Nanoencapsulation improves the protective effects of a nitric oxide donor on drought-stressed Heliocarpus popayanensis seedlings.

Despite the important role played by nitric oxide (NO) in plants subjected to abiotic stress, NO donors application to induce drought tolerance in neotropical tree seedlings has not yet been tested. It is also worth investigating whether NO bioactivity in drought-stressed seedlings could be potentiated by NO donors nanoencapsulation. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the effects of chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) containing S-nitroso-mercaptosuccinic acid (S-nitroso-MSA) on drought-stressed seedlings of neotropical tree species Heliocarpus popayanensis Kunth in comparison to free NO donor and NPs loaded with non-nitrosated MSA. Nanoencapsulation slowed down NO release from S-nitroso-MSA, and nanoencapsulated S-nitroso-MSA yielded 2- and 1.6-fold higher S-nitrosothiol levels in H. popayanensis roots and leaves, respectively, than the free NO donor. S-nitroso-MSA has prevented drought-induced CO2 assimilation inhibition, regardless of nanoencapsulation, but the nanoencapsulated NO donor has induced earlier ameliorative effect. Both NO and MSA have decreased oxidative stress in H. popayanensis roots, but this effect was not associated with antioxidant enzyme induction, with higher seedling biomass, or with proline and glycine betaine accumulation. Nanoencapsulated S-nitroso-MSA was the only formulation capable of increasing leaf relative water content in drought-stressed plants (from 32.3% to 60.5%). In addition, it induced root hair formation (increase by 36.6% in comparison to well-hydrated plants). Overall, results have evidenced that nanoencapsulation was capable of improving the protective effect of S-nitroso-MSA on H. popayanensis seedlings subjected to drought stress, a fact that highlighted the potential application of NO-releasing NPs to obtain drought-tolerant tree seedlings for reforestation programs.

Plant growth-promoting bacteria improve leaf antioxidant metabolism of drought-stressed Neotropical trees.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Plant growth-promoting bacteria association improved the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant pathways in Neotropical trees under drought, which led to lower oxidative damage and enhanced drought tolerance in these trees. Water deficit is associated with oxidative stress in plant cells and may, thus, negatively affect the establishment of tree seedlings in reforestation areas. The association with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) is known to enhance the antioxidant response of crops, but this strategy has not been tested in seedlings of Neotropical trees. We evaluated the effects of inoculation with two PGPB (Azospirillum brasilense and Bacillus sp.) on the antioxidant metabolism of Cecropia pachystachya and Cariniana estrellensis seedlings submitted to drought. We measured the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants in leaves, and biometrical parameters of the seedlings. In both tree species, drought decreased the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the content of non-enzymatic antioxidant compounds. For C. pachystachya, the enzymatic and non-enzymatic pathways were mostly influenced by A. brasilense inoculation, which enhanced ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and superoxide dismutase activities and positively affected the level of non-enzymatic antioxidant compounds. In C. estrellensis, A. brasilense inoculation enhanced APX activity. However, A. brasilense and Bacillus sp. inoculation had more influence on the non-enzymatic pathway, as both bacteria induced a greater accumulation of secondary compounds (such as chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, rutin and synapic acid) compared to that in non-inoculated plants under drought. For both species, PGPB improved biometrical parameters related to drought tolerance, as specific leaf area and leaf-area ratio. Our results demonstrate that PGPB induced antioxidant mechanisms in drought-stressed Neotropical trees, increasing drought tolerance. Thus, PGPB inoculation provides a biotechnological alternative to improve the success of reforestation programmes.

Effects of nitric oxide-releasing nanoparticles on neotropical tree seedlings submitted to acclimation under full sun in the nursery.

Polymeric nanoparticles have emerged as carrier systems for molecules that release nitric oxide (NO), a free radical involved in plant stress responses. However, to date, nanoencapsulated NO donors have not been applied to plants under realistic field conditions. Here, we verified the effects of free and nanoencapsulated NO donor, S-nitroso-mercaptosuccinic acid (S-nitroso-MSA), on growth, physiological and biochemical parameters of neotropical tree seedlings kept under full sunlight in the nursery for acclimation. S-nitroso-MSA incorporation into chitosan nanoparticles partially protected the NO donor from thermal and photochemical degradation. The application of nanoencapsulated S-nitroso-MSA in the substrate favoured the growth of seedlings of Heliocarpus popayanensis, a shade-intolerant tree. In contrast, free S-nitroso-MSA or nanoparticles containing non-nitrosated mercaptosuccinic acid reduced photosynthesis and seedling growth. Seedlings of Cariniana estrellensis, a shade-tolerant tree, did not have their photosynthesis and growth affected by any formulations, despite the increase of foliar S-nitrosothiol levels mainly induced by S-nitroso-MSA-loaded nanoparticles. These results suggest that depending on the tree species, nanoencapsulated NO donors can be used to improve seedling acclimation in the nursery.

Enhanced drought tolerance in seedlings of Neotropical tree species inoculated with plant growth-promoting bacteria.

The inoculation of tree species with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) has emerged as an important strategy for the acclimation of seedlings by improving plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of inoculation with bacterial species (Azospirillum brasilense - Ab-V5, Bacillus sp., Azomonas sp. and Azorhizophillus sp.) on the growth and physiology of the Neotropical tree species Trema micrantha and Cariniana estrellensis under drought conditions. When associated with Ab-V5 and Azomonas sp., T. micrantha showed increased protein in the leaves, starch in the leaves and roots, photosynthesis, instantaneous carboxylation efficiency and root and shoot dry mass. Moreover, there were reductions in hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation, water potential and proline. In C. estrellensis associated with Ab-V5, higher values of photosynthesis and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency were observed, in addition to higher starch content in the leaves and roots and higher protein content in the leaves; lower hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation contents were also observed. The associations of T. micrantha with Ab-V5 and Azomonas sp. and C. estrellensis with Ab-V5 favored the activation of metabolic processes under drought, leading to greater drought tolerance. This work demonstrates the effects of compatible associations of Neotropical tree and PGPB species and suggests that the identification of compatible PGPB strains can result in tree seedlings with increased tolerance to abiotic stresses, such as drought.

Nitrogen use strategies of seedlings from neotropical tree species of distinct successional groups.

Few studies have analyzed the strategies of neotropical tree seedlings for absorbing, translocating and assimilating the nitrogen. Here, we compared the nitrogen use strategies of seedlings from six tree species that are native to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and that belong to different successional groups: Trema micrantha, Heliocarpus popayanensis and Cecropia pachystachya (pioneers), Cariniana estrellensis, Eugenia brasiliensis and Guarea kunthiana (non-pioneers). The effects of cultivating seedlings with nitrate or ammonium on the growth, physiology and nitrogen metabolism were analyzed. Nitrate-grown pioneer species had much higher leaf nitrate reductase activity than non-pioneer ones, but non-pioneer seedlings were also able to use nitrate as a nitrogen source. In addition to this remarkable difference between the groups in the capacity for leaf nitrate assimilation, substantial variations in the nitrogen use strategies were observed within the successional classes. Differently from the other non-pioneers, the canopy species C. estrellensis seemed to assimilate nitrate mainly in the leaves. Morphophysiological analyses showed a gradient of ammonium toxicity response, with E. brasiliensis as the most tolerant species, and T. micrantha and H. popayanensis as the most sensitive ones. Guarea kunthiana showed a relatively low tolerance to ammonium and an unusual high translocation of this cation in the xylem sap. In contrast to the other pioneers, C. pachystachya had a high plasticity in the use of nitrogen sources. Overall, these results suggest that nitrogen use strategies of neotropical tree seedlings were not determined solely by their successional position.

Ferns influence on the woody species seedling bank in semi-deciduous forest, Southern Brazil / Influência de samambaias sobre o banco de plântulas de espécies lenhosas em floresta semidecidual, sul do Brasil

Different species of plants can act as environmental filters affecting the composition, structure and spatial distribution of seeds and seedlings of forest species. This study aimed to examine whether the presence of the fern stratum acts as a biotic environmental filter on the woody species seedling bank in a semi-deciduous forest remnant (Atlantic biome), Southern Brazil. Two experiments were developed in areas with ferns (F) and ferns-free (NF): a) richness and abundance of woody seedling bank were determined in 10 plots (25 m2) in each area; b) seedlings abundance of Actinostemon concolor (Spreng.) Müll. Arg., Aspidosperma polyneuron Müll. Arg., Euterpe edulis Mart., Guarea kunthiana A. Juss. and Inga marginata Kunth were monitored for a year in three areas F, NF and an area with ferns whose fronds were cut (CF). In this experiment, it was used five plots (4 m2) in each area. The abundance of seedlings (considering all species) was higher in F areas and ferns positively and negatively affected the abundance of A. polyneuron and G. kunthiana, respectively. It is possible to conclude that ferns worked as a selective environmental filter for some woody species.

Diferentes espécies de plantas alteram a composição, a estrutura e a distribuição espacial de sementes e plântulas de espécies florestais, pois atuam como filtros ambientais. Objetivou-se testar se manchas de samambaias funcionam como filtro biótico sobre o banco de plântulas de espécies lenhosas de floresta semidecidual do bioma Atlântico no sul do Brasil. Dois experimentos foram desenvolvidos em áreas com (F) ou sem samambaias (NF): a) a riqueza e a abundância de plântulas de espécies lenhosas foram avaliadas em dez parcelas de 25 m2, em cada área; b) a abundância de plântulas de Actinostemon concolor (Spreng.) Müll. Arg., Aspidosperma polyneuron Müll. Arg., Euterpe edulis Mart., Guarea kunthiana A. Juss. e Inga marginata Kunth foi monitorada, por um ano, em áreas F, NF e em uma terceira área com samambaias, porém com as frondes cortadas (CF). Neste experimento foram utilizadas cinco parcelas de 4 m2, em cada área. A abundância de plântulas, somando todas as espécies, foi maior nas áreas F e as samambaias afetaram positivamente a abundância de A. polyneuron e, negativamente a de G. kunthiana. Concluiu-se que as samambaias funcionam como filtro ambiental seletivo para algumas espécies lenhosas.

Seed germination after passing through gastrointestinal tract of bats (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) / Germinação de sementes após a passagem pelo trato gastrointestinalde morcegos (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae)

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a germinação de sementes de espécies de Piper, Solanum, Cecropiae Fícus após sua passagem pelo trato gastrointestinal dos morcegos frugívoros Artibeus lituratus, Platyrrhinus lineatus, Carollia perspicillata e Sturnira lilium. Os morcegos e as amostras de frutos/infrutescências foram obtidos no Parque Estadual Mata dos Godoy, Londrina, PR. Para cada espécie vegetal foram considerados o controle e quatro tratamentos, formados pelas sementes obtidas das fezes de cada espécie de morcego: (1) A. lituratus, (2) P. lineatus, (3) C. perspilata e (4) S. lilium. Duzentas sementes foram utilizadas em cada tratamento e foram colocadas para germinar, ao mesmo tempo, em quatro recipientes distribuídos aleatoriamente. Os dados de germinação foram usados para calcular a taxa e o tempo médio de germinação. Somente em duas espécies, Cecropia pachystachya e Ficus eximia, apassagem através do trato gastrointestinal dos animais não produziu alteração significativa. Enquanto, asseis espécies restantes obtiveram diferenças significativas nas taxas e/ou tempos médio de germinação de sementes após passagem dos diásporos pelo trato gastrointestinal de pelo menos uma das espécies de morcegos. Além disso, foi possível observar que a preferência alimentar da espécie de morcego por uma espécie vegetal não alterou significativamente a germinação em relação aos demais. Conclui-se que ao longo do processo evolutivo a coevolução difusa não favoreceu a alteração de padrões de germinação pela preferência alimentar dos morcegos. Todavia, foi observado que os morcegos alteram a taxa e o tempo de germinação das plantas, auxiliando seu estabelecimento, além de serem bons dispersores,mesmo das espécies onde a germinação não foi alterada.

The aim of this study was to evaluate seed germination of Piper, Solanum, Cecropia and Ficus speciesafter their passage through the gastrointestinal tract of frugivorous bats - Artibeus lituratus, Platyrrhinuslineatus, Carollia perspicillata and Sturnira lilium. Both bats and fruits/infrutescences samples were obtained in the Parque Estadual Mata do Godoy, Londrina, Brazil. For each plant species, we considered the control and four treatments, made up by the seeds obtained from the feces of each species of bat:(1) A. lituratus, (2) P. lineatus, (3) C. perspilata and (4) S. lilium. Two hundred seeds were used for each treatment and were germinated at the same time, randomly distributed in four containers. The germination data were used to calculate the rate and the average germination time. In only two species, C. pachystachya and F. eximia, the passage through the gastrointestinal tract of animals produced no significant change. While the remaining six species had significant differences in the rates and / oraverage time of seed germination after passage through the gastrointestinal tract of at least one speciesof bats. Moreover, food preference of bat species for one plant species did not significantly change seed germination in relation to other plants. The conclusion is that over evolutionary process, diffuseco-evolution did not favor changing germination standards for food preference of bats. However, it was observed that bats modify the rate and germination time of plants assisting its establishment, besides being good dispersers, even of the species where germination has not been changed.

Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus (Gomes) L.R. Landrum (Myrtaceae): stem and leaf anatomy of a medicinal plant

O estudo de plantas medicinais envolve várias áreas da ciência. Neste contexto, a anatomia contribui para a identificação da espécie e consequentemente, com a qualidade do produto da planta. Este trabalho descreve a anatomia do caule e da folha de Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus (Gomes) L.R. Landrum (Myrtaceae), coletada em Floresta Estacional Semidecidual. Os órgãos estudados apresentaram epiderme unisseriada, recoberta com cutícula espessa, e cavidades secretoras. O caule apresentou anel contínuo de tecido vascular ao redor da medula, com o floema em ambos os lados do xilema. A folha foi hipoestomática com tricomas na face abaxial, com mesofilo bifacial e feixe vascular anficrival circundado por periciclo esclerenquimático no pecíolo e na nervura principal. Entre os testes histoquímicos, resultados positivos foram obtidos para lipídeos, compostos fenólicos, amido e oxalato de cálcio (drusas). A espécie apresentou aspectos anatômicos típicos da família e as cavidades secretoras presentes nas folhas foram relacionadas aos compostos secundários detectados.

The study of medicinal plants involves several areas of science. Anatomy contributes to species identification and consequently, with quality control of plant product. This paper describes the leaf and stem anatomy of Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus (Gomes) L.R. Landrum (Myrtaceae), collected in Seasonal Semideciduous Forest. The studied organs presented uniseriate epidermis covered by a thick cuticle and secretory cavities. The stem showed a continuous ring of vascular tissues around the pith, with phloem on both sides of the xylem. The leaf was hypostomatic, with trichomes on the abaxial face, with bifacial mesophyll and amphicrival vascular bundle, surrounded by a sclerenchymatous pericycle in the petiole and in the midrib. Among the histochemical tests, positive results were obtained for lipids, phenolic compounds, starch and calcium oxalate (druses). The species had anatomical features typical of the family and the secretory cavities present in leaves and stems were related to the secondary metabolites detected.

Genetic structure of the Atlantic Rainforest tree species Luehea divaricata (Malvaceae).

The Atlantic Rain Forest is one of the most important Brazilian biomes and a hotspot for biodiversity that is characterized by its high level of endemism, where new species are still being described. Luehea divaricata (Malvaceae) is commonly found in riparian forests areas of the Atlantic forest. Because of the importance of this species in reforestation programs, we used nine pairs of microsatellite loci to study the genetic variability of this species along its distribution area and verify if fragmentation is compromising the survival of these populations. A total of 50 alleles were obtained with an average observed and expected heterozygosity of 0.53 and 0.67, respectively. Seven of the nine populations studied showed a heterozygosity deficit. Most of the genetic diversity was found within populations; while the level of genetic differentiation was moderated (6.84) between populations. Different levels of gene flow between the populations were detected. Positive and significant values of Fis were found for seven populations. The signal test for excess of heterozygosity indicated that a recent genetic bottleneck occurred in the fragmented populations. The dendrogram constructed by the UPGMA method revealed the formation of seven clusters, which was confirmed by the Bayesian analysis for number of K clusters. The presence of several pairs of loci in linkage disequilibrium confirms that these populations experienced a loss of genetic diversity caused by genetic drift. The results showed that it is necessary to develop management strategies for the conservation of these populations of L. divaricata as the viability of the next generations are severely compromised.

Demography and structures population of Actinostemon concolor (Spreng.) Müll. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) in flooded areas in Southern Brazil

The aim of this work was to analyze the size and spatial structures and demography of Actinostemon concolor (Spreng.) Müll. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) in the flooded areas of Mata dos Godoy State Park. Fifty plots of 100 m² were established and three surveys were conducted. All the individuals were measured, mapped and divided into categories as seedlings, juveniles and adults. The coefficient of skewness, L-function of Ripley, and the matrix population models were used in the study. The population showed positive coefficient of skewness and the individuals were distributed in groups. The population growth rates (λ) were equal or lower than 1.0 and the adult survival and recruitment of juvenile to adult were the vital rates that most affected the values of λ. Considering these results and the unpredictability of the environment, it could be concluded that the individual numbers of A. concolor would fluctuate over time, but the species would remain as one of the most important in the Park.

Seasonal variation of consumption of the species used as fruit source by brown howler monkeys (Alouatta clamitans) in southern Brazil / Variação sazonal do consumo das espécies utilizadas como fonte de frutos pelo bugio-ruivo (Alouatta clamitans) no Sul do Brasil

Considering the seasonal variation of fruits availability in seasonal semideciduous forests, this study analyzed whether the richness of fruit species exploited by Alouatta clamitans is higher in the rainy period rather than the dry one. Plant species consumed were investigated by visualization and feces analysis, from July 2005 to June 2006, in a seasonal semideciduous forest fragment in Paraná state, Brazil. Ten species of fruits were consumed during the rainy period and 13 during the dry period: three were consumed exclusively during the rainy period; six exclusively during the dry period; and seven in months that covered both dry and rainy periods. The number of fruit species consumed during the rainy period was considerably lower than the expected richness. Moreover, among fruit species consumed during the rainy period, only four bear fruits mainly in this period of the year, the other species bear fruits in great part of it. Therefore, the selectivity of A. clamitans was mainly directed to species capable of providing fruits along the year, prioritizing these species even when other fruit sources are available.

Em face da variação sazonal na disponibilidade de frutos nas florestas estacionais semideciduais, este trabalho analisou se a riqueza de espécies de frutos exploradas por Alouatta clamitans é maior no período chuvoso do que no seco. As espécies vegetais consumidas foram investigadas por visualização e análise de fezes, entre julho de 2005 e junho de 2006, em um fragmento de floresta estacional semidecidual no estado do Paraná, Brasil. Dez espécies de frutos foram consumidas durante o período chuvoso e 13 durante o período seco: três foram consumidas exclusivamente durante o período chuvoso; seis exclusivamente durante o período seco; e sete em meses que abrangeram tanto o período seco quanto o chuvoso. O número de espécies de frutos consumidas durante o período chuvoso foi consideravelmente menor do que a riqueza esperada. Além disso, entre as espécies de frutos consumidas durante o período chuvoso, apenas quatro apresentam frutos principalmente nesse período do ano, as outras espécies apresentam frutos em grande parte do ano. Assim sendo, a seletividade de A. clamitans foi direcionada principalmente para espécies capazes de fornecer frutos ao longo do ano, priorizando essas espécies mesmo quando outras opções de frutos estão disponíveis.

Comparação entre parâmetros abióticos e a estrutura florestal de um fragmento de floresta e um reflorestamento abandonado de eucalipto (Eucalyptus saligna Smith) no parque ecológico da Klabin, Telêmaco Borba/PR / Comparison between abiotic parameters and the forest structure of a forest fragment and an eucalyptus (Eucalyptus saligna Smith) abandoned reforestation in the ecological park of Klabin, Telemaco Borba/PR

A estrutura florestal tem impacto direto sobre o microclima, e é importante para a continuidade dos processos sucessionais e para o restabelecimento dos processos do ecossistema. Estudos acerca da estrutura florestal são importantes para auxiliar as ações de restauração ecológica, melhorando a sua aplicação. Visando comparar duas formações florestais, sendo uma delas um fragmento florestal secundário e a outra uma área abandonada de reflorestamento com eucalipto, neste trabalho foram avaliados alguns parâmetros abióticos, bem como a estrutura florestal das áreas. Dentre os fatores abióticos estudados estão: temperatura e umidade relativa do ar, compactação, umidade e pH do solo e espessura da serapilheira. Para analisar a estrutura florestal, foram avaliados: cobertura de herbáceas sobre o solo, índice de cobertura do dossel, diâmetro a altura do peito (DAP), área basal (AB) e altura das árvores de todas as espécies. Entre os parâmetros analisados, comparando-se as áreas, foram observadas que: a compactação do solo é maior na floresta secundária (0,57 MPa) do que no reflorestamento de eucalipto (0,43 MPa); a presença de herbáceas sobre o solo é menor no reflorestamento de eucalipto (17,96%) do que na floresta secundária (59,4%); o índice de cobertura do dossel foi de 45,99% para o reflorestamento de eucalipto, enquanto na floresta secundária este valor foi de 61,02%. No entanto, de acordo com o teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov, a estrutura florestal não é diferente entre as áreas, já que os valores de DAP e altura não diferiram entre o calculado e o observado. .

The forest structure causes a direct impact on the microclimate, being important for the continuity of the successional processes as well as for the restoration of ecosystem processes. Studies on forest structure are important to help determine ecological restoration actions, improving its implementation. In order to compare two forest formations, being one of them a secondary forest fragment and the other one an abandoned area of eucalyptus reforestation, some abiotic parameters were evaluated in this study, as well as the forest structure of the areas. Amongst the abiotic factors studied, there are: temperature and relative air humidity, soil compaction, moisture and soil pH and thickness of the litter. In order to analyze the forest structure, the following items were evaluated: herbaceous cover on the soil, rate of canopy cover, the diameter at breast height (DBH), basal area (BA) and height of trees of all species. Among the parameters analyzed, comparing the areas, it was observed that: soil compaction was higher in the secondary forest (0.57 MPa) than in the eucalyptus reforestation (0.43 MPa); the presence of herbaceous plants on the soil occurred less in the eucalyptus reforestation (17.96%) than in the secondary forest (59.4%); the canopy cover index was of 45.99% for the eucalyptus reforestation, while in the secondary forest it was of 61.02%, being therefore higher for the latter. Nevertheless, according to Kolmogorov Smirnov test, the forest structure is not different between the areas, since the DBH and height values were not different between what was calculated and what was observed. .

O alagamento do solo afeta a sobrevivência, o crescimento e o metabolismo de Aegiphila sellowiana Cham. (Lamiaceae) / Soil flooding affects the survival, growth and metabolism of Aegiphila sellowiana Cham. (Lamiaceae)

Visando a elucidar aspectos da tolerância à hipoxia, plantas de Aegiphila sellowiana Cham. (Lamiaceae) foram submetidas a diferentes períodos de inundação. A sobrevivência, o crescimento, a condutância estomática e a fotossíntese foram avaliados. Houve mortalidade de 33,3% das plantas alagadas. Dentre as 66,7% sobreviventes, a taxa de crescimento relativo (TCR) de raízes, caule, folhas e da planta inteira foi inferior à TCR das plantas cultivadas em solo drenado. As plantas alagadas apresentaram produção de raízes diageotrópicas, maior abscisão foliar e baixa produção de novas folhas. O alagamento provocou redução na condutância estomática e na taxa fotossintética. Sugere-se que A. sellowiana possui intolerância ao alagamento do solo.

In order to elucidate aspects of tolerance to hypoxia, Aegiphila sellowiana Cham. (Lamiaceae) plants were submitted to different periods of flooding. The survival, growth, stomatal conductance and photosynthesis were evaluated. There was 33,3% of mortality of flooded plants. Among the 66,7% of survivors, the relative growth rate (RGR) of roots, stems, leaves and whole plant was lower than the RGR of plants cultivated in drained soil. Flooded plants presented diageotrophic root production, increased leaf abscission and low production of new leaves. Flooding caused a reduction in stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rate. It is suggested that A. sellowiana has intolerance to soil flooding.

Remoção de propágulos em fragmento de floresta nativa e reflorestamentos numa região de Floresta Ombrófila Mista do estado do Paraná / Propagules removal in fragments of native forest and in reforested areas in an Araucaria Forest region of Paraná State

Uma questão que tem sido discutida é o papel das monoculturas florestais exóticas na manutenção da fauna nativa e vários estudos têm mostrado que a remoção de propágulos é menor nesses ambientes. O presente trabalho comparou a taxa de remoção de propágulos (pinhão, amendoim, milho) entre áreas de Floresta Nativa (FN), Reflorestamentos de Pinus taeda L. (RP), de Eucalyptus saligna Sm. (RE) e Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol) Kuntze (RA). Na FN, todos os propágulos foram removidos e não houve diferença significativa na remoção de pinhão entre a FN e o RA. A remoção de propágulos nessas áreas diferiu da remoção no RP e RE. No RP, houve alta remoção de amendoim, enquanto que o RE apresentou os menores valores de remoção dos três propágulos. As baixas taxas de remoção nos reflorestamentos de pinus e eucalipto refletem a menor exploração desses habitas pela fauna, o que pode estar relacionado com um subosque pouco estruturado.

A question that has been discussed is the role that reforestations with exotic species in native fauna and several studies have shown that removal of propagules is lower in these environments. This study compared the removal rate of propagules (araucaria seeds, peanuts, corn) from areas of native forest (FN), reforestations of Pinus taeda L. (RP), Eucalyptus saligna Sm. (RE) and Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol) Kuntze (RA). In FN all propagules were removed. There was no difference in the removal of araucaria seeds between FN and RA, and removal rate in both areas differ from the removal rate in the RP and RE. In RP there was high removal of peanuts, while the RE showed the lowest value of removal of the three propagules. The low removal rates in reforestation of pine and eucalyptus reflect the decreased exploitation of these habitats for wildlife, which may be related to a poorly structured understory.

Relações alométricas da comunidade arbórea de diferentes áreas de uma floresta ombrófila mista do sul do Brasil / Allometric relationships of the arboreal community in different areas of a mixed ombrophylous forest in south Brazil

O estudo da alometria é importante para a compreensão de aspectos ecológicos e evolutivos em espécies de plantas, além de auxiliar no entendimento da estrutura e dinâmica das florestas. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as relações alométricas da comunidade arbórea de duas áreas em diferentes estádios sucessionais (mais avançado - área 1, e menos avançado - área 2) da Floresta Ombrófila Mista do Parque Ecológico da Klabin, Telêmaco Borba/PR/Brasil (24º17´S 50º35´W). A comunidade arbórea da borda do fragmento em estádio sucessional mais avançado também foi incluída nas análises. Foi estabelecida uma transecção de 4 m de largura em cada área, onde foram amostrados 150 indivíduos arbóreos com altura igual ou maior que 1,5 m. Os indivíduos tiveram o diâmetro à altura do peito (DAP), a altura total e a altura do fuste mensurados. Foram realizadas as seguintes relações alométricas: altura total x DAP, altura total x altura de fuste e altura de fuste x DAP. Foi utilizada a análise de covariância para testar a diferença entre as retas, e teste a posteriori de Scheffé. As plantas das áreas 1 e 2 investiram mais em crescimento em diâmetro em relação à altura do que as plantas da borda, além disso, aquelas plantas da área em estádio sucessional mais avançado, em relação à altura do fuste, também investiram mais em diâmetro. A colonização da borda e da área de estádio sucessional menos avançado preferencialmente por espécies pioneiras, e as espécies de estádios mais avançados da sucessão que colonizam o subosque da área 1 podem ser as principais causas das diferenças na arquitetura dos indivíduos da comunidade arbórea das áreas estudadas.

The study of allometry is important for understanding ecological and evolutionary aspects of plant species, and also in understanding the structure and dynamics of forests. This study aimed to assess the tree community allometric relationships of two areas in different successional stage (more advanced – area 1, and less advanced – area 2) of a Mixed Ombrophylous Forest located in the Klabin’s Ecological Park, Telêmaco Borba/Paraná state (24º17´S 50º35´W). The edge arboreal community was also included in the analysis. A 4 m width transect was established in each area, where 150 arboreal individuals with height equal to or greater than 1,5 m were sampled. Individuals had the diameter at breast height (DBH), total height and branching height recorded. The allometric relationships studied were total height x DBH, total height x branching height and branching height x DBH. Analysis of covariance was used to test allometric differences, and a posteriori Scheffé test. Plants of areas 1 and 2 invested more in diameter growth in relation to height, and also invested more in diameter growth in relation to branching height. Colonization of the edge and area 2 by pioneer species and the presence of understory species in area 1 may be the main causes of differences in the community tree architecture of the studied areas.

Comparação de parâmetros bióticos e abióticos entre fragmento de floresta secundária nativa e um reflorestamento de Pinus taeda L / Comparison of biotic and abiotic parameters between a native secondary forest fragment and a Pinus taeda L. reforestation

A substituição das florestas naturais por plantios florestais comerciais, pode ser tão prejudicial quanto a agricultura ou a ocupação urbana. Porém, estudos sobre regeneração natural nessas áreas, apresentam resultados no desenvolvimento de espécies nativas no sub-bosque, sugerindo um processo sucessional favorável à recuperação da biodiversidade e também uma alternativa para a restauração. Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar parâmetros bióticos e abióticos entre fragmento de floresta secundária nativa e reflorestamento com Pinus taeda. O trabalho foi realizado no Parque Ecológico da Klabin, Fazenda Monte Alegre, Telêmaco Borba, Paraná. Foram avaliados dados bióticos (altura total, diâmetro à altura do peito (DAP - 1,30 m do solo) e área basal (AB), das espécies arbóreas com DAP ≥ 2,5 cm) e dados abióticos ( pH e compactação do solo, cobertura de herbáceas, cobertura de dossel, espessura da serapilheira, temperatura e umidade relativa do ar). A maioria dos parâmetros diferiu entre o reflorestamento de pinus e a floresta secundária, como pH e compactação do solo, cobertura do dossel, presença de herbáceas e também a estrutura de tamanho da vegetação (diâmetro e altura). Observou-se também, uma baixa regeneração no reflorestamento, evidenciada pela diferença na área basal. No entanto, houve regeneração no reflorestamento de pinus, e isso sugere que, com o tempo, poderá haver um incremento na regeneração da vegetação nativa, aumentando a riqueza de espécies e a complexidade estrutural da vegetação.

The substitution of natural forests for commercial forest plantations can be as damaging as farming or urban occupation. However, studies on natural regeneration in these areas show results in the development of native species in the understory, suggesting a successional process in favor of restoring biodiversity as well as an alternative forrestoration. This work aimed at comparing biotic and abiotic parameters between native secondary forest fragments and Pinus taeda reforestation. The study sites are located at Klabin Ecological Park, Monte Alegre Farm, Telêmaco Borba, Paraná. The following biotic data were evaluated: total height, diameter at breast height (DBH - 1.30 m above the ground) and basal area (BA), in tree species with DBH ≥ 2.5 cm. The following abiotic data were also evaluated: pH, soil compaction, herb cover, canopy cover, litter thickness, air temperature, and relative humidity. Most parameters differed between pine reforestation and secondary forest, such as pH and soil compaction, canopy cover, herb presence and the size structure of vegetation (diameter and height). It was also observed a low regeneration in reforestation, evidenced by the difference in the basal area. However, there was regeneration in pine reforestation, suggesting that, over time, there will be an increase in the regeneration of the native vegetation, increasing the wealth of species and the structural complexity of the vegetation.

Antimicrobial activity of essential oils from Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus and Tynanthus micranthus

The present study describes the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from the leaves of Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus (1.0 percent w/w) and Tynanthus micranthus (1.1 percent w/w). GC and GC/MS analysis demonstrated that eugenol was the only component in the T. micranthus essential oil (99.9 percent) and the major component in the P. pseudocaryophyllus essential oil (92.59 percent), which also presented methyleugenol, terpinen-4-ol, o-cymene and (E)-caryophyllene, among others. Both the oils presented antimicrobial activity against bacteria, yeast and filamentous fungi tested.The Bioautography test revealed that eugenol was the bioactive component in both the oils against Cladosporium herbarum. This is the first report about the T. micranthus essential oil, and the antifungal activity of P. pseudocaryophyllus. The results confirmed the potential of eugenol-rich essential oils not only as a source of flavor compounds, but also of use as antimicrobial agent in agriculture and in pharmaceutical and food products.

O presente trabalho descreve a análise da composição química e a avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana dos óleos essenciais obtidos por hidrodestilação das folhas de Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus (1.0 por cento m/m) e de Tynanthus micranthus (1.1 por cento m/m). As análises por CG e CG-EM demonstraram que o óleo essencial de P. pseudocaryophyllus apresenta o eugenol como componente principal (92.6 por cento ), além de outros constituintes como methyleugenol, tepinen-4-ol, O-cimeno e (E)-cariofileno. O óleo de T. micranthus contém o eugenol como único constituinte (99.9 por cento). Ambos os óleos apresentaram atividade contra bactérias, leveduras e fungos filamentosos. O teste de bioautografia revelou o eugenol como a substância responsável pela atividade contra o Cladosporium herbarum dos óleos das duas espécies. Este é o primeiro estudo sobre o óleo essencial de T. micranthus e o primeiro relato sobre a atividade antifúngica do óleo essencial de P. pseudocaryophyllus. Os resultados obtidos confirmaram o potencial de óleos essenciais ricos em eugenol para uso como agentes antimicrobianos na agricultura e na preparação de produtos alimentícios e farmacêuticos.

Slope variation and population structure of tree species from different ecological groups in South Brazil

Size structure and spatial arrangement of 13 abundant tree species were determined in a riparian forest fragment inParaná State, South Brazil (23"16'S and 51"01'W). The studied species were Aspidosperma polyneuron Müll. Arg., Astronium graveolens Jacq. and Gallesia integrifolia (Spreng) Harms (emergent species); Alseis floribunda Schott, Ruprechtia laxiflora Meisn. and Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. (shade-intolerant canopy species); Machaerium paraguariense Hassl, Myroxylum peruiferum L. and Chrysophyllum gonocarpum (Mart. & Eichler ex Miq.) Engl. (shade-tolerant canopy species); Sorocea bonplandii (Baill.) Bürger, Trichilia casaretti C. Dc, Trichilia catigua A. Juss. and Actinostemon concolor (Spreng.) Müll. Arg. (understory small trees species). Height and diameter structures and basal area of species were analyzed. Spatial patterns and slope correlation were analyzed by Moran's / spatial autocorrelation coefficient and partial Mantel test, respectively. The emergent and small understory species showed the highest and the lowest variations in height, diameter and basal area. Size distribution differed among emergent species and also among canopy shade-intolerant species. The spatial pattern ranged among species in all groups, except in understory small tree species. The slope was correlated with spatial pattern for A. polyneuron, A. graveolens, A. floribunda, R. laxiflora, M. peruiferum and T. casaretti. The results indicated that most species occurredin specific places, suggesting that niche differentiation can be an important factor in structuring the tree community.

Visando contribuir para o conhecimento das estratégias devida de espécies em fragmentos florestais, foram determinadas as estruturas de tamanho e espacial de 13 espécies arbóreas do remanescente de floresta ciliar no Estado do Paraná, no Sul do Brasil (23"16'S e 51"01'W). Foram analisadas as espécies: Aspidosperma polyneuron Müll. Arg., Astronium graveolens Jacq. e Gallesia integrifolia (Spreng) Harms, (emergentes); Alseis floribunda Schott, Ruprechtia laxiflora Meisn. e Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. (dossel, intolerantes à sombra); Machaerium paraguariense Hassl, Myroxylum peruiferum L. e Chrysophyllum gonocarpum (Mart. & Eichler exMiq.) Engl. (dossel, tolerantes à sombra); Sorocea bonplandii (Baill.) Bürger, Trichilia casaretti C. Dc, Trichilia catigua A. Juss. e Actinostemon concolor (Spreng.) Müll. Arg. (subosque). Analisou-se a estrutura de diâmetro de cada espécie. Para a análise do padrão espacial e correlação com adeclividade foram utilizados o Índice de Autocorrelação espacial de Moran e o Teste Parcial de Mantel, respectivamente. Os grupos das árvores emergentes e das espécies de subosque apresentaram as maiores e as menores variações na altura e no diâmetro e maior e menor área basal, respectivamente. Diferenças nas estruturas de diâmetro foram observadas entre as espécies emergentes e entre as espécies de dossel intolerantes à sombra. O padrão espacial variou entre as espécies de todos os grupos, exceto as espécies de subosque tolerantes à sombra. A topografia estava relacionada com a distribuição espacial de A. polyneuron, A. graveolens, A. floribunda, R. laxiflora, M. peruiferum e T. casaretti. A análise dos resultados indicou que para cada espécie a maioria dos indivíduos ocorriam em locais específicos, sugerindo que a diferenciação de nicho pode estar relacionada à estruturação desta comunidade arbórea.

Heliocarpus popayanensis Kunth (Malvacea) tolera a hipoxia dosubstrato? / Does Heliocarpus popayanensis Kunth (Malvaceae) tolerate substract’s hypoxy?

(Heliocarpus popayanensis Kunth (Malvaceae) tolera a hipoxia do substrato?) Aespécie Heliocarpus popayanensis é muito utilizada em recomposição florística de áreasdegradadas, cujo solo pode apresentar hipoxia. Considerando esses aspectos, este trabalhovisou avaliar resposta desta espécie ao alagamento. Indivíduos com 70 dias foramsubmetidos a substrato drenado(D) e alagado (A) por 30 e 60 dias e a alagado, 30 dias, e adrenado mais 30 dias (A/D). Foram determinados os comprimentos da raiz principal e docaule, a área foliar e o número de folhas, a biomassa e a taxa de crescimento relativo (TCR)de raízes, caules e folhas e o conteúdo nutricional das folhas. Até 60 dias de alagamentohouve redução percentual média na biomassa (38%), na TCR (77%) e área foliar (24%),além de redução no diâmetro do caule e da raiz (70%) e na lignificação de célulasfloemáticas. Nenhuma alteração anatômica ocorreu nas folhas, mas houve redução naconcentração dos nutrientes N, P, K, Fe, Cu e B. Portanto, em condições experimentais,Heliocarpus popayanensis sobrevive a períodos de alagamento, provavelmente pelas alteraçõesmorfoanatômicas. A raridade desta espécie em área alagável deve estar relacionada comoutras etapas do ciclo de vida, como germinação das sementes ou estabelecimento deplântulas e juvenis em competição com outras espécies.

The species Heliocarpus popayanensis is used on floristic recomposition of degradedareas, wich’s soil might present hypoxy. Considering these aspects, this studies evaluatesthis species answers to flooding. Young plants were submitted to drained and floodedsubstract for 30 and 60 days, then flooded for 30 days and then drained for more 30 days.Main root and stem length, area and number of leaves, biomass and relative growth rate ofroots, stems and leaves and the nutritional content of leaves were determined. Until 60 daysof flooding there was a percentual reduction in biomass (38%), in RGR (77%) and in thearea of leaves, including reduction in root and stem’s diameter (70%), and in thelignification of floematic cells. There was no anatomic alteration in leaves, but there wasreduction of nutrients concentration (N, P, K, Fe, Cu, B). Therefore, young plants of thespecies Heliocarpus popayanensis survive to the flooding period considered above, probablydue to anatomical and morphologic alterations. The rarity of this species in flooded area isprobably related to other stages of the life cycle, such as seeds germination or competitionwith other species in the environment.

Slope variation and population structure of tree species from different ecological groups in South Brazil.

Size structure and spatial arrangement of 13 abundant tree species were determined in a riparian forest fragment in Paraná State, South Brazil (23°16'S and 51°01'W). The studied species were Aspidosperma polyneuron Müll. Arg., Astronium graveolens Jacq. and Gallesia integrifolia (Spreng) Harms (emergent species); Alseis floribunda Schott, Ruprechtia laxiflora Meisn. and Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. (shade-intolerant canopy species); Machaerium paraguariense Hassl, Myroxylum peruiferum L. and Chrysophyllum gonocarpum (Mart. & Eichler ex Miq.) Engl. (shade-tolerant canopy species); Sorocea bonplandii (Baill.) Bürger, Trichilia casaretti C. Dc, Trichilia catigua A. Juss. and Actinostemon concolor (Spreng.) Müll. Arg. (understory small trees species). Height and diameter structures and basal area of species were analyzed. Spatial patterns and slope correlation were analyzed by Moran's / spatial autocorrelation coefficient and partial Mantel test, respectively. The emergent and small understory species showed the highest and the lowest variations in height, diameter and basal area. Size distribution differed among emergent species and also among canopy shade-intolerant species. The spatial pattern ranged among species in all groups, except in understory small tree species. The slope was correlated with spatial pattern for A. polyneuron, A. graveolens, A. floribunda, R. laxiflora, M. peruiferum and T. casaretti. The results indicated that most species occurred in specific places, suggesting that niche differentiation can be an important factor in structuring the tree community.