Resumen Se describe una nueva especie del género Podanotum Torres & Johnson, 1996, Podanotum pajaten Farfán, Cerdeña & Bálint sp. nov. del norte de Perú, asociada al ecotono andino entre bosque nublado y pastizal húmedo a 3,200 metros de altitud. La descripción de esta nueva especie está basada en una hembra adulta que se distingue de sus congéneres por la combinación de los siguientes caracteres morfológicos: vista dorsal de las alas de color azul pálido, línea postdiscal del ala anterior presente en vista ventral, cola corta en ala posterior, y parte distal del ostium bursae dentada. Podanotum pajaten sp. nov. está separada geográficamente de la especie espacialmente más cercana, P. glorissimum Bálint & Wojtusiak, 2002, por aproximadamente 100 km hacia el sur, y representa la segunda especie descrita de Perú. Una clave de identificación es presentada para todas las especies conocidas de Podanotum, con indicación de los países de ocurrencia.

Abstract We describe a new species of the genus Podanotum Torres & Johnson, 1996, Podanotum pajaten Farfán, Cerdeña & Bálint sp. nov. from northern Peru, associated with the Andean treeline ecotone adjacent to cloud forest and wet grassland at 3200 m above sea level. Description of this new species is based on one female adult and is distinguishable from its congeners by the combination of the following morphological characters: dorsal wing pale blue, forewing discoidal line present on ventral side, hindwing tailed, and ostium bursae distally toothed. Podanotum pajaten sp. nov. is separated geographically from the closest spatial species, P. glorissimum Bálint & Wojtusiak, 2002, by approximately 100 km to the south, and represents the second species described for Peru. An identification key to all known species of Podanotum is provided, stating their distributions by country.

Abstract Tillandsia landbeckii Phil. is a typical plant of the Atacama Desert in the north of Chile. There is no genetic data available at the population level for this species, and this information is critical for developing and implementing effective conservation measures. In this study, we investigated for the first time the genetic diversity and population structure in 2 natural populations of T. landbeckii using AFLP markers. Seven primer combinations produced 405 bands and of them, 188 (46.42%) were polymorphic. The Pampa Dos Cruces population (Pp = 88.30%, He = 0.327, and I = 0.483) showed a higher genetic diversity level than Pampa Camarones population (Pp = 71.28%, He = 0.253, and I = 0.380). Analysis of molecular variance (Amova) revealed that 25.12% of the total genetic diversity resided among populations, while 74.88% within populations. A moderate-high genetic differentiation coefficient (Fst = 0.251) and a moderate population gene flow (Nm = 1.490) were also observed. Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA), Neighbor-net and STRUCTURE analysis supported the grouping of the sampled populations into 2 moderate genetic clusters. This first study provides data that will allow assist and support conservation decisions taken for this species.

Resumen Tillandsia landbeckii Phil. es una planta típica del desierto de Atacama en el norte de Chile. No hay datos genéticos disponibles a nivel de población para esta especie y esta información es crítica para desarrollar e implementar medidas de conservación efectivas. En este estudio, investigamos por primera vez la diversidad genética y la estructura poblacional en 2 poblaciones naturales de T. landbeckii mediante marcadores del tipo AFLP. Siete combinaciones de primers produjeron 405 bandas, de las cuales, 188 (46.42%) fueron polimórficas. La población de Pampa Dos Cruces (Pp = 88.30%, He = 0.327 y I = 0.483) mostró un nivel de diversidad genética mayor que la población de Pampa Camarones (Pp = 71.28%, He = 0.253 y I = 0.380). El análisis de la varianza molecular (Amova) reveló que el 25.12% de la diversidad genética total residía entre las poblaciones, mientras que el 74.88% está dentro de las poblaciones. Se observó un coeficiente de diferenciación genética de moderado a alto (Fst = 0.251) y un moderado flujo genético en la población (Nm = 1.490). Los análisis de coordenadas principales (PCoA), neighbor-net y STRUCTURE soportaron la agrupación de las poblaciones muestreadas en 2 grupos genéticos moderados. Este primer estudio proporciona datos que permitirán asistir y apoyar decisiones de conservación que se tomen para esta especie.

ABSTRACT Glena mielkei Vargas, 2010 (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Ennominae: Boarmiini) is a Neotropical geometrid moth native to the Atacama Desert of northern Chile whose larvae are folivorous on the shrub Trixis cacalioides (Asteraecae). The last instar and pupa are described and illustrated, and DNA barcode sequences are provided for the first time for G. mielkei. Descriptions are made based on larvae collected in the type locality. Comparisons with the available descriptions of congeneric species suggest that the chaetotaxy of the SV group of the abdominal segment and the morphology of the cremaster could be useful tools to species identification based on last instar and pupa, respectively. A search in BOLD (Barcode of Life Data System) showed that the only DNA barcode haplotype found in the two specimens sequenced was closest to Physocleora Warren, 1897 than Glena Hulst, 1896. These results coincide with the morphological peculiarities of the genitalia highlighted in the original description of G. mielkei, suggesting that a definitive assessment of the generic status of this geometrid moth deserves further integrative studies.

Abstract: Background: Attention to amaranth grains has increased in recent years due to the nutritional value of their seed proteins, which have high levels of the amino acid lysine. However, there is no detailed study describing the stages of seed development in Amaranthus hypochondriacus. Question: How are the developmental patterns of the female gametophyte and young seed in Amaranthus hypochondriacus? Species studied: Amaranthus hypochondriacus L ’Revancha’ (Amaranthaceae). Study site and years of study: Plants were growth and collected from 2014 to 2016, in a greenhouse at Instituto Tecnológico de Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico. Methods: Glomerules were collected before pollination and two weeks after anthesis. The ovules at different development stages were fixed and cleared and were analyzed by light microscopy. A clearing protocol was used to observe the developmental stages during female gametogenesis and embryogenesis. Results: We observed that the Amaranthus hypochondriacus ovule has a campylotropous form. The female gametophyte showed a Polygonum-type pattern of development. We were also able to identify all the stages from the megaspore mother cell to the cotyledon embryo stage. After meiosis, the micropylar megaspore differentiates into the functional megaspore. The embryo did not show symmetric divisions, although the final pattern is similar to that of in eudicotyledons. The suspensor showed additional longitudinal divisions, giving rise to a 2-rowed suspensor, while the endosperm showed a helobial development. Conclusions: These results will be used as baseline to identify morphological changes during seed development and to develop new strategies to improve seed quality or increase the yield.

Resumen: Antecedentes: La atención al grano de amaranto ha aumentado en los últimos años debido al valor nutricional de las proteínas de su semilla con altos niveles de lisina. Sin embargo, no existe un estudio detallado que describa las etapas tempranas del desarrollo de su semilla. Pregunta: ¿Cómo es el patrón de desarrollo del gametófito femenino y la semilla en Amaranthus hypochondriacus? Especie de estudio: Amaranthus hypochondriacus L ’Revancha’ (Amaranthaceae). Sitio de estudio y fechas: Las plantas fueron cultivadas y se colectaron entre los años 2014 y 2016, en invernadero, en el Instituto Tecnológico de Celaya. Métodos: Los glomérulos se colectaron antes de fecundación y hasta dos semanas después de la antesis. Los óvulos se fijaron y aclararon en diferentes estados de desarrollo, se analizaron bajo microscopía de luz en campo claro. Mediante un protocolo de clareo se logró observar todas las etapas de desarrollo de la gametogénesis femenina y la embriogénesis. Resultados: Los óvulos de Amaranthus hypochondriacus son del tipo campilótropo. El gametófito femenino muestra un patrón de desarrollo del tipo Polygonum. Se identificaron todas las etapas de desarrollo desde la célula madre de la megáspora al estado embrionario cotiledonar. Después de la meiosis la megáspora micropilar se diferencia en la megáspora funcional. El embrión no mostró divisiones simétricas aunque el patrón final es similar al observado en eudicotiledóneas El suspensor mostró divisiones longitudinales adicionales, dando lugar a un suspensor con dos filas de células. El endospermo mostró un patrón helobial. Conclusiones: Estos resultados servirán de base para identificar cambios morfológicos durante el desarrollo de la semilla y generar nuevas estrategias que mejoren la calidad y la producción de las mismas.

ABSTRACT Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient for higher plants, but is very toxic at higher concentrations. This study evaluated the tran-scriptional activity of three stress-related genes under conditions of excess B in Solanum lycopersicum cv Poncho Negro, a cultivar originating from the Lluta Valley (Arica, Chile), where it grows in environments with very high concentrations of B. Poncho Negro tomato seedlings were grown under hydroponic conditions and stressed with B (20 ppm); root and leaf samples were collected at 3 and 96 h after stress. The activity of three stress-related genes, Hsp90, MT and GR, was analyzed by quantitative reverse transcrip-tion PCR. A marked differential molecular response was observed between leaves and roots. The three genes were overexpressed in leaves in response to B, while in roots Hsp90 decreased, MT increased and GR1 did not change its activity. Activation of these genes may indicate participation of genes involved in stress oxidative processes as an early response to B stress and may represent a complementary mechanism to boron transport.

RESUMEN El boro (B) es un micronutriente esencial para la mayoría de las plantas, pero es muy tóxico a altas concentraciones. En éste trabajo se evaluó la actividad transcripcional de tres genes relacionados al estrés, en condiciones de exceso de B, utilizando el tomate Poncho Negro, un cultivar originario del valle de Lluta (Arica, Chile), el cual crece y se desarrolla en ambientes con concentraciones muy altas B. Plántulas de tomate Poncho Negro, crecidas en hidroponía, fueron estresadas con un exceso de 30 ppm de B y muestras de raíz y hoja fueron colectadas a las 3 y 96 h. Se analizó la actividad de tres genes relacionados al estrés Hsp90, MT y GR, mediante de PCR en tiempo real. Una marcada diferencia en la respuesta molecular fue observada entre hojas y raíces. En hojas, los tres genes fueron sobre-expresados en respuesta al exceso B. En raíces, la actividad de Hsp90 disminuye, MT aumenta y GR1 no cambia su actividad bajo un estrés inducido por un exceso de B. La activación de estos genes puede indi car la participación de genes involucrados en procesos estrés oxidativo como una respuesta temprana a un estrés por B y puede representar un mecanismo complementario al transporte de B.

Abstract Graphiola phoenicis was found on leaves of Phoenix canariensis in Hanga Roa, Easter Island, Chile. Amphigenous black pulvinate basidiomata were abundant on the leaf blades and rachides, causing extensive foliar damage. The samples were examined by a light microscope after three days in a humid chamber. In addition, the molecular tools scanning electron microscopy and histological sectioning were used to study the fungal/host relationship, complementing the identification. Morphometric and molecular characteristics led to the identification of the fungus as Graphiola phoenicis causing false smut on the Canary date palms (Phoenix canariensis). This is the first report of this plant pathogen in Chilean territory.

Resumen En hojas de Phoenix canarienis en Hanga Roa, Isla de Pascua, Chile, se encontró abundantes basidiomas pulvinados, negros, amfígenos negros sobre las pinnas y en el raquis de las hojas, causando daño foliar extensivo. Después de tres días en cámara húmeda se examinaron muestras con microscopio compuesto. Además, para estudiar la relación hongo/hospedero, se utilizó microscopía electrónica de barrido y cortes histológicos, complementariamente se aplicaron herramientas moleculares en la identificación. Las características morfométricas y moleculares permitieron la identificación del hongo como Graphiola phoenicis, agente causal del falso carbon en Palma de Canarias (Phoenix canariensis) en Isla de Pascua, Chile. Este es el primer reporte de este fitopatógeno en territorio chileno.

Abstract Eugnosta azapaensis Vargas and Moreira, 2015 (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is a micromoth native to the Atacama Desert whose larvae induce fusiform galls in shoots of Baccharis salicifolia (Ruiz & Pav.) Pers. (Asteraceae). The presence of this cecidogenous tortricid was previously recorded only from the type locality, the Azapa Valley, Arica Province, northern Chile. However, fusiform galls on shoots of B. salicifolia were recently found in Chaca, another coastal valley of the Atacama Desert. The adults obtained from these galls were preliminarily identified as E. azapaensis based on morphology. Subsequently, to assess an additional source of evidence for the taxonomic identification of E. azapaensis in this new locality, sequences of the DNA barcode fragment of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I mitochondrial gene from the two localities were analyzed. Four haplotypes were detected, two restricted to Azapa and two restricted to Chaca. The genetic divergence (K2P) between haplotypes of each locality was 0.2-0.8%, while it was 1.1-1.4% between haplotypes of different localities, and 8.7-13.5% between the Chilean haplotypes and other species of Eugnosta Hübner, 1825. In addition, all the sequences of Azapa and Chaca were clustered in a well-supported group in a Maximum Likelihood (ML) analysis. Accordingly, divergence and ML analyses support the morphological identification of E. azapaensis in the Chaca Valley. Furthermore, although preliminary, the analyses suggest that the genetic variation of the populations of this insect could be geographically structured, a pattern that must be assessed in further studies.

We report the first genetic analysis of archeological maize specimens from the site of San Lorenzo (1,500-700 BP) (Azapa valley, Arica, Chile). Ancient DNA was successfully isolated from 11 archeological maize grains. The Alcohol dehydrogenase 2 (Adh2) gene was analyzed because it has a highly variable region due to the presence of a microsatellite region around -28 to -8, which consists of GA repeats that may be present in three types GAn, GAnTA and GA1AA1GAn, which is used as an informative region of the routes of initial dispersion of maize. Five Adh2 alleles were obtained and the alignment of these sequences according to the variable region revealed the presence of the three types of GA repeated. Our results do not provide sufficient evidence to reject any maize spread model proposed. This is the first report focused on genetic analysis of maize associated with an archeological site in Chile.

Este trabajo reporta el primer análisis genético de maíces arqueológicos del sitio San Lorenzo (1.500-700 BP) (Valle de Azapa, Arica, Chile). Se aisló de forma exitosa el ADN antiguo de 11 granos de maíces arqueológicos. Se analizó el gen de la Alcohol dehydrogenase 2 (Adh2), debido a que posee una región altamente variable por la presencia de un microsatélite entre el -28 y -8, la que consiste de un repetido de GA que puede estar presente en tres tipos; GAn, GAnTA y GA1AA1GAn esta es utilizada como una región informativa de la ruta inicial de la dispersión del maíz. Se obtuvieron cinco alelos del gen Adh2 y el alineamiento de dichas secuencias, de acuerdo con la estructura de la región variable, reveló la presencia de los tres tipos de repetido de GA. Nuestros resultados no proveen suficientes evidencias para rechazar ningún modelo propuesto de dispersión del maíz. Este es el primer trabajo en Chile enfocado en el análisis genético de maíces procededentes de contextos arqueológicos.

The native tree Schinus molle (Anacardiacae) is reported for the first time as a host plant for larvae of the little known geometrid moth Eupithecia yubitzae Vargas & Parra (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile, based on morphology and DNA barcodes. This discovery importantly expands the host range of E. yubitzae, as previous records were restricted to Fabaceae trees. Larvae were previously known as florivorous, while these were found to be folivorous on S. molle. Furthermore, host-associated cryptic larval polychromatism was detected, as larvae collected on S. molle were found to be mostly pale green, contrasting with the dark yellow ground color of the larvae typically collected on fabaceous host plants.

The Aculops lycopersici (Tryon, 1917) (Acari: Eriophyidae) (= Tomato russet mite), was reported for the first time on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Arica, Chile. Its damage was described and its geographic distribution was expanded.

Se reporta por primera vez al ácaro del bronceado del tomate (Aculops lycopersici (Tryon, 1917), en Arica, Chile. Se describe el daño y se amplía la distribución geográfica.

Prey identification in nests of the potter wasp Hypodynerus andeus (Packard) (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Eumeninae) using DNA barcodes. Geometrid larvae are the only prey known for larvae of the Neotropical potter wasp Hypodynerus andeus (Packard, 1869) (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Eumeninae) in the coastal valleys of the northern Chilean Atacama Desert. A fragment of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 was amplified from geometrid larvae collected from cells of H. andeus in the Azapa Valley, Arica Province, and used to provide taxonomic identifications. Two species, Iridopsis hausmanni Vargas, 2007 and Macaria mirthae Vargas, Parra & Hausmann, 2005 were identified, while three others could be identified only at higher taxonomic levels, because the barcode reference library of geometrid moths is still incomplete for northern Chile.

Extraction of high quality of DNA from fungus can be affected because the presence of the complex cell wall, high content of polysaccharides or secondary metabolites. In this research, we adapt a simple method of DNA extraction and purification of from fungus isolated from soil for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) applications. The methodology described is both rapid and cost effective.

La extracción de ADN de alta calidad de hongos puede ser afectada debido a la presencia de una pared celular compleja, alto contenido de polisacáridos o metabolitos secundarios. En esta investigación se adaptó un simple método de extracción y purificación de ADN de hongos filamentosos aislados del suelo, para aplicaciones tipo Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). La metodología descrita es rápida y de bajo costo.

In this work we report the component-A partial sequence identification from a begomovirus that infect tomato crop in the Azapa valley (Arica, Chile). Phylogenetics analysis from this sequence shows a identity value over 88% with Tomato yellow vein streak virus (ToYVSV) strain collected in Argentina and Brasil.

En este trabajo se identifica y reporta parte de la secuencia del componente A de un begomovirus que infecta al cultivo del tomate en el valle de Azapa (Arica, Chile). El análisis filogenético de dicha secuencia mostró una identidad sobre el 88% con aislados de Tomato yellow vein streak virus (ToYVSV) colectados en Argentina y Brasil.