Root colonization and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community composition in a genetically modified maize, its non-modified isoline, and a landrace.

The use of genetically modified (GM) plants has increased in recent decades, but there are uncertainties about their effects on soil microbial communities. Aiming to quantify root colonization and characterize arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) communities associated with roots and rhizosphere soil of different maize genotypes, a field trial was carried out in Southern Brazil with three maize genotypes as follows: a GM hybrid (DKB 240 VTPRO), its non-modified isoline (DKB 240), and a landrace (Pixurum). Soil samples were collected to evaluate the occurrence of AMF during the growth of corn genotypes at sowing and V3 (vegetative), R1 (flowering), and R3 (grain formation) stages of the crop. The occurrence of AMF was determined by the morphological identification of spores, and by analyzing AMF community composition in soil and roots of maize, using PCR-DGGE. The GM genotype of maize promoted lower mycorrhizal colonization in the vegetative stage and had lower sporulation at grain development than the conventional hybrid and the landrace maize. Twenty AMF morphotypes were identified and 13 were associated with all maize genotypes. The genera Acaulospora, Glomus, and Dentiscutata had the largest numbers of species. There were no differences in AMF community composition due to maize genotypes or genetic modification, but crop phenological stages affected AMF communities associated with maize roots.

Landrace maize varieties differ from conventional and genetically modified hybrid maize in response to inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.

Land area planted with genetically modified (GM) crops has grown rapidly, and Brazil has the second largest area with those plants. There is, however, limited information on the possible effects of that technology on non-target organisms, especially root symbionts, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). We evaluated AMF symbiosis development in five maize genotypes: one landrace, two conventional hybrids (DKB 240 and Formula), and two GM hybrids (DKB 240-VT Pro and Formula TL). We evaluated symbiosis response in two separate experiments: one in autumn and the other in summer. Plants were inoculated with Rhizophagus clarus (Rc) and Gigaspora margarita (Gm) and compared to plants without inoculation. We evaluated root colonization, spore number, and plant biomass and phosphorous accumulation 30 and 60 days after inoculation. There were no consistent effects of GM crops, but AMF species and maize genotype affected symbiosis development. Formula genotype (isoline and GM) had a negative response to inoculation, with a decrease of around 30% in biomass and P concentration in Rc-inoculated plants. The maize landrace had a positive response, with increases of 17% and 14% in the same variables. DKB genotype (isoline and GM) showed negative, positive, and neutral effects. The results show that plant genetic identity is a determinant factor in symbiosis performance, suggesting that plants selected in low P availability can make better use of mycorrhizal symbiosis. Given the role that AMF play in different ecosystem processes, use of landrace maize may contribute to agrobiodiversity conservation.

Reproductive Strategy of the Polyploid Species Varronia curassavica Jacq. in Restinga Environment.

This study aimed to elucidate the breeding strategies of Varronia curassavica, an important medicinal species associated with Brazilian restinga. This was accomplished by combining phenological and genetic data. Every 2 weeks over a period of 2 years, we measured flowering and fruiting phenology to evaluate the activity and intensity of phenophases (n = 60). We evaluated the mating system, pollen ovule ratio and genotypes from progeny and mother plants using 8 nuclear microsatellite loci. We observed flowering and fruiting of V. curassavica at low intensity throughout the entire year, but with 2 distinct peaks, one of which was seasonal, corresponding to the period of gradual increase of temperature and photoperiod. Overlapping of flowering and fruiting strategies favors gene flow among different groups of individuals and between populations by attraction of fauna throughout the year. Analysis of the mating system indicates that V. curassavica is a typical outcrossed species (t^ = 0.98; pollen/ovule ratio = 7087.50). Combining phenology with genetic studies improved our understanding of the reproductive strategies of this species. The typical outcrossing system of V. curassavica reflects the existence of functional self-incompatibility mechanisms still unaffected by changes in genetic balance by polyploidy.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the growth and extraction of trace elements by Chrysopogon zizanioides (vetiver) in a substrate containing coal mine wastes.

Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is a fast-growing, high biomass producing plant employed for environmental rehabilitation. The study evaluated the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the growth and trace element phytoextracting capabilities of vetiver in a substrate containing coalmine wastes in Southern Brazil. AMF included Acaulospora colombiana, Acaulospora morrowiae, Acaulospora scrobiculata, Dentiscutata heterogama, Gigaspora margarita, and Rhizophagus clarus. Among those, A. colombiana, G. margarita, and R. clarus promoted higher growth. AMF stimulated average increments in the accumulated P of 82% (roots), 194% (shoots first harvest-90 days) and 300% (shoots second harvest-165 days) and affected the phytoextraction of trace elements by vetiver, with larger concentrations in the roots. Plants inoculated with A. colombiana, A. morrowiae, and A. scrobiculata, in addition to the control, presented the highest levels of Cu and Zn in the roots. Overall, G. margarita stimulated the highest production of biomass, and, therefore, showed the most significant levels of trace elements in the plants. This work shows the benefits of certain AMF (especially A. morrowiae, G. margarita, and R. clarus) for the production of biomass and P uptake by vetiver, demonstrating the potential of those species for the rehabilitation of coal-mine-degraded soils.

Physiological characteristics of the Atlantic Forest native bromeliads: Nidularium campo-alegrense Leme and Aechmea ornata Baker / Características fisiológicas de bromélias nativas da Mata Atlântica: Nidularium campo-alegrense Leme e Aechmea ornata Baker

Despite the ecological importance of bromeliads, the basic knowledge about the physiological aspects in some species is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to physiologically characterize the species Nidularium campo-alegrense Leme and Aechmea ornata Baker to contribute to a better understanding of their metabolic processes. From mature leaves of bromeliads N. campo-alegrense and A. ornata held at the Agricultural Sciences Center of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, it was quantified photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrates and starch, and determined stomata and trichome density. The chlorophyll and carotenoids content did not differ significantly between species. However, the total carbohydrates content of A. ornata (3.2 mg g- 1 FM) was significantly higher than N. campo-alegrense, but with similar starch content (1.7 mg g -1 FM). Both species present hypostomatic leaves, with more trichomes in the species A. ornata. This information provides the groundwork for future studies on the biochemical mechanisms related to their photosynthetic process, contributing in establishing strategies for the conservation and propagation of these species.

Apesar da importância ecológica das bromélias, o conhecimento básico sobre os aspectos fisiológicos em algumas espécies é pouco compreendido. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi caracterizar fisiologicamente as espécies Nidularium campo-alegrense Leme e Aechmea ornata Baker, para contribuir ao melhor entendimento dos seus processos metabólicos. Pelas folhas maduras, das bromélias N. campo-alegrense e A. ornata mantidas no Centro de Ciências Agrárias (CCA) da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), foram quantificados os pigmentos fotossintéticos, carboidratos e amido e foi determinada a densidade estomática e tricomática. Os teores de clorofila e carotenoides não apresentaram diferença significativa entre as espécies. No entanto, na espécie A. ornata, o teor de carboidratos totais (3,2 mg g-1 MF) foi significativamente maior e o teor de amido (1,7 mg g-1 MF) semelhante quando comparado com N. campo-alegrense. As duas espécies apresentam folhas hipoestomáticas e o número de tricomas foi maior na espécie A. ornata . Estas informações fornecem as bases para futuros estudos sobre os mecanismos bioquímicos relacionados com seu processo fotossintético para contribuir no estabelecimento de estratégias de conservação ou propagação destas espécies.