Macrocrustaceans associated with reefs of Phragmatopoma caudata Krøyer in Mörch, 1863 (Polychaeta: Sabellariidae) and rocky shore in the Northeastern Brazil

Abstract Ecosystem engineering species create, modify, and/or maintain the characteristics of the environment. The polychaete Phragmatopoma caudata builds large sand reefs in the intertidal region of the Brazilian coast with high structural complexity, favoring the increase of diversity and interactions among the species associated. However, there are no studies concerning the association of polychaetes with crustacean macrofauna in the northeastern Brazil ecoregion, leaving an information gap on baseline biodiversity. Our aim was to analyze the effect of P. caudata colonies (PC) on the local diversity of macrocrustaceans compared to the rocky shore (RS) microhabitat. Monthly collections were carried out in low tide from September 2015 to August 2016 on 10 × 10 m quadrants for fauna and environmental variables (temperature and salinity) samples. In each microhabitat, the capture effort was two hours by two researchers. We collected 3,390 individuals, 60% associated with the colonies of PC and 40% with the RS. The PC obtained higher Shannon diversity, Pielou evenness and species richness coupled with milder water temperature and salinity conditions (minor air exposure during tide), compared to the RS that obtained greater species dominance and more extreme abiotic conditions (major air exposure). The Porcellanidae family stood out because all its species were highly abundant and had high occurrence in the colonies. The tropical Brazil porcelain crab Pachycheles greeleyi was dominant in both microhabitats (major dominance in PC). The structural complexity in the reefs of PC promoted higher availability of niches for the species, as more shelter for the resident species and refugium for temporary species with preference for more complex microhabitats. Conservation managers should prioritize the health of these colonies and subsequent species that constitute important ecosystemic and fishery resources.

Macrocrustaceans associated with reefs of Phragmatopoma caudata Krøyer in Mörch, 1863 (Polychaeta: Sabellariidae) and rocky shore in the Northeastern Brazil

Abstract Ecosystem engineering species create, modify, and/or maintain the characteristics of the environment. The polychaete Phragmatopoma caudata builds large sand reefs in the intertidal region of the Brazilian coast with high structural complexity, favoring the increase of diversity and interactions among the species associated. However, there are no studies concerning the association of polychaetes with crustacean macrofauna in the northeastern Brazil ecoregion, leaving an information gap on baseline biodiversity. Our aim was to analyze the effect of P. caudata colonies (PC) on the local diversity of macrocrustaceans compared to the rocky shore (RS) microhabitat. Monthly collections were carried out in low tide from September 2015 to August 2016 on 10 × 10 m quadrants for fauna and environmental variables (temperature and salinity) samples. In each microhabitat, the capture effort was two hours by two researchers. We collected 3,390 individuals, 60% associated with the colonies of PC and 40% with the RS. The PC obtained higher Shannon diversity, Pielou evenness and species richness coupled with milder water temperature and salinity conditions (minor air exposure during tide), compared to the RS that obtained greater species dominance and more extreme abiotic conditions (major air exposure). The Porcellanidae family stood out because all its species were highly abundant and had high occurrence in the colonies. The tropical Brazil porcelain crab Pachycheles greeleyi was dominant in both microhabitats (major dominance in PC). The structural complexity in the reefs of PC promoted higher availability of niches for the species, as more shelter for the resident species and refugium for temporary species with preference for more complex microhabitats. Conservation managers should prioritize the health of these colonies and subsequent species that constitute important ecosystemic and fishery resources.

Macrocrustaceans associated with reefs of Phragmatopoma caudata Krøyer in Mörch, 1863 (Polychaeta: Sabellariidae) and rocky shore in the Northeastern Brazil

Ecosystem engineering species create, modify, and/or maintain the characteristics of the environment. The polychaete Phragmatopoma caudata builds large sand reefs in the intertidal region of the Brazilian coast with high structural complexity, favoring the increase of diversity and interactions among the species associated. However, there are no studies concerning the association of polychaetes with crustacean macrofauna in the northeastern Brazil ecoregion, leaving an information gap on baseline biodiversity. Our aim was to analyze the effect of P. caudata colonies (PC) on the local diversity of macrocrustaceans compared to the rocky shore (RS) microhabitat. Monthly collections were carried out in low tide from September 2015 to August 2016 on 10 × 10 m quadrants for fauna and environmental variables (temperature and salinity) samples. In each microhabitat, the capture effort was two hours by two researchers. We collected 3,390 individuals, 60% associated with the colonies of PC and 40% with the RS. The PC obtained higher Shannon diversity, Pielou evenness and species richness coupled with milder water temperature and salinity conditions (minor air exposure during tide), compared to the RS that obtained greater species dominance and more extreme abiotic conditions (major air exposure). The Porcellanidae family stood out because all its species were highly abundant and had high occurrence in the colonies. The tropical Brazil porcelain crab Pachycheles greeleyi was dominant in both microhabitats (major dominance in PC). The structural complexity in the reefs of PC promoted higher availability of niches for the species, as more shelter for the resident species and refugium for temporary species with preference for more complex microhabitats. Conservation managers should prioritize the health of these colonies and subsequent species that constitute important ecosystemic and fishery resources.(AU)

Earthworms and Fusarium oxysporum: effect on strawberry plant growth and production / Minhocas e Fusarium oxysporum: efeito no crescimento e produção do morangueiro

Earthworms are soil invertebrates that play an important environmental role and are often referred to as “ecosystem engineers”. These invertebrates can influence several organisms, from microscopic life forms to plants. Although many works had reported positive effects of earthworms on plant growth, studies combining these invertebrates and soil pathogens showed numerous positive interactions. Fusarium wilt is a global disease that can cause severe damage to strawberry fields. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of inoculation of earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) and Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae) in strawberry plants. This greenhouse experiment was carried out in the University of Seville School of Agricultural Engineering, Utrera City, Spain. Strawberries (Rooted cuttings) were planted in plastic pots and administered the following treatments: Control (absence of F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae and earthworms), T1 (absence of F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae, two L. terrestris per pot), T2 (inoculum of F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae, absence of L. terrestris), and T3 (inoculum of F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae and two L. terrestris). Weekly fruit production was measured for seven months. After this period the shoot fresh weight and the leaf nutrient content was measured. The results obtained showed no interaction between L. terrestris and F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae on strawberry production. T1 treatment resulted in fruit production superior to other treatments, including the control. An absence of differences in dry shoot matter was observed with earthworm treatment, and small differences were found in the leaf nutrient content. The earthworm inoculation was unable to suppress the negative effects of Fusarium wilt in strawberry production. However, positive effects such as a reduction in the disease severity were found in the earthworm treated plants...(AU)

Minhocas são invertebrados do solo que participam de importantes funções ambientais e são consideradas “engenheiros do ecossistema”. Estes animais podem influenciar diversos organismos, desde formas microscópicas até mesmo plantas. Embora muitos trabalhos citem efeitos positivos da atividade de minhocas no crescimento das plantas, estudos combinando estes invertebrados e patógenos de solo têm demonstrado inúmeras interações. A murcha-de-fusarium é uma doença mundialmente difundida capaz de causar grandes danos ao morangueiro, e seu controle geralmente é ineficiente. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da inoculação de minhocas (Lumbricus terrestris) e murcha de fusarium (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae) em plantas de morango. O experimento foi conduzido em ambiente protegido na Escola de Engenharia Agrícola da Universidade de Sevilha, Utrera - Espanha. Plantas de morango (estacas enraizadas) foram plantadas em vasos plásticos e submetidas aos seguintes tratamentos: Controle (ausência de F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae e minhocas), T1 (ausência de F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae, duas L. terrestris por vaso), T2 (inóculo de F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae, ausência de L. terrestris) e T3 (inóculo de F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae e duas L. terrestris). A produção de frutos foi semanalmente mensurada durante sete meses. Após este período, foram avaliadas a matéria seca da parte aérea e o conteúdo de nutrientes das folhas. Os resultados obtidos não demonstraram entre L. terrestris e F. oxysporum f. sp. fragarie na produção de frutos. Mas, o tratamento T1 apresentou produção superior a todos os outros tratamentos, incluindo o controle. Foram observadas pequenas diferenças no conteúdo de nutrientes das folhas e não se verificou efeito das minhocas na massa seca da parte aérea. A inoculação de minhocas não foi capaz de reduzir os efeitos negativos da murcha de fusarium na produção do morangueiro...(AU)

Padrões de uso de tocas por mamíferos em área de floresta estacional semidecidual no sul do Brasil / Patterns in use of burrows by mammals in a semi-deciduous season forest area in south Brazil

O objetivo do estudo foi identificar e caracterizar tocas de tatu encontradas em remanescente de floresta semidecidual empregando os métodos de caminhamento, análise de micro-habitat e armadilhas fotográficas. A maioria das tocas foi escavada sob rochas ou raízes de árvores e estão associadas a diferentes níveis de cobertura vegetal. Foram registradas ao menos quatro espécies de mamíferos, indicando que tatus podem ser engenheiros de ecossistemas.

The aim of this study was to identify and characterize armadillo burrows found in a semideciduous forest remnant employing methods of random-walks, micro-habitat analysis and camera-traps. Most burrows (60,6%) were excavated under rocks or tree roots and are associated to different levels of vegetation cover. Three medium and large sized mammals were registered besides small wild rodents, indicating that armadillos may be ecosystem engineers.

Padrões de uso de tocas por mamíferos em área de floresta estacional semidecidual no sul do Brasil / Patterns in use of burrows by mammals in a semi-deciduous season forest area in south Brazil

O objetivo do estudo foi identificar e caracterizar tocas de tatu encontradas em remanescente de floresta semidecidual empregando os métodos de caminhamento, análise de micro-habitat e armadilhas fotográficas. A maioria das tocas foi escavada sob rochas ou raízes de árvores e estão associadas a diferentes níveis de cobertura vegetal. Foram registradas ao menos quatro espécies de mamíferos, indicando que tatus podem ser engenheiros de ecossistemas.(AU)

The aim of this study was to identify and characterize armadillo burrows found in a semideciduous forest remnant employing methods of random-walks, micro-habitat analysis and camera-traps. Most burrows (60,6%) were excavated under rocks or tree roots and are associated to different levels of vegetation cover. Three medium and large sized mammals were registered besides small wild rodents, indicating that armadillos may be ecosystem engineers.(AU)

Fish ecological assessment of an Austrian impoundment (HEPP Freudenau, Vienna) with cluster and discriminant analysis implicating dominances after Tischler (1949) / Avaliação ecológica dos peixes de uma represa austríaca (HEPP Freudenau, Viena) com cluster e análise discriminante implicando dominâncias após Tischler (1949)

According to the demands of the European Union Water Framework Directive, natural structures and habitats were implemented during the construction of the hydropower plant Freudenau. Ecological data were processed and evaluated from the years 1999 to 2000 as well as from the years 2003 till 2004. The study area was divided into five parts, which were further divided into 19 habitats. The statistical software SPSS (© SPSS Inc. 2007) was used for statistical analysis. The dominances after Tischler were calculated and consulted for further analysis. In the context of this project an increase in the number of fish species from 1993 to 2004, showing a peak before and after the power station construction, was demonstrated. The CPUE values proved high magnitudes in the habitats B, D and I. The lowest number of individuals shows the Free Flowing Stretches. Both juvenile and adult fish could be proved in many habitats. A more exact analysis with the dominances after Tischler confirmed previous results. Nevertheless the change in the current spectrum of fish species points out interventions to the habitats. Anthropogenically created habitats are only substitutes for natural habitats.(AU)

Devido às demandas da Directiva Quadro da Água da União Europeia, estruturas naturais e habitats foram implementados na represa durante a construção da usina hidrelétrica Freudenau.Dados ecológicos dos peixes dos anos 1999/2000 e 2003/2004 foram analisados e avaliados. A área de estudo na região da UHEFreudenau foi dividida em cinco seções e estas subdivididas em 19 habitats. O programa estatística SPSS (© SPSS Inc. 2007) foi usado para análises estatísticas. A dominância de Tischler foi calculado para fazer comperações entre as análises. O contexto deste projeto mostrou um aumento de número de peixes entre os anos 1993 e 2004, antes e depois da construção da UHE Freudenau. Através de captura por unidade de esforço (CPUE) foi comprovado que a maioria de peixes permanace nos habitats B, D e I; o menor número de espécies foi encontrado na Zona de Corrente Livre. Tanto peixes adultos quanto os juvenís foram capturados nos hábitats artificiais e análises exatas, calculadas com a dominância de Tischler, afirmaram os resultados prévios. No entanto, as alterações na estrutura das comunidades demonstram as intervenções nos hábitats. Hábitats criados artificialmente são apenas substitutos de hábitats naturais.(AU)

Fish ecological assessment of an Austrian impoundment (HEPP Freudenau, Vienna) with cluster and discriminant analysis implicating dominances after Tischler (1949) / Avaliação ecológica dos peixes de uma represa austríaca (HEPP Freudenau, Viena) com cluster e análise discriminante implicando dominâncias após Tischler (1949)

According to the demands of the European Union Water Framework Directive, natural structures and habitats were implemented during the construction of the hydropower plant Freudenau. Ecological data were processed and evaluated from the years 1999 to 2000 as well as from the years 2003 till 2004. The study area was divided into five parts, which were further divided into 19 habitats. The statistical software SPSS (© SPSS Inc. 2007) was used for statistical analysis. The dominances after Tischler were calculated and consulted for further analysis. In the context of this project an increase in the number of fish species from 1993 to 2004, showing a peak before and after the power station construction, was demonstrated. The CPUE values proved high magnitudes in the habitats B, D and I. The lowest number of individuals shows the Free Flowing Stretches. Both juvenile and adult fish could be proved in many habitats. A more exact analysis with the dominances after Tischler confirmed previous results. Nevertheless the change in the current spectrum of fish species points out interventions to the habitats. Anthropogenically created habitats are only substitutes for natural habitats.

Devido às demandas da Directiva Quadro da Água da União Europeia, estruturas naturais e habitats foram implementados na represa durante a construção da usina hidrelétrica Freudenau.Dados ecológicos dos peixes dos anos 1999/2000 e 2003/2004 foram analisados e avaliados. A área de estudo na região da UHEFreudenau foi dividida em cinco seções e estas subdivididas em 19 habitats. O programa estatística SPSS (© SPSS Inc. 2007) foi usado para análises estatísticas. A dominância de Tischler foi calculado para fazer comperações entre as análises. O contexto deste projeto mostrou um aumento de número de peixes entre os anos 1993 e 2004, antes e depois da construção da UHE Freudenau. Através de captura por unidade de esforço (CPUE) foi comprovado que a maioria de peixes permanace nos habitats B, D e I; o menor número de espécies foi encontrado na Zona de Corrente Livre. Tanto peixes adultos quanto os juvenís foram capturados nos hábitats artificiais e análises exatas, calculadas com a dominância de Tischler, afirmaram os resultados prévios. No entanto, as alterações na estrutura das comunidades demonstram as intervenções nos hábitats. Hábitats criados artificialmente são apenas substitutos de hábitats naturais.

Componentes curriculares da área de solos e ambiente nos projetos pedagógicos dos cursos de engenharia agronômicaagronomia

O setor agropecuário brasileiro é responsável por cerca de 22,3% do PIB nacional e, para os próximos anos, há a previsão de expansão das fronteiras agrícolas em ecossistemas brasileiros ainda pouco conhecidos. No decorrer da história o setor contribuiu decisivamente para a transformação dos espaços naturais, em geral, comprometendo os recursos naturais e a integridade dos ecossistemas. Frente a esta realidade encontra-se a profissão de engenheiro agrônomo/agrônomo, enquanto mediador na relação produção e meio ambiente, e as instituições de ensino superior com a responsabilidade pelo perfil destes profissionais. Com o objetivo de conhecer e caracterizar os componentes curriculares da área de solos e os referentes à sustentabilidade ambiental frente às legislações educacional e profissional nos cursos de agronomia, analisou-se Projetos Pedagógicos de Cursos (PPC) de diferentes instituições, dentre as universidades particulares, estaduais e federais. A pesquisa constituiu de estudo exploratório, de natureza quali-quantitativa, delineado por pesquisa documental, com um enfoque comparativo, a partir de 15 (quinze) Projetos Pedagógicos de Cursos de Engenharia Agronômica / Agronomia do país, de instituições particulares, estaduais, universidades federais, com melhores resultados no Exame Nacional de Desempenho dos Estudantes (ENADE) em 2010 e Institutos Federais. Os PPC apresentaram dificuldades na apropriação das legislações educacional e profissional sendo que as instituições dentre as melhores no ENADE em 2010 e os Institutos Federais apresentaram maior aderência as mesmas. Apesar de alguns PPC destacarem nos seus referenciais teóricos preocupações com o solo e com as questões ambientais, essa...

The Brazilian agricultural sector is responsible for about 22.3% of the national GDP, and for the next years, there is a forecast of agricultural frontier expansion in Brazilian ecosystems little known. Throughout history the sector contributed decisively to the transformation of natural areas, often compromising the natural resources and ecosystem integrity. Facing this reality we can find the agronomy profession/agronomist, as a mediator in the relationship between production and environment, and institutions of higher education with responsibility for the profile of these professionals. Aiming to understand and characterize the components of the soil curriculum area and those referring to environmental sustainability before the professional and educational laws in the courses in agronomy, we analyzed Educational Course Projects (ECP) from different institutions, among private, state and federal universities. The research was an exploratory study, from qualitative and quantitative nature, designed for documental research, with a comparative approach, of fifteen (15) Educational Course Projects of Agricultural Engineering / Agronomy of the country, from private, state, and federal universities, with best results in the National Student Performance (NSP) in 2010 and Federal Institutes. The ECP had difficulties in appropriation of the professional and educational laws although the best institutions in NSP in 2010 and the Federal Institutes showed higher adherence to them. Although some ECP´s show in their theoretical some concerns with soil and environmental issues, this view was not expressed and translated into...

Earthworms and Fusarium oxysporum: effect on strawberry plant growth and production / Minhocas e Fusarium oxysporum: efeito no crescimento e produção do morangueiro

Earthworms are soil invertebrates that play an important environmental role and are often referred to as “ecosystem engineers”. These invertebrates can influence several organisms, from microscopic life forms to plants. Although many works had reported positive effects of earthworms on plant growth, studies combining these invertebrates and soil pathogens showed numerous positive interactions. Fusarium wilt is a global disease that can cause severe damage to strawberry fields. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of inoculation of earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) and Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae) in strawberry plants. This greenhouse experiment was carried out in the University of Seville School of Agricultural Engineering, Utrera City, Spain. Strawberries (Rooted cuttings) were planted in plastic pots and administered the following treatments: Control (absence of F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae and earthworms), T1 (absence of F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae, two L. terrestris per pot), T2 (inoculum of F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae, absence of L. terrestris), and T3 (inoculum of F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae and two L. terrestris). Weekly fruit production was measured for seven months. After this period the shoot fresh weight and the leaf nutrient content was measured. The results obtained showed no interaction between L. terrestris and F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae on strawberry production. T1 treatment resulted in fruit production superior to other treatments, including the control. An absence of differences in dry shoot matter was observed with earthworm treatment, and small differences were found in the leaf nutrient content. The earthworm inoculation was unable to suppress the negative effects of Fusarium wilt in strawberry production. However, positive effects such as a reduction in the disease severity were found in the earthworm treated plants...

Minhocas são invertebrados do solo que participam de importantes funções ambientais e são consideradas “engenheiros do ecossistema”. Estes animais podem influenciar diversos organismos, desde formas microscópicas até mesmo plantas. Embora muitos trabalhos citem efeitos positivos da atividade de minhocas no crescimento das plantas, estudos combinando estes invertebrados e patógenos de solo têm demonstrado inúmeras interações. A murcha-de-fusarium é uma doença mundialmente difundida capaz de causar grandes danos ao morangueiro, e seu controle geralmente é ineficiente. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da inoculação de minhocas (Lumbricus terrestris) e murcha de fusarium (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae) em plantas de morango. O experimento foi conduzido em ambiente protegido na Escola de Engenharia Agrícola da Universidade de Sevilha, Utrera - Espanha. Plantas de morango (estacas enraizadas) foram plantadas em vasos plásticos e submetidas aos seguintes tratamentos: Controle (ausência de F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae e minhocas), T1 (ausência de F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae, duas L. terrestris por vaso), T2 (inóculo de F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae, ausência de L. terrestris) e T3 (inóculo de F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae e duas L. terrestris). A produção de frutos foi semanalmente mensurada durante sete meses. Após este período, foram avaliadas a matéria seca da parte aérea e o conteúdo de nutrientes das folhas. Os resultados obtidos não demonstraram entre L. terrestris e F. oxysporum f. sp. fragarie na produção de frutos. Mas, o tratamento T1 apresentou produção superior a todos os outros tratamentos, incluindo o controle. Foram observadas pequenas diferenças no conteúdo de nutrientes das folhas e não se verificou efeito das minhocas na massa seca da parte aérea. A inoculação de minhocas não foi capaz de reduzir os efeitos negativos da murcha de fusarium na produção do morangueiro...