Physical attributes and yield of wheat seeds originated from plants under temporary flooding of the soil / Atributos físicos e rendimento de sementes de trigo originadas de plantas sob alagamento temporário do solo

The aim of this work was to evaluate whether there is any influence of temporary soil flooding on the agronomic performance and yield of wheat varieties. The experimental design was completely random blocks, in an 11x2 factorial scheme (eleven varieties and two soil water conditions), with four replications. Stress was imposed in the stage prior to plant anthesis. The assessments were made in two seasons (2016/2017) in relation to the number of spikelets in the main ear, number of seeds in the main ear, mass of seeds in the main ear, number of seeds in the tiller ear, mass of seeds in the tiller ear and yield in the useful area. The physical attributes number of seeds, seed mass and wheat seed yield, according to variety and agricultural year, are negatively affected by the temporary flooding (12 days) of the soil. There is influence of temporary soil flooding on the agronomic performance and yield of wheat varieties. The varieties TBio Toruk, TBio Sinuelo, TBio Sintonia, and CD151 are superior in soil flooding condition for the number of spikelets, number of seeds end for the seed mass attribute. In the soil at field capacity, the seeds produced have higher yield compared to those produced under flooding period, reaching about 309.2 Kg more for the variety TBio Sinuelo, 262 Kg for TBio Toruk and 114 Kg in CD1303.

O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar se há influência do alagamento temporário do solo no desempenho agronômico e no rendimento de cultivares de trigo. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 11x2 (onze cultivares e duas condições hídricas do solo), com quatro repetições. O estresse foi o imposto no estádio antecedente a antese das plantas. Foi realizada a avaliação por dois anos (2016/2017) do número de espigueta da espiga principal, número de sementes da espiga principal, massa de sementes da espiga principal, número de sementes da espiga do perfilho, massa de sementes da espiga do perfilho e rendimento da área útil. Os atributos físicos número de sementes, massa de sementes e o rendimento de sementes de trigo, conforme a cultivar e ano agrícola, são afetados negativamente pelo alagamento temporário (12 dias) do solo. Há influência do alagamento temporário do solo no desempenho agronômico e na produtividade das variedades de trigo. As variedades TBio Toruk, TBio Sinuelo, TBio Sintonia e CD151 são superiores na condição de alagamento do solo para o número de espiguetas, número de sementes e para o atributo massa de sementes. Na condição de capacidade de campo, as sementes produzidas apresentam maior rendimento, atingindo cerca de 309,2 Kg a mais para a cultivar TBio Sinuelo, 262 Kg para a TBio Toruk e 114 Kg na CD1303 em comparação àquelas produzidas sob o período de alagamento imposto.

Pre-emergent indaziflam can enhance forest seed germination in direct seeding? / Pré-emergente indaziflam pode melhorar a germinação de sementes florestais na semeadura direta?

Pre-emergent herbicides can contribute to the control of weed competition in direct seeding restoration, however it is necessary to evaluate their effects on seeds of native tropical forest species. The aim of the study was to assess the potential impact of the herbicide indaziflam on the germination of 17 forest species. For this, a dosage of 180 mL of the product in 200L of water was compared to the control without herbicide. The degree of sensitivity of each species was calculated by a ratio between the percentage of germination with herbicide (GH) and the control without herbicide (GC) classifying them as: extremely sensitive (ES= (GH/GC) <0.25), sensitive (S=0.25< (GH/GC) <0.50), low sensitivity (LS=0.50< (GH/GC) <0.75), indifferent (I=0.75< (GH/GC) <1.0) and potentiated (P= (GH/GC) >1). The herbicide promoted a significant reduction in mean germination in 35% (n=6) of the species and 59% (n = 10) were sensitive or extremely sensitive to indaziflam, and only three did not germinate. On the other hand, 29.4% (n=5) showed low sensitivity or indifference to the herbicide, while seed germination was slightly increased by indaziflam to 11.7% (n=2). Pre-emergent indaziflam can be recommended in direct seeding restoration, as only 17.6% (n=3) of the species were inhibited by pre-emergent. However, the effect of indaziflam varies by species and requires further studies to support large-scale use in direct seeding.

Herbicidas pré-emergentes podem contribuir para o controle da competição de plantas daninhas em restauração por semeadura direta, porém é necessário entender seus efeitos em sementes de florestais nativas. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o potencial impacto do herbicida indaziflam na germinação de 17 espécies nativas de florestas tropicais. Para isso, uma dosagem ligeiramente acima da recomendada (180 mL do produto em 200 L de água) foi comparada com a testemunha sem herbicida. O grau de sensibilidade de cada espécie, foi calculado pela razão entre a porcentagem de germinação com herbicida (GH) e a testemunha sem herbicida (GC) e classificando-as como: extremamente sensível (ES= (GH/GC) <0,25), sensível (S=0,25< (GH/GC) <0,50), baixa sensibilidade (LS=0,50< (GH/GC) <0,75), indiferente - I=0,75< (GH/GC) <1,0) e potencializado (P= (GH/GC) >1). O herbicida promoveu redução significativa na média de germinação em mais de 35% (n=6) das espécies avaliadas e 59% (n=10) foram sensíveis ou extremamente sensíveis ao indaziflam e apenas três espécies não germinaram. Por outro lado, 29,4% (n=5) apresentaram baixa sensibilidade ou indiferença ao herbicida, enquanto a germinação das sementes foi levemente aumentada pelo indaziflam para 11,7% (n=2). O indaziflam pré-emergente pode ser recomendado na restauração de semeadura direta pois apenas 17,6% (n=3). O indaziflam pré-emergente pode ser recomendado na restauração de semeadura direta pois apenas 17,6% (n=3) das espécies foram inibidas pelo pré-emergente. No entanto, o efeito do indaziflam variou em função da espécie e requer mais estudos para apoiar o uso em larga escala na semeadura direta.

Germinative capacity of native plant species with forage potential under tropical rainforest conditions at the mountain-foot / Capacidade germinativa de plantas nativas com potencial forrageiro em condições de floresta tropical

The humid tropics harbor great biological diversity, in addition to native species with forage potential as alternatives for animal feed. However, using trees and shrubs and having plantations are limited by the absence of information on their growth and seed germination. Therefore, the goal was to evaluate the germination capacity of native plant species with forage potential in tropical rainforest conditions, selecting eight species with important nutritional value: Bauhinia tarapotensis, Crescentia cujete, Zygia longifolia,Cecropia ficifolia, Piptocoma discolor, Piper bredemeyeri, Calathea lutea and Heliconia rostrata. Two treatments were evaluated: T1: Seeds (sexual and asexual) immersed for 12 hours in water, and T2: Seeds (sexual and asexual) without any pre-germination treatment (control). Significant differences were found in the germination percentage among species, treatments and the interaction of the two factors (p < 0.01).The species C. cujete, C. ficifolia and P. discolor presented better germination percentages with T1, in contrast to P. bredemeyeri, which adapted better to T2. In the same sense, H. rostrate (93%), C. cujete (91%) and Z. longifolia (89%) with T1, were the species with the highest germination capacity when compared to the other species, being desirable for use as fodder in agricultural production systems, due to their high germination power. In general, the pre-germinative treatment with water was very effective in increasing the permeability of the seed coat and, therefore, favored the breaking of endogenous physiological dormancy.

Os trópicos úmidos abrigam uma grande diversidade biológica, bem como espécies nativas com potencial forrageiro como alternativas para a alimentação animal. No entanto, a implementação de árvores e arbustos e o estabelecimento de plantações são limitados pela falta de informação sobre o seu crescimento e germinação de sementes. Por conseguinte, o objetivo era avaliar a capacidade germinativa das espécies vegetais nativas com potencial forrageiro em condições de floresta tropical, selecionando oito espécies com importante valor nutricional: Bauhinia tarapotensis, Crescentia cujete, Zygia longifolia, Cecropia ficifolia, Piptocoma discolor, Piper bredemeyeri, Calathea lutea e Heliconia rostrata. Foram avaliados dois tratamentos: T1: Sementes (sexuais e assexuais) imersas durante12 horas em água, e T2: Sementes (sexuais e assexuais) sem qualquer tratamento pré-germinativo (controle). Foram encontradas diferenças significativas na percentagem de germinação entre espécies, tratamentos e a interação dos dois fatores (p < 0,01). As espécies C. cujete, C. ficifolia e P. discolor apresentaram melhores percentagens de germinação com o T1, em contraste com P. bredemeyeri que melhor se adequou ao T2. No mesmo sentido, H. rostrata (93%), C. cujete (91%) e Z. longifolia (89%) com T1, foram as espécies com maior capacidade germinativa quando comparadas com as outras espécies, sendo desejáveis para utilização como forragens em sistemas de produção agrícola, devido ao seu elevado poder germinativo. Em geral, o tratamento pré-germinativo com água foi muito eficaz para aumentar a permeabilidade do tegumento da semente, e por isso favoreceu a superação da dormência fisiológica endógena.

Direct seeding as a recruitment alternative for the threatened tropical palm Syagrus coronata (Mart. ) Beccari in Brazilian dry forest / Semeadura direta como alternativa de recrutamento para a palmeira tropical ameaçada Syagrus coronata (Mart. ) Beccari em floresta seca brasileira

Habitat loss reduces biodiversity and threatens ecological services. The use of techniques for vegetation restoration such as direct seeding seems promising, mainly because it reduces costs and labor. The aim of this study was to investigate which are the main ecological filters that can inhibit the success of direct seeding, using Syagrus coronata (Mart.) Beccari (Arecaceae), a species that has great ecological and extractive importance for the Brazilian semi-arid region, and is found in habitats with different management intensities. The following hypotheses were tested: (1) managed habitat (pasture) and natural habitat (caatinga vegetation) show differences in seed fate; and (2) defleshed fruits will have greater seed germination success compared to not defleshed. Seed fate was evaluated for two consecutive years, year I (2016-2017) and year II (2017-2018). Within these years, 800 mature fruits were buried along 300 m transects, half with defleshing treatment, and monitored during 240 days. The highest seed survival occurred in year II, this result may be associated with higher rainfall recorded during the experiment, considering that there was no difference in seed germination between habitats. Defleshing facilitated germination and reduced insect predation, likely by removing invertebrate larvae before they have reached the seed. Desiccation was the major cause of mortality in the entire study and was higher in the managed habitat. Water insufficiency may have caused the deactivation of antioxidant mechanisms and affected the embryo. Although defleshing may favor germination, this procedure would not be indicated for pastures as it favors desiccation. The study showed how habitat management and fruit defleshing can affect seed fate. More studies on ecological relationships need to be carried out to increase understanding of how habitat modification affects the functioning of arid ecosystems.

A perda de habitat diminui a biodiversidade e ameaça os serviços ecológicos. A utilização de técnicas para recomposição da vegetação como a semeadura direta parece promissora, principalmente por diminuir gastos e mão de obra. O objetivo do estudo foi investigar quais são os principais filtros ecológicos que podem inibir o sucesso da semeadura direta, utilizando a espécie Syagrus coronata (Mart.) Beccari em habitat manejado e natural na Caatinga. Foram testadas as hipóteses: (1) habitat manejado (pastagem) e habitat natural (vegetação de caatinga) apresentam diferenças no destino de sementes; e (2) frutos despolpados terão maior sucesso germinativo comparado aos frutos com polpa. O destino das sementes foi avaliado por dois anos consecutivos, ano I (2016-2017) e ano II (2017-2018), no qual 800 frutos maduros foram enterrados ao longo de transectos de 300 m, metade com tratamento de despolpamento, e monitorados ao longo de 240 dias. A maior sobrevivência de sementes ocorreu no ano II, este resultado pode estar associado a maior pluviosidade registrada durante o experimento, considerando que não houve diferenças entre os habitats. A remoção da polpa facilitou a germinação e reduziu a predação, possivelmente, pela remoção de larvas de invertebrados, antes que elas alcançassem o endocarpo. A dessecação foi a maior causa de mortalidade em todo o estudo e foi maior no habitat manejado, a escassez hídrica pode ter causado a desativação de mecanismos antioxidantes e afetado o embrião. Embora a remoção de polpa possa favorecer a germinação, esse procedimento não seria indicado para pastagens por favorecer a dessecação. O estudo mostrou como as interações planta-animal podem agir diante da funcionalidade do habitat e tratamento do fruto. Mais estudos sobre as relações ecológicas precisam ser realizados para aumentar a compreensão de como a modificação do habitat afeta o funcionamento de ecossistemas de Caatinga.

Agrometeorological models for predicting seedlings development of two native forest species

Models of development are tools that connect the effects of development on the environment, allowing their applications in several studies. Nevertheless, studies are scarce on models of development for native forest species in Brazil. This study aimed to predict the development of two native forest species - Citharexylum myrianthum Cham. and Bixa orellana L. - with two agrometeorological models, being one linear (Phyllochron) and another nonlinear (Wang and Engel, 1998). Both models predict the cumulative leaf number (CLN) on a daily basis, which generates the seedling phase duration (SPD) when integrated to time. Data were used from two years of experiments conducted during 2015 and 2016 growing seasons and 12 sowing dates in Itajubá, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. These species × sowing dates × years experiments provided a rich dataset for calibrating and evaluating both models. Although both models used in the study allowed predicting the dynamics of leaf development, CLN, and SPD in two native forest species, the Wang and Engel model provided a more accurate prediction of CLN and SPD for C. myrianthum species, with an overall root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.82 leaves (CLN) and 5.9 days (SPD). For B. orellana, the Phyllochron model was slightly better, with an overall RMSE of 1.48 leaves (CLN) and seven days (SDP).

Behind the forest restoration scene: a socio-economic, technical-scientific and political snapshot in Amazonas, Brazil / Por trás do cenário da restauração florestal: um panorama socioeconômico, técnico-científico e político no Amazonas, Brasil

Conservation of the Amazon rainforest is a global concern and is supported by the Brazilian government's ratification of the Bonn Challenge and Paris Agreement and the introduction of national regulations on vegetation protection and restoration. Amazonas is the largest and least deforested of the states occupied by the Brazilian Amazon (< 3%). We carried out a survey on the current state and growth potential of seed and seedling production in Amazonas state, pointing out constraints where future investment can promote the achievement of large-scale restoration commitments. We visited the 35 officially registered seed producers or nurseries working with native seeds and interviewed their owners or managers using open and closed questions. Enterprises were mainly privately-owned family businesses with small production (10,001 - 100,000 seedlings per year) and concentrated in the metropolitan area of the state capital Manaus. We uncovered a further 54 non-officially registered nurseries. Annual production (2018) was almost four tons of seeds and nearly ten million seedlings. According to the owners, production could be increased five to seven times with existing infrastructure. Production is focused foremost on species for food production (48% seeds, 74% seedlings), while ecological restoration only makes up 35% of seed and 8% of seedling use. Major bottlenecks cited by the producers were low demand for native tree species, high transportation costs and excessive bureaucracy. To achieve large-scale restoration, we recommend enforcement of national policies for vegetation protection and restoration, and a restructuring of the seed and seedling sector with a bottom-up approach.(AU)

A conservação da Amazônia é uma preocupação global, apoiada pela ratificação do Bonn Challenge e do Acordo de Paris pelo governo brasileiro e pelas regulamentações nacionais de proteção e restauração da vegetação. O Amazonas é o maior e menos desmatado estado da Amazônia brasileira (<3%). Realizamos um levantamento do estado atual e potencial da produção de sementes e mudas no Amazonas, indicando os principais obstáculos e gargalos onde investimentos futuros podem ajudar a alcançar o compromisso da restauração ecológica em larga escala. Visitamos os 35 produtores de sementes ou mudas de espécies nativas oficialmente registrados, e entrevistamos seus proprietários ou responsáveis técnicos, utilizando um questionário com perguntas abertas e fechadas. Os empreendimentos eram predominantemente privados, familiares, com pequena produção (10.001 - 100.000 mudas por ano) e concentrados na região metropolitana de Manaus. Detectamos outros 54 viveiros não oficialmente registrados. A produção anual (2018) foi de quase quatro toneladas de sementes e quase dez milhões de mudas. Segundo os proprietários, esta produção poderia aumentar de cinco a sete vezes com a infraestrutura existente. A produção foi focada principalmente em espécies para produção alimentar (48% sementes, 74% mudas), enquanto apenas 35% de sementes e 8% de mudas foram destinadas para restauração ecológica. Os principais gargalos citados pelos produtores foram baixa demanda por espécies nativas, alto custo de transporte e excessiva burocracia. Para alcançar restauração em larga escala, recomendamos o cumprimento de políticas de proteção e restauração da vegetação e uma reestruturação do setor de sementes e mudas em uma abordagem ascendente (bottom-up).(AU)

Small mammals and microhabitat selection in forest fragments in the transition zone between Atlantic Forest and Pampa biome

Natural resources are depleted in fragmented landscapes that have their vegetation also altered. As a result, the microhabitat diversity and the composition and distribution of local species are affected. In this study, we evaluated the small mammals' community diversity, composition and microhabitat selection in two Atlantic Forest fragments, in an ecotone area with the Pampa biome, southern Brazil. We recorded five rodents (Akodon montensis, Oligoryzomys nigripes, Sooretamys angouya, Juliomys pictipes and the exotic Rattus rattus) and one marsupial (Didelphis albiventris). Both fragments were dominated by the generalist rodent A. montensis. Akodon montensis and O. nigripes showed similar habitat preferences: ground covered by rocks and higher values of vegetation obstruction. Sooretamys angouya preferred places with higher abundance of trees. Fruit availability was important for A. montensis and D. albiventris, highlighting the importance of this food resource for local wildlife, and the potential role of these species as seed predators and dispersers. Small species richness, the presence of an exotic species and high dominance level suggest that the study area is highly degraded.(AU)

Bird-plant interaction networks in native forests and eucalyptus plantations within a protected area

Abstract Frugivory is a plant-animal mutualistic interaction carried out mostly by birds. It consists in the bird consumption of fruits with later dispersion of the plants seeds, helping in the vegetation regeneration. Frugivory can be affected by the habitat fragmentation and introduction of exotic species, which may alter the species interaction by extinction or competitor introduction. This study aimed to compare the structure of the network of frugivorous interactions between birds and plants in native forest and eucalyptus plantation. Birds were captured by mist nets and had their feces collected. Later, the seeds were identified in laboratory. The records of fruit consumption by birds in the zoochoric plant species present in the study area were also conducted. The data collected was used to build a network of interactions and identify the most important network metrics, species, and ecological functional groups in the studied environments. The results showed that the species composition, the connectivity of the relationships, the importance of the species for the interaction networks and the number of subgroups within the networks were highly similar between the native forest and the eucalyptus plantation. This could be explained by the favorable conditions that the studied eucalyptus plantations presented, such as the lack of anthropogenic activities, well-developed understory, and the presence of native surrounding vegetation, allowing practically the same seed dispersal capacity in both types of environments.

Bird-plant interaction networks in native forests and eucalyptus plantations within a protected area

Abstract Frugivory is a plant-animal mutualistic interaction carried out mostly by birds. It consists in the bird consumption of fruits with later dispersion of the plants' seeds, helping in the vegetation regeneration. Frugivory can be affected by the habitat fragmentation and introduction of exotic species, which may alter the species interaction by extinction or competitor introduction. This study aimed to compare the structure of the network of frugivorous interactions between birds and plants in native forest and eucalyptus plantation. Birds were captured by mist nets and had their feces collected. Later, the seeds were identified in laboratory. The records of fruit consumption by birds in the zoochoric plant species present in the study area were also conducted. The data collected was used to build a network of interactions and identify the most important network metrics, species, and ecological functional groups in the studied environments. The results showed that the species composition, the connectivity of the relationships, the importance of the species for the interaction networks and the number of subgroups within the networks were highly similar between the native forest and the eucalyptus plantation. This could be explained by the favorable conditions that the studied eucalyptus plantations presented, such as the lack of anthropogenic activities, well-developed understory, and the presence of native surrounding vegetation, allowing practically the same seed dispersal capacity in both types of environments.

Germination potential of Hymenaea courbaril L. in different maturation stages / Potencial germinativo de sementes de Hymenaea courbaril L. em diferentes estádios de maturação

The production of quality forest seedlings in large quantities is essential for the restoration of environments that have been deforested and degraded. However, obtaining seeds with high vigor is a challenge for several tree species native to Brazil. The objective of this work was to verify the germination potential of jatobá-damata seeds at different stages of maturation, in order to favor the production of seedlings of this species in nurseries. The seeds were extracted from green and ripe fruits detached from the mother plant and ripe fruits collected from the ground. The germination percentage, average germination time, emergence speed index, average speed, relative frequency, leaf area of the seedling, and length of the aerial part and root were measured. The planting was carried out with mechanically scarified and intact seeds from each maturation group. The results indicated that non-scarified green seeds can be used for planting and seedling production, as they do not require pre-germination treatment and have a favorable germination percentage (79%). Fruit seeds harvested from the ground, on the other hand, needed a method to overcome integumentary dormancy, such as mechanical scarification, obtaining a germination rate of 85%. The seeds of ripe fruits harvested in the matrix showed greater vigor, with a higher percentage of germination (96 to 100%), a higher emergence speed index, shorter average germination time, and seedlings with greater leaf area and greater length of shoot.(AU)

A produção de mudas florestais com qualidade e em quantidade é essencial para a restauração de ambientes outrora desmatados e degradados. Todavia, a obtenção de sementes com alto vigor é um desafio para diversas espécies arbóreas nativas do Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar o potencial germinativo de sementes de jatobá-da-mata em diferentes estádios de maturação, de modo a favorecer a produção de mudas dessa espécie em viveiros. As sementes foram extraídas de frutos verdes e maduros destacados da planta mãe e frutos maduros coletados no chão. Foram mensurados o percentual de germinação, o tempo médio de germinação, o índice de velocidade de emergência, a velocidade média, a frequência relativa, área foliar da plântula e comprimento de parte aérea e raiz. A semeadura foi realizada com sementes escarificadas mecanicamente e intactas de cada grupo de maturação. Os resultados indicaram que as sementes verdes não escarificadas podem ser utilizadas para semeadura e produção de mudas, por dispensarem tratamento pré-germinativo e possuírem percentual de germinação favorável (79%). Já as sementes de frutos colhidos no chão necessitaram de um método para superar a dormência tegumentar, como a escarificação mecânica, obtendo a germinação de 85%. As sementes de frutos maduros colhidos na matriz apresentaram maior vigor, com maior percentual de germinação (96 a 100%), maior índice de velocidade de emergência, menor tempo médio de germinação, plântulas com maior área foliar e maior comprimento de parte aérea.(AU)

Bird-plant interaction networks in native forests and eucalyptus plantations within a protected area

Frugivory is a plant-animal mutualistic interaction carried out mostly by birds. It consists in the bird consumption of fruits with later dispersion of the plants seeds, helping in the vegetation regeneration. Frugivory can be affected by the habitat fragmentation and introduction of exotic species, which may alter the species interaction by extinction or competitor introduction. This study aimed to compare the structure of the network of frugivorous interactions between birds and plants in native forest and eucalyptus plantation. Birds were captured by mist nets and had their feces collected. Later, the seeds were identified in laboratory. The records of fruit consumption by birds in the zoochoric plant species present in the study area were also conducted. The data collected was used to build a network of interactions and identify the most important network metrics, species, and ecological functional groups in the studied environments. The results showed that the species composition, the connectivity of the relationships, the importance of the species for the interaction networks and the number of subgroups within the networks were highly similar between the native forest and the eucalyptus plantation. This could be explained by the favorable conditions that the studied eucalyptus plantations presented, such as the lack of anthropogenic activities, well-developed understory, and the presence of native surrounding vegetation, allowing practically the same seed dispersal capacity in both types of environments.(AU)

How do pesticides affect bats?: a brief review of recent publications / Como os pesticidas afetam os morcegos?: uma breve revisão de publicações recentes

Increased agricultural production has been increased use of pesticides worldwide, which poses a threat to both human and environmental health. Recent studies suggest that several non-target organisms, from bees to mammals, show a wide variety of toxic effects of pesticides exposure, including impaired behavior, development and reproduction. Among mammals, bats are usually a neglected taxon among ecotoxicological studies, although they play important ecological and economical roles in forest ecosystems and agriculture through to seed dispersal and insect population control. Considering their wide variety of food habits, bats are exposed to environmental pollutants through food or water contamination, or through direct skin contact in their roosting areas. In order to better understand the risk posed by pesticides to bats populations, we compiled studies that investigated the main toxicological effects of pesticides in bats, aiming at contributing to discussion about the environmental risks associated with the use of pesticides.(AU)

O aumento da produção agrícola tem levado ao aumento do uso de pesticidas em todo o mundo, o que representa uma ameaça para a saúde humana e ambiental. Estudos recentes sugerem que vários organismos não-alvo, de abelhas a mamíferos, apresentam uma grande variedade de efeitos tóxicos após a exposição aos pesticidas a pesticidas, incluindo alterações de comportamento, no desenvolvimento e na reprodução. Entre os mamíferos, os morcegos geralmente são negligenciados entre os estudos ecotoxicológicos, embora desempenhem importantes papéis ecológicos e econômicos nos ecossistemas florestais e na agricultura por meio do controle de dispersão de sementes e de populações de insetos. Considerando sua ampla variedade de hábitos alimentares, eles estão expostos a poluentes ambientais através da contaminação de alimentos ou água, ou através do contato direto com a pele em suas áreas de descanso. Para entender melhor o risco que os agrotóxicos representam para as populações de morcegos, compilamos estudos que investigaram os principais efeitos toxicológicos de agrotóxicos em morcegos, visando à discussão sobre os riscos ambientais associados ao uso de agrotóxicos.(AU)

Substrate and temperature on seed germination of Aspidosperma vargasiiA. DC. (Apocynaceae) / Substrato e temperatura na germinação de sementes deAspidosperma vargasiiA. DC. (Apocynaceae)

The Amazon has a wide diversity, including forest species with timber and non-timber potential, which often have their use restricted due to alack of silvicultural information. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect ofsubstrates and temperatures on seedgermination of Aspidosperma vagarsii. Therefore, the premise of a completely randomized design was followed, in a 3 x 3 factorial scheme, with three substrates (paper, sand and vermiculite) and three temperatures (20, 25 and 30 °C). The germination percentage, germination speed index and meangermination time were determined, as well as germination relative frequencygraphs. In addition, the weight of a thousand seeds, the number of seeds per kilo, andthe moisture content wasdetermined. The weight of thousand seeds was equal to 276.4 g, with 3,618 seeds per kilo, and a moisture content of 9.5%. There was no interaction between thestudied factors.The sand substrate andtemperatures of 20 and 25 °C presented the best results forseedgermination of A. vargasii.

A Amazônia é detentora de uma ampla diversidade, incluindo espécies florestais com potencial madeireiro e não madeireiro, as quais muitas vezes tem seu uso restringido por carência de informações silviculturais. Assim, o presente estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito desubstratos e temperaturas na germinação de sementes de Aspidosperma vagarsii. Para tanto, seguiu-se a premissa de um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 3 x 3, sendo três substratos (papel, areia e vermiculita) e três temperaturas (20, 25 e 30 °C). Foram determinados a porcentagem de germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação e tempo médio de germinação, além degráficos de frequência relativa de germinação. Ainda, determinou-se o peso de mil sementes, o número de sementes por quilo e o grau de umidade. O peso de mil sementes foi igual a 276,4 g, com 3.618 sementes por quilo, e grau de umidade de 9,5%. Não houve interação entre os fatores estudados.Osubstrato areia e as temperaturas de 20 e 25 °C apresentaram os melhores resultados para germinação das sementes de A. vargasii.

Substrate and temperature on seed germination of Aspidosperma vargasiiA. DC. (Apocynaceae) / Substrato e temperatura na germinação de sementes deAspidosperma vargasiiA. DC. (Apocynaceae)

The Amazon has a wide diversity, including forest species with timber and non-timber potential, which often have their use restricted due to alack of silvicultural information. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect ofsubstrates and temperatures on seedgermination of Aspidosperma vagarsii. Therefore, the premise of a completely randomized design was followed, in a 3 x 3 factorial scheme, with three substrates (paper, sand and vermiculite) and three temperatures (20, 25 and 30 °C). The germination percentage, germination speed index and meangermination time were determined, as well as germination relative frequencygraphs. In addition, the weight of a thousand seeds, the number of seeds per kilo, andthe moisture content wasdetermined. The weight of thousand seeds was equal to 276.4 g, with 3,618 seeds per kilo, and a moisture content of 9.5%. There was no interaction between thestudied factors.The sand substrate andtemperatures of 20 and 25 °C presented the best results forseedgermination of A. vargasii.(AU)

A Amazônia é detentora de uma ampla diversidade, incluindo espécies florestais com potencial madeireiro e não madeireiro, as quais muitas vezes tem seu uso restringido por carência de informações silviculturais. Assim, o presente estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito desubstratos e temperaturas na germinação de sementes de Aspidosperma vagarsii. Para tanto, seguiu-se a premissa de um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 3 x 3, sendo três substratos (papel, areia e vermiculita) e três temperaturas (20, 25 e 30 °C). Foram determinados a porcentagem de germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação e tempo médio de germinação, além degráficos de frequência relativa de germinação. Ainda, determinou-se o peso de mil sementes, o número de sementes por quilo e o grau de umidade. O peso de mil sementes foi igual a 276,4 g, com 3.618 sementes por quilo, e grau de umidade de 9,5%. Não houve interação entre os fatores estudados.Osubstrato areia e as temperaturas de 20 e 25 °C apresentaram os melhores resultados para germinação das sementes de A. vargasii.(AU)

Phenology and fruit set comparison of camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) in a natural population and a plantation in the central Amazon, Brazil / Comparação da fenologia e produção de frutos de camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) entre uma população natural e uma plantação na Amazônia-central, Brasil

Myrciaria dubia (Myrtaceae) is a shrub that produces fruits with high concentrations of ascorbic acid (1380 to 1490 mg 100 g-1 of pulp and 2050 mg 100 g-1 of peel), 20 times more than acerola and 100 times more than lemon. Native to the Amazon region, it occurs naturally on the seasonally-flooded banks of lakes and rivers, but also has been cultivated commercially in terra firme. In this study, phenological observations and fruit yield evaluations were carried out in a natural population of camu-camu in a floodplain habitat and a plantation in terra firme in central Amazonia. Biweekly visits were made over one year to collect data on flowering, fruiting and leaf phenology. At the height of flowering, flower buds were marked and tracked until fruit matured and were harvested for biometrics and seed counting. Fruits varied from 1.01 to 2.73 cm in diameter and 1.14 to 10.87 g in weight and fruit production was higher in the wild stand. Phenology differed between habitats and phenophase synchrony was higher in the natural population. Despite being native to flooplain forests, fruit production in terra firme occurred throughout the year, suggesting that there are few restrictions on fruit development in cultivated plantation.(AU)

Myrciaria dubia (Myrtaceae) é um arbusto que produz frutos com altas concentrações de ácido ascórbico (1380 a 1490 mg 100 g-1 na polpa e 2050 mg 100 g-1 na casca), 20 vezes mais que a acerola e 100 vezes mais que o limão. Nativo da região amazônica, ocorre naturalmente em ambientes sazonalmente inundados, nas margens de lagos e rios, mas também é cultivado comercialmente em terra firme. Neste estudo, observações fenológicas e avaliação da produtividade de frutos foram realizadas em uma população natural de camu-camu em ambiente inundável e em uma plantação em terra firme, na Amazônia central. Visitas quinzenais foram feitas durante um ano para coleta de dados sobre floração, frutificação e fenologia foliar. No auge da floração, os botões florais foram marcados e acompanhados até a maturação dos frutos, que foram colhidos para biometria e contagem das sementes. Os frutos variaram de 1,01 a 2,73 cm em diâmetro e 1,14 a 10,87 g em peso, com maior produção de frutos em ambiente natural. A fenologia diferiu entre os habitats e a sincronia das fenofases foi maior na população natural. Apesar de ser nativo de florestas inundáveis, a produção de frutos em terra firme ocorreu ao longo do ano, sugerindo que há poucas restrições para o desenvolvimento de frutos em cultivo.(AU)

How do pesticides affect bats? - A brief review of recent publications / Como os pesticidas afetam os morcegos? - Uma breve revisão de publicações recentes

Increased agricultural production has been increased use of pesticides worldwide, which poses a threat to both human and environmental health. Recent studies suggest that several non-target organisms, from bees to mammals, show a wide variety of toxic effects of pesticides exposure, including impaired behavior, development and reproduction. Among mammals, bats are usually a neglected taxon among ecotoxicological studies, although they play important ecological and economical roles in forest ecosystems and agriculture through to seed dispersal and insect population control. Considering their wide variety of food habits, bats are exposed to environmental pollutants through food or water contamination, or through direct skin contact in their roosting areas. In order to better understand the risk posed by pesticides to bats populations, we compiled studies that investigated the main toxicological effects of pesticides in bats, aiming at contributing to discussion about the environmental risks associated with the use of pesticides.

O aumento da produção agrícola tem levado ao aumento do uso de pesticidas em todo o mundo, o que representa uma ameaça para a saúde humana e ambiental. Estudos recentes sugerem que vários organismos não-alvo, de abelhas a mamíferos, apresentam uma grande variedade de efeitos tóxicos após a exposição aos pesticidas a pesticidas, incluindo alterações de comportamento, no desenvolvimento e na reprodução. Entre os mamíferos, os morcegos geralmente são negligenciados entre os estudos ecotoxicológicos, embora desempenhem importantes papéis ecológicos e econômicos nos ecossistemas florestais e na agricultura por meio do controle de dispersão de sementes e de populações de insetos. Considerando sua ampla variedade de hábitos alimentares, eles estão expostos a poluentes ambientais através da contaminação de alimentos ou água, ou através do contato direto com a pele em suas áreas de descanso. Para entender melhor o risco que os agrotóxicos representam para as populações de morcegos, compilamos estudos que investigaram os principais efeitos toxicológicos de agrotóxicos em morcegos, visando à discussão sobre os riscos ambientais associados ao uso de agrotóxicos.

Niche differentiation mechanisms among canopy frugivores and zoochoric trees in the northeastern extreme of the Amazon / Mecanismos de diferenciação de nicho entre frugívoros de copa e árvores zoocóricas no extremo nordeste da Amazônia brasileira

Frugivores and zoocoric trees represent an important proportion of tropical rainforest biodiversity. As niche differences favor species coexistence, we aimed to evaluate morphological and temporal niche segregation mechanisms among zoochoric trees and canopy frugivores in a tropical rainforest in the northeastern extreme of the Brazilian Amazon. We tested the effects of fruit morphology, tree size, frugivore body size and time of day on fruit consumption. We recorded the frugivore species that fed on 72 trees (44 species, 22 genera) and whether these frugivores swallowed the seeds. We monitored trees only once from 07:00 to 17:00 h between January and September 2017. We observed fruit consumption in 20 of the 72 trees. Seventy-three frugivore individuals from 22 species visited the trees. Heavier fruits were consumed by larger frugivores, while seed size was inversely correlated with frugivore size. Narrower fruits and fruits with smaller seeds had greater probability of having their seeds ingested, and larger frugivores were more prone to ingest seeds. Trees bearing fruits with smaller seeds were visited by a greater number of frugivores. Taxonomic groups differed in the time of arrival at fruiting trees. None of the evaluated variables (fruit weight and size, and seed size) affected the richness of frugivores that visited the trees. We concluded that, in the studied forest, fruit morphology (weight, size and seed size) is a niche segregation mechanism among zoochoric trees, while body size and time of day are niche segregation mechanisms among frugivores.(AU)

Frugívoros e árvores zoocóricas representam uma proporção relevante da biodiversidade de florestas tropicais. Uma vez que a diferenciação de nicho favorece a coexistência das espécies, nós objetivamos investigar mecanismos morfológicos e temporais de segregação de nicho entre árvores zoocóricas e frugívoros de copa em uma floresta tropical no extremo nordeste da Amazônia brasileira. Testamos os efeitos da morfologia dos frutos, tamanho das árvores, tamanho corporal dos frugívoros e hora do dia sobre o consumo de frutos. Registramos as espécies de frugívoros que se alimentaram em 72 árvores (pertencentes a 44 espécies e 22 gêneros) e se esses frugívoros ingeriam sementes. Monitoramos cada árvore apenas uma vez, de 07:00 a 17:00 h, entre janeiro e setembro de 2017 e observamos o consumo de frutos em 20 das 72 árvores. Setenta e três indivíduos de frugívoros, pertencentes a 22 espécies, visitaram as árvores. Frutos mais pesados foram consumidos por frugívoros maiores, enquanto o tamanho das sementes foi inversamente correlacionado ao tamanho dos frugívoros. Frutos menores e com sementes menores tiveram uma maior probabilidade de ter suas sementes ingeridas, e frugívoros maiores apresentaram maior tendência a ingerir as sementes. Árvores com frutos com sementes menores foram visitadas por um maior número de indivíduos de frugívoros. Os grupos taxonômicos de frugívoros diferiram no tempo de chegada às árvores. Nenhuma das variáveis analisadas (peso e tamanho dos frutos e tamanho das sementes) afetou a riqueza de frugívoros que visitaram as árvores. Concluímos que, na floresta estudada, a morfologia dos frutos (tamanho, peso e tamanho das sementes) é um mecanismo de segregação entre árvores zoocóricas, enquanto tamanho corporal e horário do dia são mecanismos de segregação entre frugívoros.(AU)

Bird-plant interactions on the edge of a forest fragment in southwestern Brazilian Amazonia

Seed dispersal is one of the principal ecological processes that determine the richness and distribution of plants in tropical forests. Birds play an important role in the zoochoric dispersal of seeds in these forests.The present study investigated the bird-plant interactions involving the ingestion and dispersal of seeds by the birds found in the edge habitat of an isolated forest fragment on the Catuaba Experimental Farm in eastern Acre, in southwestern Brazilian Amazonia. The birds were captured using mist nets, and the seeds were collected from fecal samples obtained during the handling of the animals. These seeds were sorted and identified. The bird and the plant species identified during the study were used to calculate the connectivity and nestedness of the bird-plant interactions. We captured 82 species of birds, with a total sampling effort of 203,180 h.m². Fecal samples obtained from 19 of the bird species contained a total of 2,086 seeds, representing 23 plant species. The interaction network had an intermediate connectance, and significant nestedness. Ramphocelus carbohad the highest importance index and was the bird with the largest number of plant interactions, while Cecropia latilobawas the plant with the highest importance index, followed by Schefflera morototoni. Most of the seed-dispersing birds identified in the present study are generalists found in both the forest core and its edge. The results of the study indicated that the community of generalist-frugivore birds interacts extensively with the plant community of the fragment, providing seed dispersal services that include the deforested areas adjacent to the fragment.

Influence of the functional traits of seeds on germination dynamics and morphofunctional pattern of the seedlings

Aiming to compare morphofunctional features related to dispersion and establishment of plants, this study evaluated seed biometry and biomass, as well as germination and emergence potential in eight plant species native to the Semideciduous Seasonal Forest. Biometric measurements and biomass of seeds were obtained with a caliper and a precision scale.Afterwards, they were subjected to a germination test in BOD chambers under constanttemperature and 12hoursphotoperiod, and sown in styrofoam trays containing organic substrate and sand, kept in full sunlight.Data from germination and emergence was subjected to cluster analysis, according to the functional morphotype of the seedling.Most species presented seeds with a rounded shape, uniform staining at the mature stage, varied coat consistency, two types of dispersal syndromes (anemochory and zoochory) and four morphofunctional patterns in developing seedlings (crypto-hypogeal-storers, crypto-epigeal-storers, phanero-epigeal-storers and phanero-epigeal-foliaceous). The species belonging to group I (Albizia niopoides, Cedrela fissilis, Pterogyne nitensand Randia ferox) have foliaceous photosynthetic cotyledons and group II (Cabralea canjerana, Eugenia pyriformis, Inga laurinaand Poecilantheparviflora) have a reserve cotyledon. Species of group I had higher means in the percentage and rate of germination, less variability and amplitude of days for seedlings emergence. On the other hand, species of group II showed higher mean values in seed biometry and biomass. Thus, seeds with foliaceous cotyledons have an optimized development because of luminosity, whereas seeds with reserve tend to have slower development, remaining at the seedling stage for a longer time.

Superação de dormência de sementes e desenvolvimento de mudas de jatobazeiro em substratos alternativos / Overcoming seed dormancy and jatoba seedlings development on alternative substrates

A propagação do jatobazeiro (Hymenaea courbaril L.) por sementes é altamente promissora na recuperação de áreas degradadas. Assim, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo identificar métodos de superação de dormência de sementes e substratos alternativos para produção de mudas de jatobazeiro. Num primeiro experimento com quatro repetições, utilizou-se sete tratamentos de sementes: escarificação com ácido sulfúrico, escarificação com lixa (EL), EL e imersão em água por 24 h, EL e imersão em água por 48 h, semente intacta (SI), SI imersa em água por 48 h e SI imersa em água por 96 h. As avaliações de emergência foram realizadas a cada dois dias, no período de 13 a 52 dias após a semeadura. Num segundo experimento com três repetições, em blocos ao acaso, foram utilizados sete substratos: substrato comercial (SC); 40% SC + 60% húmus de mata (HM); 40% SC + 60% casca de arroz carbonizada (CAC); 40% SC + 60% esterco bovino (EB); 40% CAC + 60% EB; 40% CAC + 60% HM; e 40% HM + 60% EB. Aos 50, 70 e 120 dias após semeadura (DAS) foram avaliados: altura de muda, número de folhas, diâmetro de caule, matéria fresca da parte aérea e de raízes, matéria seca da parte aérea, de folhas e raízes, área foliar. Aos 120 DAS avaliou-se também o índice de clorofila. A escarificação com lixa e imersão das sementes em água por 24 horas apresentou melhor emergência. A mistura de 40% HM + 60% EB...

The propagation of the jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril L.) by seeds is highly promising in the recovery of degraded areas. Thus, the present work had as objective to identify methods for overcoming seeds dormancy and alternative substrates for production of jatobazeiro seedlings. In a first experiment with four replications, seven seeds treatments were used: scarification with sandpaper (SS), SS and immersion in water for 24 h, SS and immersion in water for 48 h, intact seed, seed immersed in water for 48 h and seed immersed in water for 96 h. Emergency evaluations were performed every two days, in the period from 13 to 52 days after sowing. In a second experiment with three replicates, in randomized blocks, seven substrates were used: commercial substrate (CS); 40% SC + 60% forest humus (FH); 40% SC + 60% charcoal rice husk (CRH); 40% SC + 60% bovine manure (BM); 40% CRH + 60% BM; 40% CRH + 60% FH; e 40% FH + 60% BM. At 50, 70 and 120 days after sowing were evaluated the parameters: seedling height, leafs number, stem diameter, aerial part fresh matter, roots fresh matter, dry matter of aerial part, leafs and roots, and leaf area. At 120 DAS, the chlorophyll index was also evaluated. The scarification with sandpaper and immersion of seeds in water for 24 hours showed better seedlings emergence results. The mixture containing 40% FH and 60% BM gave more vigorous seedling...