Morphology of pollen grains and orbicules of two threatened species of Cedrela P. Browne (Meliaceae A. Juss.).

Pollen grain morphology and the characterization of additional structures related to pollen dispersion can help to understand the strategies presented by species as well as their taxonomic circumscription. This work investigates the morphology of pollen grains and orbicules of Cedrela fissilis Vell. and Cedrela odorata L., two threatened species of the genus Cedrela P. Browne (Meliaceae A. Juss.) in Brazil. Observations of pollen grains and orbicules of the species were carried out pre- and post-chemical treatment of the samples, under light and scanning electron microscopy, aiming at recognizing structures, detailing morphological characterizations and taking measurements, the last of which were submitted to statistical treatment. The results demonstrate that the pollen grains of the two species are medium in size (measuring between 25 and 50µm), radially symmetrical, isopolar, prolate-spheroidal and 4,5-colporate with subcircular to subquadrangular amb and psilate ornamentation; the orbicules also have a smooth surface and measure about 7 to 10µm. Variation was observed in the size of pollen grains, which presented high coefficient of variation and in the orbicules, as well as in the number of apertures.

Climate variability of the southern Amazon inferred by a multi-proxy tree-ring approach using Cedrela fissilis Vell.

The analysis of climate variability and development of reconstructions based on tree-ring records in tropical forests have been increasing in recent decades. In the Amazon region, ring width and stable isotope long-term chronologies have been used for climatic studies, however little is known about the potential of wood traits such as density and chemical concentrations. In this study, we used well-dated rings of Cedrela fissilis Vell. from the drought-prone southern Amazon basin to assess the potential of using inter-annual variations of annually-resolved ring width, wood density, stable oxygen isotope (δ18OTR) measured in tree-ring cellulose and concentration of Sulfur (STR) and Calcium (CaTR) in xylem cells to study climate variability. During wet years, Cedrela fissilis produced wider and denser rings with higher CaTR and lower STR, as well as depleted δ18OTR values. During dry years, a wider range of responses was observed in growth, density and STR, while lower CaTR and enriched δ18OTR values were found. The annual centennial chronologies spanning from 1835 to 2018 showed good calibration skills for reconstructing local precipitation, evapotranspiration (P-PET), Amazon-wide rainfall, as well as climate modes related to sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies such as El Niño South Oscillation (ENSO), Tropical Northern Atlantic (TNA), and the Western Hemisphere Warm Pool (WHWP) oscillations. CaTR explained 42 % of the variance of local precipitation (1975-2018), RW explained 30 % of the P-PET variance (1975-2018), while δ18OTR explained 60 % and 57 % of the variance of Amazon rainfall (1960-2018) and El Niño 3.4 (1920-2018), respectively. Our results show that a multi-proxy tropical tree-ring approach can be used for high-reliable reconstructions of climate variability over Amazon basin at inter-annual and multidecadal time scales.

Plastic adjustments in xylem vessel traits to drought events in three Cedrela species from Peruvian Tropical Andean forests.

Cedrela species occur within the Tropical montane cloud forest (TMCF) and rainforest in North America (Mexico), Central and South America. We assessed the hypothesis that functional xylem hydraulic architecture might be influenced by specific climatic variations. We investigated the effect of climate on tree-ring width and vessel traits (diameter, vessel density, vulnerability index and hydraulic diameter) of three relict-endemic and threatened Cedrela species (Cedrela fissilis, C. nebulosa and C. angustifolia) inhabiting Peruvian Tropical Andean cloud forests. All Cedrela species showed a significant reduction in radial growth and adjusted vessel trait linked with temperature, precipitation, and evapotranspiration. Ring-width and vessel traits showed adaptation within Cedrela species, crucial to understanding a rough indication of the plant's ability to withstand drought-induced embolism or cavitation. Our results provide evidence for hydraulic mechanisms that determine specific wood anatomical functionality to climatic variation and drought responses. Therefore, changing the frequency or intensity of future drought events might exceed the adaptive limits of TMCF tree species, resulting in a substantial reduction of hydraulic functionality in Peruvian Cedrela species.

Cryptic species diversity in a widespread neotropical tree genus: The case of Cedrela odorata.

PREMISE: Reconciling the use of taxonomy to partition morphological variation and describe genetic divergence within and among closely related species is a persistent challenge in phylogenetics. We reconstructed phylogenetic relationships among Cedrela odorata (Meliaceae) and five closely allied species to test the genetic basis for the current model of species delimitation in this economically valuable and threatened genus. METHODS: We prepared a nuclear species tree with the program SNPhylo and 16,000 single-nucleotide polymorphisms from 168 Cedrela specimens. Based on clades present and ancestral patterns ADMIXTURE, we designed nine species delimitation models and compared each model to current taxonomy with Bayes factor delimitation. Timing of major lineage divergences was estimated with the program SNAPP. RESULTS: The resulting analysis revealed that modern C. odorata evolved from two genetically distinct ancestral sources. All species delimitation models tested better fit the data than the model representing current taxonomic delimitation. Models with the greatest marginal likelihoods separated Mesoamerican C. odorata and South American C. odorata into two species and lumped C. angustifolia and C. montana as a single species. We estimated that Cedrela diversified in South America within the last 19 million years following one or more dispersal events from Mesoamerican lineages. CONCLUSIONS: Our analyses show that the present taxonomic understanding within the genus obscures divergent lineages in C. odorata due in part to morphological differentiation and taxonomic distinctions that are not predictably associated with genetic divergence. A more accurate application of taxonomy to C. odorata and related species may aid in its conservation, management, and restoration efforts.

Nanoemulsified Formulation of Cedrela odorata Essential Oil and Its Larvicidal Effect against Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith).

Cedrela odorata L. is a plant species from the Meliaceae family that is cultivated for timber production. Although the C. odorata essential oil (EO) contains mainly sesquiterpenes, its insecticidal potential is unknown. The lipophilic properties and high degradation capacity of EOs have limited their application for use in pest control. However, the currently available knowledge on the nanoemulsification of EOs, in addition to the possibility of improving their dispersion, would allow them to prolong their permanence in the field. The objective of the present work was to develop a nanoemulsion of the C. odorata EO and to evaluate its larvicidal activity against Spodoptera frugiperda. The EO was obtained by the hydrodistillation of C. odorata dehydrated leaves, and the nanoemulsion was prepared with non-ionic surfactants (Tween 80 and Span 80) using a combined method of agitation and dispersion with ultrasound. The stability of the nanoemulsion with a droplet diameter of <200 nm was verified in samples stored at 5 °C and 25 °C for 90 days. Both the C. odorata EO and its corresponding nanoemulsion presented lethal properties against S. frugiperda. The results obtained provide guidelines for the use of wood waste to produce sustainable and effective insecticides in the fight against S. frugiperda. In addition, considering that a phytochemical complex mixture allows the simultaneous activation of different action mechanisms, the development of resistance in insects is slower.

Triterpenes and limonoids of Cedrela: Distribution, biosynthesis, and 1 H and 13 C NMR data.

Cedrela genus, a member of the Meliaceae family, presents both chemical characteristics associated with and those that distinguish it from the rest of its members. The presence of triterpenes and limonoids is the characteristic of the Meliaceae family, but the class and type of these chemical constituents are distinctive for each genus. Cedrela includes cycloartane, ursane, oleanane, tirucallane, butyrospermane, and apotirucallane triterpenes, and its limonoids belongs to six class and nine types, known as class Ia-type havanensines, class Ib-type delevoyin, class II-type gedunin, class IIIb-type andirobin, class IIIg-type mexicanolide, class IVa-type evoludone, class Va-type obacunol, class V-type limonin, and class VIII. Each of these structural arrangements includes specific traits, defined by their biosynthetic origin, which can be established by means of structural elucidation techniques, particularly 1 H and 13 C NMR, which assisted by 2D NMR techniques, allowing to deduce their structures unequivocally. The constant presence of these skeletal arrangements in Cedrela ensures that they are its chemophenetic markers and their recurrence is an important criterion for their identity. This review is a compilation of the occurrence of triterpenes and limonoids in Cedrela genus, detailing their biosynthetic association and collecting and organizing their NMR data, with the purpose of facilitating its location, analysis, and use in the phytochemical study of species from this genus.

Limonoids from Guarea guidonia and Cedrela odorata: Heat Shock Protein 90 (Hsp90) Modulator Properties of Chisomicine D.

Nine new limonoids (1-9) were isolated from the stem bark of Guarea guidonia (1-4) and Cedrela odorata (5-9). Their structures were elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR and MS data and chemical methods as three A2,B,D-seco-type limonoids (1-3), a mexicanolide (4), three nomilin-type (5-7) limonoids, and two limonol derivatives (8 and 9). A DFT/NMR procedure was used to define the relative configurations of 1 and 3. A surface plasmon resonance approach was used to screen the Hsp90 binding capability of the limonoids, and the A2,B,D-seco-type limonoid 8-hydro-(8S*,9S*)-dihydroxy-14,15-en-chisomicine A, named chisomicine D (1), demonstrated the highest affinity. By means of mass spectrometry data, biochemical and cellular assays, and molecular docking, 1 was found as a type of client-selective Hsp90 inhibitor binding to the C-terminus domain of the chaperone.

Wood profiling by non-targeted high-resolution mass spectrometry: Part 1, Metabolite profiling in Cedrela wood for the determination of the geographical origin.

The determination of the geographical origin of wood can be highly relevant for several reasons: On the one hand, it can help to prevent illegal logging and timber trade, on the other hand, it is of special interest for archaeological artefacts made of wood, as well as for a variety of biological questions. For this reason, different extraction methods were first tested for the analysis of polar and non-polar metabolites using liquid chromatography coupled electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS). A two-phase extraction with chloroform, methanol and water proved to be particularly successful. Subsequently, cedrela (Cedrela odorata) samples from South America were measured to distinguish geographic origin. Using multivariate data analysis, numerous origin-dependent differences could be extracted. The identification of the marker substances indicated that several metabolic pathways were affected by the geographical influences, some of them probably indicating pest infections.

Application of seed residues from Anadenanthera macrocarpa and Cedrela fissilis as alternative adsorbents for remarkable removal of methylene blue dye in aqueous solutions.

Two novel ecological and low-cost adsorbents were prepared from seed residues of the tree species Anadenanthera macrocarpa and Cedrela fissilis for the removal of methylene blue dye in water. The materials were comminuted and characterized by different techniques. The particles of samples have a rough surface with cavities. The optimum dosage and pH for both materials were 1 g L-1 and pH 8. The pseudo-second-order model was the most suitable for describing the adsorption kinetics for both systems. The Anadenanthera macrocarpa presented a maximum experimental capacity of 228 mg g-1, while the Cedrela fissilis, a similar capacity of 230 mg g-1 at 328 K. The Tóth model was proper for describing the equilibrium curves for both systems. The thermodynamic indicators show that the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic for both materials. The application of materials for the simulated effluent treatment showed 74 and 78% of color removal using Anadenanthera macrocarpa and Cedrela fissilis samples, respectively. Overall, seed residues of Anadenanthera macrocarpa and Cedrela fissilis could be potentially applied for adsorptive removal of colored contaminants in wastewater.

Chemical Compounds and Biologic Activities: A Review of Cedrela Genus.

The genus Cedrela P. Browne, which belongs to the Meliaceae family, has eighteen species. Trees of this genus are of economic interest due to wood quality, as well as being the focus of studies because of relevant biologic activities as in other Meliaceae species. These activities are mainly related to limonoids, a characteristic class of compounds in this family. Therefore, the aim of this review is to perform a survey of the citations in the literature on the Cedrela genus species. Articles were found on quantitative and qualitative phytochemical studies of the Cedrela species, revealing the chemical compounds identified, such as aliphatics acid and alcohol, flavonoids, tocopherol, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes, cycloartanes, steroids, and limonoids. Although some activities were tested, the majority of studies focused on the insecticidal, antifeedant, or insect growth inhibitor activities of this genus. Nonetheless, the most promising activities were related to their antimalarial and antitripanocidal effects, although further investigations are still needed.

Light spectra affect the in vitro shoot development of Cedrela fissilis Vell. (Meliaceae) by changing the protein profile and polyamine contents.

The light spectrum quality is an important signal for plant growth and development. We evaluated the effects of different light spectra on the in vitro shoot development of Cedrela fissilis and its proteomic and polyamine (PA) profiles. Cotyledonary and apical nodal segments were grown under different light emitting diodes (LED) and fluorescent lamps. Shoots from cotyledonary nodal segments cultured with 6-benzyladenine (BA) that were grown under WmBdR LED showed increased length and higher fresh and dry matter compared to shoots grown under fluorescent lamps. A nonredundant protein databank generated by transcriptome sequencing and the de novo assembly of C. fissilis improved, and almost doubled, the protein identification compared to a Citrus sinensis databank. A total of 616 proteins were identified, with 23 up- and 103 down-accumulated in the shoots under WmBdR LEDs compared to fluorescent lamps. Most differentially accumulated proteins in shoots grown under the WmBdR LED lamp treatment compared to the fluorescent lamp treatment are involved in responding to metabolic processes, stress, biosynthetic and cellular protein modifications, and light stimulus processes. Among the proteins, the up-accumulation of argininosuccinate synthase was associated with an increase in the free putrescine content and, consequently, with higher shoot elongation under WmBdR LED. The down-accumulation of calreticulin, heat shock proteins, plastid-lipid-associated protein, ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes, and ultraviolet-B receptor UVR8 isoform X1 could be related to the longer shoot length noted under LED treatment. This study provides important data related to the effects of the light spectrum quality on in vitro morphogenesis through the modulation of specific proteins and free putrescine biosynthesis in C. fissilis, an endangered wood species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest of economic and ecological relevance. The nonredundant protein databank of C. fissilis is available via ProteomeXchange under identifier PXD018020.

Phytoremediation potential of Khaya ivorensis and Cedrela fissilis in copper contaminated soil.

Mineral exploration of copper (Cu) in the Amazon has significantly impacted the environment, leading to contamination of large areas that require remediation. Tropical tree species that can immobilize metals and restore plant cover should be selected for phytoremediation programs. The phytoremediation behavior of Khaya ivorensis and Cedrela fissilis was studied in Cu contaminated soil (60, 200, 400, and 600 mg kg-1). K. ivorensis absorbed extremely high amounts of Cu in the roots (329 mg kg-1) and excessive amounts in the shoot (52 mg kg-1), while maintaining similar growth to control plants. C. fissilis seedlings presented a higher Dickson quality index. Bioaccumulation (BCF) and translocation (TF) factors were low in both species, indicating that even with the high amounts of copper absorbed, these contents were lower than the soil concentration (BCF < 1) and that most of Cu was compartmentalized in the roots (TF < 1). The tolerance index of K. ivorensis (>1) and C. fissilis (~1) indicate their ability to grow in Cu contaminated soil. These results suggest that these species could potentially be used as phytoremediators.

Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, biological activities, and therapeutic applications of Cedrela serrata Royle: A mini review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cedrela serrata Royle (C. serrata) is a medicinal plant not only used for constructions but also an important conventional medicine for the treatment of various diseases such as; diabetes, jaundice, liver diseases, diarrhea, fever, chronic infantile dysentery, intestinal worms, hypertension, skin and blood diseases. AIMS: This review article documents and critically assesses, for the first time; up to date categorized information about C. serrata including its reported pharmacological activities, cultural uses, active compounds, and botanical description. MATERIALS AND METHOD: s: All provided information about C. serrata was collected using the electronic databases (e.g. Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct and Springer Link), books (e.g. Trees of Pakistan and Herbalism, Phytochemistry, and Ethnopharmacology) and thesis. RESULTS: Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical studies on C. serrata revealed the presence of important chemical constituents such as; flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and cardiac glycosides. The phytochemicals showed various in vitro activities like antioxidant, anti-infective, antiglycation, cytotoxic activities. Major areas of research conducted on C. serrata are its antioxidant and anti-infective activities. Few historical uses of C. serrata are supported by modern in vitro pharmacological studies such as; antidiarrheal, antidiabetic, and leishmanicidal activity. CONCLUSION: There were convincing evidence in in vitro studies supporting C. serrata antioxidant, anti-infective, anti-diabetic, anti-glycating, and cytotoxic activities. Nevertheless, all reported pharmacological activities were carried out in vitro and a gap in research i.e. preclinical and clinical investigation still exists. The authors emphasize the need for future in-depth research and clinical trials to investigate C. serrata pharmacological activity, clinical efficacy and safety. The potential chemical compounds with suggestive classes may need to be isolated and pharmacological activities must be established for these compounds. The plant has very limited information about pharmacological activities and the data available for supportive cultural uses needs proper validation.

Haematological changes associated with Newcastle disease vaccination in chickens using gums from Cedrela odorata and Khaya senegalensis as delivery agents.

Our previous ex-vivo and in vivo investigations have established immunopotentiating property of Khaya senegalensis and Cedrela odorata gums; however the safety of the use of this gum combination in chicken has not been described. Hence this study evaluates the haematological profile of chickens vaccinated with Newcastle disease vaccine delivered through the oral and ocular routes using gums from Cedrela odorata and Khaya senegalensis as delivery agents. 252 one-day old chickens were grouped gum-vaccine oral (GVOR), vaccine oral (VOR), gum-vaccine ocular (GVOC), vaccine ocular (VOC), gum oral (GOR), gum ocular (GOC), no-gum-no-vaccine but challenged (NGNV/C), no-gum-no-vaccine unchallenged (NGNV/U). They were vaccinated on days 21 and 42 and challenged day 84. Blood samples were collected before first vaccination and at selected intervals afterwards. Analysis was done using one way ANOVA with P<0.05 considered significant. Packed cell volume, total white cell count, heterocyte-lymphocyte ratios and platelet count varied insignificantly (P>0.05) throughout the period of observation across groups with no observable derangements. Hence, the absence of derangement in haematological indices from this study suggests that the dilution rate recommended from the ex-vivo study is safe for administration of Newcastle disease vaccine in chickens irrespective of the routes of delivery.

Humoral and mucosal immune responses in challenged chickens vaccinated with Infectious bursal disease vaccine using gums from Cedrela odorata and Khaya senegalensis as delivery agents.

The emergence of antigenic variants and very virulent strains of infectious bursa disease virus (IBDV) in vaccinated flocks considerably stimulated research in IBDV vaccine administration. The mucoadhesive and immunopotentials of Cedrela odorata and Khaya senegalensis were explored in vaccine delivery against clinical IBDV in broiler chickens. A total of 400 chicks were successfully brooded and raised from day old for commencement of this experiment. The birds were randomly distributed into eight groups with an average of 50 birds per group comprising: Gums-Gumboro Vaccine Ocular (infected) (GGVOC), Gumboro Vaccine alone Ocular (infected) (GVOC), Gums alone Ocular (infected) (GOC), Gums-Gumboro Vaccine Oral (infected) (GGVOR), Gumboro Vaccine alone Oral (infected) (GVOR), Gums alone Oral (infected) (GOR), No-Vaccine-No-Gums (infected) (NVNG/i), and No-Vaccine-No-Gums (not infected) (NVNG). On a weekly basis, 1.5mls of blood were collected from 5 birds and 3 birds euthanized per group for serological analysis and mucosal washings (trachea and intestine) respectively. Data obtained were analyzed and sample to positive ratio calculated. The post 1st vaccination trachea IgG antibody response was moderately higher in the ocular groups than the oral groups. It was also high in the VOC, GVOC, GOC, VOR groups than the GVOR groups. The antibody response (IgG) pre and post 1st vaccination, post 2nd vaccination and post infection from serum, trachea and intestinal washes showed that by week 1 Post 1st vaccination, there was insignificant increase in titer serum response of the gum-vaccine ocular group compared to the vaccine ocular alone while both groups were insignificantly higher than the oral group. Overall, serum titer showed a rapid response with spiked significant response by 48h pi in the gum vaccine groups (especially GVOR), which peaks by day 3 and remains insignificantly higher throughout the day 7 pi compared to vaccine alone groups. In conclusion, use of the mucilage from C. odorata and K. senegalenses in equal proportion has given better enhancement of the response to IBDV vaccination and premise for further investigations for improvement against IBD.

Artisans and dugout canoes reveal pieces of Atlantic Forest history.

Dugout canoes are boats made from a single tree trunk. Even with the modernization of fishing, they are still made and used for artisanal fishing on the coast of southern and southeastern Brazil and in other regions of the world. Various tree species are used to construct these canoes and choosing a species is related to characteristics of the location, available raw materials and purpose of the boat. Our objective was to better understand the variation in dugout canoes in relation to tree species, tree size and fishing use, over time, along a coastal strip of southern and southeastern Brazil within the Atlantic Forest domain. We interviewed 53 artisans and analyzed 358 canoes that ranged from 1 to around 200 years old. Schizolobium parahyba is currently used the most. In the past, species of the family Lauraceae (Nectandra sp. / Ocotea sp.) were frequently used, as well as Cedrela fissilis and Ficus sp. The size of the canoes varied based on time, coastal region, environment where the boat is used (exposed or sheltered) and type of fishing. The average size of recent canoes was smaller than older canoes for more common species (S. parahyba and C. fissilis), reflecting changes in the vegetation of the biome over time, both in the species and size of individuals available. Latitudinal variation can also influence the availability of tree species along the studied regions. An increase in environmental monitoring has contributed to a decline in constructing dugout canoes, resulting in the use of fiberglass canoes and other motorized boats. Although canoe size varied based on region, location and use, today some of the older canoes represent large trees of the past and pieces of Atlantic Forest history.

Genomic resources for the Neotropical tree genus Cedrela (Meliaceae) and its relatives.

BACKGROUND: Tree species in the genus Cedrela P. Browne are threatened by timber overexploitation across the Neotropics. Genetic identification of processed timber can be used to supplement wood anatomy to assist in the taxonomic and source validation of protected species and populations of Cedrela. However, few genetic resources exist that enable both species and source identification of Cedrela timber products. We developed several 'omic resources including a leaf transcriptome, organelle genome (cpDNA), and diagnostic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that may assist the classification of Cedrela specimens to species and geographic origin and enable future research on this widespread Neotropical tree genus. RESULTS: We designed hybridization capture probes to enrich for thousands of genes from both freshly preserved leaf tissue and from herbarium specimens across eight Meliaceae species. We first assembled a draft de novo transcriptome for C. odorata, and then identified putatively low-copy genes. Hybridization probes for 10,001 transcript models successfully enriched 9795 (98%) of these targets, and analysis of target capture efficiency showed that probes worked effectively for five Cedrela species, with each species showing similar mean on-target sequence yield and depth. The probes showed greater enrichment efficiency for Cedrela species relative to the other three distantly related Meliaceae species. We provide a set of candidate SNPs for species identification of four of the Cedrela species included in this analysis, and present draft chloroplast genomes for multiple individuals of eight species from four genera in the Meliaceae. CONCLUSIONS: Deforestation and illegal logging threaten forest biodiversity globally, and wood screening tools offer enforcement agencies new approaches to identify illegally harvested timber. The genomic resources described here provide the foundation required to develop genetic screening methods for Cedrela species identification and source validation. Due to their transferability across the genus and family as well as demonstrated applicability for both fresh leaves and herbarium specimens, the genomic resources described here provide additional tools for studies examining the ecology and evolutionary history of Cedrela and related species in the Meliaceae.

De novo transcriptome sequencing and SSR markers development for Cedrela balansae C.DC., a native tree species of northwest Argentina.

The endangered Cedrela balansae C.DC. (Meliaceae) is a high-value timber species with great potential for forest plantations that inhabits the tropical forests in Northwestern Argentina.Research on this species is scarce because of the limited genetic and genomic information available. Here, we explored the transcriptome of C. balansae using 454 GS FLX Titanium next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Following de novo assembling, we identified 27,111 non-redundant unigenes longer than 200 bp, and considered these transcripts for further downstream analysis. The functional annotation was performed searching the 27,111 unigenes against the NR-Protein and the Interproscan databases. This analysis revealed 26,977 genes with homology in at least one of the Database analyzed. Furthermore, 7,774 unigenes in 142 different active biological pathways in C. balansae were identified with the KEGG database. Moreover, after in silico analyses, we detected 2,663 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) markers. A subset of 70 SSRs related to important "stress tolerance" traits based on functional annotation evidence, were selected for wet PCR-validation in C. balansae and other Cedrela species inhabiting in northwest and northeast of Argentina (C. fissilis, C. saltensis and C. angustifolia). Successful transferability was between 77% and 93% and thanks to this study, 32 polymorphic functional SSRs for all analyzed Cedrela species are now available. The gene catalog and molecular markers obtained here represent a starting point for further research, which will assist genetic breeding programs in the Cedrela genus and will contribute to identifying key populations for its preservation.

Conidial fungi associated with leaf litter of red cedar (Cedrela odorata) in Belém, Pará (eastern Brazilian Amazon) / Fungos conidiais associados com o folhedo de cedro vermelho (Cedrela odorata) em Belém, Pará (Amazônia Oriental brasileira)

The aim of this study was to investigate the species of conidial fungi associated with leaf litter of Cedrela odorata (Meliaceae), an endangered red cedar species typical of Amazonian terra-firme forests. Conidial fungi were sampled around C. odorata individuals in three forest areas in the municipality of Belém (Pará State, Brazil). A total of 104 species were identified, with 53 new records for the state of Pará, 46 first records for the Brazilian Amazon, including new records for Brazil (Cordana abramovii), for South America (Acarocybiopsis cubitaensis, Xylocladium claviforme) and for the Americas (Dactylaria biguttulata). A review of species of conidial fungi reported on C. odorata is provided, indicating its distribution in Brazil. For each new record in Brazil, South America and the Americas we present a description, illustrations, geographical distribution and taxonomic comments.

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar as espécies de fungos conidiais associadas com o folhedo de Cedrela odorata, uma espécie de cedro vermelho ameaçada, típica de florestas de terra firme da Amazônia. Fungos conidiais foram amostrados no folhedo ao redor de indivíduos de C. odorata em três áreas florestais no município de Belém (PA). Um total de 104 espécies foi identificado, com 53 novos registros para o Estado do Pará e 46 que representam o primeiro registro para a Amazônia brasileira. Dentre estas, foram encontrados novos registros para o Brasil (Cordana abramovii), para a América do Sul (Acarocybiopsis cubitaensis, Xylocladium claviforme) e para as Américas (Dactylaria biguttulata). Uma revisão das espécies de fungos conidiais relatadas em C. odorata é fornecida, indicando sua distribuição no Brasil. Para cada novo registro no Brasil, América do Sul e Américas apresentamos uma descrição, ilustrações, distribuição geográfica e comentários taxonômicos.

Tree height strongly affects estimates of water-use efficiency responses to climate and CO2 using isotopes.

Various studies report substantial increases in intrinsic water-use efficiency (W i ), estimated using carbon isotopes in tree rings, suggesting trees are gaining increasingly more carbon per unit water lost due to increases in atmospheric CO2. Usually, reconstructions do not, however, correct for the effect of intrinsic developmental changes in W i as trees grow larger. Here we show, by comparing W i across varying tree sizes at one CO2 level, that ignoring such developmental effects can severely affect inferences of trees' W i . W i doubled or even tripled over a trees' lifespan in three broadleaf species due to changes in tree height and light availability alone, and there are also weak trends for Pine trees. Developmental trends in broadleaf species are as large as the trends previously assigned to CO2 and climate. Credible future tree ring isotope studies require explicit accounting for species-specific developmental effects before CO2 and climate effects are inferred.Intrinsic water-use efficiency (W i ) reconstructions using tree rings often disregard developmental changes in W i as trees age. Here, the authors compare W i across varying tree sizes at a fixed CO2 level and show that ignoring developmental changes impacts conclusions on trees' W i responses to CO2 or climate.