Population density of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and its response to some ecological phenomena in maize crop / Densidade populacional da lagarta-do-cartucho do outono, Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith e Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), e a sua resposta a alguns fenômenos ecológicos na cultura do milho

The fall armyworm [FAW; Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)], is considered a serious invasive pest that poses a serious threat to world food security. It can completely devastate a whole country's cereal crops. Therefore, the present work is the 1st field trial in Egypt to elucidate some ecological aspects of S. frugiperda on maize plants (Single-Hybrid 168 Yellow Corn cultivar) at Esna district, Luxor Governorate, Egypt, throughout two sequential growing seasons of maize (2021-2022). Three insect parameters were used, i.e., egg masses, number of larvae, and percentage of damaged corn plants. Effects of certain climatic conditions and corn plant ages on S. frugiperda seasonal activity and damaged plants percentage were also estimated. S. frugiperda population initiated to attack maize plants from the 3rd week of June until the harvest in every season. S. frugiperda had two seasonal activity peaks in terms of egg masses numbers and three peaks regarding the larval population density/season. Its damage percentage increased with increasing plant age weekly. The mean of S. frugiperda egg masses were 2.83 ± 0.40 and 2.96 ± 0.45 mass /10 corn plants in 2021 and 2022, respectively. While, the overall mean larval populations were 13.41 ± 0.52 and 13.03 ± 0.46 larvae/10 plants, during the two growing seasons, respectively. Corn plant damage percentages reached 68.54 ± 2.71 and 60.42 ± 2.92% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The combined effects of both the weather conditions and maize plant ages were highly significant on egg masses, larvae population density, and damage percentage, and varied from one season to another. The mean daily maximum temperature was the most effective variable on egg masses and the larval population. Maize plant age had a clear effect on the damage percentage caused by the larvae in the field during the two years of the study. The dramatic spread of FAW and the consequent damage (that appeared in different countries of America, Africa, and Asia) mean that different management approaches must be sought for the small and large-scale producers by using available technologies for smallholder farmers will eliminate pest damage without access to reach to an economic Injury level. This information may assist the decision maker when planning the S. frugiperda IPM program for maize plants and its surveillance.

A lagarta-do-cartucho [FAW; Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)], é considerada uma séria praga invasora que representa uma séria ameaça à segurança alimentar mundial. Essa espécie pode devastar completamente as plantações de cereais de um país inteiro. Portanto, o presente trabalho é o primeiro ensaio de campo no Egito para elucidar alguns aspectos ecológicos de S. frugiperda em plantas de milho (Single-Hybrid 168 Yellow Corn cultivar) no distrito de Esna, Luxor Governorate, Egito, ao longo de duas estações de crescimento sequencial de milho (2021 a 2022). Três parâmetros de insetos foram utilizados, isto é, massas de ovos, número de larvas e porcentagem de plantas de milho danificadas. Também foram estimados os efeitos de certas condições climáticas e idades das plantas de milho na atividade sazonal de S. frugiperda e na porcentagem de plantas danificadas. A população de S. frugiperda começou a atacar as plantas de milho a partir da terceira semana de junho até a colheita em todas as estações. S. frugiperda apresentou dois picos sazonais de atividade como o número de massas de ovos e três picos em relação à densidade populacional larval/estação. Seu percentual de dano aumentou semanalmente a partir do aumento da idade da planta. A média das massas de ovos de S. frugiperda foi de 2,83 ± 0,40 e 2,96 ± 0,45 massa/10 plantas de milho em 2021 e 2022, respectivamente. Enquanto, as populações larvais médias gerais foram de 13,41 ± 0,52 e 13,03 ± 0,46 larvas/10 plantas, durante as duas estações de crescimento, respectivamente. As porcentagens de danos às plantas de milho atingiram 68,54 ± 2,71 e 60,42 ± 2,92% em 2021 e 2022, respectivamente. Os efeitos combinados das condições climáticas e da idade das plantas de milho foram altamente significativos nas massas de ovos, densidade populacional de larvas e porcentagem de danos, e variaram de uma estação para outra. A temperatura média diária máxima foi a variável mais efetiva sobre as massas de ovos e a população larval. A idade da planta de milho influenciou visivelmente o percentual de dano causado pelas larvas no campo durante os dois anos de estudo. A propagação dramática da LFM e os danos consequentes (que apareceram em diferentes países da América, África e Ásia) significam que devem ser utilizadas diferentes abordagens de gestão para os pequenos e grandes produtores, a partir de tecnologias disponíveis para os pequenos agricultores eliminarem os danos causados pelas pragas sem acesso para chegar a um nível de dano econômico. Essas informações podem auxiliar o tomador de decisão no planejamento do programa MIP de S. frugiperda para plantas de milho e o seu monitoramento.

Statistical analysis on the cnidome of genus Hydra using Generalized Linear Models

In the systematics of cnidarians, the different types of cnidocysts are considered an important taxonomic character. In Hydra, the four types of cnidocysts found in the ectoderm, concentrated in tentacles and their measurements, together with other morphological and reproductive characteristics, are very important for the taxonomy of the species. In this study, we explore in detail the biometric and statistical characteristics of the cnidome of three species of Hydra collected in three different environments for each climate season. A total of 17,378 capsules were measured. We used ANOVA test and Generalized Linear Model to analyze the distribution and differences reflected in each cnidome, considering the factors "individuals", "season", "lagoon" and "species". The results were clear: the cnidome keep specific information that, together with other taxonomic characteristics, allows us to discern between species of different groups. The same happens with cnidome of the same species but from different lagoons or climatic seasons: we observed a variation of parameters for each type of cnidocyst that could differentiate "ecological races", since these differences are not enough to declare different species.(AU)

Population dynamics and seasonality of Euspilotus (Hesperosaprinus) azureus Sahlberg (Coleoptera: Histeridae: Saprininae) / Dinâmica populacional e sazonalidade de Euspilotus (Hesperosaprinus) azureus Sahlberg (Coleoptera: Histeridae: Saprininae)

The effect of climatic conditions on the structure of populations has been perceived for different orders of insects and families of beetles. Here we described the population dynamics of Euspilotus azureus (Sahlberg, 1823) and determined its relationship with climatic variables. The specimens were collected monthly for one year in an area of Seasonal Semideciduous Forest, in Viçosa, Brazil. The seasonality of the population and of sexes was estimated through the absolute frequency of occurrence (AF) and the percentage frequency of occurrence (FO%) of the population and each sex, which were determined monthly. To test whether the changes in monthly AF of the population and of each sex are correlated with climatic variables, Spearman correlation tests were performed. To identify whether there are temporal fluctuations in the sex ratio, considering months and seasons, and within each season, we performed Chi-square tests. A total of 3,126 individuals (1,009 females and 2,117 males) were collected. The population had the highest abundance in spring and summer, and the lowest in autumn and winter. The highest AF and FO were found in December and January, and the lowest in June and July. The sex ratio of the population did not differ in the months of the year, but in the spring there was a marked predominance of males. For E. azureus, the temporal fluctuation in abundance of the population and in the sex ratio is related to the climatic variables of maximum temperature, humidity, and precipitation. Climatic variables, especially the temperature, provided a greater abundance of the population in the hottest and rainiest periods of the year for inducing reproductive activity and altering the population's sex ratio.

O efeito das condições climáticas na estrutura das populações tem sido percebido para diferentes ordens de insetos e famílias de besouros. Nós descrevemos a dinâmica populacional temporal de Euspilotus azureus (Sahlberg, 1823) e determinamos sua relação com as variáveis climáticas. Os espécimes foram coletados durante um ano em uma área de Floresta Semidecidual Sazonal, em Viçosa, Brasil. A sazonalidade da população e dos sexos foi estimada através da frequência de ocorrência absoluta (FA) e da frequência de ocorrência percentual (FO%) da população, as quais foram determinadas mensalmente. Para testar se as mudanças mensais na FA da população e de cada sexo estão correlacionadas com as variáveis climáticas, testes de correlação de Spearman foram realizados. Para identificar se há oscilações temporais na razão sexual considerando meses e estações, e dentro de cada estação, foram realizados testes de Qui-quadrado. Um total de 3.126 indivíduos (1.009 fêmeas e 2.117 machos) foram coletados. A população teve maior abundância na primavera e verão, e menor no outono e inverno. As maiores FA e FO foram em dezembro e janeiro, e a menores em junho e julho. A razão sexual da população não diferiu nos meses do ano, mas na primavera houve uma predominância marcante de machos. Para E. azureus, a flutuação temporal na abundância da população e na razão sexual é explicada pelas variáveis climáticas de temperatura máxima, umidade e precipitação. As variáveis climáticas, especialmente a temperatura, propiciaram uma maior abundância da população nos períodos os mais quentes e chuvosos do ano por induzirem a atividade reprodutiva e a alterar da razão sexual da população.

Soil macrofauna in areas with different successional vegetation stages after Eucalyptus grandis harvest in Brazil / Macrofauna do solo em áreas com diferentes estágios de vegetação sucessional após a colheita de Eucalyptus grandis no Brasil

The objective of this study was to evaluate the composition of soil macrofauna over different periods after the harvest of Eucalyptus grandis to understand the ecological restoration process. Data collection was carried out in each climatic season by the "Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility" Program. In general, 25,789 individuals were collected from the soil macrofauna and distributed in 26 taxonomic groups, with the Formicidae family being the most abundant. Of the individuals found, 7,418 were collected during autumn, 7,320 in summer, 5,553 in winter, and 5,498 in spring. The soil macrofauna was influenced by seasonality, with a higher density of individuals in autumn and summer. Regarding functional groups, social groups were dominant in all areas and seasons, comprising 74.50% of the total number of individuals. The detritivores group comprised 17.98% of the total individuals. Herbivores, snails, and slugs accounted for 3.98% of the total individuals. The functional groups detritivores, herbivores, and predators were more abundant in the litter, while the social groups were predominant in the soil depths of 0 to 30 cm. As the forest progressed, the richness of the macrofauna groups increased, demonstrating the influence of successional dynamics on the composition of the soil macrofauna.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o processo de restauração ecológica por meio da composição da macrofauna do solo em diferentes períodos após a colheita de Eucalyptus grandis. As coletas de dados foram realizadas em cada estação climática usando o método recomendado pelo Programa "Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility". No geral, foram coletados 25.789 indivíduos da macrofauna do solo, distribuídos em 26 grupos taxonômicos, destacando-se a família Formicidae com maior abundância. Dos indivíduos encontrados, 7.418 foram coletados no outono, 7.320 no verão, 5.553 no inverno e 5.498 na primavera. A macrofauna do solo foi influenciada pela sazonalidade, com maior densidade de indivíduos no outono e no verão. Em relação aos grupos funcionais, os sociais foram dominantes em todas as áreas e estações do ano, compreendendo 74,50% do total de indivíduos. O grupo dos detritívoros representou 17,98%. Herbívoros, caracóis e lesmas representaram 3,98% do total de indivíduos. Os grupos funcionais detritívoros, herbívoros e predadores foram mais abundantes na serapilheira, enquanto os grupos sociais predominaram nas profundidades do solo de 0 a 30 cm. À medida que o estágio sucessional da floresta progrediu, a riqueza dos grupos da macrofauna aumentou, evidenciando a influência da dinâmica sucessional na composição da macrofauna do solo.(AU)

Bioclimatic spatial zoning for small ruminants in the state of Paraíba, Brazil

This study aimed to carry out bioclimatic zoning based on the historical series of climatic variables such as air temperature, maximum, minimum and relative humidity collected in six conventional meteorological stations in the state of Paraíba, Brazil and from this to determine whether or not the animals are in thermal comfort by comparing with the results obtained in scientific research in each mesoregion in the rainy and dry periods. Then based on this the comfort conditions for small ruminants in the rainy and dry seasons of the mesoregions of Paraíba were observed using data from the literature, and demonstrated in spatial distribution maps. The variables air temperatures, maximum and minimum and relative humidity varied throughout the state for the rainy season between 22 to 27, 18 to 21, 25 to 31ºC and 64 to 82%, respectively, and in dry season is 23 to 27, 28 to 35, 19 to 23ºC and 49 to 76%, respectively. However, it is concluded that raising sheep and goats is viable in all mesoregions of the state of Paraíba in both periods.(AU)

Maturation and quality of 'BRS Magna' grapes influenced by rootstocks in rainy season

Seasonal variations and production factors can influence the quality of grapes. Considering the Sub-middle region of the São Francisco Valley, Brazil, differentiated by production in rainy and warmer periods of the year, the climatic conditions in each season affect the duration of the phenological phases and quality of the grapes. The objective of this study was to characterize the changes in the quality components during maturation of 'BRS Magna' grapes on different rootstocks, in rainy seasons under tropical conditions, as a support to define the harvest time. The experiment was conducted in Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil, from Jan to Apr 2017 (cycle 1) and Dec 2017 to Apr 2018 (cycle 2) evaluating rootstocks and age of the fruits. Bunches were picked from the start of maturation to the harvest: 49, 56, 61, 64 and 68 days after fruit set (DAF) for cycle 1, and 35, 41, 48, 55, 61, and 66 DAF for cycle 2. In cycle 1 'IAC 572' and 'Paulsen 1103' rootstocks provided higher sugar contents in grapes, which was only repeated in cycle 2 for 'Paulsen 1103'. The accumulation of anthocyanins and yellow flavonoids was favored by 'IAC 313' and 'IAC 572' rootstocks in cycle 1, and by 'IAC 313' and 'IAC 766' in cycle 2. A higher content of polyphenols was conferred on 'IAC 572' in cycle 1 and on 'IAC 766' in cycle 2, which also had a greater antioxidant capacity. Although there were differences between rootstocks, harvesting at approximately 64 DAF maximized grape quality for all treatments.(AU)

Effect of season and housing system on hematochemical attributes in rabbits of Southern Punjab, Pakistan / Efeito da estação do ano e do sistema de alojamento nos atributos hemato-químicos em coelhos do Punjab do Sul, Paquistão

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of season and housing system on hematochemical attributes of rabbits in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Adult healthy rabbits (n=30) were divided into two groups of equal size (n=15). Group I was housed in a modern cage system and group II in traditional colony system for a period of one year. Blood samples of rabbits from both groups were collected in the summer and the winter seasons and analyzed for various hematochemical attributes. Hematochemical attributes including red blood cell (RBC) count, hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), total white blood cell (WBC) count, mixed cells (MID), granulocytes (GRA), glucose and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were lowered significantly (P<0.05) in the summer in relation to the winter, while mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), creatinine, and cholesterol level were significantly (P<0.05) higher during the summer season. Biochemical attributes as cholesterol, triglycerides and globulin were significantly (P<0.05) lower in the caged rabbits. In conclusion, the summer season caused a significant decrease in most of the hematochemical attributes whereas housing system did not affect most of the hematochemical attributes of the rabbits under the climatic conditions of Southern Punjab, Pakistan.

O presente estudo foi realizado para investigar o efeito da estação do ano e do sistema de alojamento nos atributos hemato-químicos dos coelhos no Sul do Punjab, Paquistão. Os coelhos adultos saudáveis (n=30) foram divididos em dois grupos de mesmo tamanho (n=15). O grupo I foi alojado em um moderno sistema de gaiolas e o grupo II em sistema de colônia tradicional por um período de um ano. Amostras de sangue de coelhos em ambos os grupos foram coletadas no verão e no inverno e analisadas para vários atributos hemato-químicos. Os atributos hemato-químicos, incluindo contagem de hemácias, hematócrito (HCT), volume corpuscular médio (MCV), contagem total de leucócitos, células mistas (MID), granulócitos (GRA), glicose e alanina aminotransferase (ALT) foram significativamente reduzidos (P<0.05) no verão comparado ao inverno, enquanto a hemoglobina corpuscular média (HGM), a concentração média de hemoglobina corpuscular (HGM), creatinina e nível de colesterol foram significativamente (P<0,05) mais altos durante a estação do verão. Atributos bioquímicos como colesterol, triglicerídeos e globulina foram significativamente (P<0,05) mais baixos em coelhos engaiolados. Em conclusão, a estação do verão causou uma diminuição significativa na maioria dos atributos hemato-químicos, enquanto o sistema de alojamento não afetou a maioria dos atributos hemato-químicos dos coelhos sob as condições climáticas do Punjab do Sul, Paquistão.

Helminth's assemblage of a small frog in the Brazilian semiarid: parasite-host-environment relationships / Assembleia de helmintos em uma pequena rã no semiárido brasileiro: relação parasito-hospedeiro-ambiente

Parasite infections may contingency different aspects of the hosts' lives, and are usually expected to directly or indirectly compromise host reproduction. However, although amphibians have historically been study models in parasite ecology, the effects of parasitism on amphibians' reproduction remain unknown. Thus, we investigated how the parasite load varies as a function of climatic seasonality (rainy and dry season) and intrinsic host characteristics (size and sex), as well as the relationship between parasite load and reproductive investment in males and females of a small frog (Pseudopaludicola pocoto Magalhães, Loebmann, Kokubum, Haddad & Garda, 2014) in the Brazilian semiarid region. The parasitological parameters of the studied population were not influenced by the season of the year or by the hosts' body size, but females of P. pocoto had a higher prevalence and intensity of infection than males. The number of oocytes and the volume of the testes were not related to the parasite load, revealing that the parasitism did not negatively impact the gonadal investment in P. pocoto. Our findings suggest that short-lived species, such as the tiny Pseudopaludicola species, have a high reproductive investment independent of their parasitic interactions. In addition, this should be true mainly in those species that live in seasonally dry environments, such as P. pocoto, in which reproduction is even more constrained by the shortened and unpredictable rainy period.

Como infecções parasitárias podem contigenciar diversos aspectos da vida dos hospedeiros, de modo geral, espera-se que o parasitismo comprometa direta ou indiretamente a reprodução dos hospedeiros. Contudo, apesar dos anfíbios historicamente terem sido modelos de estudos em ecologia parasitária, os efeitos do parasitismo na reprodução de anfíbios permanecem incompreendidos. Neste trabalho investigamos como a carga parasitária varia em função da sazonalidade climática (período chuvoso e seco) e de características intrínsecas dos hospedeiros (tamanho e sexo), bem como a relação entre a intensidade de infecção e o investimento reprodutivo em machos e fêmeas de uma pequena rã (Pseudopaludicola pocoto Magalhães, Loebmann, Kokubum, Haddad & Garda, 2014) no semiárido brasileiro. Os parâmetros parasitológicos da população estudada não foram influenciados pela estação do ano nem pelo tamanho corpóreo dos hospedeiros, mas as fêmeas de P. pocoto apresentaram maior prevalência e intensidade de infecção que os machos. A carga parasitária não foi relacionada com o número de ovócitos nem com o volume dos testículos, revelando que o parasitismo não impactou negativamente o investimento gonadal em P. pocoto. Nossos achados sugerem que espécies com baixa longevidade, como as diminutas espécies de Pseudopaludicola, apresentam um alto investimento reprodutivo independente de suas interações parasitárias. Complementarmente, isto deve ocorrer sobretudo naquelas espécies que vivem em ambientes sazonalmente secos, como P. pocoto, nos quais a reprodução é ainda mais contigenciada pela brevidade e imprevisibilidade do período chuvoso.

Coffea arabica L: History, phenology and climatic aptitude of the state of São Paulo, Brazil

ABSTRACT The genus Coffea belongs to the Rubiaceae family and includes two species with optimum economic performances, Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora. The state of São Paulo is one of the states that produce the species C. arabica in Brazil. Arabica coffee has been of great importance to São Paulo, providing relevant contributions to the historical, political, architectural, gastronomic, touristic, artistic, agricultural, industrial and social sectors since its introduction into the state in the nineteenth century. The agricultural sector includes crops produced by both small farmers and by highly technological agricultural groups. Coffea arabica plants present six phenological phases, all sensitive to changes in temperature and rainfall. In the reproductive phases, the species requires short days, low temperatures and no rainfall, followed by the rainy season. However, the phenological phases of the coffee plants can be harmed or even inhibited by dry or rainy seasons that are too long or too short. In the state of São Paulo, the municipalities of Garça and Franca show optimal coffee productivity, whereas those of Adamantina and Registro are low, and the agricultural aptitudes of these four municipalities show strong relationships with their geographical distributions in the state. Garça and Franca are situated in areas where the predominant dry and rainy seasons favor the occurrence of the phenological phases of arabica coffee plants, whereas Adamantina and Registro are located in areas with long dry and rainy seasons, respectively, characteristics that harm the development of the reproductive phenological phases of this culture.

Coffea arabica L: History, phenology and climatic aptitude of the state of São Paulo, Brazil

The genus Coffea belongs to the Rubiaceae family and includes two species with optimum economic performances, Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora. The state of São Paulo is one of the states that produce the species C. arabica in Brazil. Arabica coffee has been of great importance to São Paulo, providing relevant contributions to the historical, political, architectural, gastronomic, touristic, artistic, agricultural, industrial and social sectors since its introduction into the state in the nineteenth century. The agricultural sector includes crops produced by both small farmers and by highly technological agricultural groups. Coffea arabica plants present six phenological phases, all sensitive to changes in temperature and rainfall. In the reproductive phases, the species requires short days, low temperatures and no rainfall, followed by the rainy season. However, the phenological phases of the coffee plants can be harmed or even inhibited by dry or rainy seasons that are too long or too short. In the state of São Paulo, the municipalities of Garça and Franca show optimal coffee productivity, whereas those of Adamantina and Registro are low, and the agricultural aptitudes of these four municipalities show strong relationships with their geographical distributions in the state. Garça and Franca are situated in areas where the predominant dry and rainy seasons favor the occurrence of the phenological phases of arabica coffee plants, whereas Adamantina and Registro are located in areas with long dry and rainy seasons, respectively, characteristics that harm the development of the reproductive phenological phases of this culture.

Effects of climate, seasonality, and parasitoid abundance on Liriomyza Mik (Diptera: Agromyzidae) populations on important crops in Northeastern Brazil

Agromyzidae (Insecta: Diptera) is a cosmopolitan family of acalyptrate flies, with almost 3,000 species worldwide distributed. Most species are leaf miners on a large number of plants. Among them, Liriomyza Mik, 1894 is a large genus of leaf-miner species that can cause significant damage to economically important crops and is considered agricultural pests, such as Liriomyza sativae Blanchard, 1938 and Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard, 1926), which are herein investigated. The present study deals with the impact of climatic factors (temperature, humidity, and precipitation), seasonality, and parasitoid abundance on leaf-miner infestation during one year in five cultivated crops in Northeastern Brazil. Climatic factors for instance had different effects on L. sativae populations in melon and watermelon crops. Larval abundances were greater during the dry season for both species, L. sativae and L. huidobrensis, and abundance of adult parasitoids followed the increase of mining larvae.(AU)

Effects of climate, seasonality, and parasitoid abundance on Liriomyza Mik (Diptera: Agromyzidae) populations on important crops in Northeastern Brazil

Agromyzidae (Insecta: Diptera) is a cosmopolitan family of acalyptrate flies, with almost 3,000 species worldwide distributed. Most species are leaf miners on a large number of plants. Among them, Liriomyza Mik, 1894 is a large genus of leaf-miner species that can cause significant damage to economically important crops and is considered agricultural pests, such as Liriomyza sativae Blanchard, 1938 and Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard, 1926), which are herein investigated. The present study deals with the impact of climatic factors (temperature, humidity, and precipitation), seasonality, and parasitoid abundance on leaf-miner infestation during one year in five cultivated crops in Northeastern Brazil. Climatic factors for instance had different effects on L. sativae populations in melon and watermelon crops. Larval abundances were greater during the dry season for both species, L. sativae and L. huidobrensis, and abundance of adult parasitoids followed the increase of mining larvae.

Impact of climatic variability on growth performance of Fogera cattle in Northwestern Ethiopia

This study aimed to assess the impact of climatic variability on the growth performance of the Fogera cattle at Metekel Ranch. About 15-years of meteorological data were collected from National Meteorological Agency. Then, the heat stress (HS) condition of the ranch location was calculated by the temperature-humidity index (THI). Moreover, all animals born and calves that were weaned from 2005 to 2019 were included in this study. Seasons and years of birth were fitted as predictors, while growth parameters were fitted as response variables. Data were analyzed by least-squares means analysis of variance using R software version 3.5.2 program. Moreover, a multiple linear regression model was also used. The trends in BW and WW of calves were significantly decreasing along the study period. The result also indicated that the relative humidity and ambient temperature regression coefficient was negative for BW and WW. The Pearson correlation coefficient also indicated there was a negative relationship between growth parameters and climatic variables. When THI increases from 67 to 72, the BW and WW of the calves were decreased by 3.5 and 25 kg, respectively. However, the optimum THI for higher BW and WW was less than or equal to 67. The lower BW and WW of calves observed in this study is due to the cumulative effect of the climate conditions of the study area and herd management practices. Therefore, in any improvement to be made in the ranch, environmental factors should be considered along with necessary amelioration activities.(AU)

Limnological aspects of a shallow pond used as receiver aquaculture wastes and for agricultural irrigation / Aspectos limnológicos de um viveiro raso utilizado como receptor de resíduos da aquicultura e para irrigação agrícola

Water samples, zooplankton community and sediment samples were analyzed at three sites in a pond receiving wastes, bi-weekly for seven months, covering the rainy and dry seasons. Water quality parameters failed to show significant differences between the sites for turbidity, total suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, transparency, conductivity, alkalinity and total phosphorous. Only temperature was different between the seasons. In the case of sediment, only aluminum (Al) was not different during the experimental period when highest calcium (Ca) concentrations were reported. The relative abundance of Rotifera during the sampling period reached 80-96% (rainy season) and 59-98% (dry season) in total zooplankton. Current study demonstrated that the water quality of shallow pond associated with allochthonous materials from aquaculture farm significantly influenced the structure of zooplankton assemblage due to high nutrient concentrations, conductivity, alkalinity and chlorophyll-α causing more fertilized water. However, heavy rains (February-April) and continuous water flow favored aeration (dissolved oxygen > 5.2 ± 1 mg L-¹). The use of pond water for agricultural irrigation or for other purposes, must be analyzed more effectively, avoiding problems caused by its usage.

Amostras de água, comunidade zooplanctônica e sedimento foram analisadas em três pontos de um viveiro receptor de resíduos a cada quinze dias, durante as estações de chuva e seca. Os parâmetros de qualidade da água não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os pontos amostrais em relação a turbidez, sólidos suspensos totais, oxigênio dissolvido, transparência, condutividade, alcalinidade e fósforo total e a temperatura foi a única variável diferente entre as estações. Em relação ao sedimento, somente o alumínio (Al) não foi diferente durante o período experimental e foram encontradas elevadas concentrações de cálcio (Ca). Abundância relativa de Rotifera durante o período de amostragem representou 80-96% (estação chuvosa) e 59-98% (estação seca) em relação ao zooplâncton total. O estudo demonstrou que a qualidade da água do viveiro associada aos materiais alóctones provenientes da fazenda de aquicultura influenciaram significativamente a estrutura da comunidade zooplanctônica devido às altas concentrações de nutrientes, condutividade, alcalinidade e clorofila-α, tornando a água mais fertilizada. A utilização da água do viveiro para irrigação agrícola ou para outros propósitos deve ser analisada de forma mais efetiva, evitando assim qualquer problema decorrente do seu uso.

Limnological aspects of a shallow pond used as receiver aquaculture wastes and for agricultural irrigation / Aspectos limnológicos de um viveiro raso utilizado como receptor de resíduos da aquicultura e para irrigação agrícola

Water samples, zooplankton community and sediment samples were analyzed at three sites in a pond receiving wastes, bi-weekly for seven months, covering the rainy and dry seasons. Water quality parameters failed to show significant differences between the sites for turbidity, total suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, transparency, conductivity, alkalinity and total phosphorous. Only temperature was different between the seasons. In the case of sediment, only aluminum (Al) was not different during the experimental period when highest calcium (Ca) concentrations were reported. The relative abundance of Rotifera during the sampling period reached 80-96% (rainy season) and 59-98% (dry season) in total zooplankton. Current study demonstrated that the water quality of shallow pond associated with allochthonous materials from aquaculture farm significantly influenced the structure of zooplankton assemblage due to high nutrient concentrations, conductivity, alkalinity and chlorophyll-α causing more fertilized water. However, heavy rains (February-April) and continuous water flow favored aeration (dissolved oxygen > 5.2 ± 1 mg L-¹). The use of pond water for agricultural irrigation or for other purposes, must be analyzed more effectively, avoiding problems caused by its usage.(AU)

Amostras de água, comunidade zooplanctônica e sedimento foram analisadas em três pontos de um viveiro receptor de resíduos a cada quinze dias, durante as estações de chuva e seca. Os parâmetros de qualidade da água não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os pontos amostrais em relação a turbidez, sólidos suspensos totais, oxigênio dissolvido, transparência, condutividade, alcalinidade e fósforo total e a temperatura foi a única variável diferente entre as estações. Em relação ao sedimento, somente o alumínio (Al) não foi diferente durante o período experimental e foram encontradas elevadas concentrações de cálcio (Ca). Abundância relativa de Rotifera durante o período de amostragem representou 80-96% (estação chuvosa) e 59-98% (estação seca) em relação ao zooplâncton total. O estudo demonstrou que a qualidade da água do viveiro associada aos materiais alóctones provenientes da fazenda de aquicultura influenciaram significativamente a estrutura da comunidade zooplanctônica devido às altas concentrações de nutrientes, condutividade, alcalinidade e clorofila-α, tornando a água mais fertilizada. A utilização da água do viveiro para irrigação agrícola ou para outros propósitos deve ser analisada de forma mais efetiva, evitando assim qualquer problema decorrente do seu uso.(AU)

Impact of climatic variability on growth performance of Fogera cattle in Northwestern Ethiopia

This study aimed to assess the impact of climatic variability on the growth performance of the Fogera cattle at Metekel cattle breeding and multiplication ranch. About 15-years of meteorological data were collected from National Meteorological Agency. Then, the heat stress (HS) condition of the ranch location was calculated by the temperature humidity index (THI). Moreover, all animals born and calves that were weaned from 2005 to 2019 were included in this study. Seasons and years of birth were fitted as predictors, while growth parameters were fitted as response variables. Data were analyzed by least-squares means analysis of variance using R software version 3.5.2 program. Moreover, a multiple linear regression model was also used. The trends in birth weight (BW) and weaning weight (WW) of calves were significantly decreasing along the study period. The result also indicated that the relative humidity and ambient temperature regression coefficient was negative for BW and WW. The Pearson correlation coefficient also indicated there was a negative relationship between growth parameters and climatic variables. When THI increases from 67 to 72, the BW and WW of the calves were decreased by 3.5 and 25 kg, respectively. However, the optimum THI for higher BW and WW was less than or equal to 67. The lower BW and WW of calves observed in this study is due to the cumulative effect of the climate conditions of the study area and herd management practices. Therefore, in any improvement to be made in the ranch, environmental factors should be considered along with necessary amelioration activities.

Edaphic entomofauna associated with coconut crops in the eastern Amazon / Entomofauna edáfica associada a lavouras de coqueiro na Amazônia oriental

In the Eastern Amazon is the largest continuous coconut crop area in the world. This region is known for its high precipitation levels and an ecosystem of extensive insect biodiversity. It is important to know the local entomofauna and to know whether there is a balance between the different insect groups. This study aimed to understand the influence of seasonality on the dynamics of edaphic insect families, comparing the environment as a whole and in different commercial coconut crop areas and riparian forests in the Eastern Amazon. Forty pitfall traps were installed in the ground at an average distance of 1 m from the coconut stipe. They were filled with 200 ml of an aqueous solution of liquid neutral soap and 70% alcohol. Traps were installed in eight areas: an area of riparian forest (A1) and seven in commercial coconut cropareas (A2 to A8), in the Amazon dry and rainy season. The similarity between the insects was measured using Euclidean distance. The abundance of families in each collection area used qualitative similarity. For family dominance, quantitative similarity was used. Diversity analyses were performed to justify the similarities of the clusters through the Shannon and Simpson Indices. In total, 252,313 individuals, 118 families, and 9 orders were collected. There were many Formicidae in both climatic periods because itis a social insect and has edaphic habits. The families with the most individuals in the collections were Drosophilidae, Staphylinidae, Bostrichidae, Phoridae, Nitidulidae, Scolytidae, Tenebrionidae, Scarabaeidae, Ceratopogomidae, and Platyogastridae. The riparian forest area (A1) showed the greatest diversity and least dominance. The oldest cultivated areas A2 and A3 (7 years) showed the greatest diversity in the dry season. In the rainy season, the most diversified areas were those with the highest land slope (A6 and A7).The most dominant [...].

Na Amazônia Oriental, está localizado a maior área contínua de plantio de coqueiro do mundo. Essa região é conhecida por ter elevados índices de precipitação e um ecossistema de extensa biodiversidade de insetos. É importante conhecer a entomofauna do local, para saber se há equilíbrio entre os diferentes grupos de insetos. O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender a influência da sazonalidade na dinâmica das famílias de insetos edáficos, comparando o ambiente como um todo e diferentes áreas de plantios comerciais de coqueiro e mata ciliar na Amazônia Oriental. Foram instaladas no solo 40 armadilhas do tipo pitfall a uma distância média de 1 m do estipe, preenchidas com 200 ml com solução aquosa de sabão líquido neutro e álcool 70%, em oito áreas: uma área de mata ciliar (A1) e sete em áreas de lavoura comercial de coqueiro (A2 a A8) nos períodos seco e chuvoso amazônico. A similaridade entre os insetos foi medida através da distância Euclidiana. A abundância de famílias em cada área de coleta, utilizou a similaridade qualitativa. Para dominância de famílias utilizou similaridade quantitativa. Foram realizadas análises de diversidade para justificar as similaridades dos agrupamentos, através do Índice de Shannon e Índice de Simpson. Foram coletados 252.313 indivíduos, 118 famílias e 9 ordens. Houve um grande número de Formicidae em ambos os períodos climáticos, por se tratar de um inseto social e que tem hábitos edáfico. As famílias com maior número nas coletas foram: Drosophilidae, Staphylinidae, Bostrichidae, Phoridae, Nitidulidae, Scolytidae, Tenebrionidae, Scarabaeidae, Ceratopogomidae e Platyogastridae. A área de mata ciliar (A1) apresentou maior diversidade e menor dominância. As áreas cultivadas mais antigas A2 e A3 (7 anos) apresentaram a maior diversidade na estação seca. No período chuvoso, as mais diversificadas foram áreas que apresentaram maior declividade do terreno - A6 e A7. As áreas com maior dominância foram A5 e A8, onde o maior [...].

Edaphic entomofauna associated with coconut crops in the eastern Amazon / Entomofauna edáfica associada a lavouras de coqueiro na Amazônia oriental

In the Eastern Amazon is the largest continuous coconut crop area in the world. This region is known for its high precipitation levels and an ecosystem of extensive insect biodiversity. It is important to know the local entomofauna and to know whether there is a balance between the different insect groups. This study aimed to understand the influence of seasonality on the dynamics of edaphic insect families, comparing the environment as a whole and in different commercial coconut crop areas and riparian forests in the Eastern Amazon. Forty pitfall traps were installed in the ground at an average distance of 1 m from the coconut stipe. They were filled with 200 ml of an aqueous solution of liquid neutral soap and 70% alcohol. Traps were installed in eight areas: an area of riparian forest (A1) and seven in commercial coconut cropareas (A2 to A8), in the Amazon dry and rainy season. The similarity between the insects was measured using Euclidean distance. The abundance of families in each collection area used qualitative similarity. For family dominance, quantitative similarity was used. Diversity analyses were performed to justify the similarities of the clusters through the Shannon and Simpson Indices. In total, 252,313 individuals, 118 families, and 9 orders were collected. There were many Formicidae in both climatic periods because itis a social insect and has edaphic habits. The families with the most individuals in the collections were Drosophilidae, Staphylinidae, Bostrichidae, Phoridae, Nitidulidae, Scolytidae, Tenebrionidae, Scarabaeidae, Ceratopogomidae, and Platyogastridae. The riparian forest area (A1) showed the greatest diversity and least dominance. The oldest cultivated areas A2 and A3 (7 years) showed the greatest diversity in the dry season. In the rainy season, the most diversified areas were those with the highest land slope (A6 and A7).The most dominant [...].(AU)

Na Amazônia Oriental, está localizado a maior área contínua de plantio de coqueiro do mundo. Essa região é conhecida por ter elevados índices de precipitação e um ecossistema de extensa biodiversidade de insetos. É importante conhecer a entomofauna do local, para saber se há equilíbrio entre os diferentes grupos de insetos. O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender a influência da sazonalidade na dinâmica das famílias de insetos edáficos, comparando o ambiente como um todo e diferentes áreas de plantios comerciais de coqueiro e mata ciliar na Amazônia Oriental. Foram instaladas no solo 40 armadilhas do tipo pitfall a uma distância média de 1 m do estipe, preenchidas com 200 ml com solução aquosa de sabão líquido neutro e álcool 70%, em oito áreas: uma área de mata ciliar (A1) e sete em áreas de lavoura comercial de coqueiro (A2 a A8) nos períodos seco e chuvoso amazônico. A similaridade entre os insetos foi medida através da distância Euclidiana. A abundância de famílias em cada área de coleta, utilizou a similaridade qualitativa. Para dominância de famílias utilizou similaridade quantitativa. Foram realizadas análises de diversidade para justificar as similaridades dos agrupamentos, através do Índice de Shannon e Índice de Simpson. Foram coletados 252.313 indivíduos, 118 famílias e 9 ordens. Houve um grande número de Formicidae em ambos os períodos climáticos, por se tratar de um inseto social e que tem hábitos edáfico. As famílias com maior número nas coletas foram: Drosophilidae, Staphylinidae, Bostrichidae, Phoridae, Nitidulidae, Scolytidae, Tenebrionidae, Scarabaeidae, Ceratopogomidae e Platyogastridae. A área de mata ciliar (A1) apresentou maior diversidade e menor dominância. As áreas cultivadas mais antigas A2 e A3 (7 anos) apresentaram a maior diversidade na estação seca. No período chuvoso, as mais diversificadas foram áreas que apresentaram maior declividade do terreno - A6 e A7. As áreas com maior dominância foram A5 e A8, onde o maior [...].(AU)

The lizard that never sleeps: activity of the pampa marked gecko Homonota uruguayensis / El lagarto que nunca duerme: actividad del gecko del pampa Homonota uruguayensis

La suposición general ha sido que los lagartos son activos cuando las condiciones climáticas son favorables. Homonota uruguayensis (Vaz-Ferreira & Sierra de Soriano, 1961) es la única lagartija nativa - y la lagartija nocturna - que vive en el norte de bioma Pampa. La ecología de esta especie es poco conocida y este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir su patrón de actividad diaria y anual y su relación con las temperaturas ambientales. El estudio se llevó a cabo en el extremo sur de Brasil (Rosário do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul), a partir de mayo 2010 - enero 2011, en un afloramiento rocoso situado en el bioma Pampa. El estudio totalizó cuatro excursiones de campo estacionales y 1185 horas. Los datos fueron recogidos a lo largo de los turnos de 6 horas durante el día y la noche. El área fue recorrida aleatoriamente en cada turno siempre registrandose la actividad y el microhabitat utilizado por los lagartos. A lo largo del estudio, 1541 especímenes se registraron. Homonota uruguayensis presentó hábito diurno y nocturno en las cuatro estaciones, con períodos de actividad diaria variando significativamente entre todas las estaciones en forma cíclica y multimodal, no se observó relación significativa con las temperaturas ambientales. No fue constatada diferencia entre los sexos con relación a la actividad y las clases de edad. La mayoría de los lagartos activos fue encontrada a temperaturas del aire que variaron de 14 °C a 32,9 °C (82% de lagartos activos) y a temperaturas del sustrato entre 10 °C y 32,9 °C (87% de lagartos activos).(AU)

It is generally assumed that lizards are active whenever climatic conditions are favorable. Homonota uruguayensis (Vaz-Ferreira & Sierra de Soriano, 1961) is the only native gecko - and nocturnal lizard - living in the northern Pampa biome, and its ecology is poorly known. This study aimed at describing this species pattern of daily and annual activity and its relation with environmental temperatures. The study was conducted in the extreme south of Brazil (Rosário do Sul, State of Rio Grande do Sul), between May 2010 and January 2011 at a rocky outcrop located in the Pampa biome. The study was carried out in a total of four seasonal field trips, totalizing 1185 hours of field work. The data were collected, both during the day and the night in 6-hour shifts (duration of the sampling period). The area was randomly covered at each shift to record activity and microhabitat use by the lizards. In total 1541 specimens were recorded throughout the study. Homonota uruguayensis showed diurnal and nocturnal activity in the four seasons, with periods of daily activity varying significantly between all seasons in a cyclic and multimodal pattern, with no significant relation with environmental temperatures. There was no difference in activity related to sex and age classes. Most active lizards were found when air temperatures ranged from 14 °C to 32.9 °C (82% of active lizards) and substrate temperatures ranged from 10 °C to 32.9 °C (87% of active lizards).(AU)

The lizard that never sleeps: activity of the pampa marked gecko Homonota uruguayensis / El lagarto que nunca duerme: actividad del gecko del pampa Homonota uruguayensis

La suposición general ha sido que los lagartos son activos cuando las condiciones climáticas son favorables. Homonota uruguayensis (Vaz-Ferreira & Sierra de Soriano, 1961) es la única lagartija nativa - y la lagartija nocturna - que vive en el norte de bioma Pampa. La ecología de esta especie es poco conocida y este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir su patrón de actividad diaria y anual y su relación con las temperaturas ambientales. El estudio se llevó a cabo en el extremo sur de Brasil (Rosário do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul), a partir de mayo 2010 - enero 2011, en un afloramiento rocoso situado en el bioma Pampa. El estudio totalizó cuatro excursiones de campo estacionales y 1185 horas. Los datos fueron recogidos a lo largo de los turnos de 6 horas durante el día y la noche. El área fue recorrida aleatoriamente en cada turno siempre registrandose la actividad y el microhabitat utilizado por los lagartos. A lo largo del estudio, 1541 especímenes se registraron. Homonota uruguayensis presentó hábito diurno y nocturno en las cuatro estaciones, con períodos de actividad diaria variando significativamente entre todas las estaciones en forma cíclica y multimodal, no se observó relación significativa con las temperaturas ambientales. No fue constatada diferencia entre los sexos con relación a la actividad y las clases de edad. La mayoría de los lagartos activos fue encontrada a temperaturas del aire que variaron de 14 °C a 32,9 °C (82% de lagartos activos) y a temperaturas del sustrato entre 10 °C y 32,9 °C (87% de lagartos activos).

It is generally assumed that lizards are active whenever climatic conditions are favorable. Homonota uruguayensis (Vaz-Ferreira & Sierra de Soriano, 1961) is the only native gecko - and nocturnal lizard - living in the northern Pampa biome, and its ecology is poorly known. This study aimed at describing this species pattern of daily and annual activity and its relation with environmental temperatures. The study was conducted in the extreme south of Brazil (Rosário do Sul, State of Rio Grande do Sul), between May 2010 and January 2011 at a rocky outcrop located in the Pampa biome. The study was carried out in a total of four seasonal field trips, totalizing 1185 hours of field work. The data were collected, both during the day and the night in 6-hour shifts (duration of the sampling period). The area was randomly covered at each shift to record activity and microhabitat use by the lizards. In total 1541 specimens were recorded throughout the study. Homonota uruguayensis showed diurnal and nocturnal activity in the four seasons, with periods of daily activity varying significantly between all seasons in a cyclic and multimodal pattern, with no significant relation with environmental temperatures. There was no difference in activity related to sex and age classes. Most active lizards were found when air temperatures ranged from 14 °C to 32.9 °C (82% of active lizards) and substrate temperatures ranged from 10 °C to 32.9 °C (87% of active lizards).