Search

The Cerrado biome, renowned for its biodiversity and threatened by rapid land transformation, encompasses a vast savanna ecosystem in Brazil. The region is characterised by a seasonal climate, influenced by a myriad of meteorological systems creating diverse and non‐homogeneous rainfall regimes across the region. To account for this heterogeneity, we propose a novel classification of the Cerrado using rainfall data to delineate three distinct climatic regions: Eastern, Southern and Central‐West Cerrado. The Eastern region exhibited the driest and most seasonal climate, marked by high vapour pressure deficit (VPD) and predominantly open‐canopy vegetation. Conversely, the Southern region, characterised by lower seasonality, boasts a higher proportion of forest cover and lower mean VPD. The Central‐West region, encompassing diverse landscapes, featured areas with higher precipitation levels, particularly along the Amazônia border. Furthermore, we conducted trend analyses on observed station data and used CMIP6 models to evaluate future scenarios under differing emissions trajectories. While observed trends in mean rainfall were marginal, VPD demonstrated a notable upward trend of approximately 1% annually throughout the biome. Climate models indicated a substantial drying close to the Amazônia border, and wetter conditions in the southeast. All Cerrado regions are anticipated to experience amplified seasonality and VPD, with VPD projected to surge by approximately 30% (60%) under low (high) emissions scenarios by the end of the century. Notably, the transition from the dry to wet season was the most affected. Our study provides critical insights on how the climatic heterogeneity of the Cerrado shapes vegetation structure distribution and how future changes will exacerbate water stress throughout the biome. These findings underscore the importance of understanding climate variability for effective conservation and management strategies in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bocaiuva is the fruit of the palm tree Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd, native to various regions of Brazil, particularly in the Cerrado and Pantanal biomes. However, its commercialization is hindered by its fibrous nature and short shelf life, leading to post-harvest losses. This study aimed to obtain bocaiuva slices at different infrared drying (IRD) temperatures (60, 70 and 80 ºC). It was found that a shortening in the drying time at 80 ºC caused an increase in the drying rate. Fick's second law and Page's equation were suitable for describing the process behavior. The thermodynamics and energetic analysis demonstrated higher energy efficiency at 80 ºC. Lower temperature (60 ºC) promoted lower total color difference and hygroscopicity, and higher volumetric shrinkage. The results suggested that IRD at 80 ºC was able to produce bocaiuva slices with suitable physical characteristics. Furthermore, the production of dried bocaiuva contributes to the regional development of the Cerrado biome, thereby enhancing the bioeconomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past years, there have been several observations of pequi trees (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess.) being infested with a large wood boring insect that compromises the structural integrity and health of the trees. However, the economic losses caused by this damage were attributed to an unidentified cossid. The present study aims to identify the species causing this damage in the Brazilian Savanna by monitoring trees exhibiting damage with the goal of capturing emerging adults. In total, 12 adults were collected, preserved and identified by comparison of the genitalia. All specimens (male and female) were identified as Cossula duplex Dyar & Schaus, 1937. This species was previously not recorded from Brazilian Savannah regions and is reported for the first time from the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais and Goias. Further studies are needed to evaluate the association of this species to the mortality of C. brasiliense, an economically important and endangered species of the Brazilian Savannah. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cerrado has high plant and vertebrate diversity and is an important biome for conserving species and provisioning ecosystem services. Volume equations in this biome are scarce because of their size and physiognomic diversity. This study was conducted to develop specific volumetric models for the phytophysiognomies Gallery Forest, Dry Forest, Forest Savannah, and Savannah Woodland, a generic model and a model for Cerrado forest formation. Twelve 10 m × 10 m (100 m²) (National Forest Inventory) plots were used for each phytophysiognomy at different sites (regions) of the Federal District (FD) where trees had a diameter at breast height (DBH; 1.30 m) ≥5 cm in forest formations and a diameter at base height (Db; 0.30 m) ≥5 cm in savanna formations. Their diameters and heights were measured, they were cut and cubed, and the volume of each tree was obtained according to the Smalian methodology. Linear and nonlinear models were adjusted. Criteria for the selection of models were determined using correlation coefficients, the standard error of the estimates, and a graphical analysis of the residues. They were later validated by the chi-square test. The resultant models indicated that fit by specific phytophysiognomy was ideal; however, the generic and forest formation models exhibited similar performance to specific models and could be used in extensive areas of the Cerrado, where they represent a high potential for generalization. To further increase our understanding, similar research is recommended for the development of specific and generic models of the total volume in Cerrado areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus and species of chernetid pseudoscorpion, Alinnaechernes itororoi n. sp., is described from the Brazilian Cerrado domain, southeast region, found under the bark of Copaifera langsdorffii Des. (Fabaceae). Alinnaechernes n. gen. can be distinguished from other genera by: (1) the presence of a bilobed protuberance on the prolateral margin of the pedipalpal chela of males, with a small distal tooth on each lobe; (2) the spermathecae consist of two small, elongated bulbous sacs that are broadly connected at the base; (3) trichobothrium et situated subdistally, it distal of et, est at same level as ist, ib slightly distal to eb and at same level as esb, ist at same level as esb. The description of this new genus represents an important contribution to the knowledge of the pseudoscorpion fauna of the Brazilian savanna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rivers are prominent landscape features, acting as key promoters of diversification among freshwater organisms. Albeit generally considered potential barriers to species movement, they may also facilitate gene flow and structure populations of semiaquatic species (Riverine Thruway Hypothesis, RTH). We evaluated the role of rivers on the processes responsible for current genetic variation in the semiaquatic frog Pseudis bolbodactyla, testing whether each hydrographic basin harbours distinct genetic lineages. We sequenced three markers on 166 samples from 13 localities along the Paraná (PR), Araguaia–Tocantins (AT), and São Francisco (SF) River basins in Brazil. We recovered three populations geographically matching each hydrographic basin. Our results indicate migration among basins, with the best model selected using approximate Bayesian computation, including migration between AT and SF and ancient gene flow from PR to the AT–SF ancestor. Our findings are likely related to the orogenic events in Central Brazil dating to the Late Miocene (5 Mya), when hydrographic basins and the geomorphological features of the Brazilian Shield were formed. This suggests that P. bolbodactyla probably represents a species complex, with each lineage occurring in a distinct hydrographic basin, matching the predictions of the RTH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Wild boars (Sus scrofa L.) are considered among the most harmful invasive species worldwide, acting as zoonotic spreaders and reservoirs, threatening human and animal health, and having an important economic impact. Accordingly, the present study has assessed the rickettsial exposure, tick infestation of wild boars, and rickettsial DNA presence in ticks from infested animals from the Cerrado biome in midwestern Brazil. Anti-Rickettsia spp. antibodies were detected in serum samples of wild boars by immunofluorescence assay. Ticks collected from culled wild boars were identified as Amblyomma sculptum, which all tested negative for rickettsial DNA presence. The present study has provided a reliable sampling seroprevalence and indicated high exposure of Eurasian wild boar to some species of Rickettsia spp. from the spotted fever group within the Cerrado biome from midwestern Brazil. Wild boars (Sus scrofa L.) are considered among the most harmful invasive species worldwide, causing irreversible ecosystem damage, acting as zoonotic spreaders and reservoirs, threatening human and animal health, and having an important economic impact. Accordingly, the present study has assessed the rickettsial exposure, tick infestation of wild boars, and rickettsial DNA presence in ticks from infested animals from the Cerrado biome in midwestern Brazil. Anti-Rickettsia spp. antibodies were detected in serum samples of wild boars by immunofluorescence assay. Overall, 106/285 (37.2%) wild boar serum samples from 13 to 18 (72.2%) municipalities showed seroreactivity to at least one of the four Rickettsia spp. antigens tested, the largest number of wild boars serologically tested to Rickettsia spp. in this type of study. Among the 106 seroreactive animals, 34 showed possible homologous reactions between R. parkeri, R. amblyommatis, and R. bellii, with endpoint titers between 128 and 512. A sample of 45 ticks collected from four culled wild boars was identified as Amblyomma sculptum, and all tested negative for rickettsial DNA presence. In conclusion, this study has provided a reliable sampling seroprevalence and indicated high exposure of wild boars to rickettsial agents, with a potential interaction with Rickettsia spp. from the spotted fever group within the Cerrado biome from midwestern Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aimed to reflect on the educational process about the traditional knowledge regarding the act of blessing nowadays. To do so, different forms of rescue, acquisition, and transmission of traditional knowledge are presented, along with eco-pedagogical processes of care in the blessing practice, which are articulated with literature on the ecology of knowledge, care ethics, and the Living Well philosophy. This paper results from bibliographic review, participatory research, and semi-structured interviews with two female healers from the Escola de Almas Benzedeiras of Brasília (Federal District, Brazil). Thus, possible convergences were identified between theoretical perspectives and practices present in the narratives of these women to understand how this knowledge was constituted in their lives and culminated in environmental education practices in eco-pedagogical bases favorable for the social, cultural, and environmental sustainability of the Cerrado biome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate carbon and (C) and nitrogen (N) of the light organic matter in labile and humic fractions of the soil in a chronosequence of clonal Eucalyptus urophylla. The study was carried out on six different sites in the South-Central region of Maranhão state, northeastern Brazil, inserted in the Cerrado biome. Soil was sampled in five clonal Eucalyptus urophylla S.T. Blake stands of different ages and one in the area with old-growth forest (OG), which represents the native vegetation area. Soil samples were collected in the 0–20, 20–40, and 40–60 cm layers to determine textural class, bulk density, C, and N in the light organic matter of labile and humic fractions. Eucalyptus plantations can have great capacity to increase stocks of soil C and N, humic, and labile fractions over the years, presenting results equal or higher than a native Cerrado forest. Thus, Eucalyptus plantations come as an effective lad use to sink C and increase soil nutrient levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to propose new approaches for interpretations and inferences in the archaeological contexts of outdoor sites related to hunter-gatherer groups who occupied the ecosystems of the Brazilian Cerrado neotropical savannas which, due to the scarcity of elements that can corroborate the identification and characterization of a possible sociocultural dynamics around the use of natural resources, have their economic and subsistence models based on ethnographic analogies and correlations. From the perspective of archaeological and ethnoarchaeological studies, we propose the use of analogies, correlations and discussions with contemporary groups, using natural resources of the forests as their main source of food and materials, as a way to reconstruct past dynamics through the application of models in archaeology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Eutopía: Revista de Desarrollo Económico Territorial is the property of Eutopia: Revista de Desarrollo Economico Territorial 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.)

Hancornia speciosa is a fruit tree species with the potential for exploitation, which makes the adoption of strategies related to its conservation and breeding relevant. Our study aimed to investigate the reproductive phenology, estimate genetic variability, and identify superior H. speciosa genotypes among the accessions that compose the germplasm collection of the Federal University of Goiás, Brazil. Experimental data were obtained from 143 individual accessions. Evaluation of reproductive phenology was conducted on an arbitrary scale of points assigned to trees monthly. Morphological characterization was based on a list of 20 qualitative descriptors and 12 quantitative traits. The dissimilarity between and within botanical varieties and their correlation with the geographic distance of the original populations were investigated. Analysis of variance components was performed using the Restricted Maximum Likelihood/Best Linear Unbiased Prediction procedure using two linear models. The selection of the ≈ 10% best individual accessions was performed considering genetic and genotypic values. Except for of H. speciosa var. speciosa, the botanical varieties that compose the germplasm collection showed similar reproductive patterns, with a peak in fruit appearance in August. Morphological dissimilarity was smaller within botanical varieties. Among the botanical varieties, dissimilarity was generally positively correlated with geographic distance. The adoption of a multivariate selection index procedure enables the prediction of genetic gains, resulting in the selection of genotypes from different similarity groups. Clone selection is the most promising strategy for the breeding of H. speciosa, thus ensuring a better response to selection in the short term than recurrent selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the fruit species found in the Cerrado biome of Brazil, Campomanesia pubescens stands out. It produces fruits with a sweet and sour taste, known as gabiroba, which are consumed fresh or processed. This study aimed to evaluate Campomanesia pubescens fruits from Campos das Vertentes - MG, Brazil, regarding their phenological and physicochemical characteristics throughout development. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design consisting of seven evaluation periods (9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, and 63 days post-anthesis), with 3 repetitions. The fruits harvested at each developmental stage were subjected to analyses of color, mass, longitudinal and transversal diameter, relative growth rate, respiration rate, firmness, soluble and total pectin, pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, and total sugars. The results obtained were subjected to analysis of variance, followed by polynomial regression at the 5% significance level, and grouped according to their similarities based on the Kohonen self-organizing map. Campomanesia pubescens fruits showed cumulative increases in longitudinal and transversal diameters and mass during the 63 days of development, displaying a simple sigmoidal growth pattern. The growth initiated after anthesis overlapped the maturation stage, extending until full ripening at 63 days of development. The fruits exhibited typical climacteric fruit respiration behavior. The Kohonen self-organizing map allowed for the more effective and intuitive identification of similarities and correlation trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological and molecular data support the description of a new Aequidens species from the upper rio Correntes, considered herein as endemic to the upper rio Paraguai basin in the Cerrado biome in Brazil. The new species is distinguished from all congeners, except from A. plagiozonatus by having anteriorly oblique dark brown flank bars vs. vertical flank bars, and is additionally distinguished from some congeners by showing a discontinuous lateral band and presence of a dark cheek spot. The new species differs from Aequidens plagiozonatus by having the profile of the dorsal part of head almost straight (in lateral view), with a conspicuous concavity at the interorbital, and by the longer length of upper and lower jaws. Furthermore, delimitation analyses based on mitochondrial data provide additional support for the validity of the species. Our study data also revealed the occurrence, and consequently the first record, of A. plagiozonatus in the upper rio Araguaia basin, which was most likely driven by headwater capture events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Biotropica is the property of Wiley-Blackwell 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 Tabanidae (Diptera), popularly known as horse flies, is an important vector group. This is the first study to ascertain the abundance and diversity of horse flies in horses at the cerrado biome of the state of Tocantins, Brazil. Collecting took place in typical Cerrado, and sampling occurred in the dry and rainy seasons. The horseflies were collected from horses using an entomological net. A total of 249 individuals were collected and spread over 25 species. The prevalent species were Stypommisa aripuana (25.8%) and Catachlorops rufescens (6.4%), in the dry period, and Fidena lissorhina (22.5%), Tabanus occidentalis var. dorsovittatus (10%) and Poeciloderas quadripunctatus (6.4%), in the rainy season. The results suggest that tabanids attack horses throughout the dry and rainy seasons, posing a constant threat to their health in the Cerrado of Tocantins.

During a helminthological survey of snakes in the Cerrado Biome in Maranhão State, Brazil, we found intestinal nematodes in Leptodeira annulata (Linnaeus), belonging to the genus Oxyascaris Travassos, 1920. We observed that the specimens found are distinct from their congeners by the combination of presented characters, mainly the cuticular expansion at the anterior region of the body, presence of a single papilla at the anterior cloacal lip, number, and arrangement of caudal papillae, presence of somatic papillae along body cuticle, as well as some morphometric characters. Thus, we describe the new species using light and scanning electron microscopy and, revise the morphological characters used to identify Oxyascaris spp. and propose a key to the species of the genus. Therefore, we describe the seventh species in the genus, the second reported to parasitize snakes, the sixth species recorded in Brazil, and the first described in the Cerrado Biome.

The Cerrado has high plant and vertebrate diversity and is an important biome for conserving species and provisioning ecosystem services. Volume equations in this biome are scarce because of their size and physiognomic diversity. This study was conducted to develop specific volumetric models for the phytophysiognomies Gallery Forest, Dry Forest, Forest Savannah, and Savannah Woodland, a generic model and a model for Cerrado forest formation. Twelve 10 m × 10 m (100 m²) (National Forest Inventory) plots were used for each phytophysiognomy at different sites (regions) of the Federal District (FD) where trees had a diameter at breast height (DBH; 1.30 m) ≥5 cm in forest formations and a diameter at base height (Db; 0.30 m) ≥5 cm in savanna formations. Their diameters and heights were measured, they were cut and cubed, and the volume of each tree was obtained according to the Smalian methodology. Linear and nonlinear models were adjusted. Criteria for the selection of models were determined using correlation coefficients, the standard error of the estimates, and a graphical analysis of the residues. They were later validated by the chi-square test. The resultant models indicated that fit by specific phytophysiognomy was ideal; however, the generic and forest formation models exhibited similar performance to specific models and could be used in extensive areas of the Cerrado, where they represent a high potential for generalization. To further increase our understanding, similar research is recommended for the development of specific and generic models of the total volume in Cerrado areas.

Freshwater aquatic ecosystems are vulnerable to human activities within their surroundings, presenting a concerning scenario for aquatic organisms and human subsistence. Therefore, understanding the occurrence of pesticide contamination is a necessary condition to safeguard aquatic biodiversity and human health. We analysed the pesticide residues in water samples, using the solid-phase extraction (SPE) technique and determination by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‒MS/MS). We also we investigated whether land use influences water contamination by pesticides in the middle and upper Araguaia River basin, situated in the central region of Brazil in the Cerrado biome. We evaluated the effect of land use and land cover type on pesticide occurrence in nine subbasins using mixed linear models. We registered the occurrence of pesticides in all subbasins. After water analysis a total of eight pesticides were found: atrazine, carbendazim, cyanazine, imidacloprid, 2,4-D, clomazone, chlorpyrifos-ethyl, and imazalil. Atrazine and carbendazim were detected during both sampling years. The active ingredient atrazine and clomazone were registered in all studied subbasins, with concentrations ranged from 0.006–0.207 µg L−1 and 0.183–0.373 µg L−1, respectively. There were no significant relationships observed between the number of pesticides and the type of land use and land cover, a result possibly related to the short sampling period, as these pesticides are largely used for fungi and insect control in agricultural areas. The presence of pesticides in the water may have potentially detrimental effects on aquatic biodiversity because sampled pesticides have been associated with anomalies in ontogenetic development, diseases, and mortality in organisms. Based on European legislation, it was evident that most of the subbasins had pesticide concentrations in the water exceeding the safety levels for human consumption. Thus, it is crucial for Brazilian legislation to establish maximum limits for pesticide concentrations in water to ensure safe drinking water for the Brazilian population. Additionally, a permanent monitoring system should be established to understand contamination trends in this basin and to take appropriate actions to mitigate adverse impacts.

The Cerrado biome in Brazil plays a vital role in preserving biodiversity, providing essential ecosystem services, and supporting agriculture, making it a crucial and valuable natural resource. Sete Cidades National Park stands out for its rock formations, 10,000-year-old cave paintings and its Cerrado vegetation. The Cerrado is known for being a pyrobiome, so its patrolling becomes essential. In this context, this paper introduces a novel approach to swarm robotics patrolling in the unique ecosystem of the Sete Cidades National Park, located within the Cerrado biome. The study presents three distinct cellular automata models designed for the task, aiming to enhance the efficiency and coverage of patrolling efforts. The key difference between our model presented in this research and the previous one is our focus on a map that encompasses diverse vegetation types, specifically designed to represent the Sete Cidades National Park, with a primary goal of monitoring forest fires. The results demonstrated that the best-performing model was the Forest Tabu Inverted Ant Cellular Automata, which achieved an average of 21.77 complete patrol cycles with 95% confidence. This outcome was obtained using three robots, a tabu queue of |Q| = 80, and a maximum pheromone per cell equals to ρ = 103. These parameters highlight the efficacy of this model in optimizing patrol cycles and the efficient use of resources for environmental surveillance in the Sete Cidades National Park, particularly in the context of fire prevention.

During a helminthological survey of snakes in the Cerrado Biome in Maranhão State, Brazil, we found intestinal nematodes in Leptodeira annulata (Linnaeus), belonging to the genus Oxyascaris Travassos, 1920. We observed that the specimens found are distinct from their congeners by the combination of presented characters, mainly the cuticular expansion at the anterior region of the body, presence of a single papilla at the anterior cloacal lip, number, and arrangement of caudal papillae, presence of somatic papillae along body cuticle, as well as some morphometric characters. Thus, we describe the new species using light and scanning electron microscopy and, revise the morphological characters used to identify Oxyascaris spp. and propose a key to the species of the genus. Therefore, we describe the seventh species in the genus, the second reported to parasitize snakes, the sixth species recorded in Brazil, and the first described in the Cerrado Biome. [Display omitted] • A new species of Oxyascaris from Brazil. • The seventh species of Oxyascaris. • Key to species of Oxyascaris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Swamp palm (Mauritia flexuosa L.f.) is a typical palm tree from the Amazon and Cerrado of Brazil, whose fruits are used in cooking and the pharmaceutical industry. Seed germination of this palm is slow, irregular and often low, which makes its cultivation limited, being exploited in extractive systems. Also, little is known about seedling development, and this knowledge is important to define a protocol for the production of seedlings of this species. This research aimed to develop a protocol for the seed germination of swamp palm under semi-aseptic conditions and to evaluate the seedling development of swamp palm under different production systems. There was no germination in treatments without scarification. The best germination protocol for swamp palm was scarification with operculum removal in seeds recently extracted from the fruit with application of gibberellic acid (plant growth regulator) because it increased the rate and accelerated germination. However, imbibition in aerated water (with H2O2) proved to be suitable up to two days. The best method for seedlings production of swamp palm is the use of conventional bag (20×30 cm) with soil and manure or for producers with greater investment capacity, the use of tubes (180 cm3) for two months and subsequent transplanting to a conventional bag with soil and manure until completing six months.

We analyzed the occurrences of fire foci between years 2001 and 2015 in Mato Grosso state, Brazil. For this, we used remote sensing data and we correlated fire with surface temperature, rainfall, wind speed, air temperature, relative humidity, and vegetation index. The data were analyzed within the state according to use and cover classes. We also spatialize the fire occurrence using Kernel density and analyze trends with the Mann–Kendall test. The year 2015 was the year with the highest average annual air temperature and lowest annual cumulative rainfall, and wet season with the lowest relative humidity and highest surface temperature. Therefore, it was the year with less difference in the number of fire foci between wet (40.53%) and dry (59.47%) seasons. The period 2002–2005 and the years 2007 and 2010 had the highest fire foci, representing about 66.5% of the total from 2001 to 2015. In these years, 80 to 83% of fire foci occurred in the dry season. The classes with the highest density of fire were Mining Area, Urban Area, Temporary Crops, and Pasture. The fire foci in Urbanized Area, Temporary Crops, Pasture and Forestry classes tended to decrease throughout the 15 years evaluated. Fire foci were negatively correlated with rainfall, relative humidity and soil water and positively correlated with wind and surface temperature. This demonstrates that public policies related to combating fires in Brazil must be intensified especially in years with prediction of extreme drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regional maps of vegetation structure are necessary for delineating species habitats and for supporting conservation and ecological analyses. A systematic approach that can discriminate a wide range of meaningful and detailed vegetation classes is still lacking for neotropical savannas. Detailed vegetation mapping of savannas is challenged by seasonal vegetation dynamics and substantial heterogeneity in vegetation structure and composition, but fine spatial resolution imagery (

Jaguars (Panthera onca Linnaeus, 1758) are predators at the top of food chains, and their occurrence is a good environmental indicator. The study of jaguars, including their behavior, ecology, and conservation, has attracted significant attention from the scientific community. We carried out a scientometric analysis on studies of jaguar biology using camera traps in the Cerrado and Pantanal biomes. Our analysis revealed that conflicts between farmers and ranchers have an important impact on the ecology of the feline movement. We found two important gaps: a scarcity of studies with a genetic approach to the biology of jaguars, which include the ecology of the species movement in the Cerrado and Pantanal biomes. Furthermore, in most studies, jaguars were monitored for short periods, which limits the quality of the data obtained

Abstract Pantophthalmidae (Diptera) are recorded exclusively in the Neotropical Region. Despite the large size of adults, their species are often rare and poorly represented in entomological collections. Only two genera and 20 species are known, of which 12 are recorded in the five regions of Brazil. In the North region, the family is reported from all states, except in Tocantins. The present work provides the first records of the family for Tocantins, expanding the distribution of two species, Pantophthalmus kerteszianus (Enderlein, 1914) and P. tabaninusThunberg, 1819. Both species are recorded for the first time in the Cerrado biome. In addition, we provide photographs of the species and a distribution map.

Water stress can affect all aspects of plant growth and development, compromising its productive potential. The cultivation of fruit species native to the Cerrado and the study of their behavior under conditions of low water availability are necessary activities, in view of their socioeconomic and environmental potential. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of water deficit on growth and biomass production of the cagaita tree (Eugenia dysenterica DC.), a species endemic to the Cerrado (Brazilian Savannah). The experiment was performed in a greenhouse for 120 days in a randomized block design (RBD), with a double factorial arrangement (2x5), corresponding to two cagaita mother plants and five water conditions. We evaluated the growth and leaf, stem and root functional characteristics. The most severe water deficit conditions reduced shoot growth, number of leaves, production of biomass and dry matter and increased the specific and per plant mass root length of cagaita plants. Deficit extension had negative effects on its growth and development. There was a statistical difference between mother plants, with mother plant 2 being more resistant to drought. The application of a severe or longer water deficit affected shoot growth and reduced the appearance of new leaves. The stress caused by water deficiency allowed an increase in root functional characteristics, supporting the hypothesis that plants under adverse conditions focus on higher biomass production and convert a higher amount of dry matter into the roots. Leaf area did not show to be a functional characteristic, explaining the stress effects in E. dysenterica DC plants.

Paepalanthus chiquitensis Herzog (Eriocaulaceae) is a neotropical everlasting marketed internationally in the dry flower segment. In situ exploitation has led to the possibility of extinction, necessitating the identification of alternatives for maintaining its natural populations. In vitro cultivation, a promising biotechnological tool that allows plant regeneration under aseptic conditions, has been explored in several Brazilian ornamental plants. However, no reports on in vitro cultivation of P. chiquitensis have been reported. Here, we aimed to establish an in vitro cultivation protocol for P. chiquitensis from diaspores collected in their natural habitat. Explant disinfection with 0.75% sodium hypochlorite solution reduced the contamination rate and allowed better germination. Although the species developed well in a culture medium without the addition of cytokinins or auxins, supplementation of naphthalene-acetic acid (NAA; 1 mg L− 1) and isopentenyl adenine (1 mg L− 1) and the combination of NAA (0.25 mg L− 1) and activated charcoal (2 g L− 1) promoted shoot and root development, respectively. These results pave the foundation for future studies on in vitro cultivation of P. chiquitensis to mitigate the risk of extinction of everlastings. Key message: This study is the first report on in vitro propagation of Paepalanthus chiquitensis Herzog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Malignant gliomas are aggressive tumors characterized by fast cellular growth and highly invasive properties. Despite all biological and clinical advances in therapy, the standard treatment remains essentially palliative. Therefore, searching for alternative therapies that minimize adverse symptoms and improve glioblastoma patients' outcomes is imperative. Natural products represent an essential source in the discovery of such new drugs. Plants from the cerrado biome have been receiving increased attention due to the presence of secondary metabolites with significant therapeutic potential. (2) Aim: This study provides data on the cytotoxic potential of 13 leaf extracts obtained from plants of 5 families (Anacardiaceae, Annonaceae, Fabaceae, Melastomataceae e Siparunaceae) found in the Brazilian cerrado biome on a panel of 5 glioma cell lines and one normal astrocyte. (3) Methods: The effect of crude extracts on cell viability was evaluated by MTS assay. Mass spectrometry (ESI FT-ICR MS) was performed to identify the secondary metabolites classes presented in the crude extracts and partitions. (4) Results: Our results revealed the cytotoxic potential of Melastomataceae species Miconia cuspidata, Miconia albicans, and Miconia chamissois. Additionally, comparing the four partitions obtained from M. chamissois crude extract indicates that the chloroform partition had the greatest cytotoxic activity against the glioma cell lines. The partitions also showed a mean IC50 close to chemotherapy, temozolomide; nevertheless, lower toxicity against normal astrocytes. Analysis of secondary metabolites classes presented in these crude extracts and partitions indicates the presence of phenolic compounds. (5) Conclusions: These findings highlight M. chamissois chloroform partition as a promising component and may guide the search for the development of additional new anticancer therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In precision agriculture, the adoption of management zones (MZs) is one of the most effective strategies for increasing agricultural efficiency. Currently, MZs in sugarcane production areas are classified based on conventional soil sampling, which demands a lot of time, labor and financial resources. Remote sensing (RS) combined with vegetation indices (VIs) is a promising alternative to support the traditional classification method, especially because it does not require physical access to the areas of interest, is cost-effective and less labor-intensive, and allows fast and easy coverage of large areas. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the two-band enhanced vegetation index (EVI2) to classify sugarcane MZs, compared with the conventional method, in the Brazilian Cerrado biome (savannah), where about half of Brazil´s sugarcane production takes place. This study used historical crop production data from 5,500 production fields in three agricultural years (2015 to 2018) and NDVI and EVI2 values of 14 images acquired by the Landsat 8 satellite from 2015 to 2018 in Google Earth Engine (GEE). Although improvements are still necessary and encouraged, a new methodology of classifying MZs according to VIs was proposed in this study. The NDVI was not correlated with MZs classified using the conventional method, whereas EVI2 was more sensitive to biomass variations between MZs and, therefore, could better discriminate between MZs. The EVI2 values measured in crops aged 180 to 240 days in the rainy season proved to be the best strategy for classifying MZs by RS, where MZ A, for example, had EVI2 of 0.37, compared to MZ E, which had an EVI2 of 0.32. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Terr@ Plural is the property of Terr@ Plural 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.)

Water stress can affect all aspects of plant growth and development, compromising its productive potential. The cultivation of fruit species native to the Cerrado and the study of their behavior under conditions of low water availability are necessary activities, in view of their socioeconomic and environmental potential. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of water deficit on growth and biomass production of the cagaita tree (Eugenia dysenterica DC.), a species endemic to the Cerrado (Brazilian Savannah). The experiment was performed in a greenhouse for 120 days in a randomized block design (RBD), with a double factorial arrangement (2x5), corresponding to two cagaita mother plants and five water conditions. We evaluated the growth and leaf, stem and root functional characteristics. The most severe water deficit conditions reduced shoot growth, number of leaves, production of biomass and dry matter and increased the specific and per plant mass root length of cagaita plants. Deficit extension had negative effects on its growth and development. There was a statistical difference between mother plants, with mother plant 2 being more resistant to drought. The application of a severe or longer water deficit affected shoot growth and reduced the appearance of new leaves. The stress caused by water deficiency allowed an increase in root functional characteristics, supporting the hypothesis that plants under adverse conditions focus on higher biomass production and convert a higher amount of dry matter into the roots. Leaf area did not show to be a functional characteristic, explaining the stress effects in E. dysenterica DC plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil loss depends on natural and anthropic factors with high spatial and temporal variability, and can be inferred by predictive models such as the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE). In this sense, the objective of this work is to analyze the spatio-temporal distribution and variation of soil losses in the state of Goiás for the years 1985, 2000 and 2018, based on the application of RUSLE and using the drainage basin as a multiscale unit of analysis. The results generally show that there has been an increase in the average loss of soils in the state between the observed years with the average in 1985 being 2.4 ton.ha-1.year-1, growing to 10.8 ton.ha-1.year-1 in 2000, and 11.56 ton.ha-1.year-1 in 2018. The hydrographic regions of Tocantins and Paraná presented the highest losses. In addition to the general control of the Cerrado conversion expansion, the state of Goiás presents two spatial soil loss patterns; one in which the control of natural factors predominates, being linked to morphogenetic aspects with a strong influence of the topographic factor; and the other being rain erosivity, spatialized in areas such as the "front" of Cuesta Caiapó, Serra Dourada and Serra dos Pireneus. When associated, these two factors define sensitive areas with the highest soil losses in the state of Goiás. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unidades de Conservação - UC (type of Brazilian protected area) corresponds to approximately 18% of the national continental area, resulting from the integration of pressures from organized civil society materialized in public policies, whose selection criteria and distribution have varied over time. By observing the location of these protected areas, issues related to their relevance and Cerrado heterogeneity representativeness are of considerable importance for the conservation of life, since they make it possible to understand this Biome's current situation, perspectives, and challenges for its conservation. Therefore, the objective here is to evaluate the spatial distribution of UC in the Cerrado from the temporal evolution of new units' creation, in administrative spheres and categories, with a period starting in 1949, the year of the first UC creation in the Cerrado, until the end of 2010. The methodological procedures adopted consisted of a bibliographic survey, secondary databases consultation and data processing in a GIS environment. The results show that the distribution of UC is not regular in either space or time. In addition, many units correspond to isolated fragments of vegetation, with no connection to other areas and/or are of smaller dimensions, making it difficult to maintain the ecosystems present in them. In the national scenario, the Cerrado stands out in relation to the number and area of protected ones, which reinforces its important role in Brazilian conservation policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Eriotheca gracilipes concept is re-circumscribed according to the shape and texture of the leaflets, diameter of the petiole, calyx color, seed striation and geographic distribution. In addition, a new species (Eriotheca uniflora) and a new combination (Eriotheca crenulata) are proposed here. Descriptions, identification key, taxonomic comments, geographic distribution, phenology and conservation status, images of diagnostic characteristics and a table with information about these features are provided for the three species.

Background: The highly diversified flora in the Brazilian Cerrado (savanna) region is attributed to several factors, including the high concentrations of metals in soils, especially Al in widespread Ferralsols and Ni in soils derived from ultramafic rocks. We hypothesized that adaptation mechanisms are responsible for the genetic diversity of the following native plant species that are found in the abovementioned environments: Euploca salicoides (ES), Justicia lanstyakii (JL), and Oxalis hirsutissima (OH). Objectives: We aimed to analyse the main edaphic factors that differentiate ultramafic from Al-rich environments, and act as drivers of the evolution of physiological mechanisms underlying plant adaptation to these harsh environments. Methods: We analysed the chemical attributes of four ultramafic soils (SAP5, SAP7, SAP9, LAT) and an Al-rich soil (CAM), and the elemental composition and DNA of the three species growing in both environments. ES was used as a model species to analyse changes in the levels of non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) and Ni localization in plant leaves. Results: The soil types presented significant differences in available nutrients and heavy metals. The DNA sampled from the same species from ultramafic sites was genetically closer, but different from that in the Al-rich sites. In ultramafic soils, ES accessions had high levels of NSCs and Ni accumulated in trichomes. Conclusions: The genetic diversity observed in plants growing in both areas is probably related to plant adaptation to the contrasting edaphic conditions of these environments. The raffinose production and Ni allocation to trichomes are mechanisms employed by ES to overcome metal toxification in ultramafic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ciência Florestal (01039954) is the property of Ciencia Florestal 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.)

Tocantins state has high biodiversity and a high degree of endemism, nevertheless, there are no studies on the diversity of social wasps. This study introduces a survey of social wasps actively collected using entomological nets and Malaise trap in addition to different light traps in sixteen sites in the Amazon and Cerrado biomes in Tocantins state, Brazil. We sampled a total of 1,013 social wasps distributed in 57 species of 13 genera. Fifty of these species and nine genera represent new distribution records for the state. Some species are not commonly found in collections and lists of species, and Protopolybia picteti (de Saussure, 1854) is newly recorded for Brazil. Such an increase of 714% may indicate that Polistinae richness is probably higher in the studied regions and that the state of Tocantins may well contain several additional (yet unrecorded) social wasp species. More comprehensive studies should be conducted to enhance the knowledge of wasp species in this state, contributing to our understanding of the biodiversity in Northern Brazil.

Fungal opportunistic infections have increased in recent decades due to the increase in the immunosuppressed patients and the indiscriminate use of antifungals. In Brazil, a country with the greatest biodiversity in the world, studies that seek new antifungals from natural sources have been stimulated. Protium ovatum Engl., belongs to the Burseraceae family and is a shrub tree found mainly in Brazil, in the Cerrado biome, and has medicinal, food and aromatic uses. This study aims to investigate the chemical composition and the anti-Malassezia furfur and anticandidal activities of essential oils (EOs) from Protium ovatum ripe fruit (RF-EO) and unripe fruit (UF-EO). The EOs antifungal activities were determined by microdilution broth methodology. GC-FID and GC-MS analyses showed that limonene, a-pinene and myrcene were the major components of both EOs. MIC values of RF-EO and UF-EO against M. furfur were 375 and 1500 μg/mL, respectively. RF-EO exhibited MIC values between 62.5 and 250 μg/mL while UF-EO was slightly active (> 1000 μg/mL) against Candida species. In addition, RF-EO showed antibiofilm activity against Candida species and was not toxic to C. elegans larvae. This study suggests that EOs from P. ovatum could be an alternative therapeutic option for infectious diseases caused by M. furfur and Candida species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The micronutrient interactions in the process of root and/or leaf uptake can lead to contradictory results in the interpretation of sufficiency concentrations in plants when using only the results of soil analysis, as observed with copper (Cu), which has a negative interaction with other cations, mainly calcium (Ca). To define the critical level of Cu for the two most representative biomes of soybean crops in Brazil, soybean leaves, and grains were collected, and grain yield was evaluated at 52 and 60 sites that were originally covered with forest vegetation ('Atlantic Forest' and 'Cerrado', respectively). In the average of the two biomes, the Cu concentrations in the leaves ranged from 6.7- to 14.4 mg kg−1 for yields of 3,000 and 4,200 kg ha−1, with an average concentration for the maximum estimated yield (MEY) of 10.3 mg kg−1, while for grains Cu concentration ranged from 8.1- to 16.2 mg kg−1 with an average of 12.2 mg kg−1 for MEY. There was a significant correlation between Cu concentrations in leaves and grains, and both proved to be efficient for use in assessing the nutritional status of Cu in soybean crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Blue-and-yellow macaw (Ara ararauna) is a charismatic and easily recognized species. In Brazil, this macaw is strongly linked to a key habitat, the Cerrado biome, which is a predominantly dry forest savanna. Ara ararauna occurs and breeds in the city of Rondonópolis, a medium-sized city located in Mato Grosso, in the Central-West Region of Brazil. Rondonópolis was, until recently, surrounded by Cerrado habitat. That Cerrado habitat is now greatly threatened by agriculture and forest loss. Blue-and-yellow macaw pairs nest in the tops of dead palm trees, but as the macaws are nest-site limited and suitable nest sites are becoming scarce due to habitat loss, their range is shrinking. Blue-and-yellow macaws do not typically nest in urban areas, but in Rondonópolis, 11 pairs nest in dead palm trees, typically planted on road verges. However, as suitable dead trees are very scarce in urban areas, we are investigating whether the installation of artificial nest sites in domestic backyards could help that urban population thrive, with benefits to the species, and also as an encouragement to help local people engage with biodiversity loss. As a first step, we asked if local people would be willing to engage with conservation efforts and support macaw conservation in the city. To accomplish this, we surveyed the attitudes of Rondonópolis residents to measure: (1) citizens' preferences among the bird species that occur in the city; (2) the average area of their yards, and (3) the willingness of residents to: (a) plant fruit trees to attract macaws to their yards and (b) to install artificial nests in their yards. Overall, people were able to identify half of our sample of local bird species, and almost half had seen a nest site. Large, colorful species (macaws, toucan) were much more popular. The great majority would be willing to plant fruit trees (78%) and provide nest sites (70%) for macaws. This willingness to engage was not affected by socioeconomic differences, suggesting widespread support for this charismatic species. The Blue-and-yellow macaw (Ara ararauna) is a charismatic and easily recognized species. While they are classified as being of "least concern" in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, their populations are declining. In Brazil, the accelerated destruction of one of its key habitats, the Cerrado biome, is a principal cause of their decreasing abundance. As with other species affected by loss of the Cerrado, active conservation measures are required. While usually rare in urban ecosystems, Ara ararauna occurs and breeds in small numbers in the city of Rondonópolis, a medium-sized city located in Mato Grosso, Central-West Region of Brazil. Blue-and-yellow macaw pairs nest in the tops of dead palm trees, but as the macaws are nest-site limited and suitable dead trees are scarce in urban areas, the installation of artificial nest sites in domestic backyards could help that urban population to thrive. To investigate whether local people would be willing to engage with conservation efforts and in particular to support macaw conservation, we surveyed the attitudes of Rondonópolis residents to measure: (1) citizens' preferences among the bird species that occur in the city; (2) the average area of their yards, and (3) the willingness of residents to: (a) plant fruit trees to attract macaws to their yards and (b) to install artificial nests in their yards. Larger and more colorful birds (Ara ararauna, the Red-and-green macaw Ara chloropterus and Toco Toucan Ramphastos toco) were the bird species most valued across all socio-economic groups, suggesting that the charismatic species would be more likely to be supported by urbanites. Overall, people had good biodiversity knowledge, with respondents being able to identify half of our sample of local bird species, on average, and almost half had seen a nest site. The great majority were willing to plant fruit trees (78%) and provide nest sites (70%) for macaws. This willingness to engage was not affected by socioeconomic differences. These data indicate that a municipal macaw conservation program could be successful in Rondonópolis, and we argue that macaws could be a flagship species which would benefit wider efforts to engage Brazilian urbanites in active engagement with nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]