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Copyright of GeSec: Revista de Gestao e Secretariado is the property of Sindicato das Secretarias e Secretarios do Estado de Sao Paulo (SINSESP) 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.)

Abstract Bacterial contamination causes irreparable losses in the performance of alcoholic fermentation. Antibiotics are used to control these microorganisms, but they generate residues and cause microbial resistance. Today the only commercial product used by the mills is hops, but it is very expensive. As an alternative, the objective of this work was to evaluate the feasibility of using extracts from plants grown in the Cerrado for antimicrobial control during an alcoholic fermentation to replace antibiotics. Hydraethanolic extracts of leaves and essential oil of the following species were tested: Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, Serjania erecta, Serjania marginata, Campomanesia adamantium and Syzygium cumini. Only the extract of Serjania marginata did not show any activity against the bacterium Bacillus sp. Both the essential oils as well as the hydroalcoholic extracts of S. terebinthifolius and C. adamantium and the extract of S. erecta showed antibacterial activity without harming the yeast, with potential to replace the hops.

Cultivating native fruit species depends on the existence of technical and scientific information. In this context, studies on propagation are the basis for other investigations. Campomanesia adamantium is propagated by seeds, and quality seeds guarantee the formation of high-performance plants in the field. This study aimed to analyze the dehydration tolerance and storage sensitivity of Campomanesia adamantium seeds. Experiment 1 evaluated the physiological quality of seeds with moisture contents of 43, 30, 26, 23, 18, 15, and 5%. Experiment 2 determined the seed moisture content, germination, and vigor of seeds depulped and immediately stored at 16 and 25°C, for 25 and 50 days. Seed viability was not affected by dehydration up to 15% of moisture content but decreased at 5%. Drying was accompanied by reduced seed vigor and seedling mass. The germination of unstored seeds was superior to stored ones. Storage at 16°C for 25 days was promising to maintain seed viability. The seeds showed intermediate recalcitrant behavior. Dehydration below 30% reduced vigor, while 5% affected viability. Campomanesia adamantium seeds can be stored for 25 days at 16°C in permeable packaging that maintains approximately 10% of moisture, with germination higher than 60%.

This study investigated baru oil and partially defatted baru flour from the northwest region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The physicochemical characterization of the oil was made by determining the fatty acid profile using gas chromatography, lutein, and α- and β-carotenes by means of high-performance liquid chromatography, and total carotenoids by spectrophotometry. The flour was analyzed for its chemical composition, fiber, and mineral contents. Baru oil presented excellent quality parameters and high contents in unsaturated fatty acids and carotenoids. The flour showed relevant levels of proteins, lipids, and dietary fiber, in addition to having representative mineral contents for food such as manganese, magnesium, and copper. Thus, baru oil and the by-product of its extraction offer a rich chemical composition, and their application may add nutritional value to foods in addition to reducing negative environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultivating native fruit species depends on the existence of technical and scientific information. In this context, studies on propagation are the basis for other investigations. Campomanesia adamantium is propagated by seeds, and quality seeds guarantee the formation of high-performance plants in the field. This study aimed to analyze the dehydration tolerance and storage sensitivity of Campomanesia adamantium seeds. Experiment 1 evaluated the physiological quality of seeds with moisture contents of 43, 30, 26, 23, 18, 15, and 5%. Experiment 2 determined the seed moisture content, germination, and vigor of seeds depulped and immediately stored at 16 and 25°C, for 25 and 50 days. Seed viability was not affected by dehydration up to 15% of moisture content but decreased at 5%. Drying was accompanied by reduced seed vigor and seedling mass. The germination of unstored seeds was superior to stored ones. Storage at 16°C for 25 days was promising to maintain seed viability. The seeds showed intermediate recalcitrant behavior. Dehydration below 30% reduced vigor, while 5% affected viability. Campomanesia adamantium seeds can be stored for 25 days at 16°C in permeable packaging that maintains approximately 10% of moisture, with germination higher than 60%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer appears as the main gynecological cancer and presents high morbidity and mortality. Because most diagnoses are made belatedly, it is necessary to seek therapeutic options that aim for advanced stages of the disease. This study aims to evaluate the antitumoral action of Stryphnodendron adstringens fruit extracts on 4T1 murine mammary carcinoma cell culture. The inhibitory potential of S. adstringens fruit extract on the metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 was evaluated through zymography. From these results, MTT assays were performed to evaluate the extracts’ effects on the murine mammary carcinoma 4T1 line cell viability. From the crude extract, the following extracts were obtained: hydroalcoholic (SAFCEA), hexane (SAFCEB), chloroform (SAFCEC), and ethyl acetate (SAFCED). Lastly, the migration of the cells treated with extracts SAFCEA and SAFCED was verified. The hydroalcoholic extract (SAFCEA) was the most efficient in inhibiting gelatinases. During the phytochemical study, it was noted that alkaloids were present in all partitions. The 50 % growth inhibition (IC50) concentrations found were: 40.1 μg/mL (SAFCEA) and 70.14 μg/mL (SAFCED). After the cellular cytotoxicity assay, cell morphology was altered by treatment with the selected partitions (SAFCEA and SAFCED), obtaining morphology consistent with apoptosis. The results demonstrate that S. adstringens extracts exhibit the inhibitory activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 as well as cytotoxicity toward 4T1 tumor cells. These findings indicate that follow-up studies of the partitions from S. adstringens may lead to the development of novel chemotherapeutics for oncological treatments.

Given its high energetic efficiency, canola (Brassica napus L.) constitutes a potential biodiesel feedstock. However, since this crop is native to temperate regions, Brazil has not yet consolidated its production. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate agronomic performance of canola hybrids grown in the tropical Brazilian Cerrado (15° 35'18" S, 47° 43'57" W at 999 m), aiming to select promising candidates for crop expansion. Our hypothesis states that obtaining high canola yields in Cerrado conditions is possible given a favorable agronomic adaptation of the species to this environment. Eight commercial canola hybrids were evaluated for seven agronomic traits in three experiments. Data were subjected to joint ANOVA and Tukey test. Grain yield of the evaluated hybrids resulted higher than the national average, including southern plantations. Hyola 61 and Hyola 76 hybrids outperformed regarding grain yield, followed by Diamond which, in addition to high productivity, exhibited a short crop cycle, even in rainfed conditions. Given these characteristics, Diamond hybrid can be considered the best option for crop rotation system. These promising results reveal the adaptability and cultivation potential of these hybrids in the Brazilian Cerrado. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphate solubilizing microorganisms (PSM) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) represent alternative strategies to reduce the cost and increase the production of cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica) seedlings associated with different substrates. This study aimed to assess the effect of inoculating PSM and AMF in different substrates for cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica) culturing. The experiment was installed with a completely randomized design, using a 4 × 2 factorial scheme, with four inoculation treatments (PSM, AMF, PSM + AMF, and Control - absence of inoculation), and two soils substrates (pure sandy substrate and mixed substrate). The substrates and microorganism had influence in cagaita seedling growth. The pure substrate conferred better performance of plant growth parameters. In this substrate, cagaita seedlings had higher stem diameter, shoot fresh and dry weight, root volume and root dry weight. The cultivation of seedlings in pure substrate inoculated with AMF and PSM provided greater Mo content in the leaves. The higher root volume of cagaita seedlings was obtained with the inoculation of PSM. A sandy substrate seems to be the most adequate for the cultivation of cagaita seedlings. In addition, co-inoculation provides higher Fe, Mg, and K content in the leaves, as this work showed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of vegetation to ameliorate or exacerbate environmental extremes can generate feedbacks that mediate the distribution of biomes. It has been suggested that feedbacks between vegetation and frost damage may be important for maintaining savanna, particularly at the edge of the tropics.We quantified frost damage and air temperature across a network of 30 permanent plots distributed across tropical savanna–forest boundaries in Brazil during an uncommonly hard frost.Tree cover strongly buffered temperatures during frost events, such that forest sites were up to 5°C warmer than nearby sites occupied by open shrub savanna. Consequently, in forest, woody plants were not damaged, but in savanna, there was extensive dieback of trees and shrubs. Within savanna, frost had disproportionately large effects on small individuals, likely due to colder temperatures near the ground and the lower thermal mass of thin stems. Across species, frost tolerance was strongly correlated with latitudinal range limit, revealing the importance of minimum temperature as a species filter at the regional scale. Counterintuitively, savanna species, which are adapted to open habitats where frost is more likely, were more vulnerable to cold than were forest species and experienced more than twice the amount of leaf damage as co‐occurring forest species.Synthesis. Frost reinforces the effects of fire on vegetation structure by preferentially damaging trees in open environments and generating high loads of dead, flammable fuels. However, frost does not currently occur with sufficient frequency in the region to maintain open savanna by itself. Nevertheless, it occurs with sufficient frequency and severity that it likely acts as an environmental filter and evolutionary selective factor for some of the most frost‐sensitive species. Frost reinforces savanna‐forest boundaries in southern Brazil by damaging trees and creating flammable conditions where tree density is low, and by damaging savanna tree species to a greater extent than co‐occurring forest species. Frost is sufficiently frequent and severe to act as an environmental filter and evolutionary selective factor for some of the most cold‐sensitive tree species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolutionary processes underlying the high diversity and endemism in the Cerrado, the most extensive Neotropical savanna, remain unclear, including the factors promoting the presence and evolution of savanna enclaves in the Amazon forest. In this study, we investigated the effects of past climate changes on genetic diversity, dynamics of species range and the historical connections between the savanna enclaves and Cerrado core for Qualea grandiflora, a tree species widely distributed in the biome. Totally, 40 populations distributed in the Cerrado core and Amazon savannas were analyzed using chloroplast and nuclear DNA sequences. We used phylogeographic, coalescent and ecological niche modeling approaches. Genetic data revealed a phylogeographic structure shaped by Pleistocene climatic oscillations. An eastern-western split in the Cerrado core was observed. The central portion of the Cerrado core harbored most of the sampled diversity for cpDNA. Ecological niche models predicted the presence of a large historical refuge in this region and multiple small refuges in peripheral areas. Relaxed Random Walk (RRW) models indicated the ancestral population in the north-western border of the central portion of the Cerrado core and cyclical dynamics of colonization related to Pleistocene climatic oscillations. Central and western ancient connections between Cerrado core and Amazonian savannas were observed. No evidence of connections among the Amazonian savannas was detected. Our study highlights the importance of Pleistocene climatic oscillations for structuring the genetic diversity of Q. grandiflora and complex evolutionary history of ecotonal areas in the Cerrado. Our results do not support the recent replacement of a large area in the Amazon forest by savanna vegetation. The Amazonian savannas appear to be fragmented and isolated from each other, evolving independently a long ago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated insect galls in Rupestrian field and Cerrado vegetation in the municipality of Caetité (BA), Brazil, between August/2015 and June/2016. This is the first study of gall diversity in Rupestrian field vegetation in that state. We encountered 48 different morphotypes of galls, distributed among 17 different plant species belonging to 13 genera and 21 host plant families. The greatest gall richness was observed in Cerrado (n=39) as compared to Rupestrian field (n=9) vegetation. The principal botanical families observed with galls were Leguminosae, Malpighiaceae, and Myrtaceae, with 10, 8 and 4 morphotypes, respectively. The genera showing the greatest gall diversity were Copaifera L. (n=6) (Leguminosae-Detarioideae), Croton L. (n=2) (Euphorbiaceae), Mimosa L. (n=2) (Leguminosae-Caesalpinioideae), Byrsonima Rich. ex Kunth (n=2) (Malpighiaceae), and Eugenia L. (n=2) (Myrtaceae). The super-host species was Copaifera sabulicola J.A.S. Costa & L.P. Queiroz (n= 5). Most galls occurred on leaves, being globoid, glabrous, isolated, and unilocular. Most gall-inducing insect species belong to the Cecidomyiidae family, while the associated fauna was represented by Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera. We recorded here for the first time galls on Ocotea velutina (Mart. ex Ness) Rohwer (Lauraceae) and Miconia alborufescens Naudin (Melastomataceae). The results indicate the need for more studies to understand the dynamics of the insect-induced galls in Rupestrian field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review of Astronium s.l. revealed a new species in section Astronium that is unusual because of its dwarf habit, presence of foliose bracts on the inflorescence, and sub-basal ovule placentation. Currently available collections suggest a disjunct distribution between the Brazilian states of Goiás and Rondônia and the northeastern part of the Bolivian department of Santa Cruz, but all on the Brazilian Shield. The new species is formally described and named as Astronium pumilum. The generic limits and morphological attributes of the sections of the genus are discussed, and a key to the known species is presented. A synopsis or revision of the genus is being prepared pending results from molecular systematic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Brazilian cerrado comprises a diverse vegetation gradient with soils of different physicochemical properties. Previous studies have reported that these different physicochemical properties influence the responses of soil microbial properties. However, no study to date has evaluated the responses of ammonia-oxidizing organisms across the gradient of Brazilian cerrado. In this study, we measured the abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) across the Cerrado gradient in northeast Brazil. Soil samples were collected in grassland, Cerrado sensu stricto and cerradao. The qPCR was performed using primers 341F/534R and Arch771F/957R for bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA gene amplification, respectively. The archaeal and bacterial amoA gene amplifications were carried out using primers Arch-amoAF/AR and A189 and amoA-2R', respectively. The abundance of archaea, AOA, AOB, and AOA/AOB ratio varied according to the sites; while the abundance of bacteria that did not vary between sites. Usually, AOA and AOB were highest in cerradao than grassland. There were significant correlations between physicochemical and microbial properties and the multivariate analysis clearly separated the sites according to physicochemical and microbial properties. Interestingly, all sites were also clearly separated between the dry and rainy seasons, with soil moisture appearing to be one of the dominant factors influencing cluster separation. In conclusion, the different physicochemical properties of the soil found across the gradient influenced the ammonia-oxidizing archaea, while ammonia-oxidizing bacteria was not driven by these properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed longevity is dependent on seed traits and storage conditions. This study evaluated the seed longevity and physical dormancy (PY)-break of two species of Dimorphandra endemic to Brazilian biodiversity hotspots. Longevity was tested in situ, by burying seeds in their natural habitats (12 months), and ex situ, by storage in a cold chamber (5°C; 24 months). Seeds were taken at regular intervals to assess germinability at 30°C (12 h photoperiod) using intact and scarified seeds. Intact seeds (freshly collected, and after 12 months storage) were analysed using scanning electron microscopy. The germinability of freshly collected seeds of both species reached approximately 10% for intact seeds and >85% for scarified seeds. Cold storage maintained seed viability in both species, and broke dormancy for 35% of D. wilsonii seeds. After 12 months, only 55% (for D. exaltata) and 41% (for D. wilsonii) of the buried seeds were recovered; more than 90% of which remained viable in both species. Seeds gradually overcame PY during burial, with a higher germination increase for D. wilsonii (71%) than D. exaltata (32%). Dimorphandra exaltata seeds did not show clear structural changes after cold storage although D. wilsonii seeds evidently experience an increase in the depth of fracture lines. Burial promoted deep seed coat changes in both species, more intense in D. wilsonii, indicating that temperature and humidity variations throughout the year are among the main factors releasing Dimorphandra seeds from PY. The seeds of both studied species overcame PY during burial and are able to form small persistent soil seed banks. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Little information is currently available concerning the mechanisms controlling palm seed germination. We compared the anatomical and physiological aspects of seeds of two neotropical palm species showing different levels of dormancy. The seeds of Attalea vitrivir and Butia capitata were evaluated for the endogenous contents of hormones (ABA, GAs, CKs, BRs, IAA, JA, SA and the ethylene precursor ACC) in their cotyledonary petiole and operculum (structures involved in germination control), the force necessary to displace the operculum, endo-β-mannanase activities, and embryo cell elongation. The analyses were carried out on with intact dry and imbibed seeds as well as with seeds with the operculum mechanically removed, 2, 5 and 10 days after sowing. The germinabilities of the intact seeds of A. vitrivir and B. capitata were 68% and 3%, respectively; the removal of the operculum increased germination to more than 90% in both species. Reductions of ABA and increases in GAs contents coincided with cell elongation, although there is no evidence that hormonal balance and endo-β-mannanase activity are involved in operculum weakening. The ratio between the embryo length and the force required for operculum displacement (EL/OF) was found to be 1.9 times greater in A. vitrivir than in B. capitata , which means that very small elongations in each cell would be sufficient to promote germination, resulting in a lower level of dormancy in the former species. EL/OF and cell growth control are therefore important for defining dormancy level in palm seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acoustic signals are employed to support the correct designation of species and enables the discrimination between individuals. We analyzed both intra and interindividual variability of the advertisement call ofPhysalaemus centralison the basis of specimens recorded in eight localities of the Cerrado in central Brazil. Within-individual variation, most of the call parameters were static properties. Both spectral and temporal call properties were dynamic between individuals. All call proprieties varied more between individuals than within an individual. Our study adds important data for future studies on the taxonomy and phylogeny of theP. cuviericlade. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aims To address whether seed and seedling functional traits have a significant effect on germination rates and seedling survival in direct-seeding restoration efforts. We tested the hypotheses that: (1) seed burial only favours the emergence of round seeds; and (2) straw mulching improves soil moisture and prevents the emergence of the invasive grass Urochloa decumbens, promoting the establishment of native tree seedlings. Location Experimental field, Central Brazil. Savanna, recently dominated by exotic pasture. Methods We evaluated the effects of seed burial (surface and buried) and mulching (no-mulch, 5-cm straw mulch and 10-cm straw mulch) on the emergence, survival and growth of 16 species of native Cerrado tree species with variable seed sizes and shapes and seedling types. Thirty seeds of each species were sown per treatment combination in three blocks. Results Seed burial did not affect the emergence of species with round seeds, but negatively affected species with flat seeds and phanerocotylar-epigeal-foliaceous seedlings. Straw mulching reduced the emergence of flat seeds and phanerocotylar seedlings, but increased soil moisture and strongly reduced U. decumbens emergence, resulting in a higher growth rate of tree seedlings up to 1 yr for five species. Conclusion Direct seeding is an effective technique to plant a mixture of Cerrado tree species for restoration, provided the soil is well prepared and there are mechanisms to control invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land use for agricultural and mining activities has increased dramatically in the Cerrado biome, resulting in degradation of natural areas and loss of biodiversity. Among all organisms threatened by these activities, plant-inhabiting mites represent a rather neglected group since fewer studies were conducted with these arthropods in natural vegetation compared to agricultural systems. This situation justifies more efforts to characterize plant mites associated with native flowering plants of the Cerrado. Here we studied plant mite assemblages of the common treeCuratella americanaL. (Dilleniaceae) in the Cerrado remnants situated in the vicinities of nickel mining sites in the Brazilian state of Goiás. We sampled 33 sites with remnants of natural vegetation belonging to three phytophysiognomies: forest (11 sites), savannah (21 sites) and grassland (1 site). At each site, three to six individual trees were sampled, totalling 132 plants, which harboured 1493 mites belonging to 23 species in 12 families. The most abundant phytophagous and predatory species wereBrevipalpussp. andPronematussp., respectively. Mycophagous species and those with unknown feeding habits represented a very small portion of our samples. The Phytoseiidae was the most diverse family with nine species, which suggests the importance of the Cerrado fragments as reservoirs for this family. According to our species accumulation (Mao Tau) and estimated richness (Jackknife 1) curves, more mite species should be present and thus could be collected through an increased sampling effort at the forest and savannah sites. On the other hand, both accumulation and estimated richness curves tended towards an asymptote for the grassland area. Although the studied Cerrado remnants are exposed to nickel mining activity impacts,C. americanastill presented a significant species richness of mites, including predatory species with potential benefit to agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is considered the main abiotic stress because it influences the distribution of plant species and limits the productivity of ecosystems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of drought on physiological and biochemical parameters during the initial development of Vatairea macrocarpa , a native cerrado species. Plants were subjected to daily watering (control); suppression of watering during 90 days with field capacity (fc) 50% and 25% and then followed by rewatering. Relative leaf water content (RWC), gas exchange, photosynthetic pigments content, carbohydrate and amino acids content, antioxidant activities and growth were recorded. The RWC decreased according to the soil water restriction, causing reduction in stomatal conductance and decrease of 76.4% in net photosynthesis in plants submitted to 25% fc. Water restriction decreased the chlorophyll content, however increased carotenoid content and also improved the antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT). In addition, high levels of sugars (sucrose, raffinose) and amino acids (proline, tryptophan, valine, glutamine and GABA) were detected in drought stressed plants, contributing to osmoregulation and as sources of carbon and nitrogen after rehydration. Decreases in carbon assimilation promoted a reduction of the leaf area, however an increase in the root surface area was observed. After rewatering, the analized parameters became similar to the control plants indicating that the severe water stress did not impair the survival of young plants. Instead, adjustments were made to protect them against drought such as the maintenance of the assimilatory metabolism at minimal levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family Melastomataceae is an important component of the Brazilian Cerrado flora, inhabiting different environments from those with well-drained soils to swamp soil sites. Several members of this family are recognized as aluminum (Al)-accumulating. We studied the wood anatomy of six species of Melastomataceae ( Miconia albicans (Sw.) Triana, M. fallax DC., M. chamissois Naudin, M. ligustroides (DC.) Naudin, Microlepis oleaefolia (DC.) Triana, Rhynchanthera dichotoma DC.), growing in different environments of Cerrado, exploring the occurrence of trabeculae and Al-accumulation sites. We processed the material following the usual techniques in wood anatomy and histochemistry. We used a chrome azurol-S spot-test in fresh material to detect Al-accumulation. The common features were diffuse porosity, vessel elements with simple perforation plates and vestured pits, abundant parenchyma-like fiber bands and septate fibers, axial parenchyma scanty to vasicentric, and heterocellular rays. The presence of trabeculae in vessel elements, septa in parenchyma cells, and aluminum in the G-layer of the gelatinous fiber walls, in the septa of fibers, in cambial initials and derivatives cell walls, and in the vacuole of ray cells are recorded for the first time for Melastomataceae. The results of this study indicate an additional role for gelatinous fibers in Al-accumulation, and offer a new perspective on Al-compartmentalization in the wood cells from Cerrado species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Caatinga is the property of Revista Caatinga 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.)

The rise in atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) has been accompanied by changes in other environmental factors of global climate change, such as drought. Tracking the early growth of plants under changing conditions can determine their ecophysiological adjustments and the consequences for ecosystem functions. This study investigated longterm ecophysiological responses in three woody Cerrado species: Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. ex Hayne, Solanum lycocarpum A. St.-Hil. and Tabebuia aurea (Silva Manso) Benth. and Hook. f. ex S. Moore, grown under ambient and elevated [CO2]. Plants were grown for 515 days at ambient (430 mg dm-3) or elevated [CO2] (700 mg dm-3). Some plants were also subjected to water stress to investigate the synergy between atmospheric [CO2] and soil water availability, and its effect on plant growth. All three species showed an increase in maximum net photosynthesis (PN) and chlorophyll index under high [CO2]. Transpiration decreased in some species under high [CO2] despite daily watering and a corresponding increase in water use efficiency was observed. Plants grown under elevated [CO2] and watered daily had greater leaf area and total biomass production than plants under water stress and ambient [CO2]. The high chlorophyll and PN in cerrado plants grown under elevated [CO2] are an investment in light use and capture and higher Rubisco carboxylation rate, respectively. The elevated [CO2] had a positive influence on biomass accumulation in the cerrado species we studied, as predicted for plants under high [CO2]. So, even with water stress, Cerrado species under elevated [CO2] had better growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein is described for the first time the chemical composition and cellular structure of Plathymenia reticulata cork from the cerrado in Brazil. The cork constitutes an outer layer around the stem with deep longitudinal fissures. The cells are mostly hexagonal prisms arranged in radial rows with a prism height and cell-wall thickness of 20.6 μm and 1.2 μm (earlycork) and 12.2 μm and 1.4 μm (latecork). The chemical composition is: 0.8% ash, 12.7% extractives, 24.7% suberin, 34.5% lignin and polysaccharides 20.9% (glucose 10.2%, xylose 3.7%, arabinose 2.6%, galactose 1.6%, mannose 1.6%, acetyl groups 0.5%, uronic acids 0.7%). The lipophilic extractives include mainly saturated fatty acids (31.6% of the extractives), terpenoids/terpenes (28.0%), mainly lupeol (11.3%), β-amyrin (4.9%) and taraxerone (5.9%). The sterol β-sitosterol (4.8%) was also identified in interesting amounts (4.8%). Suberin monomers include mainly saturated ω-hydroxyacids (40.7% of the total compounds), saturated α,ω-diacids (21.4%), as well as substituted α,ω-diacids (8.7%), alkanoic acids (8.4%), substituted ω-hydroxyacids (8.0%). The differences in relation to Quercus suber cork are discussed. The characteristics of P. reticulata cork allows considering usages similar to those of Q. suber . Further the extraction of sterols and triterpenoid compounds may be included in a valorisation framework for P. reticulata cork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inappropriate management practices on Cerrado soil cause some of the most important negative impacts on this ecosystem, especially converting native vegetation on pastures and crops plantation. Significantly losses of natural Cerrado have been reported and current remaining natural vegetation area is smaller than other land cover. Therefore, sustainable practices are required to recover and protect the biome. For that reason this work aimed to evaluate the effect of grass and legumes species on coir geotextile during a seasonal cycle of rain and drought on soil of abandoned pasture of Cerrado in southeastern Brazil. Several soil parameters were examined, including their physical and chemical compositions, microbial biomass-C (SMB-C), and microbial viability. The plant species used were Andropogon gayanus (CGG—Coir Geotextile Grass) and Calopogonium mucunoides and Arachis pintoi (CGL—Coir Geotextile Legumes). In general, CGL had more beneficial effects on soil fertility than CGG in terms of total soil organic carbon and total nitrogen. The CGL treatment showed SMB-C values twice those of the control, and 28% higher than CGG. Microbial populations (actinobacteria and fungi) increased in CGG and CGL, being the better improvement on microbial growth observed on CGL. Actinobacteria was the most prevalent group both on the soil surface and at greater depths. Our results indicated that Calopogonium mucunoides is a very aggressive species and inhibits the growth of Arachis pintoi . The appropriate use of geotextiles, associated with non-weed and non-alien vegetation, represents a viable technique for improving total SOC and SMB-C, nutrients as nitrogen and phosphorus, and increase the microbial populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incentivizing carbon storage can be a win-win pathway to conserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change. In savannas, however, the situation is more complex. Promoting carbon storage through woody encroachment may reduce plant diversity of savanna endemics, even as the diversity of encroaching forest species increases. This trade-off has important implications for the management of biodiversity and carbon in savanna habitats, but has rarely been evaluated empirically. We quantified the nature of carbon-diversity relationships in the Brazilian Cerrado by analyzing how woody plant species richness changed with carbon storage in 206 sites across the 2.2 million km2 region at two spatial scales. We show that total woody plant species diversity increases with carbon storage, as expected, but that the richness of endemic savanna woody plant species declines with carbon storage both at the local scale, as woody biomass accumulates within plots, and at the landscape scale, as forest replaces savanna. The sharpest trade-offs between carbon storage and savanna diversity occurred at the early stages of carbon accumulation at the local scale but the final stages of forest encroachment at the landscape scale. Furthermore, the loss of savanna species quickens in the final stages of forest encroachment, and beyond a point, savanna species losses outpace forest species gains with increasing carbon accumulation. Our results suggest that although woody encroachment in savanna ecosystems may provide substantial carbon benefits, it comes at the rapidly accruing cost of woody plant species adapted to the open savanna environment. Moreover, the dependence of carbon-diversity trade-offs on the amount of savanna area remaining requires land managers to carefully consider local conditions. Widespread woody encroachment in both Australian and African savannas and grasslands may present similar threats to biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are few studies on the effects of fire on the seasonal semideciduous forest of the Cerrado region. This study aimed to assess the effect of fire on Semideciduous forest fragments located in the Altamiro Moura Pacheco State Park (AMPSP). The study area is located in the central state of Goiás. A total of 10 plots (50 x 20 m; 1,000 m²) were drawn in the remaining forests seeking to portray two areas: area which underwent forest fire (burned area; B) and unburned area (unburned; UB). A total of 771 individuals with DBH (≥ 5 cm) were identified. A total of 303 individuals were recorded in the burned area (B), comprising 28 families, 41 genera and 47 species, while the unburned area (UB) had 468 individuals comprising 25 families, 43 genera and 50 species. The species Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan, Emmotum nitens (Benth.), Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam, Tapirira guianensis Aubl., Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão and Luehea candicans Mart. had the highest Importance Value Index (IVI) values and occur in both areas. The percentage of dead trees differed between the areas, where the burned area had a mortality of 12.69% and the unburned area of 7.29% in regards to the number of individuals. Density per plot was the only parameter that differed between the areas, where the burned area (B) had the lowest values. The fire affected all diameter classes, demonstrating the fragility of this vegetation type in regards to fire. The fire had a greater effect on trees in the smaller diameter classes, reducing the frequency of individuals in the burned area and changing height distribution, which may have favored the establishment of lianas and invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differences in substrates can provoke distinct responses in the dynamics of a plant community. We compared changes the floristic, structural and dynamic parameters of the woody vegetation between burned sites dominated by cerrado típico (CT) and cerrado rupestre (CR), which is characterized by the presence of rocky outcrops, over time. We set up 10 plots (20 m × 50 m) at each site. All individuals (diameter of ≥ 3 cm at 30 cm height above the ground) were identified in the two censuses (2009 and 2012) and measured (stem diameter), after an accidental fire in 2008. Changes in floristic parameters between the CT and CR were not significant. However, we found significant differences (p < 0.05) in structural and dynamic parameters, such as density (CT = 1,523; CR = 2,171 ind.ha-1), basal area (CT = 8.70; CR = 13.00 m2.ha-1), recruitment rates (CT = 24.35; CR = 15.14% year-1; p = 0.01), gain (CT = 8.58; CR= 3.58% year-1), and the loss rates of basal area (CT = 3.88; CR= 2.45% year-1). These differences emphasize the need for a differential evaluation of these sites for the development of effective conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The maintenance and success of plants in different environments is tied to water availability, to the capacities in water transport and to the development of strategies to deal with water deficit. Here, we conducted a study in two seasonally dry Brazilian phytogeographic domains: the Cerrado and the Caatinga to evaluate whether the adaptive wood anatomy strategies to deal with water deficit would be the same for two species that occur in both domains, and which variables would best explain the variation in wood anatomy variables. Qualitative and quantitative wood anatomy, Student's t -tests, permutational multivariate analyses of variance (PERMANOVA) and pair-contrast analyses were done for 20 specimens of Tabebuia aurea and Tocoyena formosa from both environments. Our results showed that species was the strongest variable to explain the variation in the data. But, the environment also appeared as an important variable. Even the Caatinga being drier than the Cerrado, this did not result in a higher degree of xeromorphism for both species in the Caatinga. Each species, in each environment showed different strategies to deal with water availability: while vessel diameter and intervessel pit morphology indicate a higher xeromorphic degree for T. aurea from the Caatinga, vessel grouping index, vessel density, and vessel-ray pit morphology indicate a higher xeromorphic degree of T. formosa from the Cerrado. We suggest that the oligotrophic soil and the presence of aluminum in soil may influence the degree of xeromorphism in wood anatomy structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed tolerance to the elevated temperatures of soils during the spring/summer seasons or due to the passage of fire is an important adaptation for Cerrado (neotropical savanna) seeds. The present work evaluated the influence of elevated temperatures on the seed viability and germination of the palm tree Acrocomia aculeata . The seeds were immersed in water at 70 °C (thermal shock) for 1, 3, 5, 10, 30, 60, 120, 300, 420 and 600 s. In another experiment, seeds were maintained in dry (heat treatment) or moist (stratification) conditions, at temperatures of 35, 40, 20/30, 18/35 °C, or at room temperature (mean 22 °C) for 15, 30 or 60 days. The effects of these treatments on embryo viability as well as on seed germination were evaluated. Embryo survival was high until 300 s of exposure to thermal shock; high mortality was observed with longer exposures. Thermal shocks did not stimulate seed germination, and high rates of seed deterioration were observed with exposure to high temperature for 300 s or more. Heat treatments, at any temperature, did not stimulate germination, while stratification at 35 °C for 30 and 60 days resulted in increased germination (13 and 25% respectively). The temperature of 40 °C, in both dry and moist conditions, resulted in the loss of embryo viability. Acrocomia aculeata seeds have a considerable tolerance to high temperatures; furthermore, stratification at 35 °C is probably important in overcoming seed dormancy in soil seed banks and constitutes a successful propagation method for the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: The diverse flora of the Brazilian Cerrado is threatened by agricultural expansion, nutrient enrichment and invasion of alien plants. We performed a fertilization experiment to investigate the nature of nutrient limitation in Cerrado vegetation, and evaluate whether native and alien invasive species are limited by the same or different nutrients. Methods: We applied various combinations of nutrients (phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), and a mixture of other macro- and micro-nutrients ('cations treatment')) to six types of Cerrado vegetation. We then studied over a 3-year period how these treatments affected the aboveground biomass of native forbs, native C and C grasses, and invasive C grasses. Results: The full nutrient treatment (N + P+ 'cations') significantly increased total community biomass across our sites, but P alone had no effect. The nutrient treatments also affected the relative abundance of functional plant groups in the six vegetation types. P addition, either alone or in combination with other nutrients, increased the biomass of alien C grasses, where present, whereas the cations treatment stimulated growth of the native C grasses. Addition of N + P reduced the biomass of native C grasses. Conclusions: Our results indicate co-limitation by several nutrients, including P, perhaps N, and at least one other nutrient. Further research is needed to determine what the other nutrient (or nutrients) may be. Native and invasive species appear to be limited by different nutrients, with P alone stimulating growth of African C grasses. This should be considered in managing both natural and invaded communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of seasonal and diurnal events on the chemical profile of the essential oil obtained from the leaves of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. This study was performed in a Brazilian savanna named Cerrado. We identified the best harvesting period for obtaining the highest amount of compounds used for commercial and industrial purposes. The chemical profile of the essential oils was evaluated by GC-FID and GC-MS, and the results were assessed through multivariate analyses. The data showed that the time of day and seasonal variations affect the quality of the essential oil obtained. Leaves harvested at the end of the day (5:00 pm) in the dry season resulted in richer essential oils with higher amounts of non-oxygenated sesquiterpenes. To the best of our knowledge, environmental conditions induce metabolic responses in the leaves of C. langsdorffii, which changes the patterns of sesquiterpene production. Therefore, these factors need to be considered to obtain better concentrations of bioactive compounds for pharmacological studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monodominant tropical forests occur on several continents, including the Brazilian Amazon. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that seedling escape from leaf herbivory contributes to the maintenance of the monodominantBrosimum rubescensforest. The study was undertaken both in a monodominant forest ofB. rubescensand in an adjacent seasonal forest in the transitional zone between the Cerrado and the Amazonian forest biomes. Percentage of leaf area damaged and herbivory rates were evaluated on young and mature leaves of seedlings ofBrosimum rubescens,Protium pilosissimumandTetragastris altissimain the understory and in the gap between the monodominant and seasonal forests. Little evidence of any significant relationship between leaf herbivory and seedling density indicates that the monodominant species does not follow the hypothesized pattern of an intensive herbivore attack in areas of higher seedling density. The escape ofBrosimum rubescensfrom herbivore pressure under conditions of high seedling density may be part of a set of conditions that determine the maintenance of this monodominant forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to analyze and quantify the presence of antinutritional compounds such as lectins and trypsin-like inhibitors, polyphenols and tannins, and enzymatic activity of peroxidases and proteases in the seeds of Annona crassiflora Mart. (araticum), Hymenaea courbaril L. var. courbaril (jatobá), Plathymenia reticulata Benth. (vinhático), Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam. (maminha de porca), Apeiba tibourbou Aubl. (pau jangada), Salacia crassiflora Mart G. Don. (bacupari), and Sclerolobium paniculatum Vog. (carvoeiro). The results suggested that these plants could be used as new source of food.O Cerrado é constituído por inúmeras espécies vegetais com potencial econômico, as quais são utilizadas para os mais variados fins, como medicinal e nutricional. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar e quantificar a presença de atividade enzimática de peroxidases e proteases e fatores antinutricionais, como lectinas e inibidores de proteases, além de polifenóis e taninos em algumas espécies nativas do Cerrado. O material vegetal utilizado foram sementes de Annona crassiflora Mart. (araticum), Hymenaea courbaril L. var. courbaril (jatobá), Plathymenia reticulata Benth. (vinhático), Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam. (maminha de porca), Apeiba tibourbou Aubl. (pau jangada), Salacia crassiflora (Mart.) G. Don. (bacupari) e Sclerolobium paniculatum Vog. (carvoeiro), coletadas na cidade de Goiânia e municípios de Jataí e Caldas Novas, estado de Goiás. O uso potencial destas plantas e suas enzimas na indústria de alimentos, poderia resultar em aplicações ao aparecimento de novos produtos a partir das matérias-primas tradicionais, além do uso de novas fontes de alimentos.

Yeasts are some of the most important postharvest biocontrol agents. Postharvest oranges frequently deteriorate due to green mould ( Penicillium digitatum ), which causes significant losses. The aims of this study were to determine the composition and diversity of yeasts on plants of the Brazilian Cerrado and to explore their potential for inhibiting citrus green mould. Leaves and fruit of Byrsonima crassifolia and Eugenia dysenterica were collected from Cerrado conservation areas, and thirty-five yeasts were isolated and identified by sequencing the D1-D2 domain of the rDNA large subunit (26S). The isolates represented the Aureobasidium , Meyerozyma , Candida , and Pichia genera. Three isolates identified as Aureobasidium pullulans exhibited potential for the control of P. digitatum in both in v itro and in vivo tests; these isolates reduced the incidence of disease and increased the storage time of fruit. Aureobasidium. pullulans has immense potential for the biological control of filamentous fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional foods include any natural product that presents health-promoting effects, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Cerrado fruits are considered a source of bioactive substances, mainly phenolic compounds, making them important functional foods. Despite this, the losses of natural vegetation in the Cerrado are progressive. Hence, the knowledge propagation about the importance of the species found in Cerrado could contribute to the preservation of this biome. This review provides information about Cerrado fruits and highlights the structures and pharmacologic potential of functional compounds found in these fruits. Compounds detected in Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (pequi), Dipteryx alata Vog. (baru), Eugenia dysenterica DC. (cagaita), Eugenia uniflora L. (pitanga), Genipa americana L. (jenipapo), Hancornia speciosa Gomes (mangaba), Mauritia flexuosa L.f. (buriti), Myrciaria cauliflora (DC) Berg (jabuticaba), Psidium guajava L. (goiaba), Psidium spp. (araçá), Solanum lycocarpum St. Hill (lobeira), Spondias mombin L. (cajá), Annona crassiflora Mart. (araticum), among others are reported here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high fructan contents in underground organs of Cerrado species, high water solubility, and fast metabolism of these compounds highlight their role as carbon storage and as an adaptive feature in plants under drought. In this study, we showed that anatomical structure, in association with soluble compounds and metabolism of inulin-type fructans were modified in rhizophores of Crysolaena obovata submitted to water suppression and recovery after re-watering. Plants were subjected to daily watering (control), suppression of watering for 22 days (water suppression) and suppression of watering followed by re-watering after 10 days (re-watered). Plants were collected at time 0 and after 3, 7, 10, 12, 17, and 22 days of treatment. In addition to changes in fructan metabolism, high proline content was detected in drought stressed plants, contributing to osmoregulation and recovery after water status reestablishment. Under water suppression, total inulin was reduced from approx. 60 to 40%, mainly due to exohydrolase activity. Concurrently, the activity of fructosyltransferases promoted the production of short chain inulin, which could contribute to the increase in osmotic potential. After re-watering, most parameters analyzed were similar to those of control plants, indicating the resumption of regular metabolism, after water absorption. Inulin sphero-crystals accumulated in parenchymatic cells of the cortex, vascular tissues and pith were reduced under drought and accompanied anatomical changes, starting from day 10. At 22 days of drought, the cortical and vascular tissues were collapsed, and inulin sphero-crystals and inulin content were reduced. The localization of inulin sphero-crystals in vascular tissues of C. obovata, as well as the decrease of total inulin and the increase in oligo:polysaccharide ratio in water stressed plants is consistent with the role of fructans in protecting plants against drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]