Abstract Introduction: Evidence suggests that herbivores, such as peccaries, shape vegetation structure and diversity through predation, trampling, dispersal, and rooting behavior. Objective: To evaluate the impact of peccaries (Dycotiles tajacu) on the understory vegetation of the tropical rainforest in the Nogal-La Selva Local Biological Corridor, Costa Rica, comparing a site with the absence of peccaries to another with the presence of these animals. Methodology: From June to November 2021, 20 experimental exclusions and 20 free access plots, each measuring 2 m2 were used to quantify herbivory, the number of leaf blades, damaged leaves, healthy leaves, sapling height, and fallen biomass at both sites. Results: A higher sapling density was found in the Nogal Reserve, but a lower sapling diversity, while in La Selva there was a higher sapling diversity, but a lower density of seedlings. Herbivory and sapling height in La Selva exceeded those in Nogal. The exclusion of peccaries reduced seedling damage but did not affect the dynamics of fallen biomass. Conclusion: For the design, implementation, and evaluation of the effectiveness of biological corridors, it is crucial to consider plant-animal interactions to enhance the flow of ecological processes through functional and structural connectivity, analyzed from interactions such as those presented in this paper.

Resumen Introducción: Existe evidencia que herbívoros, como los saínos, dan forma a la estructura y diversidad de la vegetación a través del comportamiento de depredación, pisoteo, dispersión y enraizamiento. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de los saínos (Dycotiles tajacu) en la vegetación del sotobosque del bosque tropical húmedo en el Corredor Biológico Local Nogal-La Selva, Costa Rica, en un sitio con ausencia y en otro con presencia de saínos. Métodos: De junio a noviembre de 2021 se utilizaron 20 exclusiones experimentales y 20 parcelas de acceso libre de 2 m2, se cuantifico la herbivoría, número de láminas foliares, hojas dañadas, hojas sanas, altura de brinzales y biomasa caída en ambos sitios. Resultados: Se encontró una mayor densidad de brinzales en Reserva Nogal pero una menor diversidad, contrario en La Selva donde se encontró una mayor diversidad de brinzales, pero una menor densidad de plántulas. La herbivoría y la altura de brinzales en La Selva fue mayor que en Nogal. La exclusión de los saínos disminuyó el daño a las plántulas, pero no afectó la dinámica de la biomasa caída. Conclusión: Es necesario contemplar para el diseño, implementación y evaluación de la efectividad de corredores biológicos, las interacciones planta-animal, para potencializar el flujo de procesos ecológicos mediante la conectividad funcional y estructural, analizada a partir de interacciones como las presentadas en este trabajo.

Resumen Introducción y objetivos: El Parque Interjurisdiccional Marino Costero Patagonia Austral es un área protegida que alberga una gran biodiversidad. Dentro del Parque se encuentra Isla Valdés, isla de la cual se desconoce su vegetación y en la que se han introducido conejos europeos, una especie herbívora invasora. Los objetivos del presente trabajo son: a) conocer la riqueza florística de Isla Valdés; b) evaluar el estado de conservación de su flora; c) identificar y caracterizar las diferentes unidades de vegetación; d) analizar las diferencias y sus posibles causas entre las unidades de vegetación. M&M: se recorrió la isla estableciendo las diferentes unidades de vegetación. En cada una se realizaron tres transectas, con el Método Holístico Florístico para áreas áridas, semiáridas y subhúmedas. Con los datos obtenidos se calcularon parámetros de la estructura de la vegetación y ecológicos, se elaboró un listado de la composición florística, se describió cada unidad de vegetación, y se evaluó estado de conservación actual de la vegetación. Resultados: Se identificaron 74 especies, distribuidas en 31 familias botánicas. Se identificaron cinco unidades de vegetación con diferente composición florística y fisonomía vegetal. Doce especies se encuentran en la Lista roja preliminar de las plantas endémicas de la Argentina, y dos presentan categoría de conservación internacional (lista roja de la UICN y CITES). Conclusiones: El trabajo constituye el primer listado florístico de Isla Valdés, y aporta información importante para la toma de decisiones de manejo.

ABSTRACT Plants undergoing insect infestation release herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) into their environment, which are then used by natural enemies for their benefit. The pest Aleurothrixus floccosus, which affects citrus orchards in northern Chile, specifically at Pica Oasis, poses a year-round threat. Recently, the introduction of the exotic ladybird Clitostethus arcuatus has been noted as a predator of A. floccosus. This study delved into how HIPVs emitted from tangelo (Citrus reticulata × C. ×paradisi Macfad.) and lime (C. ×aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle) infested-shoots impact the behavioral responses of C. arcuatus. The volatile compounds were collected using the headspace technique, revealing notable qualitative changes after herbivory. In two-choice bioassays, the HIPVs elicited an attractive response in C. arcuatus compared to A. floccosus. At concentrations of 10 and 100 µg mL-1, the predators displayed a distinct preference for methyl salicylate (MeSA). These findings underscore that C. arcuatus exploits the HIPVs emitted from citrus infested-shoots, fostering tritrophic interactions. Exploring the impact of whitefly attacks on other fruit trees, emerges as a significant avenue for future investigation.

Resumo A assimetria flutuante, definida como diferenças aleatórias entre os dois lados de uma estrutura simétrica, tem sido frequentemente relacionada ao estresse de desenvolvimento em plantas e animais. Nas plantas, a assimetria flutuante foliar tem sido relacionada a estresses como poluição e fogo e também pode estar relacionada ao crescimento foliar e taxas de herbivoria. Nós avaliamos se a assimetria flutuante foliar está relacionada ao tamanho da planta e da folha em Miconia albicans (Sw.) Triana (Melastomataceae), um arbusto neotropical multicaule comum, em uma área de Cerrado. Coletamos 15 folhas de cada um dos 70 indivíduos e medimos a assimetria flutuante como a diferença de área entre os lados direito e esquerdo das folhas usando a nervura central como referência. Para evitar resultados espúrios devido ao erro de medição, a separação ao longo da nervura centra foi feita independentemente por três pesquisadoras/es. Também medimos a área basal e a altura de cada caule de cada planta. Usamos modelos lineares para avaliar as relações entre assimetria flutuante foliar, tamanho da planta e tamanho da folha. Não foram observadas relações consistentes entre a assimetria flutuante da folha e o tamanho da planta, pois as análises realizadas nos valores da assimetria flutuante obtidos pelas/os diferentes pesquisadoras/es mostraram resultados diferentes. No entanto, os valores de assimetria flutuante relativa, obtidos pela divisão da assimetria flutuante pela área foliar total, tenderam a ser menores nas folhas maiores. Assim, verifica-se que, na espécie estudada, a assimetria flutuante está relacionada às condições de desenvolvimento enfrentadas pelas folhas individuais e não pela planta como um todo.

Abstract Fluctuating asymmetry, defined as random differences between the two sides of a symmetrical structure, has been often related to development stress in both plants and animals. In plants, leaf fluctuating asymmetry has been related to stresses such as pollution and fire and may also be related to leaf growth and herbivory rates. We assessed whether leaf fluctuating asymmetry is related to plant and leaf size in Miconia albicans (Sw.) Triana (Melastomataceae), a common multi-stem Neotropical shrub, in a Brazilian savanna area. We collected 15 leaves from each of 70 individuals, and measured fluctuating asymmetry as the difference in area between the right and left sides of the leaves using the central vein as reference. To avoid spurious results due to measurement error, the division along the central vein was performed independently by three researchers. We also measured the basal area and height of each stem of the plant individuals. We used linear models to assess the relations between leaf fluctuating asymmetry, plant size and leaf size. No consistent relations were observed between leaf fluctuating asymmetry and plant size, as the analyses performed on the fluctuating asymmetry values obtained by the different researchers showed different results. However, relative fluctuating asymmetry values, obtained by dividing the fluctuating asymmetry by the total leaf area, tended to be smaller in larger leaves. It thus appears that, in the study species, fluctuating asymmetry is related to the developmental conditions faced by the individual leaves and not by the plant as a whole.

Abstract Plant species in the white-sandy forests are subject to unstable soils, high salinity, luminosity, extreme temperatures, and flooding caused by tidal cycles. Protium heptaphyllum, a tree species in the Burseraceae family known for its resin production, occurs in both floodable and non-floodable areas. We investigated differences in the accumulated herbivory indexes in leaves during the leaflet lifespan and correlated these data with leaf morphoanatomical traits in plants from floodable and non-floodable areas. Samples of young and mature leaves were processed using standard plant anatomy techniques. The percentage of leaf area consumed by herbivores and quantitative morphoanatomical data were subjected to MANOVA and ANOVA. Herbivory indexes of young and mature leaves were similar between plants from floodable and non-floodable areas. The morphoanatomical features of young leaves were also similar in plants from both areas. However, mature leaves from individuals in the floodable area exhibited longer leaflets and a higher abundance of wider secretory canals compared to plants from the non-floodable area. We suggest that most leaf consumption by herbivores occurs during the early stages of leaf development when there are fewer chemical defenses, and the leaflets are more tender. whitesandy white sandy soils salinity luminosity temperatures cycles heptaphyllum production nonfloodable non areas techniques ANOVA However defenses tender

Resumo As espécies vegetais das restingas estão sujeitas a solos instáveis, alta salinidade e luminosidade, temperaturas extremas e inundações causadas pelos ciclos das marés. Protium heptaphyllum, uma espécie arbórea de Burseraceae conhecida pela produção de resina, ocorre em áreas inundáveis e não inundáveis. Nós investigamos a ocorrência de diferenças nos índices de herbivoria acumulada durante o desenvolvimento dos folíolos e correlacionamos esses dados com as características morfoanatômicas das folhas em plantas de áreas inundáveis e não inundáveis. Amostras de folhas jovens e maduras foram processadas conforme técnicas usuais em anatomia vegetal. A porcentagem de área foliar consumida pelos herbívoros e os dados morfoanatômicos quantitativos foram submetidos à MANOVA e à ANOVA. Os índices de herbivoria de folhas jovens e maduras foram semelhantes entre plantas de áreas inundáveis e não inundáveis. As características morfoanatômicas das folhas jovens também foram semelhantes nas plantas de ambas as áreas. Entretanto, folhas maduras de indivíduos da área inundável exibiram folíolos mais longos e canais secretores mais abundantes e amplos em comparação às plantas da área não inundável. Sugerimos que a maior parte do consumo de folhas pelos herbívoros ocorre durante os estágios iniciais de desenvolvimento das folhas, quando há menor defesa química e os folíolos são mais tenros. instáveis luminosidade marés heptaphyllum resina vegetal ANOVA Entretanto tenros

Abstract: Seeds of the genus Eugenia have high regenerative capacity, producing roots and shoots from seeds with reduced cotyledon matter. In addition, seeds of this genus regenerate new roots and shoots when the first roots and shoots are eliminated, and this characteristic is maintained even when the seed reserves are reduced by up to half. The aim of this study was to analyze the limits of new root and shoot regenerative capacity in whole and fractionated Eugenia candolleana seeds at different maturity stages. The regenerative capacity of seeds stored for six months was also evaluated. The seeds were sown; and when the first roots and shoots were produced, they were eliminated, simulating herbivory conditions. The results showed that the seed not only has high regenerative capacity at different maturity stages, but also that it maintains root regeneration when the seed is reduced by half, even after the storage period. Such information may indicate that seeds of the Eugenia genus can await the next crop season by regenerating several times as a way to withstand or tolerate predation. This ability can be understood as a propagation strategy of the species. Abstract matter addition eliminated half stages evaluated sown produced conditions period predation species

Resumo: Sementes do gênero Eugenia apresentam alta capacidade regenerativa, produzindo raízes e partes aéreas a partir de sementes que tiveram redução da massa cotiledonar. Também, foi observado, para sementes deste gênero, a regeneração de novas raízes e partes aéreas, quando as primeiras raízes e partes aéreas são eliminadas, ainda, tal característica se mantém quando a semente teve suas reservas reduzidas pela metade. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar os limites das regenerações de novas raízes e partes aéreas em sementes inteiras e fracionadas de Eugenia candolleana, em diferentes estádios de maturação. Avaliou-se também, a capacidade regenerativa em sementes armazenadas por seis meses. As sementes foram semeadas e quando emitiram as primeiras raízes e partes aéreas, estas foram eliminadas, simulando uma condição de herbivoria. Os resultados mostraram que, além de apresentar alta capacidade regenerativa em diferentes estádios de maturação, a semente reduzida pela metade, a regeneração de raízes se manteve, inclusive após o período de armazenamento, tais informações podem indicar que sementes do gênero Eugenia são capazes de aguardar a próxima safra regenerando diversas vezes, como maneira de suportar ou tolerar a predação. Essa habilidade pode ser entendida como estratégia de propagação da espécie. Resumo cotiledonar Também observado eliminadas ainda metade candolleana maturação Avaliouse Avaliou também meses herbivoria manteve armazenamento vezes predação espécie

ABSTRACT Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), a globally significant species, faces substantial economic losses due to pest insects. However, exploiting dwarf germplasm for pest resistance, particularly the UFU MC TOM1 lineage, remains underexplored. The objectives of this study were to select backcross populations from dwarf tomato plants through direct and indirect selection and to elucidate whether there are consequences in resistance level as backcross generations progress aiming at a genetic background of interest. Backcross populations 1, 2, and 3 of dwarf tomato plants were obtained. In the conducted experiment, featuring 20 treatments and four repetitions in a randomized block design, we assessed foliar injuries and herbivory through image analysis. Additionally, we quantified the content of acylsugars, conducted chromatographic analysis, and analyzed the metabolomic profile in the leaflets. Promisingly, the UFU 13_1 dwarf plant population showed potential for enhancing genetic improvement programs targeting pest insect resistance. Moreover, the progression of backcross generations yielded varied resistance levels, likely influenced by inheritance patterns and acylsugar content. The UFU MC TOM1 line, distinguished by its high acylsugar content, exhibited robust resistance against both the tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta Meyrick 1917) and the leafminer (Liriomyza huidobrensis Blanchard). Furthermore, our analysis revealed the expression of metabolites in the UFU MC TOM1 lineage, potentially linked to various biotic and abiotic stress responses. These findings offer promising prospects for leveraging the dwarf tomato variety, UFU MC TOM1, in genetic improvement programs aimed at combating pest insects in tomatoes. Solanum L., L L. , L.) species However TOM lineage underexplored interest 1 2 obtained experiment design Additionally acylsugars leaflets Promisingly 131 13 13_ Moreover levels line Tuta 1917 Liriomyza Blanchard. Blanchard . Blanchard) Furthermore responses variety tomatoes 191 19

Native to South America, Solanum viarum Dunal (tropical soda apple; Solanaceae) is naturalised in several countries globally. The plant is a major invader in the southern USA, but has minor weed status in South Africa. We investigated whether S. viarum has escaped natural enemy pressure or has recruited insect herbivores from the local Solanum flora, which are exerting some level of biotic resistance. Insect species richness and abundance and the resulting levels of herbivory were compared between plants from sympatric populations of S. viarum and the native Solanum dasyphyllum Schumacher and Thonning in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Foliage, floral material, and fruits were collected across seasons from 20 plants of each species and assessed in the laboratory. Despite no significant differences between the two species in the size of the sampled plants, S. viarum displayed significantly lower insect herbivore diversity and abundance and suffered significantly lower levels of damage to its photosynthetic and reproductive tissues. Five of the 11 specialist herbivore species recorded on S. dasyphyllum were associated with S. viarum, but in substantially lower numbers and in fewer samples. The flowerbud-galling moth Scrobipalpa sp. (Gelechiidae), which prevents fruiting in S. dasyphyllum, was absent on S. viarum and indicative of the negligible floral damage on S. viarum. Although the fruit of S. viarum were occasionally utilised by specialist herbivores, seed damage was similarly negligible. Due to its release from specialist natural enemies and with no evidence of biotic resistance, S. viarum may increase in weed status in South Africa.

Abstract Background: Plant-plant facilitation provides benefits to the protected species since the host species reduces the intensity of stressful physical conditions. However, it has been hypothesized that the outcome of the interaction could be regulated by the characteristics of the interacting species and that herbivores could counteract the benefits of protective plants. Question: Can cactus size and identity of neighboring plants influence the herbivory of the columnar cactus P. leucocephalus? Studied species / Mathematical model: Pilosocereus leucocephalus (Poselg.) Byles & G.D. Rowley /One-way ANOVA, Repeated measures ANOVA, Analysis of covariance and linear regression. Study site and dates: San Ignacio, Veracruz, Mexico. April to May 2019. Methods: We randomly selected 60 P. leucocephalus plants growing underneath the canopy of seven species of shrubs and P. leucocephalus plants growing ≥ 3 m away from other species and exposed to full sunlight conditions. We obtained the size of the P. leucocephalus plants (size of main stem from ground to apex) and determined the intensity (number of bites on the stem) of vertebrate herbivory. Results: The number of bite scars by small vertebrate species was significantly higher on the stems of cacti established in open spaces than on those underneath the canopy of seven shrub species and increased significantly with the stem size of the protected species. Conclusions: We conclude that herbivory damage by rodents on a giant cactus in a dry tropical forest depends on cactus size and the identity, but not the shade, of the nearest neighbor.

Resumen Antecedentes: La facilitación planta-planta implica beneficios para las especies protegidas mediante una reducción en intensidad de las condiciones físicas estresantes por las facilitadoras. Sin embargo, se plantea la hipótesis que el resultado de la interacción estaría regulado por características de las especies que interactúan y los herbívoros contrarrestarían la ayuda de las facilitadoras. Pregunta: ¿Pueden el tamaño y la identidad de las plantas vecinas influir en la herbivoría del cactus columnar P. leucocephalus? Especie de estudio / Modelo matemático: Pilosocereus leucocephalus (POSELG.) BYLES & G.D. Rowley / ANOVA de una vía, ANOVA de medidas repetidas, Análisis de covarianza y regresión lineal. Sitio y fechas de estudio: San Ignacio, Veracruz, México. Abril- mayo 2019. Métodos: Elegimos aleatoriamente 60 plantas de P. leucocephalus que crecen bajo el dosel de siete especies de arbustos y plantas que crecen a ≥ 3 m de distancia de otras especies, expuestas a luz solar directa. Estas plantas fueron medidas (altura del tallo principal desde el suelo hasta el ápice) para determinar la intensidad (número de mordidas en el tallo) de la herbivoría por vertebrados. Resultados: El número de cicatrices de mordeduras por especies de vertebrados fue significativamente mayor en cactus establecidos en espacios abiertos que debajo del dosel de siete especies de arbustos. El daño dependió de la especie nodriza y aumentó con la altura del cactus. Conclusiones: El daño por herbivoría de roedores en el cactus depende de la altura e identidad del vecino más cercano, pero no de la sombra, en un bosque tropical seco.

SUMMARY In southern Patagonia, fire and domestic herbivory are the main disturbances affecting native forest dynamics. The effects of disturbances such as fire and livestock on the diversity and structure of plant communities depends on the intensity of these disturbances and the characteristics of the stand type. The overall objective of this study was to evaluate changes in forest diversity and structure under varying intensities of fire and livestock disturbances in Nothofagus antarctica forests in three different stand types. Two types of disturbances, fire and cattle, were evaluated at three different intensities; maximum disturbance, medium disturbance and no disturbance in high, medium and low stand types. Ecological and structural parameters were calculated for each experimental unit and their corresponding interactions. Diversity increased for the three stand types at maximum and medium disturbance intensities. Herbaceous cover increased for the three stand types at maximum and medium disturbance intensities. Shrub cover decreased in the high and medium stands due to the disturbances, but not in the lower stands. Understanding the responses of plant communities to fire and domestic livestock disturbances under different intensities and stand types is fundamental to predict the dynamics of native vegetation recovery and to guide sustainable management practices for each stand type.

RESUMEN En la Patagonia sur, el fuego y la herbivoría doméstica son los principales disturbios que controlan la dinámica de los bosques nativos. La respuesta de la diversidad y estructura de las comunidades vegetales frente a los disturbios fuego y ganado depende de la intensidad de los mismos y a las características del tipo de rodal que se considere. El objetivo general del trabajo fue evaluar la diversidad y estructura bajo distintas intensidades de disturbios de fuego y ganado en bosques de Nothofagus antarctica (Ñire) en tres tipos de rodales contrastantes. Se evaluaron dos tipos de disturbios: fuego y ganado en tres tipos de áreas: con intensidades máximas de disturbio, con intensidades medias de disturbio, y áreas sin disturbio en tipos de rodales altos, intermedios y bajos. Se calcularon parámetros ecológicos y de estructura para cada unidad experimental y sus correspondientes interacciones. La diversidad aumentó para los tres tipos de rodales a intensidades máximas y media de disturbio. Las herbáceas aumentaron para los tres tipos de rodales a intensidades máximas y media de disturbio. La cobertura de arbustivas disminuyó en los rodales altos e intermedios, por efecto de los disturbios, pero no para los rodales bajos. Comprender la respuesta de la comunidad vegetal al fuego y ganado doméstico bajo distintas intensidades y tipos de rodales es fundamental para predecir la dinámica de recuperación de la vegetación nativa y orientar las prácticas de manejo sustentable para esta especie.

In this study, we demonstrated that Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), a generalist herbivore, induces volatile organic compounds (VOC) in Croton floribundus Spreng., a pioneer species widely used in Brazilian urban area. We performed experiments to evaluate the quality and quantity of VOC emission at different times (two, six and 24 hours and within four and nine days) of infestation by T. urticae. Results show that C. floribundus emitted 23 volatiles after infestation, including monoterpene, sesquiterpene and green leaf volatiles. Significant differences were only detected between infested and non-infested plants after 24 hours of treatment, in particular methyl salicylate. In contrast, 3-hexen-1ol, linaool, geranyl acetone and caryophyllene seem to be inhibited by hourly infestation. The α-farnesene, methyl salicylate, 3-carene, 3-hexen-1ol benzoate and nerolidol were the main compounds induced after four infestation-days. This study highlights that VOCs blends in C. floribundus is depended on the feeding time-course of T. urticae and suggests that the VOC-mediated ecological interaction may be less efficient in a pioneer species.

Neste estudo foi demonstrado que o Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), um herbívoro generalista, promove a emissão de compostos orgânicos voláteis (COV) em Croton floribundus (L.) Spreng., uma espécie pioneira amplamente utilizada na área urbana brasileira. Avaliou-se a qualidade e quantidade de emissão de COV em diferentes momentos (2, 6 e 24 horas e no intervalo de 4 e 9 dias) de infestação por T. urticae. Os resultados mostram que C. floribundus emitiu 23 voláteis após infestação, incluindo monoterpenos, sesquiterpenos e voláteis de folhas verdes. Diferenças significativas entre plantas infestadas e não infestadas foram detectadas após 24 horas de tratamento, em particular foram observadas alterações nos níveis de metil salicitato. Em contraste, o 3-hexen-1ol, linaool, geranil acetona e cariofileno parecem ter sido inibidos pela infestação horária. O α-farneseno, metil salicilato, 3-careno, benzoato de 3-hexen-1ol e nerolidol foram os principais compostos induzidos após quatro dias de infestação. Este estudo demonstra que o buquet de COVs emitido por C. floribundus depende do tempo de infestação da T. urticae e sugere que a interação ecológica mediada por COVs pode ser menos eficiente em espécie pioneira.

Resumo A herbivoria é uma interação de grande impacto sobre as comunidades de plantas, uma vez que as relações entre herbívoros e plantas são fundamentais para a distribuição e abundância das espécies ao longo do tempo e do espaço. O objetivo deste estudo foi monitorar a taxa de expansão foliar da samambaia arborescente Cyathea phalerata e avaliar o dano causado por herbívoros a folhas de diferentes idades, assim como verificar se este dano está relacionado à temperatura e à precipitação. O estudo foi realizado em um fragmento de Floresta Atlântica subtropical localizado no município de Caraá, na encosta nordeste do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, no sul do Brasil. Nós monitoramos 24 indivíduos maduros de C. phalerata com báculos em uma população de aproximadamente 50 plantas. A taxa de expansão foliar, a porcentagem de folhas danificadas e a taxa de consumo da lâmina foliar por herbivoria foram calculados. Médias mensais de temperatura e precipitação acumulada foram calculadas a partir de dados diários. Báculos de C. phalerata expandiram rapidamente durante o primeiro e o segundo mês após emergência (3,98 cm dia-1; 2,91 cm dia-1, respectivamente). O dano causado por herbivoria foi observado em todas as folhas monitoradas, mas nenhuma das plantas sofreu desfolhação completa. A maior porcentagem (57%) de folhas danificadas foi registrada aos 60 dias de monitoramento, e também a maior taxa de consumo mensal (6,04%) ocorreu em folhas jovens, recém expandidas, enquanto esta taxa permaneceu entre 1,50 e 2,21% em folhas maduras. As taxas mensais de consumo da lâmina foliar e de folhas danificadas mostraram relação positiva e forte entre si e com a temperatura. A rápida expansão foliar observada em C. phalerata pode ser considerada uma estratégia fenológica para reduzir o dano a folhas jovens, abreviando o período de desenvolvimento e acelerando o aumento das defesas em folhas maduras.

Abstract Herbivory is an interaction with great impact on plant communities since relationships between herbivores and plants are fundamental to the distribution and abundance of species over time and space. The aim of this study was to monitor the rate of leaf expansion in the tree fern Cyathea phalerata and evaluate the damage caused by herbivores to leaves of different ages and whether such damage is related to temperature and precipitation. The study was performed in a subtropical Atlantic Forest fragment located in the municipality of Caraá, in the northeast hillside of Rio Grande do Sul state, in southern Brazil. We monitored 24 mature individuals of C. phalerata with croziers in a population of approximately 50 plants. Leaf expansion rate, percentage of damaged leaves and leaf blade consumption rate by herbivory were calculated. Monthly means for temperature and accumulated rainfall were calculated from daily data. Croziers of C. phalerata were found to expand rapidly during the first and second months after emergence (3.98 cm day-1; 2.91 cm day-1, respectively). Damage caused by herbivory was observed in all of the monitored leaves, but none of the plants experienced complete defoliation. The highest percentage (57%) of damaged leaves was recorded at 60 days of monitoring, and also the highest monthly consumption rate of the blade (6.04%) occurred with young, newly-expanded leaves, while this rate remained between 1.50 and 2.21% for mature leaves. Rates of monthly leaf consumption and damaged leaves showed positive and strong relationship with each other and with temperature. The rapid leaf expansion observed for C. phalerata can be considered a phenological strategy to reduce damage to young leaves by shortening the developmental period and accelerating the increase of defenses in mature leaves.

Abstract Sugarcane is a crop of major importance used mainly for sugar and biofuel production, and many additional applications of its byproducts are being developed. Sugarcane cultivation is plagued by many insect pests and pathogens that reduce sugarcane yields overall. Recently emerging studies have shown complex multitrophic interactions in cultivated areas, such as the induction of sugarcane defense-related proteins by insect herbivory that function against fungal pathogens that commonly appear after mechanical damage. Fungi and viruses infecting sugarcane also modulate insect behavior, for example, by causing changes in volatile compounds responsible for insect attraction or repelling natural vector enemies via a mechanism that increases pathogen dissemination from infected plants to healthy ones. Interestingly, the fungus Fusarium verticillioides is capable of being vertically transmitted to insect offspring, ensuring its persistence in the field. Understanding multitrophic complexes is important to develop better strategies for controlling pathosystems affecting sugarcane and other important crops and highlights the importance of not only studying binary interactions but also adding as many variables as possible to effectively translate laboratory research to real-life conditions.

Abstract Plant-induced resistance can be an important component of soybean mites biological control programs. This work evaluates the preference of predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to soybean plants under single and multiple herbivory conditions by two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae), and velvetbean caterpillar Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Using a Y olfactometer, the following scenarios were evaluated: soybean with no infestation and soybean infested with A. gemmatalis; soybean infested with T. urticae and A. gemmatalis, and soybean infested with T. urticae and with both T. urticae and A. gemmatalis. Volatile compounds released by plants were analyzed and identified by a Trace GC Ultra gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer with a solid phase micro-extraction ion-trap. The predatory mite N. californicus preferred soybean plants infested with T. urticae compared to those infested with A. gemmatalis. Multiple infestation did not interfere with its preference to T. urticae. Multiple herbivory of T. urticae and A. gemmatalis modified the chemical profile of volatile compounds emitted by soybean plants. However, it did not interfere with the search behavior of N. californicus. Out of the 29 identified compounds only five promoted predatory mite response. Thus, regardless of single or multiple herbivory by T. urticae with or without A. gemmatalis, the indirect induced resistance mechanisms operate similarly. As such, this mechanism contributes to an increase in the encounter rate between predator and prey for N. Californicus and T. urticae, and the efficacy of biological control of mites on soybean. Plantinduced Plant programs Acari (Acari Phytoseiidae twospotted two spotted Tetranychidae, Tetranychidae , Tetranychidae) Lepidoptera (Lepidoptera Noctuidae. Noctuidae . Noctuidae) olfactometer evaluated A T microextraction micro extraction iontrap. iontrap ion trap. trap ion-trap N However 2 response Thus similarly such

Resumo A resistência induzida por plantas pode ser um importante componente dos programas de controle biológico de ácaros da soja. Este trabalho avalia a preferência do ácaro predador Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) às plantas de soja sob condições de herbivoria simples e múltipla pelo ácaro-rajado Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) e pela lagarta-da-soja Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Utilizando o olfatômetro Y, foram avaliados os seguintes cenários: soja sem infestação e soja infestada com A. gemmatalis; soja infestada com T. urticae e A. gemmatalis, e soja infestada com T. urticae e com T. urticae e A. gemmatalis. Os compostos voláteis liberados pelas plantas foram analisados e identificados por um cromatógrafo gasoso Trace GC Ultra acoplado a um espectrômetro de massas com uma armadilha de íons de microextração em fase sólida. O ácaro predador N. californicus preferiu plantas de soja infestadas com T. urticae em relação àquelas infestadas com A. gemmatalis. A infestação múltipla não interferiu na preferência por T. urticae. A herbivoria múltipla de T. urticae e A. gemmatalis modificou o perfil químico de compostos voláteis emitidos por plantas de soja. No entanto, não interferiu no comportamento de busca de N. californicus. Dos 29 compostos identificados apenas cinco promoveram resposta de ácaros predadores. Assim, independentemente da herbivoria simples ou múltipla por T. urticae com ou sem A. gemmatalis, os mecanismos de resistência induzida indiretamente operam de forma semelhante. Assim, esse mecanismo biológico contribui para o aumento da taxa de encontro entre predador e presa para N. Californicus e T. urticae, e para a eficácia do controle de ácaros em soja. Acari (Acari Phytoseiidae ácarorajado rajado Tetranychidae lagartadasoja lagarta Lepidoptera (Lepidoptera Noctuidae. Noctuidae . Noctuidae) Y cenários T sólida N entanto 2 predadores Assim semelhante

Abstract The aims of this work were to characterize the damage caused by Paraulaca dives in feijoa (Acca sellowiana) and develop a diagrammatic scale to evaluate the severity of herbivory. The evaluations were carried out in a feijoa progenies orchard with eight-year-old. The beetles caused damage mainly on leaves, from October to December (spring season). The distribution of beetles in the orchard occurred randomly, not following a defined pattern of incidence. The diagrammatic scale of herbivory severity was represented by seven levels (1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, 15%, 32%, and 55% of the leaf area consumed). The use of this diagrammatic scale significantly increased the precision and accuracy of severity estimates by inexperienced evaluators. This can help in strategies to control this pest to expand the cultivation of feijoa in Brazil. Acca sellowiana eightyearold. eightyearold eight year old. old eight-year-old leaves spring season. season . season) randomly incidence 1%, 1 (1% 3 3% 5 5% 7 7% 15 15% 32 32% 55 consumed. consumed consumed) evaluators Brazil 1% (1 (