and propagules in their tanks. Within colonies, the spatial distribution of bromeliads is clumped because their clonal growth leaves numerous internal gaps. In this study we describe the internal heterogeneity of three bromeliad colonies (plots) and analyze how this heterogeneity affects Acacia praecox regeneration (i.e. seedling recruitment and survival). In January 1996, we randomly placed three transects with 150 contiguous quadrats of 100 cm² in each plot. For each quadrat we recorded the type of floor cover (i.e. bromeliads, herbs, litter, or bare soil) and the presence of A. praecox seeds or seedlings. In July 1996 we relocated the transects and recorded seedling survival. Bromeliad colonies showed a high internal heterogeneity. Almost half of the 450 quadrats were covered by two terrestrial bromeliads. Aechmea distichantha was recorded in 81% of all quadrats with bromeliads, and Bromelia serra in the others. All quadrats with bromeliads were covered by litter. Half of them were occupied by the bases of bromeliads and the others were covered by their leaves. In contrast, where bromeliads were not present, soil surface was covered by litter in 83% and by herbaceous vegetation in 11% of the quadrats; very few quadrats were covered by bare soil. In January 1996, we recorded 127 seeds and 176 seedlings of A. praecox. Seed and seedling densities of A. praecox were similar in quadrats with and without bromeliads, but variability in seedling density of A. praecox was higher within than among plots. Seed density was higher in quadrats covered by bromeliad leaves than inside the tanks. Seedling survival of A. praecox was slightly higher in quadrats with bromeliads in only one of the three plots. No seedling survived inside the bromeliad tanks. Apparently, bromeliad colonies have no effect on seedling regeneration of A. praecox. Rev. Biol. Trop. 53(3-4): 377-385. Epub 2005 Oct 3.En varios bosques tropicales y subtropicales, las plantas del sotobosque actúan como filtro ecológico que afecta diferencialmente la regeneración de las especies leñosas. En los bosques de Schinopsis balansae (Anacardiaceae) del Chaco Oriental existen densas colonias de bromeliáceas terrestres que afectarían su regeneración al interceptar el agua de lluvia y los propágulos dentro de sus tanques. Estas bromeliáceas tienen distribución agrupada dejando espacios libres entre ellas. Describimos la heterogeneidad de tres colonias y analizamos como afectan la regeneración de Acacia praecox. En enero 1996, colocamos en cada colonia tres transectos con 150 parcelas de 100 cm². En cada parcela registramos el tipo de cobertura (i.e. bromeliáceas, hierbas, hojarasca ó suelo desnudo) y la presencia de semillas o plántulas de A. praecox. En julio 1996, registramos la supervivencia de plántulas. Las colonias de bromiliáceas mostraron una alta heterogeneidad interna. Casi la mitad de las 450 parcelas estuvo cubierto por dos bromeliáceas terrestres. Aechmea distichantha se registró en 81% de las parcelas con bromeliáceas y Bromelia serra en las otras. Todas las parcelas estuvieron cubiertas por hojarasca. La mitad de ellas estuvieron cubiertas por hojas de bromeliáceas y el resto ocupado por sus bases. Donde no había bromeliáceas, el suelo estuvo cubierto por mantillo (83%), herbáceas (11%), u otros. En enero registramos 127 semillas y 176 plántulas de A. praecox. La densidad de ambas fue similar en parcelas con y sin bromeliáceas, pero su variabilidad fue mayor dentro de cada colonia que entre ellas. La densidad de semillas fue mayor debajo de las hojas de bromeliáceas que dentro de las plantas. La supervivencia de plántulas fue superior en parcela con bromeliáceas en sólo una de las tres colonias. Ninguna plántula sobrevivió dentro de las bromeliáceas. Aparentemente, las colonias de bromeliáceas no tienen efecto sobre la regeneración de A. praecox. Se presentan argumentos para explicar el patrón observado.

OBJETIVO: As populações de Aedes albopictus podem colonizar os mais variados tipos de recipientes, e sua presença tem sido registrada, inclusive, em vegetais Bromeliaceae. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o significado epidemiológico dessas plantas como criadouros potenciais de Ae. albopictus e registrar a entomofauna culicidiana associada nesse micro-habitat. MÉTODOS: Foram efetuadas quinzenalmente, durante os anos de 1998 e 1999, coletas de larvas de culicídeos em conteúdo aquático de bromélias, localizadas em áreas urbana e periurbana de Ilhabela e Ilha Comprida, no Estado de São Paulo. RESULTADOS: Coletaram-se 26.647 larvas de culicídeos nas duas localidades de estudo, 14.575 na área urbana e 10.987 na área periurbana de Ilhabela. As 1.085 restantes foram provenientes da área periurbana de Ilha Comprida. Não houve diferença estatística na quantidade de larvas capturadas em ambiente urbano e periurbano de Ilhabela. Com relação a Ae. albopictus, houve maior freqüência e quantidade de larvas no ambiente urbano de Ilhabela, seguido pelo periurbano na mesma localidade, enquanto que, no periurbano de Ilha Comprida, essa presença foi apenas acidental, sendo capturada apenas nos três primeiros meses. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados revelam que as bromélias, atualmente muito utilizadas em paisagismo, podem contribuir para a dispersão de Aedes albopictus. O encontro freqüente dessa espécie, em bromélias domesticadas e domiciliadas, sugere que esse culicídeo participe da fauna regional, podendo promover condições propícias para o contato entre a população humana e os agentes causadores de doenças do ecossistema natural.OBJECTIVE: Aedes albopictus populations can breed in several kinds of containers, and its presence has also been reported in Bromeliaceae. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological importance of the Bromeliaceae plants as potential breeding sites of Aedes albopictus and to document the associated Culicidae entomofauna found in this micro-habitat. METHODS: Collections of Culicidae larvae were carried out fortnightly in aquatic content of bromeliads during 1998 and 1999. Collections took place in urban and periurban areas of Ilhabela island and periurban area of Ilha Comprida island, Brazil. RESULTS: A total of 26,647 Culicidae larvae were collected at both study sites, 14,575 in the urban area and 10,987 in the periurban area of Ilhabela and the remaining 1,085 in the periurban area of Ilha Comprida. There was no statistical difference between the amount of larvae collected in urban and periurban areas of Ilhabela. Regarding the Ae. albopictus, there was found a higher frequency and amount of larvae in the urban area of Ilhabela, followed by the periurban area in the same site, whereas in the periurban area of Ilha Comprida, its presence was considered accidental, since it was reported only in the first three months. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that bromeliads, largely used in landscaping, may contribute to the spread of Ae. albopictus. The presence of this species in domesticated and domiciled bromeliads allows us to suggest that the Culicidae larva is part of the regional fauna and facilitate the contact between humans and etiological agents of the natural ecosystem.

OBJETIVO: As populações de Aedes albopictus podem colonizar os mais variados tipos de recipientes, e sua presença tem sido registrada, inclusive, em vegetais Bromeliaceae. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o significado epidemiológico dessas plantas como criadouros potenciais de Ae. albopictus e registrar a entomofauna culicidiana associada nesse micro-habitat. MÉTODOS: Foram efetuadas quinzenalmente, durante os anos de 1998 e 1999, coletas de larvas de culicídeos em conteúdo aquático de bromélias, localizadas em áreas urbana e periurbana de Ilhabela e Ilha Comprida, no Estado de São Paulo. RESULTADOS: Coletaram-se 26.647 larvas de culicídeos nas duas localidades de estudo, 14.575 na área urbana e 10.987 na área periurbana de Ilhabela. As 1.085 restantes foram provenientes da área periurbana de Ilha Comprida. Não houve diferença estatística na quantidade de larvas capturadas em ambiente urbano e periurbano de Ilhabela. Com relação a Ae. albopictus, houve maior freqüência e quantidade de larvas no ambiente urbano de Ilhabela, seguido pelo periurbano na mesma localidade, enquanto que, no periurbano de Ilha Comprida, essa presença foi apenas acidental, sendo capturada apenas nos três primeiros meses. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados revelam que as bromélias, atualmente muito utilizadas em paisagismo, podem contribuir para a dispersão de Aedes albopictus. O encontro freqüente dessa espécie, em bromélias domesticadas e domiciliadas, sugere que esse culicídeo participe da fauna regional, podendo promover condições propícias para o contato entre a população humana e os agentes causadores de doenças do ecossistema natural.

Results from the evaluation of the economic viability of bromeliads production considering three standards of infrastructure investment and the wholesale and retail market prices are presented. Primary basic data were collected during interviews to different actors of the floriculture trade chain. The simulation was based on tax equivalent to 7.71 % per year and payment on six years. It was seen that the long plant cycle determined elevated payback time. The high cost related to the production infrastructure was detected as the bigger limiting factor to the economical viability of the activity. R$ 10.00 was identified as a sale price that would be economically viable in all the evaluated infrastructure investment types. The best results of the present liquid value and the rate of profitability were obtained in the low infrastructure investment type. Due to the general elevated costs of the bromeliad production, financial support would be the only alternative to enlarge the production system or to attract new producers into the activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tropical Conservation Science is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Alguns insetos transmissores de doenças procriam exclusivamente nas proximidades das residências. O Aedes aegypti, responsável por epidemias de dengue em cidades brasileiras, representa sério risco também para a febre amarela. Com o insucesso da campanha de erradicação do inseto, justifica-se a busca de criadouros fora do alcance das medidas de controle atualmente adotadas. Na Cidade de Vitória, ES, investigou-se a ocorrência de criadouros de Aedes aegypti na água coletada em bromélias nativas, sobre as rochas. Paralelamente, avaliou-se a infestação predial nas áreas urbanas contíguas. Em quatro das cinco áreas investigadas foram encontradas larvas de culicídeos nas bromélias, sendo que em duas foi identificado Aedes aegypti. A presença dos criadouros em bromélias não guardou relação com a infestação predial nas áreas próximas. Torna-se necessário definir se os criadouros em bromélias constituem focos primários do Aedes aegypti, ou se representam uma conseqüência da elevada infestação urbana.Some insects that are vectors of human diseases have accompanied man in his migrations throughout the world and breed exclusively in the proximity of human dwellings. The mosquito Aedes aegypti has been responsible for epidemics of dengue in Brazil and its presence also constitutes a serious risk for future outbreaks of urban yellow fever. The failure of campaigns to eradicate this species justifies the search for alternative breeding sites, which may be beyond the reach of present control measures. In this study the occurrence of Aedes aegypti breeding sites in native bromeliads on rocky slopes was investigated in five areas of Vitória, capital of the Brazilian State of Espírito Santo, ES. Water contained in the bromeliads was collected with the aid of a suction apparatus to search for culicid larvae. The degree of infestation of buildings in adjacent urban areas was evaluated simultaneously. Culicid larvae were found in bromeliads in four of the five areas investigated, Aedes aegypti being present in two areas. The presence of breeding sites in bromeliads was not related to indices of infestation of buildings in adjacent areas. Further studies are necessary to define whether breeding sites in bromeliads constitute primary foci of Aedes aegypti, or are a consequence of high infestation levels in urban areas.

A new species of Pitcairnia (Bromeliaceae) is described, ilustrated and discussed. This species is found in the Cordillera Central of Colombia, departamento de Antioquia, in a relictual humid mountain forestSe describe, ilustra y discute una nueva especie de Pitcairnia (Bromeliaceae). Esta especie se encuentra en la cordillera central colombiana, departamento de Antioquia, en un relicto de bosque húmedo montano.

Com a finalidade de avaliar a percentagem de germinação de Tillandsia geminiflora Brongn, as sementes foram distribuídas em substratos constituídos de: casca de arroz carbonizada (CAC), xaxim, serragem e tela tipo sombrite e fixadas pela pluma ou pela semente propriamente dita. O maior percentual germinativo (76%) foi obtido com sementes fixadas, pela pluma, na tela de sombrite. Para avaliar a sobrevivência, as plântulas foram transplantadas nos substratos: 1) CAC; 2) Xaxim; 3) Serragem; 4) Salvinia auriculata Aubl; 5) CAC (50%) + Salvinia (50%); 6) CAC (50%) + serragem (50%); 7) CAC (50%) + xaxim (50%); 8) Salvinia ( 50 %) + serragem (50%); 9) Salvinia (50%) + xaxim (50%) e 10) Serragem (50%) + xaxim (50%). Os substratos 3 e 6 foram superiores com 78,5% e 62,5% de plântulas sobreviventes, respectivamente.

Avaliou-se a germinação das plântulas de Aechmea nudicaulis (L.) Griseb. (Bromeliaceae). As tentativas de produção desta espécie, a partir de sementes, têm ocorrido de forma empírica, utilizando-se substrato à base de pó de xaxim (Dicksonia sellowiana Hook.), que tem restrições de uso, por estar ameaçada de extinção. Foram testados cinco tipos alternativos de substratos de fácil acessibilidade: húmus de minhoca, areia, fibra de casca de coco, serapilheira e Plantmax®. O experimento foi realizado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições e 50 sementes por unidade experimental, à temperatura ambiente, em viveiro rústico, coberto com sombrite (70%). Leituras semanais foram efetuadas, durante 70 dias. A melhor performance, como substituto alternativo, foi a da serapilheira, que apresentou valores de germinação de 79,5% e sobrevivência de 97%, estatisticamente similares aos obtidos com xaxim (78%; 94,75%; Tukey, p < 0,05). Adicionalmente, este produto apresenta como características positivas, alta disponibilidade, baixo custo e fácil reciclagem

Dyckia maritima Baker é uma bromélia ornamental rupícola com flores amareloalaranjadas, arranjadas em uma inflorescência de 1-2,5 m de altura. Além disso, suas folhas não formam um receptáculo para a retenção de águas pluviais e por isto não permitem a proliferação dos mosquitos transmissores da malária (Reitz, 1983), o que justifica o seu uso paisagístico. A propagação in vitro tem demonstrado grande potencial em relação às técnicas convencionais como redução do tempo, espaço e custos (Grattapaglia & Machado, 1999), além de permitir a obtenção de um grande número de plantas geneticamente homogêneas (Droste et al., 2005). O maior problema que restringe o amplo uso comercial da micropropagação é a baixa taxa de sobrevivência das mudas produzidas in vitro durante a aclimatização ex vitro, que é resultante de uma alta perda de água pela transpiração (DíazPérez et al., 1995). Porém, a perda de água da planta pela evapotranspiração pode ser reposta diretamente pela solução nutritiva de um cultivo hidropônico. Desse modo, o uso da hidroponia pode elevar as taxas de sobrevivência e diminuir o tempo durante a aclimatização das mudas (Da Silva et al., 2006). Durante a comparação dos processos de aclimatização convencional e hidropônico em Colocasia esculenta (Araceae), foi constatado que o processo hidropônico foi superior ao convencional. Após 30 dias de cultivo hidropônico, as plantas apresentaram maior taxa de sobrevivência, maior número de folhas e altura das plantas (NHUT et al., 2004). Um breve cultivo hidropônico durante a aclimatização de Cattleya tigrina (Orchidaceae) permitiu um aumento de 40% na taxa de sobrevivência das mudas em comparação com o processo não hidropônico (Da Silva et al., 2006). O objetivo deste trabalho foi estabelecer um protocolo de aclimatização para D. maritima em hidroponia.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo estabelecer um protocolo para propagação in vitro para os clones 05 e 09 de Orthophytum grossiorum Leme & Paula

Copyright of Biota Neotropica is the property of Biota Neotropica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A cobertura superior das florestas tropicais, formada pelas copas das árvores, constitui um ambiente de extrema diversidade vegetal. Contribuindo com a grande riqueza dessas florestas encontram-se as espécies botânicas epífitas, cuja importância pode ser observada do ponto de vista ecológico, faunístico, etnobotânico e até mesmo farmacológico. Dentre as espécies adaptadas à vida epifítica podemos citar as bromeliáceas, que compõem uma das famílias mais representativas dessa flora com elevada variabilidade genética. Tillandsia recurvata é uma espécie epífita cosmopolita, nativa, adaptada a habitats áridos, utilizada para o tratamento de diversas doenças, mas pouco se tem publicado a respeito das comprovações científicas de suas propriedades. O presente trabalho revisa os aspectos etnofarmacológicos, atividades biológicas e compostos químicos relacionados à espécie em questão, pertencente à Bromeliaceae. A partir do levantamento de dados realizado, observa-se que esta se trata de uma espécie de conhecido uso popular no tratamento de diferentes distúrbios, com alguns estudos farmacológicos que comprovam suas propriedades terapêuticas. Do ponto de vista químico observa-se a presença de terpenos, flavonoides e derivados cinâmicos em sua constituição, em que alguns compostos isolados ilustram a potencialidade desta espécie como fonte de biomoléculas de interesse. Todos estes aspectos considerados nesta revisão contribuem para o conhecimento a respeito da importância biológica e o potencial terapêutico acerca dos metabólitos desta promissora espécie. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]