Biology and ecology of Alchisme grossa in a cloud forest of the Bolivian Yungas.

Treehoppers (Membracidae) exhibit different levels of sociality, from solitary to presocial. Although they are one of the best biological systems to study the evolution of maternal care in insects, information on the biology of species in this group is scarce. This work describes the biology and ecology of Alchisme grossa (Fairmaire) (Hemiptera: Membracidae) in a rain cloud forest of Bolivia. This subsocial membracid utilizes two host-plant species, Brugmansia suaveolens (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Wild) Bercht. & J.Presl and Solanum ursinum (Rusby) (both Solanaceae), the first one being used during the whole year and the second one almost exclusively during the wet season. The development of A. grossa from egg to adult occurred on the plant where eggs were laid. Maternal care was observed during the complete nymphal development, and involved behavioral traits such as food facilitation and antidepredatory defense. Life cycle was longer on B. suaveolens during the dry season and shorter on S. ursinum during the wet season. Mortality was similar on both host plants during the wet season but was lower on B. suaveolens during the dry season. The presence of a secondary female companion to the egg-guarding female individual and occasional iteropary is also reported.

A mutation increases the specificity to plant compounds in an insect chemosensory protein.

Host plant recognition are highly dependent on chemosensory perception, which involves chemosensory proteins (CSPs) that bind key chemical compounds the host plants. In this work, we hypothesize that two closely related aphid taxa, which differ in diet breadth, also differ in their CSPs. We detected a non-synonymous difference (lysine for asparagine) between M. persicae sensu stricto (Mpp) and the subspecies M. p. nicotianae (Mpn) in the sequence of a CSP (CSP5). We modeled in silico the binding capacity of both CSP5s variants with 163 different potential ligands from their host plants (120 unique from tobacco, 29 unique from peach, and 14 common ligands). After docking analysis with all ligands, we selected the three best ligands for each variant to perform molecular dynamics (tobacco: 2-cyclopentene-1,4-dione, salicylaldehyde, and benzoic acid; peach: phenol, valeric acid, and benzonitrile). The binding energy of the MpnCSP5 model to the studied ligands was, in all cases, lower than with the MppCSP5 model. The ligands from the host plants showed more stable binding with MpnCSP5 than with MppCSP5. This result suggests that the set of CSPs studied among M. persicae s. str. and M. p. nicotianae are very similar, but focusing on the CSP5 protein, we found a single key mutation that increases affinities for host compounds for M. p. nicotianae, which might have contributed to the specialization to tobacco. This study provides new insights into an evolutionary trend toward specificity in a binding protein.

Pollen Preference Patterns by Tetragonisca angustula (Apidae: Meliponini) in a Boliviano-Tucumano Forest.

Native bees are important pollinators in neotropical forests. Tetragonisca angustula (Latreille) (Apidae: Meliponini) is a stingless bee widely distributed from the south of Mexico to Argentina. We characterized the patterns of preference of T. angustula for pollen in relation to the richness and abundance of plant species in the Tucumano-Boliviano Forest. During two field campaigns in different seasons (winter and spring), six colonies of T. angustula were studied. Pollen from flowers of plant species in the study area (pollen offer) and pot-pollen in each hive (pollen demand) were collected and their plant family of origin identified. Pollen from Asteraceae was more abundant in the winter than in the spring. Pollen of Solanaceae in the winter and Bignoniaceae in the spring were the most selected by the worker bees. Pollen from plants outside the sampling area was also found in the pots; it was mainly from Asteraceae. Tetragonisca angustula workers showed a polylectic foraging behavior, being able to use in a dynamic way the resources that are present in their environment at different times of the year; occasionally, it selected less abundant specific resources likely based on their nutritional value. More studies are needed to evaluate aspects of pollen quality consumed by this bee.

Age-related anomalies of electrocardiograms in patients from areas with differential Seroprevalence of Chagas disease in Southern Bolivia.

INTRODUCTION: Chagas disease currently affects some 6 million people around the world. At the chronic stage, cardiomyopathy occurs in about 20-30% of infested people. Most prevalence studies have focused on young to adult people due to the drastic consequences of acquiring the pathogen and the possibility to cure the disease at this age; the prevalence of this disease, the effect of patients' sex and the consequences to senescent people have been largely neglected. This study looks to characterize the seroprevalence of Chagas disease and its relation with occurrence of electrocardiographic anomalies associated with sex and age, and to compare rural and urban populations in Bolivia. METHODOLOGY: Seroprevalence of Chagas disease was determined in blood samples and electrocardiograms were performed on seropositive individuals. RESULTS: The rural population showed higher seroprevalence than the urban population (92% and 40%, respectively). The proportion of Chagasic cardiac anomalies in seropositive persons was highest in patients of the 50-59 age group (36%) as compared with the 40-49 (8%) and the ≥60 (17%) age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Higher seroprevalence in rural population was attributable to a higher probability to encounter the vector in rural areas. Increased exposure to infection and to development of the disease symptoms together with increased lethality of the disease as patients age explains the age-related Chagasic electrocardiographic anomalies. Since rural and urban populations showed different reactions under Chagas disease and the rural population was mainly of guaraní stock, the genetic and environmental determinants of the results should be further explored.

Host-mediated volatile polymorphism in a parasitic plant influences its attractiveness to pollinators.

Host-plants can mediate the interactions between herbivores and their mutualists and also between parasitic plants and their mutualists. The present study reveals how a hemiparasitic plant parasitizing three host species gives rise to three distinct hemiparasite-host neighborhoods which differ in terms of volatile composition and pollinator attractiveness. The study was performed in a population of the mistletoe Tristerix verticillatus infecting three different species of hosts occurring in sympatry within a small area, thus exposing all individuals studied to similar abiotic conditions and pollinator diversity; we assessed the effect of hosts on the hemiparasites' visual and olfactory cues for pollinator attraction. During the study period, the hemiparasite individuals were flowering but the hosts were past their flowering stage. We collected volatile organic compounds from the hemiparasite and its hosts, measured floral display characteristics and monitored bird and insect visitors to inflorescences of T. verticillatus. We showed that: (1) floral patches did not differ in terms of floral display potentially involved in the attraction of pollinators, (2) hosts and hemiparasites on each host were discriminated as distinct chemical populations in terms of their volatile chemical profiles, (3) insect visitation rates differed between hemiparasites parasitizing different hosts, and (4) volatile compounds from the host and the hemiparasite influenced the visitation of hemiparasite flowers by insects. The study showed that a species regarded as "ornithophilic" by its floral morphology was actually mostly visited by insects that interacted with its sexual organs during their visits and carried its pollen, and that host-specific plant-volatile profiles within the T. verticillatus population were associated with differential attractiveness to pollinating insects.

Nest-mate recognition in Manuelia postica (Apidae: Xylocopinae): an eusocial trait is present in a solitary bee.

In eusocial Hymenoptera, females are more tolerant towards nest-mate than towards non-nest-mate females. In solitary Hymenoptera, females are generally aggressive towards any conspecific female. Field observations of the nest biology of Manuelia postica suggested nest-mate recognition. Experiments were performed involving two live interacting females or one live female interacting with a dead female. Live females from different nests were more intolerant to each other than females from the same nest. Females were more intolerant towards non-nest-mate than towards nest-mate dead females. When dead females were washed with pentane, no differences in tolerant and intolerant behaviours were detected between non-nest-mate and nest-mate females. Females were more intolerant towards nest-mate female carcasses coated with the cuticular extract from a non-nest-mate than towards non-nest-mate female carcasses coated with the cuticular extract from a nest-mate. The compositions of the cuticular extracts was more similar between females from the same nest than between females from different nests. The results demonstrate for the first time nest-mate recognition mediated by cuticular chemicals in a largely solitary species of Apidae. The position of Manuelia at the base of the Apidae phylogeny suggests that nest-mate recognition in eusocial species apical to Manuelia represents the retention of a primitive capacity in Apidae.

Water deficit as a driver of the mutualistic relationship between the fungus Trichoderma harzianum and two wheat genotypes.

The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of mutualistic interactions between the fungus Trichoderma harzianum and two wheat genotypes, Triticum aestivum cv. Talhuén and T. turgidum subsp. durum cv. Alifén, and the extent to which water deficit affected these interactions. Two wheat genotypes were cultivated in the presence or absence of T. harzianum and in the presence or absence of water deficit. T. harzianum was in turn cultivated in the presence or absence of wheat plants and in the presence or absence of water deficit. To evaluate the plant-fungus interactions, the root volume, dry biomass, and fecundity of wheat were determined, as was the population growth rate of the fungus. Trichoderma harzianum exerted a positive effect only on plants subjected to water deficit. The population growth rate of T. harzianum was negative in the absence of wheat plants and reached its highest level in the presence of plants under conditions of water deficit. These results confirm the occurrence of a mutualistic interaction between wheat and T. harzianum and show that it is asymmetric and context dependent.

Essential oil of Kurzamra pulchella (Clos) Kuntze (Lamiaceae, Nepetoideae, Mentheae, Menthinae): relationship with chemotype groups in the subtribe Menthinae.

The chemical composition of the essential oil of Kurzamra pulchella (Lamiaceae) was determined. Twelve compounds were identified, with isomenthone (60.6%) and pulegone (37.1%) predominating. Chemotaxonomical considerations were discussed.

Unusual alkaloids of the highland species Astragalus cryptanthus Wedd. (Fabaceae).

Two unusual caprolactam alkaloids, 3-(dimethylamino)hexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one and 3-(methylamino)-hexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one, were isolated from the aerial parts of Astragalus cryptanthus Wedd.; their structures were unambiguously determined based on data from extensive 1D and 2D NMR, GC-MS and FT-IR spectroscopic analyses. This is the first report of this alkaloid type in the genus Astragalus.

Smoke of Capsicum baccatum L. var. baccatum (Solanaceae) repels nymphs of triatoma infestans (Klug) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) / Humo de capsicum baccatum L. var. baccatum (Solanaceae) repele las ninfas de Triatoma infestans (Klug) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Control of the Chagas disease vector, Triatoma infestans (Klug) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) with synthetic pesticides in Bolivia has become increasingly inefficient due to the development of resistance in the insects. In the Chaco region of Bolivia, guaraní populations have approached the problem by fumigating their houses with the smoke of native plants. Through interviews and field work with local guides, the main plant used by the guaraníes was collected and later identified as Capsicum baccatumL. var. baccatum (Solanaceae). In choice bioassays, filter papers exposed to the smoke of the plant repelled nymphs of T. infestans. Activity remained significant after storing the exposed filter papers for 9 days. Chemical analysis of smoke and literature data suggested that capsaicinoids present in the smoke were responsible for the repellent effect. The data presented provide a rationale for the use of C. baccatumvar. baccatumto control the Chagas vector bythe guaraní populations.

El control del vector de la enfermedad de Chagas, Triatoma infestans (Klug) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) con plaguicidas sintéticos en Bolivia se ha vuelto cada vez más ineficiente debido al desarrollo de resistencias en los insectos. En la región del Chaco de Bolivia, las poblaciones guaraníes han abordado el problema fumigando sus casas con el humo de las plantas nativas. A través de entrevistas y trabajo de campo con guías locales, se recogió la principal planta utilizada por los guaraníes y posteriormente se identificó como Capsicum baccatumL. var. baccatum (Solanaceae). En bioensayos selectos, los papeles de filtro expuestos al humo de la planta repelieron a las ninfas de T. infestans. La actividad siguió siendo significativa después de almacenar los papeles de filtro expuestos durante 9 días. El análisis químico del humo y los datos de la literatura sugieren que los capsaicinoides presentes en el humo eran responsables del efecto repelente. Los datos presentados proporcionan una justificación para el uso de C. baccatum var. baccatum para el control del vector Chagas por las poblaciones guaraníes.

Mayores concentraciones de cortisol, biomarcador de estrés, en residentes de comunas con menor índice de calidad de vida urbana / Higher levels of cortisol, a biomarker of stress, among residents of municipalities with lower urban life quality index

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las desigualdades socioeconómicas y territoriales se relacionan con la salud de la población santiaguina; sin embargo, los mecanismos causales que generan las inequidades en salud no están del todo claros. En este trabajo, se cuantifica el estrés de individuos viviendo en diferentes comunas, y se lo discute como causa y consecuencia de procesos vinculados con inequidades en salud. EL OBJETIVO era relacionar el Índice de Calidad de Vida Urbana (ICVU) de la comuna de residencia de individuos en Santiago de Chile con las concentraciones de cortisol en pelo (CCP), un biomarcador de los niveles de estrés fisiológico crónico. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se exploró la relación entre CCP y la edad, el sexo y el ICVU de la comuna de residencia en 80 estudiantes de educación superior en Santiago de Chile. RESULTADOS: No se encontraron correlaciones significativas entre CCP y la edad o el sexo de los participantes. Se encontró una correlación significativa entre CCP y los valores del ICVU de la comuna de residencia, además de encontrar diferencias significativas entre CCP y los distintos rangos de ICVU (Superior, Promedio e Inferior).DISCUSIÓN: Los resultados sugieren considerar las diferencias individuales de CCP como resultado de desigualdades socio-territoriales y también como posible causa de inequidades en salud. Se recomienda incluir el rol del estrés en las políticas públicas de salud, ampliando las redes de apoyo y prevención de estrés en los sectores con bajo ICVU.

INTRODUCTION: Socioeconomic and urban inequalities are associated with health in Santiago; nonetheless, the causal mechanisms underlying health inequalities are not entirely clear. This article quantifies the stress of individuals living in different municipalities and discusses its role as cause and consequence in the generation of health inequalities. THE OBJECTIVE of this study was to determine the relationship between the Urban Quality of Life Index (UQoLI) of individuals' municipality of residence in Santiago, Chile with their hair cortisol concentrations (HCC), a biomarker of chronic physiological stress.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The relationship of HCC with age, sex and UQoLI was explored in a sample of 80 university students in Santiago, Chile. RESULTS: No significant correlations were found between HCC and age and sex. A significant correlation was found between HCC and UQoLI, and significant differences were found be-tween HCC at different levels of UQoLI (High, Average, and Low).DISCUSSION: Results suggest that HCC differences could be considered a result of urban in-equalities, as well as a possible cause of health inequalities. The role of stress should be inclu-ded in public health policies, to expand support networks and prevent stress, especially among people living in areas with low urban quality of life.

Insect antifeedant compounds from Nothofagus dombeyi and N. pumilio.

A bioassay-guided purification of the extracts of Nothofagus dombeyi and N. pumilio leaves yielded several triterpenes and flavonoids including 2-O-acetylmaslinic acid, 3-O-acetyl 20,24,25-trihydroxydammarane, and 3,20,24,25-tetrahydroxydammarane as new natural products. All the isolated compounds were assessed for antifeeding activity against the 5th instar larvae of Ctenopsteustis obliquana. 12-Hydroxyoleanolic lactone and pectolinarigenin from N. dombeyi and dihydrooroxylin A from N. pumilio, showed significant antifeeding activity.

Environmental effects on the induction of wheat chemical defences by aphid infestation.

The effects of temperature and photoperiod on the ability of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings to show induced responses (increased accumulation of hydroxamic acids, Hx) upon infestation by the bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi L. were evaluated under laboratory conditions. Induction of Hx was significantly higher at lower temperatures. No such clear trend was found for the photoperiod effect. The significant effect of environmental conditions on growth rate of seedlings and the significant negative correlation between growth rate prior to infestation and induction of Hx suggested that environmental effects on induced responses were at least partially mediated through their effect on plant growth rate. After statistically uncoupling the effect of environmental conditions from the effect of plant growth rate, the effect of temperature on induction of Hx was no longer significant. Therefore, the temperature effect was mediated by plant growth rate.

Influence of plant resistance at the third trophic level: interactions between parasitoids and entomopathogenic fungi of cereal aphids.

Host-plant resistance can affect herbivorous insects and their natural enemies such as parasitoids and entomopathogenic fungi. This tritrophic effect acts on interspecific interactions between the two groups of natural enemies distantly related in phylogenetic terms. The intra- and extra-host aspects of the interaction between the cereal aphid parasitoid Aphidius rhopalosiphi and the entomopathogenic fungus Erynia neoaphidis developing on the grain aphid, Sitobion avenae, on resistant and susceptible wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars, were studied. The competitive outcome of the intra-host interaction depended on the timing of parasitoid oviposition and fungal infection and was affected by wheat resistance. In particular, survival of the parasitoid was lower on the resistant wheat cultivar than the susceptible wheat cultivar, when the competitive outcome of the interaction was favourable for either parasitoid or fungal development. Before and after this period the influence of plant resistance was not significant. Furthermore, the extra-host interaction was not affected by the wheat cultivar, although an increase in fungal infection of S. avenae was observed when parasitoids foraged in the experimental arena with sporulating aphid cadavers compared with foraging in the absence of sporulating cadavers. Our results showed that the host plant may affect interspecific interactions between parasitoids and fungi and that these interactions depended on the timing of parasitoid oviposition and fungal infection.

[The PRRSV-serumneutralization test detects gaps in herd immunity]. / Der PRRSV-Serumneutralisationstest detektiert Lücken in der Herdenimmunität.

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) appears in two genotypes (EU and US), for both genotypes attenuated live-vaccines are available. A cross-sectional study in 38 Bavarian sow herds was performed to assess the level of neutralizing antibodies. Per herd 38 blood samples were collected (10 weaned piglets, 10 gilts and 6 sows of 1./2., 3J4. and 5/6. parity, respectively). Sera were tested by ELISA, serumneutralization test (SNT) against EU- and US-vaccine virus, and pooled sera were tested by real-time RT-PCR. Herds were classified by the last vaccination of sows as "Vacc EU" "Vacc US"and "nv (non-vaccinated) and by detection of PRRSV-US and vaccination of piglets were not included as variables. Sows of group (2) Vacc EU/EU- showed the highest EU-SNT-titers irrespective of parity. Groups (5) Vacc US/EU+ and (1) Vacc EU/EU+ followed in descending order. Significantly lower SNT-titers in (1) Vacc EU/EU+ were especially observed in sows of 1/2. Parity (Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.05). Very low SNT-titers were observed in the three remaining groups (3) nv/EU+, (4) nv/EU- and (6) Vacc US/EU-. In US-vaccinated herds detection of PRRSV-EU coincided with strong ELISA-reactivity in all animal groups. In EU-vaccinated herds this was only observed for weaned piglets. Sows showed a strong ELISA-reactivity irrespective of detection of PRRSV-EU. The value of the ELISA is restricted to the certification of PRRSV-free herds. The EU-SNT reflects the level of herd immunity at least against vaccine virus; it indicates gaps in herd immunity.

Interplay between behavioural thermoregulation and immune response in mealworms.

Since the preferential body temperature should positively correlate with physiological performance, behavioural fever should enhance an organism's immune response under an immune challenge. Here we have studied the preferential body temperature (T(p)) and its consequences on immune response performance after an immune challenge in larvae of Tenebrio molitor. We evaluated T(p) and immune responses of larvae following a challenge with various concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and we studied the correlation between T(p) and two immune traits, namely antibacterial and phenoloxidase (PO) activities. Larvae that were immune challenged with higher LPS concentrations (C(50) and C(100)) preferred in average, warmer temperatures than did larvae challenged with lower concentrations (C(0) and C(25)). T(p) of C(25)-C(100) (challenged)-mealworms was 2.3°C higher than of C(0) (control) larvae. At lower LPS concentration immune challenge (C(0) and C(25)) antibacterial activity correlated positively with T(p), but at C(50) and C(100) correlation was lose. PO activity was higher at higher LPS concentration, but its magnitude of response did not correlate with T(p) Our data suggest that behavioural fever may have a positive effect on host performance by enhancing antibacterial response under a low pathogen load situation.

Interplay between thermal and immune ecology: effect of environmental temperature on insect immune response and energetic costs after an immune challenge.

Although the study of thermoregulation in insects has shown that infected animals tend to prefer higher temperatures than healthy individuals, the immune response and energetic consequences of this preference remain unknown. We examined the effect of environmental temperature and the energetic costs associated to the activation of the immune response of Tenebrio molitor larvae following a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. We measured the effect of temperature on immune parameters including phenoloxidase (PO) activity and antibacterial responses. Further as proximal and distal costs of the immune response we determined the standard metabolic rate (SMR) and the loss of body mass (m(b)), respectively. Immune response was stronger at 30°C than was at 10 or 20°C. While SMR at 10 and 20°C did not differ between immune treatments, at 30°C SMR of LPS-treated larvae was almost 25-60% higher than SMR of PBS-treated and naïve larvae. In addition, the loss in m(b) was 1.9 and 4.2 times higher in LPS-treated larvae than in PBS-treated and naïve controls. The immune responses exhibited a positive correlation with temperature and both, SMR and m(b) change, were sensitive to environmental temperature. These data suggest a significant effect of environmental temperature on the immune response and on the energetic costs of immunity.

Physiological approach to explain the ecological success of 'superclones' in aphids: interplay between detoxification enzymes, metabolism and fitness.

'Superclones' are predominant and time-persistent genotypes, exhibiting constant fitness across different environments. However, causes of this ecological success are still unknown. Therefore, we studied the physiological mechanisms that could explain this success, evaluating the effects of wheat chemical defences on detoxification enzymes [cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450), glutathione S-transferases (GST), esterases (EST)], standard metabolic rate (SMR), and fitness-related traits [adult body mass and intrinsic rate of increase (r(m))] of two 'superclones' (Sa1 and Sa2) of the grain aphid, Sitobion avenae. Additionally, we compared 'superclones' with a less-frequent genotype (Sa46). Genotypes were reared on three wheat cultivars with different levels of hydroxamic acids (Hx; wheat chemical defences). Detoxification enzymes and SMR did not differ between wheat hosts. However, GST and EST were different between 'superclones' and Sa46, while Sa1 showed a higher SMR than Sa2 or Sa46 (p=0.03). Differences between genotypes were found for r(m), which was higher for Sa1 than for Sa2 or Sa46. For all cases, genotype-host interactions were non-significant, except for aphid body mass. In conclusion, 'superclones' exhibit a broad host range, flat energetic costs for non-induced detoxification enzymes, and low variation in their reproductive performance on different defended hosts. However, physiological specialization of 'superclones' that could explain their ecological success was not evident in this study.

Hydroxamic acids derived from 2-hydroxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one: key defense chemicals of cereals.

Many cereals accumulate hydroxamic acids derived from 2-hydroxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one. These benzoxazinoid hydroxamic acids are involved in defense of maize against various lepidopteran pests, most notably the European corn borer, in defense of cereals against various aphid species, and in allelopathy affecting the growth of weeds associated with rye and wheat crops. The role of benzoxazinoid hydroxamic acids in defense against fungal infection is less clear and seems to depend on the nature of the interactions at the plant-fungus interface. Efficient use of benzoxazinoid hydroxamic acids as resistance factors has been limited by the inability to selectively increase their levels at the plant growth stage and the plant tissues where they are mostly needed for a given pest. Although the biosynthesis of benzoxazinoid hydroxamic acids has been elucidated, the genes and mechanisms controlling their differential expression in different plant tissues and along plant ontogeny remain to be unraveled.

Quantitative screening for alkaloids of native vascular plant species from Chile: biogeographical considerations / Muestreo cuantitativo de alcaloides en especies de la flora nativa vascular de Chile: consideraciones biogeográficas

A screening was undertaken of the native flora of Chile excluding Pteridophyta, Cactaceae and Poaceae the study included 396 species. Alkaloids were found in 189 species, the highest concentration being 3 mg/g dry tissue. A table was produced listing all species collected and specifying the subset containing alkaloids, the species with a particularly high alkaloid content and also the endemic species within this latter set. Alkaloid concentration as well as presence or absence data in different vegetational subregions correlated with mean collection latitude, under the limitations imposed by the relationship between alkaloid concentration and species lineage. In practical terms, the results indicate that in studies aimed at identifying alkaloids in the native flora of Chile, plant collections should take into consideration the promising species listed in the table and take place at the lowest possible latitude if the chance of finding alkaloids and the yield of isolated alkaloids are to be maximized.

Se muestreó un conjunto de 396 especies de la flora nativa de Chile (excluyendo Pteridophyta, Cactaceae y Poaceae), encontrándose alcaloides en 189 de ellas (concentración máxima: 3 mg/g de tejido seco). Se generó una tabla que contiene todas las especies analizadas y especifica aquellas que contienen alcaloides, aquellas que los contienen en altas concentraciones y, entre estas últimas, aquellas que son endémicas. La concentración de alcaloides y también los datos de presencia/ausencia correlacionaron con la latitud media de colecta, bajo las limitaciones impuestas por la relación entre concentración de alcaloides y linaje de la especie. En términos prácticos, los resultados señalan que en estudios que apunten a la identificación de alcaloides en la flora nativa de Chile la colecta de plantas debería tomar en consideración las especies promisoras incluídas en la tabla y ser realizada a la latitud más baja posible dentro del rango de distribución de la especie, maximizando así la probabilidad de encontrar alcaloides en altas concentraciones.