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O Acervo e Laboratório Paleontológico Sérgio Mezzalira, atualmente pertencente ao Instituto de Pesquisas Ambientais da Secretaria de Meio Ambiente, Infraestrutura e Logística do Estado de São Paulo, remonta à Commissão Geographica e Geologica de São Paulo (1886-1931), abrangendo coleções de vertebrados, invertebrados e vegetais fósseis de diferentes regiões do Brasil. A presente contribuição, além de efetuar um histórico desse importante acervo, tem por finalidade registrar a sua relevância para a pesquisa paleontológica, além de ressaltar as possibilidades de seu uso didático e para divulgação científica.

Parasites are key players in ecosystems, influencing population sizes and food webs, yet the impact of environmental factors on their diversity is not well understood. The Atlantic rainforest in Brazil, particularly the Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga (PEFI), exemplifies a biodiversity hotspot facing significant deforestation, housing diverse animal species such as the synanthropic Brazilian common opossum (Didelphis aurita), which serves as a reservoir for multiple zoonotic pathogens. In this study, we investigated parasite diversity, abundance, prevalence, and richness in free-living D. aurita in the PEFI, São Paulo, Brazil. From January 2015 to January 2017, 101 fecal samples of D. aurita were collected in two areas of PEFI, at the Instituto de Pesquisas Ambientais (IPA) and the Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia (Cientec), and analyzed using three different parasitological methods. In total, 99% of the samples were positive for at least one parasite. The most prevalent parasite belonged to the order Strongylida (82%), followed by Cruzia sp. (77%), the latter having a significantly higher prevalence at IPA. In contrast, Acanthocephala showed greater prevalence at Cientec. Co-infections were common, with some individuals harboring up to seven different parasites. Our findings reveal significant parasite diversity in the D. aurita population at PEFI, including both helminths and protozoan trophozoites, some of which are reported for the first time in this host species. Further research is essential for accurate species identification of the observed parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irpex rosettiformis is an edible macrofungi species that occurs in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. Herein, we report for the first time a successful cultivation of wild strains of I. rosettiformis from Brazil. We evaluated the in vitro growth of nine wild strains at five temperatures and on two substrates. The cultivation in bags was carried out on a sawdust-based substrate, and the basidiomata produced were evaluated for nutritional and mineral content. The mycelium of the wild strains of I. rosettiformis has an optimal mycelial growth rate at 28 °C and 30 °C, and the wild strains evaluated in the substrate experiment grew better in the sterile substrate based on eucalyptus sawdust than in the pasteurized JunCao substrate. The highest values of biological efficiency (29.47–30.01%) were obtained from the wild strain CCIBt4706 from the south of Brazil. Nutritional analyses showed that I. rosettiformis contains high values of crude fiber (22.68–27.61%) and crude protein (18.89–25.63%). Potassium was the most abundant mineral (33,500 mg/kg), followed by phosphorus (10,800 and 12,500 mg/kg) and magnesium (2300 and 2600 mg/kg) in the two tested samples. The species I. rosettiformis can be cultivated using traditional methods known for other commercial mushroom species and has the potential to be introduced into the edible mushroom industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sufficiently exploiting the potential of crop photosynthesis is one of the critical ways for improving cultivation production to face global climate change. In this study, oat plants were potted with three watering treatments. The glumes, lemmas, and flag leaves were sampled on days 0, 7, and 14 after the first floret blossomed under the control (denoted as CK-0, CK-7, and CK-14), drought stress (denoted as DS-7, and DS-14) and rewatering treatments (RW-14). Paraffin cross-section structures were observed, and the absolute water content, photosynthetic enzyme activities, carbohydrate content, dry matter weight, and total C and total N accumulation were determined in the glumes, lemmas and flag leaves. The results showed that stomatal tissues were present in both the inner and outer epidermis in the glumes and lemmas, and chloroplasts existed in the cells of both ear organs. Compared to CK-14, the absolute water content was significantly decreased in the flag leaves, stems, and seeds under DS-14, while drought stress did not significantly affect the water status of the glumes, lemmas, and peduncles. Drought stress significantly decreased the PEPC activities in the glumes, lemmas, and flag leaves, and the glumes had significantly higher PEPC activity than the flag leaves in the late stages of grain filling. Compared to CK-7, fructose and sucrose content was significantly decreased in the flag leaves under DS-7, while drought stress significantly increased the fructose, sucrose, and starch content in the glumes and lemmas. In addition, soluble sugar content was significantly increased in all glumes, lemmas, and flag leaves under drought stress. Rewatering significantly increased the carbohydrate content in the flag leaves, while it had no significant effect on the glumes and lemmas. As growth continued, the C and N contents and the dry matter mass in the seeds gradually increased, which was transferred from the glumes, lemmas, leaves, and stems. The results suggest that oats can tolerate a certain degree of drought without affecting the ears' physiological function and yield, and ear organs can maintain water status and photosynthetic performance, which plays a major role in the maintenance of seed yield under drought stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many species of mushroom-forming fungi have been harvested in the wild and used for food and medicine for thousands of years. In Brazil, the knowledge of the diversity of wild edible mushrooms remains scattered and poorly studied. Based on new samples, bibliographic records revision, and searches through the GenBank, we recorded 409 species of wild edible mushrooms in Brazil, of which 350 can be safely consumed and 59 are edible but with conditions. Additionally, other 150 species represent taxa with unclear evidence of consumption or unconfirmed edibility status. A total of 86 of the 409 edible species represents consistent records in Brazil based on molecular data and/or Brazilian nomenclatural types. Other 323 names represent species that need further taxonomic investigations to confirm their identity and occurrence in the country, with 41 of them having some record of consumption by part of the Brazilian population. The remaining 282 species can represent new food resources for the country. We generated 143 DNA sequences, representing 40 species within 29 genera. Edible mushrooms are an important non-wood forest product and the knowledge about them adds value to the local biodiversity and the population, increasing the incentive to conservation allied to sustainable rural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cladochytriales comprises a taxonomic order and lineage of chytrid fungi that are primarily saprobes of organic matter in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The order contains species from 12 genera, though molecular confirmations of almost all type species are lacking, and many genera are considered polyphyletic. We conducted phylogenetic analyses of ribosomal RNA genes and developmental morphology of Cladochytriales isolates from the Collection of Zoosporic Eufungi at the University of Michigan and noted some strains that were distinct from described genera. In our phylogenetic analysis, Endochytriaceae represented by only one strain of Endochytrium ramosum was sister to Septochytriaceae while the incertae sedis lineage formed by the new species Thomasia carolinae was sister to Nowakowskiellaceae. Additionally, the phylogenetic relatedness of the other two new species, Dogmamyces elongatus and Allochytrium aureum, was also highly supported. A thorough revision of the order is needed because some genera, such as Catenochytridium and Nephrochytrium, remain polyphyletic or paraphyletic. In addition to indicating these problems, our updated phylogeny supports the description of two new genera and three new species and thereby begins to bring the knowledge of the Cladochytriales up to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Protected areas (PAs) are important for the conservation of fauna and flora. Given that they are established to safeguard these natural resources, it is often assumed that habitats within PAs are better conserved and support a higher diversity of species compared to unprotected habitats. I aimed to test this assumption by studying forest birds in 20 fragments of the Brazilian Seasonal Semideciduous Atlantic Forest, 12 of which are protected by the state. These fragments ranged in size from 43 to 37,000 hectares. I measured species richness and the biological functions provided by these bird species but found no significant differences between protected and unprotected areas. These results may be attributed to the way in which Brazilian protected areas were designated, as they consist of some of the last remaining fragments in a landscape that has experienced severe fragmentation. As a result, in this region, protected areas are not necessarily more intact or better preserved than unprotected forests. Protected areas (PAs) are widely recognized as being essential for maintaining global biodiversity. In this study, I aimed to determine whether PAs support a greater richness of forest bird species than unprotected habitats and whether they exhibit functional diversity indices and traits comparable to those found in protected forests in the eastern Brazilian Semideciduous Atlantic Forest. I conducted bird surveys across 20 forest fragments of varying sizes (43 to 37,000 ha), 12 of which were legally designated as PAs. The results indicated that species richness was not significantly higher in PAs and that there were no significant differences in functional diversity indices and traits between unprotected and protected forests. In eastern Brazil, some forest remnants were designated as PAs merely because they were among the last remaining patches within a heavily fragmented landscape. Therefore, protected areas do not necessarily serve as accurate proxies for well-preserved habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollen morphology and the reproductive biology of Calophyllum brasiliense were investigated in Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga, São Paulo, Brazil. The study encompassed pollen analyses using light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, we collected data on reproductive biology, main visitors/pollinators, fruit set, and seed germination. The species exhibits individuals with perfect flowers (hermaphrodites) as well as male individuals with staminate and perfect flowers. Flowering occurs in October and November, and flowers have diurnal anthesis and pollen as a floral resource. Pollen grains are monads of medium size, isopolar, oblate-spheroidal to prolate-spheroidal, 3-(4)-zonocolporate, with exine fossulate-perforate with supratectal microechini. Hermaphrodite individuals have the highest proportion of malformed pollen due to their reduced grain size. The pollen grains from the hermaphrodite individuals displayed a low viability (0.06%), while those from male individuals had higher viability (66.38% and 55.78% for perfect and staminate flowers, respectively). The stigma was receptive throughout the anthesis period. Cross-pollination between perfect flowers of male and hermaphrodite individuals resulted in 8.80% success in fruit set, but led to the development of one abnormal seedling. Cross-pollination between staminate flowers and perfect flowers of hermaphrodite individuals showed a 7.70% success rate and the control group showed an 8.00% success rate, both groups leading to the development of normal seedlings. This tree species shows relatively low reproductive success and relies on pollinators (mainly Apis mellifera, Paratrigona subnuda, Tetragonisca angustula, and Halictidae sp. 1) for the setting of fruits and seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The state of Espírito Santo has one of the greatest diversities of macroalgae along the Brazilian coast. Beach-cast seaweeds are a frequent phenomenon and exhibit great diversity. This study assessed stranded macroalgae's composition and reproductive status to evaluate their potential for sustainable use by the local community. Monthly collections were carried out from March to November 2022, covering the rainy and dry seasons, on five beaches in Espírito Santo: three in the north and two in the south. At each beach, two 50 m transects were set up parallel to the coastline over the stranded algae patches, one near the wave-breaking zone during low tide and another around high tide, and three 1 × 1 m quadrants were randomly selected in each transect. All material within each quadrant was collected, resulting in six samples per beach. We identified 81 taxa, including 54 Rhodophyta, 16 Ulvophyceae and 11 Phaeophyceae. The taxon composition was relatively consistent across the studied regions, with the rainy season exhibiting the greatest species richness. Seventeen of the identified taxa had reproductive structures, although only four consistently presented these structures. Our results suggest that removing stranded macroalgae does not significantly impact their role as propagule sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudohydnum, commonly known as cat's tongue mushrooms, is a monophyletic assemblage within Auriculariales, which encompasses species with gelatinous basidiomata, spathulate, flabellate, or shell-shaped pileus, hydnoid hymenophore, globose to ellipsoidal basidiospores, and longitudinally cruciate-septate basidia. According to the available literature, 16 species have been described in Pseudohydnum, mostly represented in temperate-boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere. However, the limited morphological, molecular, and ecological information, especially from the Southern Hemisphere ecosystems, does not presently allow a reliable assessment of its taxonomic boundaries nor provide a complete picture of the species diversity in the genus. In an ongoing effort to examine specimens collected in dense and mixed ombrophilous forest fragments (Atlantic Rainforest domain) from Southeastern and Southern Brazil, additional taxa assigned to Pseudohydnum were identified. Four new species are recognized based mostly on characters of the pileus surface, stipe, hymenium, and basidiospores. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS barcode), partial nuc rDNA 28S, and partial RNA polymerase II largest subunit (RPB1) sequences supported the description of these new taxa. Here, we propose Pseudohydnum brasiliense, P. brunneovelutinum, P. cupulisnymphae, and P. viridimontanum as new species. Morphological descriptions, line drawings, habitat photos, and comparisons with closely related taxa are provided. A dichotomous key for identification of currently known Southern Hemisphere Pseudohydnum species is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletín de la Sociedad Argentina de Botánica is the property of Sociedad Argentina de Botanica 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.)

Favolus is a genus of white-rot polypores with a worldwide distribution, characterized by laterally attached, fleshy to flexible basidiomata, and mostly large, radially elongated pores. The generic type, Favolus brasiliensis, originally described from Brazil, has been recently suggested as a species complex based on DNA data. Additionally, new species have been described based on morphological and molecular data without, however, addressing potential earlier available names. Thus, a thorough revision of type specimens of the Neotropical taxa currently associated with Favolus (Polyporus) tenuiculus was conducted. Further morphological studies and multigene (ITS, nucLSU, TEF1, and RPB1) phylogenetic analyses of the newly collected Favolus specimens from the Atlantic Forest of Brazil and other localities in the Neotropics were carried out. In total, 127 new sequences (62 ITS, 30 nucLSU, 22 TEF1, and 13 RPB1) of Favolus species were generated. GenBank sequences of two type specimens incorporated in our analyses clarified the phylogenetic position of F. elongoporus, a species previously described from Brazil, and proved a new combination in Favolus for Polyporus laetiporoides, a recently described species from Costa Rica. In contrast to the previous phylogenetic studies that recognized two supported clades among F. brasiliensis sequences as two probable species, the present study advocates for a broader concept as a single species. Moreover, we select a lectotype and a new epitype for F. brasiliensis and discuss its identity versus P. tenuiculus. Morphological studies and molecular data of new collections and older type specimens support the recovery of Favolus reniformis and Hexagonia rhombipora as distinct species of Favolus. Additionally, F. tessellatus, F. trigonus and F. pseudoprinceps are justified as older names for the recently described F. rugulosus, F. radiatifibrillosus and F. yanomamii, respectively. Detailed morphological descriptions of the collections and pure cultures obtained for this study are provided, along with comments, illustrations, and a key for species of Favolus from the Neotropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present three new lectotypifications for Gymnogramma schomburgkiana (= Jamesonia hispidula), Trichomanes guianense (= T. ankersii), and Adiantum lucidum var. poeppigianum (≡ A. poeppigianum). A neotype for Adiantum petiolatum, a species widespread in the Neotropical region, is also selected. Additionally, type specimens of Adiantum granvilleanum and A. latipinnulum were recently discovered at P Herbarium, and of Adiantum rhomboideum var. strictum at BM. Corrections about the localities where types came from are also presented for Adiantum rhomboideum var. strictum (= A. serratodentatum and/or A. multisorum). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many taxonomic and systematic rearrangements were proposed to Marasmius Fr. since its original concept in 1835, and since 1980 when it became the type of Marasmiaceae. These were based on morphological and/or more recently molecular phylogenetic studies. This study conducted a comprehensive taxonomic and systematic evaluation of Marasmius that benefits the whole family, implementing multilocus (SSU, LSU, ITS, rpb2 and ef1-α) phylogenetic analyses integrated with morphological and other features. The resulting trees support (1) a Marasmiaceae clade-based circumscription within Marasmiineae, (2) a Marasmius clade-based circumscription within Marasmiaceae, and (3) a subgenus-section-subsection-series system. Two subgenera are proposed: Globulares and Marasmius. Marasmius auton. subgen. includes Crinis-eques sect. nov., sect. Marasmius, Sanguirotales sect. nov., Variabilispori sect. nov., and Sicciformes sect. nov., while Globulares subg. nov. groups sect. Globulares and sect. Sicci. Four subsections are proposed in sect. Globulares and three in sect. Marasmius and sect. Sicciformes. Seventeen series were defined in sect. Globulares and three in sect. Sicci. Selected traits were assessed for their phylogenetic signals within Marasmius, providing a robust framework for a natural system. Based on this analysis, Marasmiaceae includes Chaetocalathus, Crinipellis, Marasmius and Moniliophthora/Paramarasmius, and Campanellaceae fam. nov. includes Brunneocorticium, Campanella/Tetrapyrgos, Neocampanella, and Marasmiellus sect. Candidi. New species, names, combinations and epitypes are also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adiantum forzzanum and A. matogrossense (Pteridaceae) are described as new from west-central Brazil. Adiantum forzzanum resembles A. lorentzii, and A. matogrossense resembles A. ruizianum and they were previously identified as such. Both species, however, can be distinguished by their yellow-farinose indusia and the presence of glands that produce farina (whitish or cream-colored, or yellowish) on the lamina abaxially. These two new species are described, illustrated, and discussed, and a key to distinguishing all other closely related species of the A. raddianum group in the Neotropics is also presented. This contribution adds two more endemic species of Adiantum to the flora of Brazil and is part of our ongoing effort to improve the circumscription of the A. raddianum group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Desenvolvimento e Meio Ambiente is the property of Universidade Federal do Parana 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.)

Strychnos (Loganiaceae, Gentianales) is a large and pantropical genus of woody plants, ethnobotanically important as a source of many toxic alkaloids, including strychnine. Unfortunately, the status of numerous names at various ranks of Strychnos remains unresolved, including that of many specific or infraspecific taxa in the Neotropics. In this study, we address Strychnos bredemeyeri (basionym Lasiostoma bredemeyeri), a species described in 1827 based on type material collected in Venezuela during the poorly documented Austrian Märter expedition (1783-1788). Strychnos bredemeyeri is an unarmed liana with solitary tendrils and axillary inflorescences that occurs in Neotropical rainforests and savannas in Brazil, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela. We clarify here the nomenclatural status of Lasiostoma Schreb., an illegitimate and superfluous genus currently in synonymy under Strychnos, and its former species Lasiostoma bredemeyeri [= Strychnos bredemeyeri]. Also, we lectotypify S. pedunculata and S. trinitensis, both taxa currently synonyms of S. bredemeyeri. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change, characterized by rising atmospheric CO2 levels and temperatures, poses significant challenges to global crop production. Sweet sorghum, a prominent C4 cereal extensively grown in arid areas, emerges as a promising candidate for sustainable bioenergy production. This study investigated the responses of photosynthesis and leaf-scale water use efficiency (WUE) to varying light intensity (I) in sweet sorghum under different temperature and CO2 conditions. Comparative analyses were conducted between the An-I, gs-I, Tr-I, WUEi-I, and WUEinst-I models proposed by Ye et al. and the widely utilized the non-rectangular hyperbolic (NRH) model for fitting light response curves. The Ye's models effectively replicated the light response curves of sweet sorghum, accurately capturing the diminishing intrinsic WUE (WUEi) and instantaneous WUE (WUEinst) trends with increasing I. The fitted maximum values of An, gs, Tr, WUEi, and WUEinst and their saturation light intensities closely matched observations, unlike the NRH model. Despite the NRH model demonstrating high R2 values for An-I, gs-I, and Tr-I modelling, it returned the maximum values significantly deviating from observed values and failed to generate saturation light intensities. It also inadequately represented WUE responses to I, overestimating WUE. Across different leaf temperatures, An, gs, and Tr of sweet sorghum displayed comparable light response patterns. Elevated temperatures increased maximum An, gs, and Tr but consistently declined maximum WUEi and WUEinst. However, WUEinst declined more sharply due to the disproportionate transpiration increase over carbon assimilation. Critically, sweet sorghum An saturated at current atmospheric CO2 levels, with no significant gains under 550 mmol mol-1. Instead, stomatal closure enhanced WUE under elevated CO2 by coordinated gs and Tr reductions rather than improved carbon assimilation. Nonetheless, this response diminished under simultaneously high temperature, suggesting intricate interplay between CO2 and temperature in modulating plant responses. These findings provide valuable insights into photosynthetic dynamics of sweet sorghum, aiding predictions of yield and optimization of cultivation practices. Moreover, our methodology serves as a valuable reference for evaluating leaf photosynthesis and WUE dynamics in diverse plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To describe the composition of the penultimate glacial Brazilian Atlantic forest, we analyzed pollen, charcoal and diatoms deposited in the section from 871 to 1400 cm of core CO14 drilled in the Colônia basin in southeastern Brazil. The landscape was characterized by a cool grassland with three conifer genera: Araucaria, Podocarpus and Ephedra. Total arboreal pollen frequency did not change during the transition from glacial to interglacial conditions. Changes in Podocarpus frequency and concentration showed out‐of‐phase responses with austral summer insolation at an orbital scale while, at a millennial scale, both northern and southern hemisphere ice volume controlled the interplay between positions of the Inter‐Tropical Convergence Zone and South Tropical Front (STF), which in turn defined the latitudinal distribution of rainfall. The disappearance of Podocarpus and the decrease of Araucaria observed between ~167 and 160 ka were related to a dry interval which was not observed elsewhere. During Termination II a progressive decrease in conifer pollen taxa was in phase with a southward shift in the STF and increase in Atlantic sea surface temperatures. Our results show that southern hemisphere conifer distribution is strongly linked to austral summer insolation and winter precipitation and will be threatened by the southward expansion of the summer rainfall boundary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malpighiaceae has undergone unprecedented changes in its traditional classification in the past two decades due to several phylogenetic studies shedding light on the non-monophyly of all subfamilies and most tribes and genera. Even though morphological characters were used to reconstruct the last molecular generic phylogeny of Malpighiaceae, a new classification system has never been proposed for this family. Based on a comprehensive review of the last twenty years of published studies for this family, we propose a new classification system and provide a taxonomic synopsis for Malpighiaceae based on molecular phylogenetics, morphology, palynology, and chemistry as a baseline for the systematics, conservation, and taxonomy of this family worldwide. Malpighiaceae currently comprises two subfamilies (Byrsonimoideae and Malpighioideae), 12 tribes (Acmanthereae, Acridocarpeae trib. nov., Barnebyeae trib. nov., Bunchosieae trib. nov., Byrsonimeae, Galphimieae, Gaudichaudieae, Hiptageae, Hiraeeae, Malpighieae, Mcvaughieae trib. nov., and Ptilochaeteae trib. nov.), 72 genera (incl. Mamedea gen. nov.), and 1,499 accepted species (715 of which are currently under some kind of extinction threat). We present identification keys for all subfamilies, tribes, and genera, a full morphological description for the proposed new genus, the re-circumscription of ten genera alongside the needed new combinations, the proposition of several new synonyms, the typification of several names, and notes on the taxonomy, distribution, conservation, and ecology up to the genus rank. Morphological plates are also provided to illustrate the immense diversity of morphological traits used in the new classification and synopsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We combined detailed field work with whole-rock geochemistry of samples from both surface exposures and rock chips from a ~300 m pile of basalt retrieved from a groundwater borehole in the Jaú region (central part of the state of São Paulo) to contribute to the stratigraphic knowledge of the northern Paraná Magmatic Province. The P2O5 content was used as the first guide to flow identification, always combined with other minor and trace elements (mostly Ti, Zr, Sr, and Cu). This approach allowed the establishment of a stratigraphic column with 16 flows, which were tentatively divided into three sequences. Regional correlations show that the lower portion of these basalt flows (Sequence 1) has good correspondence with the flow-by-flow succession identified at the border of the Paraná Basin by previous regional works. The upper eight flows, occurring at the top of the plateau where the thickness of basalt reaches up to 300 m, should have their continuity westward (toward the center of the Paraná Basin), where the volcanic pile thickens. The local preservation of these upper flows may result from significant (up to 170 m) displacements along the ENE-directed Jaú fault, identified from stratigraphic relations here defined in the basalt pile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI) has been mainly described in species-rich clades within Orchidaceae. We report GSI for a genus within Maxillariinae, one of the most conspicuous and diverse subtribes of neotropical orchids. Here, we describe the reproductive system of Brasiliorchis picta, B. phoenicanthera, and B. porphyrostele. Anatomical studies of fruit development showed that pollen tubes of aborted, self-pollinated flowers degenerate half-way in the stylar channel and never reach the ovules. Spontaneous self-pollination and emasculation set no fruits for none of the sampled species, thus supporting the hypothesis that these three species studied rely on the agency of pollinators and pollinator-mediated cross-pollination to set fruit. Fruit set from cross-pollinations ranged from 33.4 to 77.5%. One self-pollinated fruit of B. porphyrostele developed to completion. All other fruits aborted between 10 and 21 days after pollination. These data support previous evidence of variable strength GSI being exhibited in orchid species. Additional studies of self-incompatibility systems are needed to evaluate their role in species diversification and evolution of reproductive strategies in Maxillariinae and to allow for effective conservation strategies of threatened orchid species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lichens were investigated in two upland areas in Brazil from which lichens were described in historical times. The main aim was to recollect topotypes, but 37 species turned out to be new records for Brazil. Also, 25 new lichen species are described, all from South Brazil: Acarospora aggregata, Allographa triangularis, Arthotheliopsis corticola, Astrothelium flavocrystallinum, Astrothelium flavoinspersum, Astrothelium macrostromaticum, Caloplaca fuscospora, Caloplaca marginireflectans, Cladonia sticticocrustosa, Cladonia xanthozebrina, Dichosporidium fibrosum, Dichosporidium lanosum, Fissurina aggregata, Fuscidea lobata, Gyalidea concava, Gyalideopsis crenata, Gyalideopsis hyalinocoronata, Hypotrachyna aurantiacoreagens, Hypotrachyna cauliflora, Jamesiella clavata, Jamesiella elongata, Porina lateralis, Pseudopyrenula muriformis, Rhizocarpon sorediosubmuriforme, and Thelidium mucosoides. The collection includes two further crustose Cladonia species in this mostly fruticose genus, and almost doubles the number of species in Jamesiella. Furthermore, 149 species are reported from São Paulo state for the first time, 74 from Rio de Janeiro, 10 from Minas Gerais, and four from Espírito Santo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of fossil and subfossil birds in Brazil is still in its early stages despite its relatively abundant material. The remains are represented by bones, feathers, mummified specimens, eggs, coprolites, pellets, and tracks found in all Regions of the country starting in the 1830s. They are known from the Early Cretaceous to the latest Holocene, albeit several temporal gaps exist, and the most expressive diversity and quantity are concentrated in a few but important sites. Our survey and review of the literature and some previously unpublished specimens resulted in a list of 669 records demonstrating that the country's known past avifaunas are essentially modern and rely mostly on provisional determination methods. Despite this, 15 extinct genera and 20 extinct species were newly described, demonstrating this field's potential. The proper study of numerous long-stored materials from both paleontological and archeological contexts and eventual new remains can contribute significantly to our understanding of avian evolution and their taxonomic diversity throughout time, besides furnishing paleobiogeographic and paleoenvironmental information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rodriguésia is the property of Revista Rodriguesia 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.)

Copyright of Rodriguésia is the property of Revista Rodriguesia 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.)

Saprolegniaceae s.l. is a species-rich family of the monophyletic order Saprolegniales (Oomycota, Straminipila). Members of this family are primarily saprotrophs on cellulosic, chitinous, and proteinaceous materials in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. This family also includes pathogens infecting various hosts, such as plants, crustaceans, and fishes at various life cycle stages. A diversity survey of Saprolegniaceae s.l. from freshwater and soil of the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest resulted in 20 species isolated and identified through morphological and molecular analyses. These analyses revealed two new genera (Beakesia and Cokeria) and two new species, Achlya delicata and Brevilegnia milaneziana. Beakesia is proposed to accommodate Achlya catenulata, while Cokeria includes species with subcentric and centric oospores previously assigned to Achlya (A. racemosa, A. radiosa, and A. sparrowii). Our findings highlight the importance of additional sampling and studies in biodiversity-rich areas such as the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. They also provide a new perspective on the evolutionary relationships and nomenclatural delineation of traditional Oomycota genera, and revisit the family subdivisions of Saprolegniales, formally introducing Achlyaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Parasites are key players in ecosystems, influencing population sizes and food webs, yet the impact of environmental factors on their diversity is not well understood. The Atlantic rainforest in Brazil, particularly the Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga (PEFI), exemplifies a biodiversity hotspot facing significant deforestation, housing diverse animal species such as the synanthropic Brazilian common opossum (Didelphis aurita), which serves as a reservoir for multiple zoonotic pathogens. In this study, we investigated parasite diversity, abundance, prevalence, and richness in free-living D. aurita in the PEFI, São Paulo, Brazil. From January 2015 to January 2017, 101 fecal samples of D. aurita were collected in two areas of PEFI, at the Instituto de Pesquisas Ambientais (IPA) and the Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia (Cientec), and analyzed using three different parasitological methods. In total, 99% of the samples were positive for at least one parasite. The most prevalent parasite belonged to the order Strongylida (82%), followed by Cruzia sp. (77%), the latter having a significantly higher prevalence at IPA. In contrast, Acanthocephala showed greater prevalence at Cientec. Co-infections were common, with some individuals harboring up to seven different parasites. Our findings reveal significant parasite diversity in the D. aurita population at PEFI, including both helminths and protozoan trophozoites, some of which are reported for the first time in this host species. Further research is essential for accurate species identification of the observed parasites.

Since 2011, the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico coasts have been receiving massive influxes of holopelagic sargasso algae composed of Sargassum natans and Sargassum fluitans. This phenomenon has been causing several negative local impacts, such as ecological disturbances and socioeconomic and health concerns of communities in impacted areas. This work aimed to assess the status of scientific knowledge related to pelagic sargasso, including trends, emphases, and gaps. A literature review was conducted on publications and reports from 2011 to 2022, of which 251 articles were collected based on an inclusion–exclusion criteria. Aspects of each article were quantified, including location, description of sargasso, the type of study, and research theme. A region-wide research emphasis on ecology, remote sensing, and valorization was observed. Areas first affected by the inundations composed a higher percentage of sargasso studies than other locations, and the distribution of studies varied among subregions. Topics requiring further investigation include sargasso's growth and mortality rates and drivers, taxonomic and physiologic differences among morphotypes, and real-time forecasting resolution at local scales both on and offshore. This research emphasized efforts from the scientific community on research and mitigation initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we describe 18 new species of the Marattialean genus Danaea: D. alba, D. ampla, D. antioquiana, D. elongata, D. kessleri and D. panamensis (all in D. subg. Danaea); D. dilatata and D. opaca (in D. subg. Arthrodanaea); and D. andina, D. cuspidopsis, D. erosa, D. nasua, D. peruviana, D. polypinna, D. pumila, D. robbinmoranii, D. ubatubensis, and D. velona (in D. subg. Holodanaea). We provide illustrations, maps of geographical distribution, and nomenclatural notes for the new species. We also lectotypify the name D. media and propose that its recent resurrection was a mistake: both D. media and D. elata are synonyms of D. nodosa, which is widespread in Central America and the Greater Antilles; we find that D. pterorachis is a valid name applicable to the Costa Rican material that has been referred to D. media. We consider D. sellowiana and D. nigrescens as distinct species and these names applicable to D. subg. Danaea material from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and Amazonia, respectively, and we also lectotypify the name D. nigrescens here. We accept D. cuspidata and D. betancurii as species distinct from D. moritziana. Evolutionary relationships and an identification key for the 79 species we currently recognize in Danaea are published in a parallel paper (Keskiniva & al. 2024). Citation: Keskiniva V. & Tuomisto H. 2024: Danaea (Marattiaceae) keeps diversifying, part 1: eighteen new species. – Willdenowia 53: 173–228 Version of record first published online on 22 January 2024. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have produced a near-complete phylogeny for the neotropical fern genus Danaea (Marattiaceae). The phylogeny is based on four loci of the chloroplast DNA and shows reconstructions of the evolutionary relationships between 68 of the currently recognized 81 taxa of Danaea. A parallel paper (Keskiniva & Tuomisto 2024) draws on this phylogeny to describe 18 new species; here we discuss the phylogeny and its taxonomical implications more broadly. We propose three new synonyms: D. atlantica Christenh. & al. (= D. geniculata), D. draco Christenh. (= D. polymorpha), and D. moralesiana A. Rojas (= D. erecta). On the other hand, we consider D. jamaicensis Underw., which has been synonymized before, to be a distinct species. In addition, we propose that D. ×ushana is a hybrid between D. simplicifolia and D. nigrescens. We also provide an open-access online key to the 81 taxa. The key is available at https://keys.lucidcentral.org/keys/v4/neo_fern_genus_danaea/. Citation:Keskiniva V., Tuomisto H. & Lehtonen S. 2024: Danaea (Marattiaceae) keeps diversifying, part 2: phylogeny and identification ke for 81 taxa – Willdenowia 53: 229–255 Version of record first published online on 22 January 2024. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnobotanical studies that use the participatory research approach seek to involve the residents of a community in different stages of the study, promoting the registration, dissemination and strengthening of local knowledge, as well as the empowerment of decisions related to the sustainable use and management of resources. Using the participatory methodology, this study recorded and made a comparative analysis on the use of plants in two quilombola communities (Quilombo do Cambury-QC and Quilombo da Fazenda-QF) in the State of São Paulo. After a training on anthropological and botanical methods, local researchers selected and interviewed the local experts, recording their knowledge on plant uses and collecting the indicated plants, to be identified and deposited in herbariums. In addition, participant observation and field diaries were used by the academic researchers, helping to analyze the data. To test the differences in the composition of species known to local community, a Jaccard dissimilarity matrix was created, and a Permanova test was employed. During the 178 days of fieldwork, three local researchers from the QC and two from the QF, selected nine and eight experts on the uses of the plants in each quilombo, respectively, corresponding to 214 plant species, indicated for eight ethnobotanical categories. Our hypothesis has been confirmed, since the traditional knowledge found in both quilombos, regarding plant uses and the number of plant species by category, are distinct, since each community occupies particular plant areas and different phytophysiognomies. Most of the indicated species are native to the Atlantic forest, and no significant differences were observed in the proportion of native species vs. introduced among quilombos for any of the categories of use studied. Furthermore, the innovative methodology used, participatory ethnobotany, contributed to the empowerment of community members with regard to the use of their available resources in the environment in which they live, while retaining the intellectual property rights over their own knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper resurrects Adiantum weatherbyanum, an overlooked species that occurs in northern Chile, and describes and illustrates a new species, A. rodriguezii, from central Chile. Both taxa belong to the Adiantum poiretii group and were overlooked by the previous authors who worked on the Flora of Chile. Adiantum weatherbyanum is easily recognized by the combination of having of simple and branched, whitish, eglandular hairs on the laminar tissue and veins of the pinnules abaxially, and short ciliate rhizome scales. Adiantum rodriguezii is distinct by its pubescent pinnules on both surfaces; the hairs are simple, articulate, 0.5–1.2 mm long, light brown, with eglandular apices, and restricted to the pinnule veins. Relevant taxa are provided with descriptions, comments, and illustrations of the diagnostic characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Connective glands are important morphological characters for the taxonomy of some genera of Malpighiaceae, with few recent studies having just elucidated these glands' anatomical and ecological functions. In order to test the systematic relevance of connective glands to the currently accepted phylogenetic informal clades of Malpighiaceae, we characterised the anatomy and/or histochemistry of two-thirds of Malpighiaceae genera and ten species from nine families of Malpighiales to test: 1. Do connective glands occur in the flowers of all informal clades of Malpighiaceae?; and 2. Are they taxonomically relevant to characterise those clades? We sampled 25 genera and 26 species of Malpighiaceae, processing their anthers using traditional anatomical methods and characterising their glands using light microscopy and SEM imaging. Selected species were subjected to histochemical tests, and an additional 21 genera and 33 species of Malpighiaceae and nine families (ten species) of Malpighiales were included in our sampling from the literature. Three anatomical characters were scored, coded and mapped using Maximum Likelihood methods onto the molecular phylogeny of Malpighiaceae. All sampled species of Malpighiaceae showed connective glands characterised as epidermal or trichomal elaiophores. Our character-mapping analyses recovered connective elaiophores as a new synapomorphy for Malpighiaceae. Different types of epidermal or trichomal elaiophores were recovered as homoplasies for the Christianella and Banisteriopsis clades and the genera Byrsonima, Camarea and Cottsia. Our analyses also recovered the glands' place of insertion in the stamen and the exudate type as potential new synapomorphies or homoplasies for the families of Malpighiales sampled. Our results propose the connective elaiophores as a new synapomorphy for Malpighiaceae and hypothesise the role that different staminal glands might play in the systematics of Malpighiales. Further comprehensive anatomical studies are still needed for the staminal glands of most families of this order to shed new light on the patterns recovered in our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A species of the genus Ramalea, R. coilophylla, was recollected at the type locality and an additional large population was found in another state, Espírito Santo, in Brazil. This enabled a morphological study showing that the podetia arise from the margins of primary squamules. Sequencing showed the species and, because it is very similar to the type species, the genus, which was lastly cited as incertae sedis, to belong to the Ramalinaceae. A new species from the Amazon was also shown to belong to the Ramalinaceae and the new genus Appressodiscus is erected to accommodate this species, as well as a species that was recently described in the genus Ramboldia. New lichen species are Appressodiscus isidiobadius and Lecania variocolorata, and Appressodiscus badius is a new combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bryophytes are the second largest group of land plants and are represented by three lineages: Marchantyophyta (liverworts), Anthocerotophyta (hornworts), and Bryophyta (mosses). They occupy a wide variety of habitats, from deserts to Antarctica, and exercise great ecological importance. These facts and their wide use in traditional medicine raise the question of what is known about moss chemistry. This paper gathered studies from the last 52 years about the compounds identified in mosses, aiming to address the following questions: Are mosses chemically under-studied? How many families, genera, and species of mosses have been chemically studied? Which continent and countries have been responsible for the majority of these studies? A literature search was performed in major scientific databases, using a combination of keywords. A total of 199 papers were compiled, of which 45% were published during the last decade. Only a small percentage of moss species has been studied, mostly from Europe and Asia. Dicranales and Hypnales are the most studied orders. In general, fatty acids and flavonoids are the most commonly reported classes of compounds. Biflavonoids and triflavonoids are detected mainly in derived clades of mosses, while coumarins are most reported for basal groups. Akthough only a small percentage of moss species has been chemically studied, most of these studies were published in the last decade—there has been a 135% increase in the number of reported compounds in the last 13 years. The emergence of new equipment, which can produce high-resolution spectra with small amounts of sample, combined with bioinformatics tools, has undoubtedly contributed to the increase of chemical investigation of mosses. Also, advances in the identification and phylogenetics of moss groups are contributing to a better understanding of them generally, which should lead also to increased study of moss chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]