Ammonia levels during broiler rearing cycle

The evaluated ammonia volatilization rates and its association with humidity, temperature, and pH in broiler litter in conventional and dark house rearing systems. Evaluations were performed at 0.01, 1.00, and 1.50 m high, using a completely randomized design, at a weekly frequency for 12 weeks­from the sanitary void to the end of the 42-day cycle. Litter temperature had no significant difference for different types of house. Humidity and pH levels varied according to houses and evaluation periods. No ammonia volatilization was detected during initial periods. However, up from the 21st day of rearing, rates started to increase, showing higher concentrations at 0.01 m height. At 1.00 and 1.50 m, values around 20 mL·m­3, were obtained and considered an acceptable exposure level for the broilers and employees directly working in this sector. Yet, broiler breeders should target lower levels due to environmental impacts.

Human impacts and the loss of Neotropical freshwater fish diversity

Neotropical Ichthyology promotes the Special Issue (SI) "Human impacts and the loss of Neotropical freshwater fish diversity" with the purpose of publishing relevant scientific articles on the current biodiversity crisis and the loss of Neotropical freshwater fishes in the Anthropocene. The SI is composed of 22 publications, being two review articles and 20 original articles. A total of 107 researchers contributed to these papers, involving 44 institutions based in Brazil and six other countries. Published articles investigated main anthropic activities and their impacts on fish diversity, with special focus on river regulation, mining, land use changes, aquaculture, and fisheries. Studies provided evidence about the loss of fish diversity in the Neotropics, including fish kill events, demographic changes, contamination, changes in assemblage structure, loss of taxonomic and functional diversity, besides the degradation of ecosystem functions and services, and the lack of effective protection and conservation. Studies were conducted in rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs from different Neotropical systems. The studies published in this SI represent a relevant sample of the current worrisome situation of freshwater fishes in the Neotropical region and call for urgent revision in environmental policies, management and conservation initiatives, and socioeconomic priorities.(AU)

A revista Neotropical Ichthyology lança o Volume Especial (SI) "Human impacts and the loss of Neotropical freshwater fish diversity" com o objetivo de publicar artigos científicos relevantes sobre a atual crise da biodiversidade e a perda de diversidade de peixes de água doce Neotropicais no Antropoceno. O SI é composto por 22 publicações, sendo dois artigos de revisão e 20 artigos originais. Um total de 107 pesquisadores contribuíram com esses artigos, envolvendo 44 instituições sediadas no Brasil e em seis outros países. Os artigos publicados investigaram as principais atividades antrópicas e seus impactos sobre a diversidade de peixes, com foco especial na regulação dos rios, mineração, mudanças no uso do solo, aquicultura e pesca. Os estudos forneceram evidências sobre a perda de diversidade de peixes na região Neotropical, incluindo eventos de mortandade, alterações demográficas, contaminação, mudanças na estrutura das assembleias, perda de diversidade taxonômica e funcional, além da degradação de funções e serviços ecossistêmicos, e falta de ações efetivas de proteção e conservação. Os estudos foram conduzidos em rios, riachos, lagos e reservatórios de diferentes sistemas Neotropicais. Os estudos publicados neste SI representam uma amostra relevante da atual situação dos peixes de água doce na região Neotropical, reforçando a necessidade de revisão das políticas ambientais, ações de manejo e conservação, e prioridades socioeconômicas.(AU)

Human impacts and the loss of Neotropical freshwater fish diversity

Neotropical Ichthyology promotes the Special Issue (SI) "Human impacts and the loss of Neotropical freshwater fish diversity" with the purpose of publishing relevant scientific articles on the current biodiversity crisis and the loss of Neotropical freshwater fishes in the Anthropocene. The SI is composed of 22 publications, being two review articles and 20 original articles. A total of 107 researchers contributed to these papers, involving 44 institutions based in Brazil and six other countries. Published articles investigated main anthropic activities and their impacts on fish diversity, with special focus on river regulation, mining, land use changes, aquaculture, and fisheries. Studies provided evidence about the loss of fish diversity in the Neotropics, including fish kill events, demographic changes, contamination, changes in assemblage structure, loss of taxonomic and functional diversity, besides the degradation of ecosystem functions and services, and the lack of effective protection and conservation. Studies were conducted in rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs from different Neotropical systems. The studies published in this SI represent a relevant sample of the current worrisome situation of freshwater fishes in the Neotropical region and call for urgent revision in environmental policies, management and conservation initiatives, and socioeconomic priorities.(AU)

A revista Neotropical Ichthyology lança o Volume Especial (SI) "Human impacts and the loss of Neotropical freshwater fish diversity" com o objetivo de publicar artigos científicos relevantes sobre a atual crise da biodiversidade e a perda de diversidade de peixes de água doce Neotropicais no Antropoceno. O SI é composto por 22 publicações, sendo dois artigos de revisão e 20 artigos originais. Um total de 107 pesquisadores contribuíram com esses artigos, envolvendo 44 instituições sediadas no Brasil e em seis outros países. Os artigos publicados investigaram as principais atividades antrópicas e seus impactos sobre a diversidade de peixes, com foco especial na regulação dos rios, mineração, mudanças no uso do solo, aquicultura e pesca. Os estudos forneceram evidências sobre a perda de diversidade de peixes na região Neotropical, incluindo eventos de mortandade, alterações demográficas, contaminação, mudanças na estrutura das assembleias, perda de diversidade taxonômica e funcional, além da degradação de funções e serviços ecossistêmicos, e falta de ações efetivas de proteção e conservação. Os estudos foram conduzidos em rios, riachos, lagos e reservatórios de diferentes sistemas Neotropicais. Os estudos publicados neste SI representam uma amostra relevante da atual situação dos peixes de água doce na região Neotropical, reforçando a necessidade de revisão das políticas ambientais, ações de manejo e conservação, e prioridades socioeconômicas.(AU)

Action of Trichodermil 1306 in the control of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici in tomato crops / Ação do Trichodermil 1306 no controle de Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici na cultura do tomateiro

Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, is one of the most important diseases of tomato crop in Brazil. Several alternatives to fungicides have been evaluated in search for products that control this disease and have low environmental impact and toxicity to living beings. In this context, the use of Trichoderma spp. is an alternative to agrochemicals, since they are bioregulators and antagonists of several phytopathogens. This work aimed to evaluate the antagonistic and mycoparasitory action of the Trichodermil 1306 biofungicide against F. oxysporum, and its action in the control of fusarium wilt in tomato seeds and seedlings. The biofungicide was used at concentrations of 0, 50, 100, and 150% of the dose recommended for application of 20 L with a backpack sprayer. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with five replications. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and mean compared by Tukey's test at 5% probability. The 100% Trichodermil concentration was the most efficient for treating tomato seeds. Although this concentration did not show differences in relation to the lowest dose used (50%) in the tomato seed antagonism, mycoparasitism and F. oxysporum incidence tests were recommended because that the lowest concentration resulted in 18% lower root protrusion than that observed with 100% dosage. The in vitro antagonistic and mycoparasitory action of this biological fungicide indicates its potential in the control of fusarium wilt in tomato crops.(AU)

A murcha-de-fusário, causada por Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, é uma das mais importantes doenças da cultura do tomate no Brasil. Várias alternativas aos fungicidas têm sido avaliadas na busca de produtos que controlem a doença e tenham baixo impacto ambiental e toxicidade aos seres vivos. Nesse contexto, o uso de Trichoderma spp. é uma alternativa a agrotóxicos, pois são biorreguladores e antagonistas de vários fitopatógenos. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a ação antagonista e micoparasitória do biofungicida Trichodermil 1306 em F. oxysporum, e no controle da murcha-de-fusário em sementes e mudas de tomate. O biofungicida foi utilizado nas concentrações de 0, 50, 100 e 150% da dose recomendada para aplicação com pulverizador costal de 20 L. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco repetições. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. A concentração de Trichodermil 100% foi a mais eficaz para o tratamento de sementes de tomateiro. Embora essa concentração não tenha se diferenciado da menor dosagem utilizada (50%) para os testes de antagonismo, micoparasitismo e incidência de F. oxysporum em mudas de tomate, sua recomendação se justifica pelo fato da menor concentração ter propiciado protrusão radicular 18% menor do que a observada na concentração de 100%. A ação antagonista e micoparasitória in vitro do fungicida biológico testado no presente estudo indica potencialidade de uso para o controle de murcha-de-fusário em tomateiro.(AU)

Action of Trichodermil 1306 in the control of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici in tomato crops / Ação do Trichodermil 1306 no controle de Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici na cultura do tomateiro

Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, is one of the most important diseases of tomato crop in Brazil. Several alternatives to fungicides have been evaluated in search for products that control this disease and have low environmental impact and toxicity to living beings. In this context, the use of Trichoderma spp. is an alternative to agrochemicals, since they are bioregulators and antagonists of several phytopathogens. This work aimed to evaluate the antagonistic and mycoparasitory action of the Trichodermil 1306 biofungicide against F. oxysporum, and its action in the control of fusarium wilt in tomato seeds and seedlings. The biofungicide was used at concentrations of 0, 50, 100, and 150% of the dose recommended for application of 20 L with a backpack sprayer. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with five replications. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and mean compared by Tukey's test at 5% probability. The 100% Trichodermil concentration was the most efficient for treating tomato seeds. Although this concentration did not show differences in relation to the lowest dose used (50%) in the tomato seed antagonism, mycoparasitism and F. oxysporum incidence tests were recommended because that the lowest concentration resulted in 18% lower root protrusion than that observed with 100% dosage. The in vitro antagonistic and mycoparasitory action of this biological fungicide indicates its potential in the control of fusarium wilt in tomato crops.(AU)

A murcha-de-fusário, causada por Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, é uma das mais importantes doenças da cultura do tomate no Brasil. Várias alternativas aos fungicidas têm sido avaliadas na busca de produtos que controlem a doença e tenham baixo impacto ambiental e toxicidade aos seres vivos. Nesse contexto, o uso de Trichoderma spp. é uma alternativa a agrotóxicos, pois são biorreguladores e antagonistas de vários fitopatógenos. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a ação antagonista e micoparasitória do biofungicida Trichodermil 1306 em F. oxysporum, e no controle da murcha-de-fusário em sementes e mudas de tomate. O biofungicida foi utilizado nas concentrações de 0, 50, 100 e 150% da dose recomendada para aplicação com pulverizador costal de 20 L. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco repetições. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. A concentração de Trichodermil 100% foi a mais eficaz para o tratamento de sementes de tomateiro. Embora essa concentração não tenha se diferenciado da menor dosagem utilizada (50%) para os testes de antagonismo, micoparasitismo e incidência de F. oxysporum em mudas de tomate, sua recomendação se justifica pelo fato da menor concentração ter propiciado protrusão radicular 18% menor do que a observada na concentração de 100%. A ação antagonista e micoparasitória in vitro do fungicida biológico testado no presente estudo indica potencialidade de uso para o controle de murcha-de-fusário em tomateiro.(AU)

Eficácia da suplementação oral com 1, 3-1, 6 betaglucano proveniente de Saccharomyces cerevisiae no controle da mastite bovina / [Efficiency of oral supplementation of 1. 3-1. 6 beta-glucan from saccharomyces cerevisiae on the control of bovine mastitis]

A mastite bovina, uma das principais doenças do rebanho leiteiro, caracteriza-se por um processo inflamatório no úbere. A inviabilidade econômica, o impacto ambiental negativo e os resíduos antimicrobianos têm estimulado a pesquisa de outros tratamentos alternativos para a prevenção e o tratamento de doenças na bovinocultura leiteira. O betaglucano é um agente imunomodulador com potencial ação preventiva para doenças infecciosas, inclusive a mastite. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia do uso do betaglucano, por meio de administração oral, em animais em lactação. Foram utilizadas 20 vacas lactantes, distribuídas em dois grupos, um controle e um tratamento, com 10 animais em cada grupo. O grupo tratamento recebeu 5g/dia, durante 60 dias, de 1,3-1,6 betaglucano isolado da parede celular de Saccharomyces cerevisiae diluído em ração após a ordenha, enquanto o grupo controle recebia somente a ração. Foram realizados os testes de California Mastitis Test (CMT), contagem de células somáticas (CCS), produção de leite e percentual de gordura e proteína no leite. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos quanto à CCS, ao CMT, à composição do leite ou produção. Não se observou, portanto, eficácia do uso do betaglucano purificado, administrado por via oral, no controle e na prevenção da mastite em vacas leiteiras, quando comparadas com o grupo controle. Atribuem-se esses resultados, principalmente, à degradação ruminal do produto testado. Sugerem-se, portanto, mais pesquisas utilizando o 1,3-1,6 betaglucano purificado de parede de S. cerevisiae por outras vias de administração, tais como intramamária e subcutânea.(AU)

Bovine mastitis, one of the main diseases of dairy herds, is characterized by an inflammatory process in the udder. The economic and environmental impacts, as well as the residues of antimicrobial drugs have stimulated the research of novel alternative treatments for the prevention and treatment of diseases in dairy production cows. The beta-glucan is an immunomodulator agent, with potential preventive action for infectious diseases, including mastitis. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of orally administered beta-glucan in lactating cows. 20 lactating cows were used, distributed into two groups, one control and one treatment, with 10 cows in each group. The treatment group received 5g of 1.3-1.6 betaglucan daily for 60 days, isolated from the cell-wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae diluted into a grain meal, whereas the animals in the control group received only the ration. The California Mastitis Test (CMT), Somatic Cells Counting (SCC), daily production and assessments of fat and protein content in milk were done. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups concerning subclinical mastitis detected by CMT, SCC, milk production and composition regarding protein and fat content. It was not observed, therefore, the effectiveness of the use of purified beta-glucan orally administered on the control or prevention of mastitis in dairy cows. The results are attributed to the ruminal degradation of the product tested. It is, therefore, suggested that more research should be conducted using the 1.3-1.6 beta-glucan purified from the cell wall of S. cerevisiae by other administration means and ruminal protection technologies for the isolated beta-glucan.(AU)

Eficácia da suplementação oral com 1, 3-1, 6 betaglucano proveniente de Saccharomyces cerevisiae no controle da mastite bovina / [Efficiency of oral supplementation of 1. 3-1. 6 beta-glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the control of bovine mastitis]

A mastite bovina, uma das principais doenças do rebanho leiteiro, caracteriza-se por um processo inflamatório no úbere. A inviabilidade econômica, o impacto ambiental negativo e os resíduos antimicrobianos têm estimulado a pesquisa de outros tratamentos alternativos para a prevenção e o tratamento de doenças na bovinocultura leiteira. O betaglucano é um agente imunomodulador com potencial ação preventiva para doenças infecciosas, inclusive a mastite. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia do uso do betaglucano, por meio de administração oral, em animais em lactação. Foram utilizadas 20 vacas lactantes, distribuídas em dois grupos, um controle e um tratamento, com 10 animais em cada grupo. O grupo tratamento recebeu 5g/dia, durante 60 dias, de 1,3-1,6 betaglucano isolado da parede celular de Saccharomyces cerevisiae diluído em ração após a ordenha, enquanto o grupo controle recebia somente a ração. Foram realizados os testes de California Mastitis Test (CMT), contagem de células somáticas (CCS), produção de leite e percentual de gordura e proteína no leite. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos quanto à CCS, ao CMT, à composição do leite ou produção. Não se observou, portanto, eficácia do uso do betaglucano purificado, administrado por via oral, no controle e na prevenção da mastite em vacas leiteiras, quando comparadas com o grupo controle. Atribuem-se esses resultados, principalmente, à degradação ruminal do produto testado. Sugerem-se, portanto, mais pesquisas utilizando o 1,3-1,6 betaglucano purificado de parede de S. cerevisiae por outras vias de administração, tais como intramamária e subcutânea.(AU)

Bovine mastitis, one of the main diseases of dairy herds, is characterized by an inflammatory process in the udder. The economic and environmental impacts, as well as the residues of antimicrobial drugs have stimulated the research of novel alternative treatments for the prevention and treatment of diseases in dairy production cows. The beta-glucan is an immunomodulator agent, with potential preventive action for infectious diseases, including mastitis. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of orally administered beta-glucan in lactating cows. 20 lactating cows were used, distributed into two groups, one control and one treatment, with 10 cows in each group. The treatment group received 5g of 1.3-1.6 betaglucan daily for 60 days, isolated from the cell-wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae diluted into a grain meal, whereas the animals in the control group received only the ration. The California Mastitis Test (CMT), Somatic Cells Counting (SCC), daily production and assessments of fat and protein content in milk were done. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups concerning subclinical mastitis detected by CMT, SCC, milk production and composition regarding protein and fat content. It was not observed, therefore, the effectiveness of the use of purified beta-glucan orally administered on the control or prevention of mastitis in dairy cows. The results are attributed to the ruminal degradation of the product tested. It is, therefore, suggested that more research should be conducted using the 1.3-1.6 beta-glucan purified from the cell wall of S. cerevisiae by other administration means and ruminal protection technologies for the isolated beta-glucan.(AU)

Effect of observed individual data of performance and excretion on life cycle assessment of piglets

The objective was to evaluate the impact of producing piglets fed diets with different crude protein (CP) levels through life cycle assessment and experimental data. In Trial I (performance), 28 crossbred barrow piglets, with an initial average weight of 15.3 ± 1.15 kg were divided into a randomized block design with four treatments, seven replications and one animal per experimental unit. In Trial II (nitrogen and phosphorus balance), 20 crossbred barrow piglets with an average weight of 21.4 ± 1.62 kg were divided in a randomized block design with four treatments, five replications and one animal per experimental unit. Four experimental feeds were evaluated: HighCP, CP18, CP17 and LowCP, with 19, 18, 17 and 16 % of CP, meeting the requirements of digestible amino acids through industrial amino acid (IAA) addition. From Trial I and II data, the environmental impact was calculated for global warming potential, acidification potential, eutrophication potential, cumulative energy demand, terrestrial ecotoxicity and land occupation (LO). Total nitrogen excretion decreased by 0.226 g d−1 for each 1 g of reduction on daily nitrogen intake. However, there was no statistical difference (p > 0.05) among experimental treatments for all impact categories. For LO, there was a reduction (p = 0.078) of impact with CP reduction, which was 8 % lower with the LowCP diet, in comparison with HighCP. Dietary CP reduction for piglets from 15 to 30 kg, through IAA supplementation, reduced the environmental impact under LO, considering soybean meal from southern Brazil and observed individual data of performance and excretion.

Effect of observed individual data of performance and excretion on life cycle assessment of piglets

The objective was to evaluate the impact of producing piglets fed diets with different crude protein (CP) levels through life cycle assessment and experimental data. In Trial I (performance), 28 crossbred barrow piglets, with an initial average weight of 15.3 ± 1.15 kg were divided into a randomized block design with four treatments, seven replications and one animal per experimental unit. In Trial II (nitrogen and phosphorus balance), 20 crossbred barrow piglets with an average weight of 21.4 ± 1.62 kg were divided in a randomized block design with four treatments, five replications and one animal per experimental unit. Four experimental feeds were evaluated: HighCP, CP18, CP17 and LowCP, with 19, 18, 17 and 16 % of CP, meeting the requirements of digestible amino acids through industrial amino acid (IAA) addition. From Trial I and II data, the environmental impact was calculated for global warming potential, acidification potential, eutrophication potential, cumulative energy demand, terrestrial ecotoxicity and land occupation (LO). Total nitrogen excretion decreased by 0.226 g d−1 for each 1 g of reduction on daily nitrogen intake. However, there was no statistical difference (p > 0.05) among experimental treatments for all impact categories. For LO, there was a reduction (p = 0.078) of impact with CP reduction, which was 8 % lower with the LowCP diet, in comparison with HighCP. Dietary CP reduction for piglets from 15 to 30 kg, through IAA supplementation, reduced the environmental impact under LO, considering soybean meal from southern Brazil and observed individual data of performance and excretion.(AU)

Distribution, threats and conservation of the White-collared Kite (Leptodon forbesi, Accipitridae), the most threatened raptor in the Neotropics

The White-collared Kite (Leptodon forbesi) is an endemic and threatened raptor of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Here we present the known records of the species, describe the vegetation types where it was found and show Ecological Niche Models generated using Maxent algorithm. Most of the presence data were recorded in open ombrophilous forest and seasonal semideciduous forest in the states of Alagoas and Pernambuco. Maxent model had a good performance (AUC = 0.982 ± 0.004 SD), showing higher suitability for the species from Paraíba to Alagoas states. Maxent average model revealed a distribution range of 20,344 km² and an area of occupancy of 1,636.89 km². The most suitable areas for the species are those near watercourses and streams. We suggest the creation of protected areas, including private ones, and possible restoration actions to connect the most suitable forest fragments, along with the captive breeding, as the most appropriate strategies for the conservation of the White-collared Kite.

Distribution, threats and conservation of the White-collared Kite (Leptodon forbesi, Accipitridae), the most threatened raptor in the Neotropics

The White-collared Kite (Leptodon forbesi) is an endemic and threatened raptor of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Here we present the known records of the species, describe the vegetation types where it was found and show Ecological Niche Models generated using Maxent algorithm. Most of the presence data were recorded in open ombrophilous forest and seasonal semideciduous forest in the states of Alagoas and Pernambuco. Maxent model had a good performance (AUC = 0.982 ± 0.004 SD), showing higher suitability for the species from Paraíba to Alagoas states. Maxent average model revealed a distribution range of 20,344 km² and an area of occupancy of 1,636.89 km². The most suitable areas for the species are those near watercourses and streams. We suggest the creation of protected areas, including private ones, and possible restoration actions to connect the most suitable forest fragments, along with the captive breeding, as the most appropriate strategies for the conservation of the White-collared Kite.(AU)

Metrics derived from fish assemblages as indicators of environmental degradation in Cerrado streams

The development of effective monitoring tools depends on finding sensitive metrics that are capable of detecting the most important environmental impacts at a given region. We assessed if metrics derived from stream fish assemblages reflect physical habitat degradation and changes in land cover. We sampled the ichthyofauna and environmental characteristics of 16 stream sites of first and second order in the Upper Tocantins River basin. The streams were classified according to their environmental characteristics into reference (n = 5), intermediate (n = 4), and impacted (n = 7). A total of 4,079 individuals in five orders, 12 families, and 30 species were collected. Of the 20 metrics tested, eight were non-collinear and were tested for their performance in discriminating among groups of streams. Three metrics were sensitive to the gradient of degradation: Berger-Parker dominance index, percentage of characiform fish, and percentage of rheophilic individuals. Some commonly used metrics did not reflect the disturbances and many others were redundant with those that did. These results indicate that the metrics derived from fish assemblages may be informative for identifying the conservation status of streams, with the potential to be used in biomonitoring.

Metrics derived from fish assemblages as indicators of environmental degradation in Cerrado streams

The development of effective monitoring tools depends on finding sensitive metrics that are capable of detecting the most important environmental impacts at a given region. We assessed if metrics derived from stream fish assemblages reflect physical habitat degradation and changes in land cover. We sampled the ichthyofauna and environmental characteristics of 16 stream sites of first and second order in the Upper Tocantins River basin. The streams were classified according to their environmental characteristics into reference (n = 5), intermediate (n = 4), and impacted (n = 7). A total of 4,079 individuals in five orders, 12 families, and 30 species were collected. Of the 20 metrics tested, eight were non-collinear and were tested for their performance in discriminating among groups of streams. Three metrics were sensitive to the gradient of degradation: Berger-Parker dominance index, percentage of characiform fish, and percentage of rheophilic individuals. Some commonly used metrics did not reflect the disturbances and many others were redundant with those that did. These results indicate that the metrics derived from fish assemblages may be informative for identifying the conservation status of streams, with the potential to be used in biomonitoring.(AU)

Occurrence of non-native fish species in a Neotropical river under the influence of aquaculture activities / Ocorrência de espécies de peixes não nativos em um rio Neotropical sob a influência da atividade aquícola

The introduction of non-native species is one of the greatest global changes and is a substantial threat to continental fish fauna. This study aimed to evaluate the composition and structure of the fish assemblage of the Azul River, a tributary along the left margin of the Piquiri River basin, to determine the occurrence, abundance and spatial distribution of non-native fish species. Sampling was carried out from February to November 2014 at three sites along the river using of electric fishing equipment. Thirty-two fish species belonging to 20 genera, 11 families and five orders were collected. Eight non-native fish species were recorded, and Gymnotus inaequilabiatus and Oreochromis niloticus were listed among the five most abundant species in the Azul River. The fish fauna followed a distribution pattern expected for the Neotropical region, with a predominance of Characiformes and Siluriformes. However, the high representativeness of the abundance of the non-native species of the Gymnotiformes and Perciformes orders highlights the potential negative impacts on the structure of the fish assemblages of the Azul River due to species introductions.(AU)

A introdução de espécies não nativas é uma das grandes mudanças globais e uma das principais ameaças a ictiofauna continental. Dessa forma, esse trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a composição e estrutura da ictiofauna do rio Azul, um tributário da margem esquerda da bacia do rio Piquiri, a fim de determinar a ocorrência, abundância e distribuição de espécies de peixes não nativas. Para isso, quatro amostragens foram realizadas de fevereiro a novembro de 2014 em três locais ao longo do rio, por meio do uso de equipamento de pesca elétrica. Durante o período amostral, 32 espécies de peixes foram registradas, as quais pertenceram a 20 gêneros, 11 famílias e cinco ordens. Houve o registro de oito espécies de peixes não nativas, dentre elas Gymnotus inaequilabiatus e Oreochromis niloticus estiveram presentes entre as cinco mais abundantes no rio Azul. Desse modo, a ictiofauna do rio Azul seguiu o padrão de distribuição esperado para a região Neotropical, com predominância de Characiformes e Siluriformes. Por outro lado, o aumento de ocorrência de espécies de peixes não nativas, observado da cabeceira para a foz do rio, indica possível processo de homogeneização biótica, potencialmente intensificado pelo escape de peixes não nativos advindos de pisciculturas.(AU)

Occurrence of non-native fish species in a Neotropical river under the influence of aquaculture activities / Ocorrência de espécies de peixes não nativos em um rio Neotropical sob a influência da atividade aquícola

The introduction of non-native species is one of the greatest global changes and is a substantial threat to continental fish fauna. This study aimed to evaluate the composition and structure of the fish assemblage of the Azul River, a tributary along the left margin of the Piquiri River basin, to determine the occurrence, abundance and spatial distribution of non-native fish species. Sampling was carried out from February to November 2014 at three sites along the river using of electric fishing equipment. Thirty-two fish species belonging to 20 genera, 11 families and five orders were collected. Eight non-native fish species were recorded, and Gymnotus inaequilabiatus and Oreochromis niloticus were listed among the five most abundant species in the Azul River. The fish fauna followed a distribution pattern expected for the Neotropical region, with a predominance of Characiformes and Siluriformes. However, the high representativeness of the abundance of the non-native species of the Gymnotiformes and Perciformes orders highlights the potential negative impacts on the structure of the fish assemblages of the Azul River due to species introductions.

A introdução de espécies não nativas é uma das grandes mudanças globais e uma das principais ameaças a ictiofauna continental. Dessa forma, esse trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a composição e estrutura da ictiofauna do rio Azul, um tributário da margem esquerda da bacia do rio Piquiri, a fim de determinar a ocorrência, abundância e distribuição de espécies de peixes não nativas. Para isso, quatro amostragens foram realizadas de fevereiro a novembro de 2014 em três locais ao longo do rio, por meio do uso de equipamento de pesca elétrica. Durante o período amostral, 32 espécies de peixes foram registradas, as quais pertenceram a 20 gêneros, 11 famílias e cinco ordens. Houve o registro de oito espécies de peixes não nativas, dentre elas Gymnotus inaequilabiatus e Oreochromis niloticus estiveram presentes entre as cinco mais abundantes no rio Azul. Desse modo, a ictiofauna do rio Azul seguiu o padrão de distribuição esperado para a região Neotropical, com predominância de Characiformes e Siluriformes. Por outro lado, o aumento de ocorrência de espécies de peixes não nativas, observado da cabeceira para a foz do rio, indica possível processo de homogeneização biótica, potencialmente intensificado pelo escape de peixes não nativos advindos de pisciculturas.

Abiotic factors drives floristic variations of ferns metacommunity in an Atlantic Forest remnant / Fatores abióticos regulam as variações florísticas na metacomunidade de samambaias em um remanescente de Floresta Atlântica

We analyzed floristic variations in ferns metacommunity at the local scale and their relationship with abiotic factors in an Atlantic Forest remnant of northeastern Brazil. Floristic and environmental variations were accessed on ten plots of 10 × 20 m. We performed cluster analyses, based on Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index to establish the floristic relationship. The influence of abiotic factors: luminosity, temperature, relative air humidity and relative soil moisture was evaluated from a redundancy analysis. We found 24 species belonging to 20 genera and 12 families. The ferns flora showed high floristic heterogeneity (>75% for most of the plots associations). The ferns metacommunity was structured along an abiotic gradient modulated by temperature, luminosity, and relative soil moisture.(AU)

Analisamos as variações florísticas na metacomunidade de samambaias em escala local e sua relação com fatores abióticos em um remanescente de Floresta Atlântica no Nordeste do Brasil. Variações florísticas e ambientais foram acessadas a partir de dez parcelas de 10 × 20 m. Realizamos análises de cluster, baseado no índice de similaridade de Bray-Curtis para estabelecer relações florísticas. A influência de fatores abióticos: luminosidade, temperatura, umidade relativa do ar e umidade relativa do solo foram avaliadas a partir da análise de redundância. Encontramos 24 espécies pertencentes a 20 gêneros e 12 famílias. A flora de samambaias exibiu uma elevada heterogeneidade florística (>75% para a maioria das associações entre plots). Observou-se que a metacomunidade de samambaias estava estruturada ao longo de um gradiente abiótico modulado pela temperatura, luminosidade e umidade relativa do solo.(AU)

Riqueza de galhas de insetos em áreas de Caatinga com diferentes graus de antropização do estado da Bahia, Brasil / Richness of insect galls in Caatinga sites with different degrees of anthropogenic impact, Bahia State, Brazil

The current knowledge of insect galls in Caatinga vegetation is still only fragmentary, with most scientific efforts concentrated in only a few areas in the states of Pernambuco and Bahia. In the present study, we characterized morphologically insect galls in areas of Caatinga vegetation showing different degrees of anthropogenic impact in Ibiassucê, state of Bahia. Three sites were selected based on their levels of human disturbance, and four random plots (10 m2 each), separated from each other by 10 m, were then established in each area, for a total of 12 plots. Twenty gall morphotypes were found on nine plant species belonging to eight families. The greatest gall diversity was found in sites showing intermediate levels of anthropogenic impacts (n=8), followed by heavily impacted areas (n=7), and preserved areas (n=5). Globoid galls, brown, with only a single chamber, glabrous, and separately disseminated were the most frequent. Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera (Cecidomyiidae) were the gall-forming insect orders. The results presented here show the importance of this kind of research and the need of inventories of galls in neglected Caatinga areas.(AU)

O conhecimento sobre galhas de insetos da Caatinga ainda é fragmentado, com grande parte do esforço científico concentrado em alguns poucos pontos nos estados de Pernambuco e Bahia. Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a ocorrência de galhas entomógenas e realizar sua caracterização morfológica em áreas de Caatinga de Ibiassucê, Estado da Bahia, com diferentes intensidades de ação antrópica. Foram selecionadas três áreas com base nos seus diferentes graus de antropização. Em cada área amostrada foram estabelecidas quatro parcelas aleatórias de 10 m2 cada, com 10 m de distância entre si, perfazendo um total de 12 parcelas nos ambientes. Foram registrados 20 morfotipos de galhas distribuídos em nove espécies vegetais pertencentes a oito famílias. A maior riqueza de galhas foi encontrada nas áreas intermediárias (n=8), seguida das áreas antropizadas (n=7) e preservadas (n=5). Galhas globoides, marrons, com apenas uma câmara, glabras e disseminadas separadamente foram as mais frequentes. Lepidoptera, Coleoptera e Diptera (Cecidomyiidae) foram as ordens galhadoras. Os resultados aqui apresentados demonstram a importância desse tipo estudo e evidenciam a necessidade da realização de inventários de galhas em áreas pouco ou não amostradas da Caatinga.(AU)

Riqueza de galhas de insetos em áreas de Caatinga com diferentes graus de antropização do estado da Bahia, Brasil / Richness of insect galls in Caatinga sites with different degrees of anthropogenic impact, Bahia State, Brazil

The current knowledge of insect galls in Caatinga vegetation is still only fragmentary, with most scientific efforts concentrated in only a few areas in the states of Pernambuco and Bahia. In the present study, we characterized morphologically insect galls in areas of Caatinga vegetation showing different degrees of anthropogenic impact in Ibiassucê, state of Bahia. Three sites were selected based on their levels of human disturbance, and four random plots (10 m2 each), separated from each other by 10 m, were then established in each area, for a total of 12 plots. Twenty gall morphotypes were found on nine plant species belonging to eight families. The greatest gall diversity was found in sites showing intermediate levels of anthropogenic impacts (n=8), followed by heavily impacted areas (n=7), and preserved areas (n=5). Globoid galls, brown, with only a single chamber, glabrous, and separately disseminated were the most frequent. Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera (Cecidomyiidae) were the gall-forming insect orders. The results presented here show the importance of this kind of research and the need of inventories of galls in neglected Caatinga areas.

O conhecimento sobre galhas de insetos da Caatinga ainda é fragmentado, com grande parte do esforço científico concentrado em alguns poucos pontos nos estados de Pernambuco e Bahia. Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a ocorrência de galhas entomógenas e realizar sua caracterização morfológica em áreas de Caatinga de Ibiassucê, Estado da Bahia, com diferentes intensidades de ação antrópica. Foram selecionadas três áreas com base nos seus diferentes graus de antropização. Em cada área amostrada foram estabelecidas quatro parcelas aleatórias de 10 m2 cada, com 10 m de distância entre si, perfazendo um total de 12 parcelas nos ambientes. Foram registrados 20 morfotipos de galhas distribuídos em nove espécies vegetais pertencentes a oito famílias. A maior riqueza de galhas foi encontrada nas áreas intermediárias (n=8), seguida das áreas antropizadas (n=7) e preservadas (n=5). Galhas globoides, marrons, com apenas uma câmara, glabras e disseminadas separadamente foram as mais frequentes. Lepidoptera, Coleoptera e Diptera (Cecidomyiidae) foram as ordens galhadoras. Os resultados aqui apresentados demonstram a importância desse tipo estudo e evidenciam a necessidade da realização de inventários de galhas em áreas pouco ou não amostradas da Caatinga.

Carbon losses and soil property changes in ferralic Nitisols from Cuba under different coverages

The transformation of primary forestlands into lands under cultivation exerts an impact on the physical and chemical properties of the soils, leading to loss of carbon from the soil. The aims of this study were (1) to estimate the impact of different land use on organic carbon stock (OC-stock) and (2) to determine the clay percentage, the dispersion factor, and bulk density with regard to soil management. Thirty soil profiles were sampled as follows: four under primary forests with 80-100 years (old growth); two under secondary wood forests with 45-50 years; eight under secondary young forests with 15-25 years; four under pasture land with 15-20 years; and 12 under continuous cultivation for > 50 years. We determined the changes in OC-stock in the soils under different land-use conditions in relation to the primary forest variant. There was a difference in the OC-stock of the continuous cultivation variant compared to the remaining land-use variants for all soil-thickness layers. The greatest loss of cultivated soil was in the 0-20 cm layer of the primary forest OC-stock. In the 50-100 cm layer, the OC-stock of the cultivated soils diminished significantly. As regards physical properties, such as clay percentage, dispersion factor, and bulk density, we observed significant differences between the cultivated soils compared to the remaining land-use variants.

Carbon losses and soil property changes in ferralic Nitisols from Cuba under different coverages

The transformation of primary forestlands into lands under cultivation exerts an impact on the physical and chemical properties of the soils, leading to loss of carbon from the soil. The aims of this study were (1) to estimate the impact of different land use on organic carbon stock (OC-stock) and (2) to determine the clay percentage, the dispersion factor, and bulk density with regard to soil management. Thirty soil profiles were sampled as follows: four under primary forests with 80-100 years (old growth); two under secondary wood forests with 45-50 years; eight under secondary young forests with 15-25 years; four under pasture land with 15-20 years; and 12 under continuous cultivation for > 50 years. We determined the changes in OC-stock in the soils under different land-use conditions in relation to the primary forest variant. There was a difference in the OC-stock of the continuous cultivation variant compared to the remaining land-use variants for all soil-thickness layers. The greatest loss of cultivated soil was in the 0-20 cm layer of the primary forest OC-stock. In the 50-100 cm layer, the OC-stock of the cultivated soils diminished significantly. As regards physical properties, such as clay percentage, dispersion factor, and bulk density, we observed significant differences between the cultivated soils compared to the remaining land-use variants.(AU)