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ARTICLE HIGLIGHTS - The palm genus Pinanga is the most diverse in Southeast Asia. - Limited ecological studies on Pinanga show the influence of environmental factors. - High Pinanga endemism in Borneo requires conservation action. ABSTRACT Palms represent some of the keystone species in tropical forests, providing numerous ecosystem services. They are widely studied by botanists because of their iconic and majestic appearance, although ecological studies of palm abundance, distributions, and diversity have only recently begun to gain attention. The abundance and diversity of palms at different spatial scales can be influenced by various factors, such as climate, soil properties, hydrology, topography and forest structure; understanding these influences is essential for conservation. This review details four abiotic factors (climate, soil chemistry, hydrology and topography) and one biotic factor (forest structure) affecting palm distribution and diversity. The genus Pinanga, one of the most diverse genera of palms, is discussed in terms of its distribution and diversity in Southeast Asia. Ecological studies on Pinanga diversity in the region are examined, revealing the influence of micro- and macro-scale variation in environmental factors, such as litter depth and thickness, canopy openness and crown cover, elevation, slope, aspect, light intensity, humidity and air temperature. The existing knowledge gaps on Pinanga ecology in Southeast Asia are discussed, and the need for more studies on population structures, functional traits and determinants of Pinanga diversity and distributions within different lowland forest types in the region are highlighted. The high endemism shown by Pinanga necessitates a more comprehensive ecological understanding of this genus to better inform its conservation and protection.

A review is given of pollination systems in the palm family (Arecaceae). Pollination studies of 149 species (6% of the total number) in 60 genera (33% of the total number) are reviewed. The majority of these studies (75%) are of Neotropical palms. In the sample of 149 species, approximately 52% are beetle-pollinated, 27% bee-pollinated, 7% fly-pollinated, 5% thrips pollinated, 5% wind pollinated, 3% moth-pollinated, and 1% mammal-pollinated. A few other species may be bird-pollinated. Adaptations of inflorescences and flowers to pollinators are not readily apparent except for a general tendency for bee-/fly-pollinated species to have longer, open inflorescences and beetle-pollinated species to have shorter, condensed inflorescences. Classical pollination syndromes are not useful in describing, classifying, or predicting palm pollination systems because of numerous exceptions. The degree to which palm pollination systems may be considered specialized or generalized is unclear. There appear to have been numerous, bidirectional shifts in palms between beetle pollination and bee/fly pollination, and less often shifts to other pollinators. Beetle-pollinated inflorescences are usually visited by bees, and bee-pollinated inflorescences are usually visited by beetles. It seems likely that many species of palm, irrespective of pollinator, have their inflorescences used as brood-sites by beetles.

Date stone beetles (Coccotrypes dactyliperda Fabricius, 1801) tunnel into palm seeds to establish brood galleries with their larvae consuming the seed’s albumen. Prior work examining the location of the initial penetration holes in de-fleshed seeds had shown a preference for the dorsal groove. This paper presents the data of a follow-up experiment that examined the preferences for penetration holes on complete drupes. Using 100 repeats of a single freshly harvested drupe offered to a single beetle, the study found an overwhelming preference for the beetles to penetrate the drupe at the pedicel scar, with all other sectors significantly less utilised. The implications of this are discussed.

Date stone beetles (Coccotrypes dactyliperda Fabricius, 1801) tunnel into palm seeds to establish brood galleries with their larvae consuming the seed’s albumen. Prior work examining the location of the initial penetration holes in de-fleshed seeds had shown a preference for the dorsal groove. This paper presents the data of a follow-up experiment that examined the preferences for penetration holes on complete drupes. Using 100 repeats of a single freshly harvested drupe offered to a single beetle, the study found an overwhelming preference for the beetles to penetrate the drupe at the pedicel scar, with all other sectors significantly less utilised. The implications of this are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Over the past decade, phylogenomics has greatly advanced our knowledge of angiosperm evolution. However, phylogenomic studies of large angiosperm families with complete species or genus-level sampling are still lacking. The palms, Arecaceae, are a large family with ca. 181 genera and 2600 species and are important components of tropical rainforests bearing great cultural and economic significance. Taxonomy and phylogeny of the family have been extensively investigated by a series of molecular phylogenetic studies in the last two decades. Nevertheless, some phylogenetic relationships within the family are not yet well-resolved, especially at the tribal and generic levels, with consequent impacts for downstream research. Results Plastomes of 182 palm species representing 111 genera were newly sequenced. Combining these with previously published plastid DNA data, we were able to sample 98% of palm genera and conduct a plastid phylogenomic investigation of the family. Maximum likelihood analyses yielded a robustly supported phylogenetic hypothesis. Phylogenetic relationships among all five palm subfamilies and 28 tribes were well-resolved, and most inter-generic phylogenetic relationships were also resolved with strong support. Conclusions The inclusion of nearly complete generic-level sampling coupled with nearly complete plastid genomes strengthened our understanding of plastid-based relationships of the palms. This comprehensive plastid genome dataset complements a growing body of nuclear genomic data. Together, these datasets form a novel phylogenomic baseline for the palms and an increasingly robust framework for future comparative biological studies of this exceptionally important plant family.

Hyperdominant trees in Amazonia account for half of the individual trees (>10 cm dbh) in the forest, and thus play a crucial role in ecosystem dynamics. However, several of these widespread hyperdominant species may be complexes hiding cryptic diversity that can affect species richness estimates and conservation priorities. Here, we study the intraspecific variation of Astrocaryum murumuru (Arecaceae), a keystone and hyperdominant species in Amazonia, also known as Astrocaryum sect. Huicungo, a complex of 15 understory to subcanopy palm species. Using chloroplast DNA from genome skimming (>66 kbp alignment) in a Bayesian framework, we present evidence that A. sect. Huicungo represents three separately evolving lineages, suggesting that the section is not a single hyperdominant species, and that the 15 morphology‐based species may be an over‐representation. Genome skimming chloroplast data did not fully resolve the species‐level phylogenetic relationships in A. sect. Huicungo mostly because of gene discordance and the paraphyly of most species. Contrary to a previous nuclear‐based phylogenetic analysis, the chloroplast genomic data did not recover A. sect. Huicungo monophyletic, but yielded monophyly in an increased number of species (six) in the complex. Interspecific phylogenetic relationships showed a geographic pattern, and the traditional morphology‐based classification was not supported. Our phylogenomic results are discussed in light of earlier phylogeographical studies using Sanger sequencing. Our findings show the utility of genome skimming data in species delimitation analyses to uncover intraspecific variation of hyperdominant species in Amazonia, the largest evergreen tropical forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2020, camedor palm (Chamaedorea quezalteca) plantations in the Frailesca region, Chiapas, Mexico, have been affected by foliar diseases that induce leaf spot and anthracnose symptoms that reduce production, leaf quality and thus the loss of their commercial value. The objectives of this work were to identify the causal agents and to quantify the incidence and severity of foliar diseases in plantations of camedor palm. Two fungi were recurrently isolated, one from leaves with leaf spot symptoms and the other with anthracnose, both were identified morphologically and molecularly by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS5/ITS4), pathogenicity tests were performed on healthy plants where fungal conidia were inoculated, and in the field the incidence and severity of the disease were quantified with the support of a pictographic scale. The fungi identified were Neopestalotiopsis sp. in leaf spot symptoms and Colletotricum karstii in anthracnose, both pathogens reproduced the same symptoms observed in the field, by means of pathogenicity tests. Disease incidence and severity percentages were transformed to area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), these diseases presented an annual average incidence and severity of 35.33% (AUDPC= 14180) and 39.16% (AUDPC=12885) for leaf spot, 19.5% (AUDPC= 7123) and 55.83% (AUDPC= 20380) for anthracnose, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims - This study is part of ongoing research on the Arecaceae Flora of the Serra do Cabral, an isolated massif in the southwest of the Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais State. Because of the isolation of the massif, the area has a rich biodiversity and a high level of endemism. While searching for populations of the rare and critically endangered Syagrus cabraliensis, a new bluish-leaved palm species was discovered and it is described here. Material and methods - The new species' morphology is described based on field collections. The pinnae were analysed using SEM and LM cross- and longitudinal sections following default methodology. In addition, we compared the species to S. cabraliensis and provided ecological notes and a conservation status assessment. Key results - Syagrus carvalhoi resembles S. cabraliensis but they can easily be distinguished by morphoanatomical characters. Both species occur non-sympatrically in the Serra do Cabral, in contrasting microhabitats: S. carvalhoi in the southern quartzitic campos rupestres and S. cabraliensis in the northern ferruginous campos rupestres. A key to the known grass-like Syagrus species from the massif is provided. Based on the restricted area of occurrence and the anthropogenic threats, Syagrus carvalhoi is assessed as critically endangered. Conclusion - Syagrus carvalhoi is the second grass-like endemic Syagrus species from the Serra do Cabral and presents rare characters within the genus (grass-like aspect, colonial habit, flowers in tetrads, and the stem forking at or below the ground). This discovery corroborates that this isolated OCBIL is a home for endemic and rare palm species. The Serra do Cabral massif has proved a source of morphological and anatomical novelties in Arecaceae, affecting the taxonomy and understanding of the evolution and ecology of palms. Our results reinforce the notion that it is important to conserve this area with rich and rare biodiversity but under alarming and unprecedented threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Over the past decade, phylogenomics has greatly advanced our knowledge of angiosperm evolution. However, phylogenomic studies of large angiosperm families with complete species or genus-level sampling are still lacking. The palms, Arecaceae, are a large family with ca. 181 genera and 2600 species and are important components of tropical rainforests bearing great cultural and economic significance. Taxonomy and phylogeny of the family have been extensively investigated by a series of molecular phylogenetic studies in the last two decades. Nevertheless, some phylogenetic relationships within the family are not yet well-resolved, especially at the tribal and generic levels, with consequent impacts for downstream research. Results: Plastomes of 182 palm species representing 111 genera were newly sequenced. Combining these with previously published plastid DNA data, we were able to sample 98% of palm genera and conduct a plastid phylogenomic investigation of the family. Maximum likelihood analyses yielded a robustly supported phylogenetic hypothesis. Phylogenetic relationships among all five palm subfamilies and 28 tribes were well-resolved, and most inter-generic phylogenetic relationships were also resolved with strong support. Conclusions: The inclusion of nearly complete generic-level sampling coupled with nearly complete plastid genomes strengthened our understanding of plastid-based relationships of the palms. This comprehensive plastid genome dataset complements a growing body of nuclear genomic data. Together, these datasets form a novel phylogenomic baseline for the palms and an increasingly robust framework for future comparative biological studies of this exceptionally important plant family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With 178 species, palm subtribe Dypsidinae is one of the largest plant radiations on Madagascar. A well‐resolved species‐level phylogeny is required not only to unpick the drivers of this spectacular radiation, but also to define natural and useful generic limits in this taxonomically difficult group. The only recent taxonomic revision of Dypsidinae recognised just four genera, including the large genus Dypsis (currently with 172 species), which was considered impossible to divide further based on morphology alone. Here we describe the first comprehensively sampled species‐level phylogeny of Dypsidinae, including 157 described species (88% of the subtribe) as well as 10 samples of uncertain taxonomic identity (potentially new to science). Our tree is based on target sequence capture data for 161 nuclear DNA loci. The phylogenetic relationships recovered render Dypsis s.l. paraphyletic, requiring the resurrection of two previously synonymised genera. In total, we recognise six genera in Dypsidinae (Dypsis, Chrysalidocarpus, Marojejya, Vonitra, Lemurophoenix, Masoala), all of which are monophyletic and consistent with morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trachycarpus fortunei is the most frost-hardy palm. Its leaves undergo supercooling, previously believed to involve a sublethal high temperature exotherm (HTE), followed by a period of no cellular water loss without freezing, which is terminated by a low temperature exotherm (LTE). However, this knowledge is based on laboratory studies only, and how leaves freeze in nature remains unknown. Also, experimental evidence is missing whether the LTE is caused by intracellular ice formation. We hypothesized that intracellular freezing is the cause of frost damage, and that it occurs after a certain amount of displacement from ideal equilibrium freezing. Observations on how T. fortunei plants freeze in the field, allowed appropriate laboratory simulations. The percentage of frozen water (p fW) as a function of temperature and the displacement from ideal equilibrium freezing were estimated based on high-resolution differential scanning calorimetry. Cryo-microscopic examinations allowed the localization of ice during HTE and LTE. In the field, leaves froze at −3.3±1.0 °C, similar to non-supercooling species. Using Snomax®, appropriate control of HTE was achieved in laboratory on detached leaves. After the HTE, ice was localized exclusively in the vascular bundles. Thereafter, only a small percentage of water (6–14 %) was frozen. Interestingly, we found further, previously unknown ice formation processes between the HTE and LTE, indicating moderate freeze dehydration in addition to supercooling. Freeze dehydration was time dependent and increased under slow cooling (higher frost-dose). Regardless of season, cooling rate, or displacement from ideal equilibrium, the LTE occurred at −15.6 °C, matching with the killing temperature. Post-LTE, intracellular ice formation in mesophyll cells was identified as the cause of frost damage. Slower cooling reduced the displacement from ideal equilibrium, but did not change LTE, suggesting an inactivation or activation of molecular components involved in triggering intracellular ice formation. • Natural ice nucleation temperatures are similar to those of non-supercooling species. • In addition to supercooling, freeze dehydration proceeds at a time–dependent rate. • Collapse of supercooling occurs at a fixed temperature. • Thermodynamic non-ideal equilibrium can differ when supercooling collapses. • Supercooled mesophyll cells are killed by intracellular freezing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbes can have profound effects on their hosts, driving natural selection, promoting speciation and determining species distributions. However, soil-dwelling microbes are rarely investigated as drivers of evolutionary change in plants. We used metabarcoding and experimental manipulation of soil microbiomes to investigate the impact of soil and root microbes in a well-known case of sympatric speciation, the Howea palms of Lord Howe Island (Australia). Whereas H. forsteriana can grow on both calcareous and volcanic soils, H. belmoreana is restricted to, but more successful on, volcanic soil, indicating a trade-off in adaptation to the two soil types. We suggest a novel explanation for this trade-off. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are significantly depleted in H. forsteriana on volcanic soil, relative to both H. belmoreana on volcanic soil and H. forsteriana on calcareous soil. This is mirrored by the results of survival experiments, where the sterilization of natural soil reduces Howea fitness in every soil-species combination except H. forsteriana on volcanic soil. Furthermore, AMF-associated genes exhibit evidence of divergent selection between Howea species. These results show a mechanism by which divergent adaptation can have knock-on effects on host-microbe interactions, thereby reducing interspecific competition and promoting the coexistence of plant sister species.

Background: Transposable elements (TEs) are the largest component of the genetic material of most eukaryotes and can play roles in shaping genome architecture and regulating phenotypic variation; thus, understanding genome evolution is only possible if we comprehend the contributions of TEs. However, the quantitative and qualitative contributions of TEs can vary, even between closely related lineages. For palm species, in particular, the dynamics of the process through which TEs have differently shaped their genomes remains poorly understood because of a lack of comparative studies. Materials and methods: We conducted a genome-wide comparative analysis of palm TEs, focusing on identifying and classifying TEs using the draft assemblies of four palm species: Phoenix dactylifera, Cocos nucifera, Calamus simplicifolius, and Elaeis oleifera. Our TE library was generated using both de novo structure-based and homology-based methodologies. Results: The generated libraries revealed the TE component of each assembly, which varied from 41–81%. Class I retrotransposons covered 36–75% of these species’ draft genome sequences and primarily consisted of LTR retroelements, while non-LTR elements covered about 0.56–2.31% of each assembly, mainly as LINEs. The least represented were Class DNA transposons, comprising 1.87–3.37%. Conclusion: The current study contributes to a detailed identification and characterization of transposable elements in Palmae draft genome assemblies.

The Cretaceous–Palaeogene (K-Pg) extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs (66 Ma) led to a 25 million year gap of megaherbivores (>1000 kg) before the evolution of megaherbivorous mammals in the Late Eocene (40 Ma). The botanical consequences of this 'Palaeocene megaherbivore gap' (PMHG) remain poorly explored. We hypothesize that the absence of megaherbivores should result in changes in the diversification and trait evolution of associated plant lineages. We used phylogenetic time- and trait-dependent diversification models with palms (Arecaceae) and show that the PMHG was characterized by speciation slowdowns, decreased evolution of armature and increased evolution of megafaunal (≥4 cm) fruits. This suggests that the absence of browsing by megaherbivores during the PMHG may have led to a loss of defence traits, but the absence of megaherbivorous seed dispersers did not lead to a loss of megafaunal fruits. Instead, increases in PMHG fruit sizes may be explained by simultaneously rising temperatures, rainforest expansion, and the subsequent radiation of seed-dispersing birds and mammals. We show that the profound impact of the PMHG on plant diversification can be detected even with the overwriting of adaptations by the subsequent Late Eocene opening up of megaherbivore-associated ecological opportunities. Our study provides a quantitative, comparative framework to assess diversification and adaptation during one of the most enigmatic periods in angiosperm history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Since Wallace's and Engler's 19th‐century biogeographical schemes, biogeographers have sought to classify the world into biogeographical regions according to patterns in biotic distribution. Yet, while most of the world's plant biodiversity can be found in the tropics, basic phytogeographical relationships and boundaries within this zone remain debated. We investigated whether palms, a species‐rich, well‐studied pantropical family, reflect traditional floristic schemes or support a recently published phylogenetic regionalisation that contests the traditional views on phytogeographical tropical regions. Location: Tropics and subtropics. Taxon: Palm family (Arecaceae). Methods: We use a species‐level dated phylogenetic tree of palms along with a dataset of all palm species distributions to calculate pairwise phylogenetic beta diversity among palm assemblages. From these pairwise dissimilarity values, we compute the relationship between assemblages in NMDS ordination space and use hierarchical clustering to define biogeographical units for palms. Results: We found a Neotropical versus Palaeotropical division of palm assemblages as the major biogeographical split. Two Neotropical and four Palaeotropical clusters were identified with the following relationships: ((Southern Neotropical, Northern Neotropical), ((Indian Ocean), ((African), (Eurasian‐Australian, Melanesian‐Pacific)))). Main Conclusions: Our analysis supports many delineations suggested in traditional floristic schemes, most importantly a clear Neotropical versus Palaeotropical division and units resembling Takhtajan's African, Indo‐Malesian, New Caledonian and Polynesian Palaeotropical subkingdoms. However, as recently suggested in phylogenetic regionalisation, our results also show a clustering of Southeast Asian and Australian assemblages, substantiating the suggestion of a combined Asian‐Australian region. Biogeographical regionalisation for palms does not support the existence of trans‐continental dry tropical or subtropical phytogeographical clusters that have recently been found in dicot trees, despite known Northern Hemisphere connections for palms. Further modern regionalisations based on multiple datasets with complementary strengths are needed to establish a credible set of phytogeographical regions for the tropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The palm tribe Lepidocaryeae (Arecaceae) comprises seven genera and 51 currently accepted species that are distributed in lowland tropical forests and savannas across Africa and the Americas. Subtribal relationships within Lepidocaryeae have been a persistent challenge, limiting our understanding of its systematics, morphology, and biogeography. Several aspects make the tribe an ideal system to study plant evolution and diversity: it is well-represented in the fossil record as a prolific pollen producer, its continental diversity contradicts common biodiversity patterns of lower species richness in Africa in comparison to South America, and it contains one of the most abundant Amazonian tree species, Mauritia flexuosa. Here, we investigated the systematics of the tribe by sampling 122 individuals representing 42 species (82% of the tribe), using target sequence capture. We recovered nearly 10,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms from nuclear and plastid DNA across 146 target sequences to separately infer a phylogenomic tree. Our results strongly support inter-generic and inter-specific relationships, where a majority of nodes were resolved with over 90% bootstrap support. We also identify strong phylogenetic support for the recognition of a new species from central and south Amazonia, Mauritiella disticha. The distichous phyllotaxy is diagnostic of the species within the genus. Rare and currently only known from the middle-lower Madeira River basin in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, M. disticha is restricted to open vegetation and forest edges growing in white sand habitats with saturated or well-drained soils. Our preliminary red list assessment suggests its threatened status to be vulnerable (VU). We use our phylogenomic inference to define and contextualize systematic relationships in the tribe, and present a formal species description. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calamus pseudoerectus (Arecaceae or Palmae), a new species of rattan from the hilly slopes of Mukti and Mahananda rivers at Darjeeling District of West Bengal in the eastern Indian Himalaya, is described and illustrated. This species closely resembles two Indo-Myanmar species, C. erectus Roxb. and C. arborescence Griff. It, however, is distinguished by its short and extremely slender stem, spine ornamentation, pendulous, long-branched inflorescence, and minute fruits with fimbriate scales. A comparative study among C. pseudoerectus sp. nov., C. erectus Roxb., and C. arborescence Griff. is provided. Conservation status of this species is proposed as Endangered (EN) as per IUCN.

In many countries, Canary Islands Date Palms (Phoenix canariensis) have escaped their horticulturally managed settings and have commenced to colonise surrounding natural bushland. While dispersed by various vectors, both birds and canids such as foxes, fluctuating environmental conditions may inhibit germination in the season of deposition. The potential of old, previous season’s seeds to germinate when conditions turn favourable has direct implications on the plant’s ability to establish viable, colonising populations. Nothing is known about the ability of older, previous season’s seeds to successfully germinate. Based in experimental data, this paper shows that that the seeds of Phoenix canariensis exhibit both substantial inter-specimen and inter-seasonal variations in their germination potential. The observed variability is caused by the high genetic diversity inherent in a given palm population, as well as by range of environmental factors. At the present stage it is impossible to separate these two. Directions for further research are outlined.

In the Palaeogene, pollen assemblages at low and mid latitudes are characterized by abundant palm and palm-like (PPL) taxa. Although these taxa have been widely reported, their occurrence in the Palaeogene of Myanmar remains poorly documented. Here we report on the morphology of PPL pollen along a middle to upper Eocene sedimentary sequence in central Myanmar and discuss their nearest living relatives (NLRs). Principal components analysis (PCA) indicates that Palmaepollenites kutchensis , Dicolpopollis and Longapertites were dispersed from freshwater plants, whereas the parent taxon of Proxapertites operculatus was probably a member of the coastal vegetation in the manner of Spinizonocolpites. This, with sedimentological data, suggests a palaeoenvironmental change from a brackish, tidally influenced environment to a fully freshwater setting through the late Eocene. Additionally, we mapped and compared the geographical distribution of selected Eocene palm taxa and their NLRs, and found that their distributions shrank after the Eocene. Moreover, in the Palaeogene, species diversity of selected PPL taxa seems lower in Myanmar than in the Indian subcontinent and other regions in South-East Asia. We hypothesize that in the Eocene the Indo–Asian collision zone formed a 'hotspot' for palm diversity, which is reflected in species-rich palynofloras. However, the local palm diversity declined after the Eocene, whereas, at the global level, palm distribution was distinctly reduced between the Eocene and the present. We propose that the retreat of the palms may have occurred as early as the Eocene – Oligocene Transition (EOT), but this remains to be confirmed by the study of EOT pollen records in tropical regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species of Acrocomia are popularly known as Macaw palm due to their importance as a food source for Anodorhynchus (Psittacidae). They are monoecious, with a mixed reproductive system, and high ecological and economic importance. There is controversy regarding the taxonomic status of Acrocomia aculeata and Acrocomia totai as different species; to avoid misunderstanding, we adopted the ecotype terminology. Using range-wide sampling in Brazil and based on microsatellite data, we aimed to understand the genetic diversity of A. aculeata and A. totai and to evaluate if the genetic structure between them was different. Our results support a separation of Acrocomia aculeata and A. totai based on the patterns of genetic variation between the ecotypes. These findings are supported by the optimal clustering of K = 7, congruent with network analysis, as well as pairwise genetic differentiation and detected barriers to gene flow. We found no evidence of recent bottlenecks in all populations, excepting two. The genetic structure was mainly associated with rivers and topography, but there was also evidence of gene flow among most populations. The association of the genetic structure with the geographical distribution of populations was more evident in A. aculeata than in A. totai. Populations located at the western portion of Brazil showed a high degree of admixture, notably among A. totai populations. The identification of areas with the highest genetic diversity of Acrocomia contributes useful information for plant breeding programs and the detection of potential genotypes of interest for germplasm collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While detecting the fungi associated with indoor and outdoor cultivated potted ornamental palm species the samples comprising of roots and soil were found to be infested with Acremonium sclerotigenum (other than the fungal plant pathogens), which is reported fungal opportunistic human pathogen. For further investigation regarding the role of potted indoor and outdoor ornamental plant species in harboring and disseminating human fungal pathogens a total 190 soils and roots samples of three ornamental potted palms species including Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii), Cat palm (Chamaedorea cataractarum) and Lady palm (Rhapis excels) were investigated. A. sclerotigenum was identified based on morphocultural and molecular characterization. The Sequence (GenBank accession# MF716849) showed 100% homology to the TYPE material of A. sclerotigenum (CBS 124.42), which then validated by resolving its phylogenetic hierarchy through genomic and bioinformatics analyses. The culture was deposited to FMB-CC-UAF with culture collection number FMB 0019. Moreover, phylogenetic tree also supported this investigated isolate as A. sclerotigenum. The Frequency percentage of A. Sclerotigenum association with the decaying root samples of above mentioned three palm species was found 12.27, 11.47, 10.53% from the indoor potted palms; 08, 7.7, 7.4% from the outdoor potted palms respectively, while 7.87, 7.53, 6.00% from the soils of indoor potted palms and 4.5, 4.2, 3.2% from the soils of outdoor potted palms respectively. The results of this study, in relation with the already reported cases in harboring and dispersing the fungal opportunistic pathogens causing mycosis indicated that this type of plantation without any proper antifungal treatment may constitute a serious mycotic hazards to human beings and animals. To our knowledge this is the first report from Pakistan showing that C. seifrizii, C. cataractarum and R. excels are three new host of A. Sclerotigenum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty common plant species were screened for emissions of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) at a lowland tropical wet forest site in Costa Rica. Ten of the species examined emitted substantial quantities of isoprene. These species accounted for 35-50% of the total basal area of old-growth forest on the major edaphic site types, indicating that a high proportion of the canopy leaf area is a source of isoprene. A limited number of canopy-level BVOC flux measurements were also collected by relaxed eddy accumulation (REA). These measurements verify that the forest canopy in this region is indeed a significant source of isoprene. In addition, REA fluxes of methanol and especially acetone were also significant, exceeding model estimates and warranting future investigation at this site. Leaf monoterpene emissions were non-detectable or very low from the species surveyed, and ambient concentrations and REA fluxes likewise were very low. Although the isoprene emission rates reported here are largely consistent with phylogenetic relations found in other studies (at the family, genus, and species levels), two species in the family Mimosaceae, a group previously found to consist largely of non-isoprene emitters, emitted significant quantities of isoprene. One of these, Pentaclethra macroloba (Willd.) Kuntze, is by far the most abundant canopy tree species in the forests of this area, composing 30-40% of the total basal area. The other, Zygia longifolia (Humb. & Bonpl.) Britton & Rose is a common riparian species. Our results suggest that the source strength of BVOCs is important not only to tropical atmospheric chemistry, but also may be important in determining net ecosystem carbon exchange.

ABSTRACT Palms (Arecaceae) are key elements that contribute to the forest biodiversity of the State of Santa Catarina. However, the official List of Endangered Flora Species of that State is incomplete, including only two Arecaceae species (Butia catarinensis Noblick & Lorenzi and B. eriospatha (Mart. Ex Drude) Becc.). Within this context, this study proposes a revision of the Official List of Arecaceae for Santa Catarina, based on the assessment of the conservation status made for each of the State’s native palm species. To assess the conservation status of the palm species in Santa Catarina, important sources on species distribution were used, including the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), a compilation of previously published, herbarium information, field observations, and data from the Floristic and Forest Inventory of Santa Catarina (IFFSC). Information for each species was imported into GeoCAT software (Geospatial Conservation Assessment Tool). All 11 native palm species of Santa Catarina were evaluated. Ten species were considered at risk of extinction according to the IUCN Red List categories and criteria. This large number of palm species at risk of extinction calls attention to the urgent need for updates of the Official List of Endangered Species in the State.

"H. Wendl." is a prominent author citation associated with the taxonomy and nomenclature of Arecaceae (the palm family), and refers to the German botanist Hermann Wendland (1825- 1903), who was among the world's foremost specialists of the palm family in the mid- to late nineteenth century. Wendland represented the third generation of one of the most eminent horticultural/botanical "dynasties" of Europe, following his father, Heinrich Ludolph Wendland (1792-1869) and his grandfather, Johann Christoph Wendland (1755-1828). After an apprenticeship under his father, and extensive travels through Europe, Hermann Wendland embarked on developing the Berggarten, one of the component gardens of the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, Hannover, as a major centre of palm horticulture and research, establishing Europe's largest living collection of cultivated palms, an extensive herbarium and Europe's tallest glasshouse, in which the palm collection was displayed. Wendland achieved praise from his peers as a consummate cultivator of palms and was active in horticultural expositions and botanical congresses. His taxonomic work on palms extended to all parts of the world, and he developed fruitful collaboration with other botanists on large monographs and regional treatments, working with botanists such as Oscar Drude, August Grisebach, William Botting Hemsley, Jean Linden, Gustav Mann, Berthold Seemann, Richard Spruce and others. An examination of the major online taxonomic databases for Arecaceae, in the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (Govaerts & al. 2016+) and the International Plant Names Index (IPNI 2017+), as well as additional broad literature searches, generated a list of 549 nomenclatural novelties (see Appendix 1) associated with Wendland. The names were verified for issues of valid publication, legitimacy, priority and authorship. Names associated with Wendland are defined thus: either Wendland was an author of the names, or they were ascribed to Wendland by other authors, or they are new combinations or names at new rank based on such names (so that "H. Wendl." appears in the author citation of the names). The 549 names are at the ranks of subtribe (two), genus (62), subgenus (22), section (nine), species (422), subspecies (14) and variety (18). Also listed are 164 names associated with Wendland that were not validly published. Altogether, the names represent 60 currently accepted genera and 249 species, although these numbers are open to interpretation depending on taxonomic opinion. Of the currently accepted names, 44 at the rank of genus and 134 at the rank of species are associated with Wendland. This list is not intended to be a taxonomic revision of the names, but a historical record of names associated with Wendland. Wendland is associated with more palm genera than any other botanist and his legacy forms the basis for much of the contemporary taxonomic work on palms. A complete list of publications by Wendland on the palms is also included (Appendix 2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study examines the relationship between climate and species richness and distribution of palms (Arecaceae) in the Brazilian State of Santa Catarina. We use data from the Floristic and Forest Inventory of Santa Catarina and WorldClim - Global Climate Data. We hypothesized that low temperature and precipitation limit palm species richness and distribution in Santa Catarina. For modeling palm species richness, we used a generalized linear model for zero inflated data and to assess reasons behind differences in palm species abundance and species richness across the state, we used a canonical analysis of principal coordinates (CAP). We found that only the distribution of Euterpe edulis Mart. and Syagrus romanzoffiana (Cham.) Glassman showed significant effects of climate, largely because they were the most abundant and frequent species found in sampled plots. Modelling results pinpointed minimum temperature of the coldest month as the strongest predictor of palm species richness and distribution in Santa Catarina. Our results contribute to knowledge about the occurrence of native palms of the Atlantic Forest and their environmental limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calamus pseudoerectus (Arecaceae or Palmae), a new species of rattan from the hilly slopes of Mukti and Mahananda rivers at Darjeeling District of West Bengal in the eastern Indian Himalaya, is described and illustrated. This species closely resembles two Indo- Myanmar species, C. erectus Roxb. and C. arborescence Griff. It, however, is distinguished by its short and extremely slender stem, spine ornamentation, pendulous, long-branched inflorescence, and minute fruits with fimbriate scales. A comparative study among C. pseudoerectus sp. nov., C. erectus Roxb., and C. arborescence Griff. is provided. Conservation status of this species is proposed as Endangered (EN) as per IUCN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetative branching is common in the palms (Arecaceae). However, current terms to describe vegetative branching diversity are not consistent and do not cover the full range of branching types. In this study vegetative branching types in the palms were reviewed and defined, and the phylogenetic distribution of palm branching types was described. Branching types were described from a literature review and field observations; 1903 species representing all 181 genera were included. Five branching types were found: lateral axillary branching, shoot apical division, false vivipary, abaxial branching, and leaf-opposed branching. Most species (55%) exhibited no vegetative branching. Lateral axillary was the most common branching type. Lateral axillary branching and shoot apical division were predicted to be the earliest-evolved branching types. The present study suggests that branching types have different evolutionary histories, and it is likely that the solitary habit is more common now than when palms initially diverged from commelinid relatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Palms are an important component of Neotropical communities as they are often diverse and abundant. In some areas, palms occur in high density and act as limiting factor in tree recruitment by limiting tree seedling and sapling abundance. In this study, I evaluated the intensity of seed mortality caused by insects in Attalea geraensis, in a large area of preserved Cerrado (Serra do Cabral, MG, Brazil) during wet season when both A. geraensis fruits and bruchid beetles were abundant. I collected a total of 63 infructescences which had from 3 fruits and 7 seeds to 82 fruits and 251 seeds. Endocarps had from 1 to 6 seeds. Seed mortality per infructescence due to beetles (Pachymerus cardo) was intense, and increases positively and disproportionally according to seed number per infructescence. Besides that, average proportions of seeds preyed upon by insects were consistently high (> 0.83), irrespective of seed number per endocarp. Positive density-dependent seed mortality caused by specialized natural enemies has been assumed to promote species rarity, an important feature of species coexistence in Neotropical forests. Then, the intense seed mortality documented in this study suggests that seed predators may contribute to the richness and diversity of plant species in the Cerrado, the richest and most endangered savanna in the world.

Ethnopharmacological relevance According to previous ethno-medicinal reviews, Cocos nucifera , Elaeis guineensis and Phoenix dactylifera are among the main palms which are often used on the American and African continents to treat infections, infestations and disorders in the digestive, respiratory, genito-urinary, dermal, endocrine, cardiovascular, muscular-skeletal, mental and neural systems, as well as neoplasms, dental issues and metabolic and nutritional disorders. In addition, one or more species of the wild genera Acrocomia , Areca , Astrocaryum , Attalea , Bactris , Borassus , Calamus , Chamaedorea , Chamaerops , Euterpe , Hyphaene , Mauritia , Oenocarpus and Syagrus have a high number of records of these ethno-medicinal uses. The most used parts of the palm tree are the fruits, followed by roots, seeds, leaves and flower sap. Aim of the study This review discusses the phytochemical composition and the pharmacological properties of these important ethno-medicinal palms, aiming to provide a contribution to future research prospects. Materials and methods Significant information was compiled from an electronic search in widely used international scientific databases (Google Scholar, Science Direct, SciFinder, Web of Science, PubMed, Wiley on line Library, Scielo, ACS Publications), and additional information was obtained from dissertations, theses, books and other relevant websites. Results Palms, in general, are rich in oils, terpenoids and phenolic compounds. Fruits of many species are notable for their high content of healthy oils and fat-soluble bioactive compounds, mainly terpenoids, such as pigment carotenoids (and provitamin A), phytosterols, triterpene pentacyclics and tocols (and vitamin E), while other species stood out for their phenolic compounds derived from benzoic and cinnamic acids, along with flavan-3-ol, flavone, flavonol, and stilbene compounds or anthocyanin pigments. In addition to fruits, other parts of the plant such as seeds, leaves, palm heart, flowers and roots are also sources of many bioactive compounds. These compounds are linked to the ethno-medicinal use of many palms that improve human health against infections, infestations and disorders of human systems. Conclusions Palms have provided bioactive samples that validate their effectiveness in traditional medicine. However, the intensive study of all palm species related to ethno-medicinal use is needed, along with selection of the most appropriate palm accessions, ripe stage of the fruit and /or part of the plant. Furthermore, the complete profiles of all phytochemicals, their effects on animal models and human subjects, and toxicological and clinical trials are suggested, which, added to the incorporation of improved technological processes, should represent a significant advance for the implementation of new opportunities with wide benefits for human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: The high biodiversity of northern South America is unparalleled and includes several centres of diversity such as Amazonia, the Andes and the Chocó. Movement of lineages amongst and within these bioregions is thought to be rare, and the effect of those dispersals on the distribution, diversity, and community assembly remains poorly understood. Here we address these effects by studying divergence times, biogeographical history, and species diversification of the palm tribe Iriarteeae, an ecologically dominant forest component. Location: Central and South America. Methods: We developed a calibrated phylogeny and a spatially explicit diversification model that incorporates molecular and fossil data. In these analyses, we included a new fossil Iriartea species Gemmamonocolpites galeanoana, derived from new samples of Miocene deposits in western Amazonia. We also estimated the geographical range evolution of lineages and tested whether speciation and extinction rates were affected by dispersal events using a simulation approach in ClaSSE. Results: Dispersal amongst bioregions was not evenly distributed across the topology. We found that Amazonian communities are overdispersed across the phylogeny, whereas Andean taxa are clustered. Dispersal events were associated with increases in species diversification and were concomitant with periods of Andean uplift. Migration into montane areas occurred several times from lowland Amazonian ancestors, and montane taxa subsequently recolonized the Amazonian bioregion. Main conclusions: Our results suggest that the diversification of Iriarteeae palms closely followed the west‐to‐east surface uplift history of the Northern Andes. From an early, lowland Amazonian ancestor, the first diversification events took place in the earliest emerging mountain chain, the Western Cordillera. From there multiple range expansions followed eastwards and back into the lowlands. This study demonstrates how geological events within a single mountain range can affect the geographical expansion and diversification of lineages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examined the distribution and conservation status of understory palms in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina using data collected by the Floristic and Forest Inventory of Santa Catarina (IFFSC). Understory palms were systematically sampled within sampling units (SU) distributed over a state-wide 10 × 10 km grid. Among the 206 total SU monitored by IFFSC within Pluvial and Coastal Forest, 86% (n=177 SU) contained understory palms, comprising 1738 individuals from the following species: Bactris setosa, Geonoma elegans, G. gamiova, and G. schottiana. To explore the conservation status of understory palm populations in Santa Catarina, we overlaid a map of federal priority conservation areas on top of IFFSC distribution data for understory palms. Conservation priority levels defined by the Brazilian Environmental Agency (MMA) are rated Extremely High, Very High, High and Insufficiently Known. Ninety-four percent of the SU containing understory palms overlapped priority conservation areas, highlighting the centrality of understory palms in biodiversity conservation. Despite the wide distribution of understory palm communities in Santa Catarina, intense scrutiny of forest remnants is necessary in view of sensitivity to environmental disturbance, so as to guarantee the maintenance of understory palm populations and their ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coccothrinax argentata (Arecaceae) occurs in southern Florida, both on the mainland and in the islands of the Florida Keys. However, the palms from the mainland and Keys display morphological differences that led taxonomists to recognize them as distinct species in the past. They are now treated as a single, polymorphic species, but the question remains: Are the morphological differences best explained by genetics or environment? In 1999, seedlings grown from seeds collected from different populations were planted in a common garden in a randomized plot design. In 2007, the first research %vas published comparing genetics based on ISSRs to morphological measurements. The research from 2007 showed evidence for a genetic explanation, but with poor resolution. Here, we present new genetic data using microsatellite regions (SSRs), in combination with morphological data from more mature palms. The results support the recognition of two taxa, which we propose at the rank of subspecies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O presente trabalho consiste no levantamento das espécies da família Arecaceae no Rio Grande do Sul. Foram reconhecidas 15 espécies nativas no estado (Bactris setosa, Butia catarinensis, B. eriospatha, B. exilata, B. lallemantii, B. odorata, B. paraguayensis, B. witeckii, B. yatay, Euterpe edulis, Geonoma gamiova, G. schottiana, Syagrus romanzoffiana, Trithrinax acanthocoma e T. brasiliensis), três espécies foram excluídas da flora gaúcha (Acrocomia aculeata, A. totai e Butia microspadix); três binômios foram considerados sinônimos (Butia missionera, B. pulposa e B. quaraimana); Butia stolonifera foi considerada espécie dúbia; além disso, são apresentados dois híbridos naturais, sendo um deles descrito no presente trabalho (× Butyagrus alegretensis e × Butyagrus nabonnandii).

Species expansions into new habitats are often associated with physiological adaptations, for instance when rain forest lineages colonize dry habitats. Although such shifts have been documented for the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado), little is known about the biogeographic origin of species occupying an extreme South American habitat type, the coastal dunes (Restinga). We examined the formation of this poorly known, endangered habitat by reconstructing the evolutionary history of two endemic species. Due to the proposed recency and uniqueness of this habitat, we hypothesized that Restinga species of the palm genus Allagoptera to be recently evolved and to present derived morphological characters. To detect habit shifts in absolute time, we used one plastid and nine nuclear genes to reconstruct the phylogenetic and biogeographic history of Allagoptera . We used light microscopy and stable isotope analysis to explore whether morphological adaptations occurred concomitantly with habitat shifts. Phylogenetic relationships were well supported and we found ancestral lineages of Allagoptera to be widely distributed throughout habitats that are currently occupied by extant species. Over the last ca. 7 Ma Allagoptera has shifted its preference to increasingly dry habitats. Coincident with the colonization of the Cerrado and Restinga, morphological adaptations also evolved, including subterranean stems that are fire-resistant and long underground stem and root systems that facilitate water access. We did not find differences in metabolic pathway or modifications to pollen morphology when compared to other palm lineages. Assuming that the evolutionary history of Allagoptera is indicative of the habitat in which it occurs, our results infer a recent origin for Cerrado species. Although little is known about the formation of the Restinga habitat, our results also suggest a longer history than currently proposed; with an origin of Restinga habitats dating back to the Late Pliocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1980509810553Two new species of Syagrus Mart. (Arecaceae) from Brazil are described and illustrated in this article: the first one, Syagruspompeoi K.Soares& R. Pimenta, a species related to Syagrusprocumbens Noblick&Lorenzi, from which it differs by having a caespitose habit, by the greater length of therachisof leaves (33-50 cm), more pinnaeon each side (8-15), leaflet almost membranaceous with many transverse ribs visible ,as well as longer inflorescence peduncle (10 to 18 cm). The second one, Syagrussantosii K.Soares& C.A.Guim., related to Syagrusschyzophylla (Mart.) Becc., from which it differs by having a larger fruit (2.9 to 4.6 x2.6 to 3.8cm), with the epicarp and the mesocarp usually split at the apex when ripe, bigger endocarp (2.7 to 4.2 x2.4 to 3cm) with homogeneous endosperm, greater amount of pinnae on each side of the leaf and larger pistillate flowers.

The effect of using chemical fertilization, organic and pyroligneous extract (EPL) on the seedling development of areca bamboo palm was evaluated. Treatments were: T1 = no fertilizer (control), T2 = 0.1% EPL, T3 = 0.2% EPL, T4 = NPK-20-5-20, T5 = NPK-20-5-20 + 0.1% EPL, T6 = NPK-20-05-20 + 0.2% EPL, T7 = castor bean cake, T8 = castor bean cake + 0.1% EPL and T9 = castor bean cake + 0.2% EPL. The EPL solutions were 0.1 or 0.2%, 100 mL per pot, applied every two weeks. NPK 20-5-20 chemical fertilizer was applied at three month intervals and castor bean cake organic fertilizer was applied once a month (40 g per pot for both). Plant height and the number of leaves and shoots were evaluated one year after the beginning of the trial. The organic fertilizer on its own and with EPL (T7, T8 and T9) produced the tallest plants and highest number of leaves. Organic fertilizer with 0.1 and 0.2% EPL produced the most shoots. For all variables, chemical fertilizer, both with and without EPL, was less effective than organic fertilizer with EPL and treatment with only EPL was less effective than treatment with organic fertilizer.O efeito da utilização do extrato pirolenhoso (EPL) aplicado isoladamente e em mistura com adubação orgânica e química foi avaliado no desenvolvimento de mudas de areca bambu. Os tratamentos foram T1= sem adubação (testemunha); T2= T2= EPL 0,1%; T3= EPL 0,2%; T4= NPK-20-5-20; T5= NPK-20-5-20 + EPL 0,1%; T6= NPK-20-5-20 + EPL 0,2%; T7= torta de mamona; T8= torta de mamona + EPL 0,1% e T9= torta de mamona + EPL 0,2%. As soluções de EPL foram 0,1% e 0,2%, aplicados 100 mL por vaso, quinzenalmente. O adubo químico NPK 20-5-20 foi aplicado trimestralmente e a torta de mamona, adubo orgânico utilizado, foi aplicado mensalmente (ambos 40 g por vaso). A altura da planta, o número de folhas e o número de brotações foram avaliados após um ano do início do experimento. A adubação orgânica isolada e com adição de EPL (T7, T8 e T9) proporcionou maiores alturas de planta e maior número de folhas. A adubação orgânica com a adição de EPL 0,1 e 0,2% produziu mais brotos. Para todas as variáveis, a adubação química com e sem o EPL foram menos efetivas que a adubação orgânica com EPL e os tratamentos com EPL isoladamente foram menos efetivos que os tratamentos com adubação orgânica.

O butiá é um fruto nativo muito consumido no Sul do País, sendo comum encontrá-lo como frutífera cultivada. no Rio Grande do Sul, ocorrem cinco espécies de palmeiras deste gênero. o número cromossômico de Butia eriospatha e de B. odorata é descrito pela primeira vez. B. capitata e B. yatay tiveram seu número cromossômico descrito anteriormente, apesar de seu cariótipo nunca ter sido reportado antes, e B. paraguayensis não concordou com a contagem anterior. Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar as características cromossômicas dentro e entre cinco espécies deste gênero, sendo nove exemplares de B. capitata, três de B. eriospatha, três de B. odorata, dois de B. paraguayensis e dois de B. yatay. Foram coletados frutos de populações naturais, cujas sementes foram colocadas para germinar. os meristemas apicais radiculares das plântulas foram submetidos aos pré-tratamentos 8-hidroxiquinoleína 0,002M, água a 0ºC e colchicina 1%, sendo fixadas em solução fresca de etanol e ácido acético glacial 3:1 (v/v) e coradas em solução Giemsa 2%. Todas as espécies estudadas apresentam o mesmo número cromossômico, 2n = 2x = 32, possuindo também a mesma fórmula cariotípica: 14 cromossomos metacêntricos, 12 submetacêntricos e 6 acrocêntricos. os cariótipos de todas as espécies são simétricos, apresentando dois pares de cromossomos satelitados, um par de cromossomos metacêntricos satelitados e um par de acrocêntricos também satelitados.Butiá is a native fruit which is a lot used in the Southern of Brazil and it is usually harvested like crop fruit. Five species of native palm trees of the genus Butia occur in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Chromosome numbers and karyotype of Butia eriospatha and B. odorata are being reported for the first time. B. capitata and B. yatay had the chromosome numbers previously described, although its karyotype has never been reported before and B. paraguayensis coincided not with the early count. Fruits from natural populations were collected; the seeds were extracted and put to germinate. The aim of this paper was to analyze the chromosomical features between and into five species of this genus. Nine specimens of B. capitata, three of B. eriospatha, three of B. odorata, two of B. paraguayensis and two of B. yatay were analyzed. Root tips from seedlings were pretreated in 0.002M 8-hydroxyquinoline or icy water (0ºC) or 1% colchicine, fixed in ethanol and acetic acid (3:1) and then stained in 2% Giemsa. All species showed the same chromosome number, 2n = 2x = 32, and the same chromosome morphology: 14 metacentric, 12 submetacentric and 6 acrocentric chromosomes. Karyotypes of all species are symetric, with two pairs of sattelite, one pair of metacentric and one pair of acrocentric chromosomes.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi adequar o teste de envelhecimento acelerado para avaliar a qualidade fisiológica de diásporos de Oenocarpus bacaba Mart. (bacaba). Inicialmente, os diásporos foram expostos às temperaturas de 41; 43 e 45 ºC, durante 3; 6; 12; 24; 36; 48 e 72 h, com cerca de 100% de umidade relativa do ar. Foram considerados dois critérios de germinação: emissão da primeira bainha igual ou superior a 1cm e plântula normal. o teste de germinação foi realizado com 6 repetições de 20 diásporos, em temperatura de 30 ºC e fotoperíodo de 12 h. Pelos resultados preliminares, observou-se que os lotes de diásporos de bacaba podem ser separados em níveis de vigor por meio do envelhecimento acelerado, em 43ºC e com cerca de 100% de umidade relativa do ar, por 48 h. os quatro lotes de diásporos foram então submetidos, num segundo experimento, a 43 ºC por 24; 48 e 72 h, sendo adotada como critério de germinação a emissão de primeira bainha. Em 45 ºC, a porcentagem de germinação foi drasticamente reduzida após 12 h. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os critérios de germinação utilizados. Os lotes de diásporos foram separados em diferentes níveis de vigor após 48 e 72 h de exposição a 43 ºC. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, sugere-se o uso de primeira bainha como critério de germinação e período de envelhecimento de 48 h a 43 ºC, para a avaliação da qualidade fisiológica de diásporos de bacaba.The evaluation of Oenocarpus bacaba diaspore physiological quality by means of the accelerated aging test was studied. The diaspores were submitted to temperatures of 41, 43, and 45 ºC for 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h at a relative humidity of 100%. Two germination criteria were employed to evaluate the results:1. emission of the first 1 cm or longer sheath, and 2. normal seedling. The germination test was carried out with 6 replications of 20 diaspores at a temperature of 30 ºC and a 12 h photoperiod. Based on preliminary results, four diaspore lots were submitted to 43 ºC for 24, 48, and 72 h and the evaluation of germination was based on the emission of the first sheath. At 45 ºC, germination percentage was severely reduced after 12 h. The use of the first sheath is suggested as germination criterion. The diaspore lots were more clearly separated when the accelerated aging test was conducted for 48 h at the temperature of 43 ºC.

A propagação da palmeira-ráfia (Rhapis excelsa), palmeira ornamental de grande valor comercial, é realizada através de sementes ou divisão de touceiras. Entretanto, a germinação das sementes não é uniforme, e o crescimento da planta é considerado lento. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se comparar a utilização de tratamentos pré-germinativos para acelerar e uniformizar a germinação de sementes de R. excelsa. Avaliou-se o efeito das escarificações mecânica (lixar um lado ou dois lados da semente), térmica (imersão em água a 100 ºC durante 1, 2 ou 4 min) e química (imersão em ácido sulfúrico 98%, durante 1, 2 ou 4 min), bem como a sua embebição em soluções contendo BAP (benzilaminopurina) nas concentrações de 0, 25, 50 ou 100 mg L-1 e GA3 (ácido giberélico) nas concentrações de 0, 100, 200 ou 300 mg L-1 na germinação e velocidade de germinação de sementes da espécie. Os resultados evidenciaram que os tratamentos pré-germinativos utilizados não influenciaram a porcentagem de germinação nem o índice de velocidade de emergência das sementes.Lady palm (Rhapis excelsa) is an ornamental plant with great commercial value, usually cultivated as vase plant. It is propagated by seed or clump division. Seed germination is not uniform and plant growth is slow, leading to delayed plant production. The research was carried out at the Federal University of Lavras and aimed to compare three scarification methods for a rapid and uniform germination of R. excelsa seeds. The effect of mechanical scarification (with sandpaper in one or both sides of the seed), thermal scarification (immersion in 100ºC water over 1, 2 or 4 minutes) and chemical scarification (immersion in 98% sulfuric, during 1, 2 or 4 minutes)was evaluated on seed germination, using the parameters germination percentage and the index of emergence speed (IES). The results showed that germination percentage and the index of emergence speed were not affected by seed scarification.

his work constitutes the first survey of fruitful species of Rondónia State, in the Brazilian Amazon. This started in 2005, until now 22 species had been catalogued, distributed in 13 botanical families. Among the families Palmae and Sterculiaceae have been distinguished, each one with five described species. Some species are not part of the popular knowledge, being consumed mainly for the wild fauna, as Diospyros brasiliensis Mart. (caqui-do-mato), Bellucia grossularioides (L.) Triana (jambinho) and Maclura tinctoria (L.) Engl. (amoreira). Beyond the nourishing use, some species present new potentials, case of açaí Euterpe oleracea Mart., whose seeds are used in the manufacture of “bio-jewelsâ€.Este trabalho se constitui no primeiro levantamento de espécies frutíferas do Estado de Rondónia, na Amazónia brasileira. Iniciado em 2005, até o momento foram catalogadas 22 espécies, distribuídas em 13 famílias botânicas. Entre as famílias destaca-se Palmae e Sterculiaceae, cada uma com cinco espécies descritas. Algumas espécies não fazem parte do conhecimento popular, sendo consumidas principalmente pela fauna silvestre, como Diospyros brasiliensis Mart. (caqui-do-mato), Bellucia grossularioides (L.) Triana (jambinho) e Maclura tinctoria (L.) Engl. (amoreira). Além do uso alimentício, há espécies que apresentam novos potenciais, caso do açaí Euterpe oleracea Mart., cujas sementes são utilizadas na fabricação de biojóias.