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.

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: Los hongos micorrícicos arbusculares (HMA) y los endófitos septados oscuros (DSEF) tienen tal influencia en el desarrollo de las plantas y en las características edafológicas y nutrientes disponibles en el suelo, que cambios en estas comunidades pueden impulsar modificaciones en las variables bióticas y abióticas de un ecosistema, demostrando la sinergia entre especies. Dada su relevancia, el objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar el estado de colonización en las raíces de tres especies herbáceas representativas del sotobosque de una comunidad de Abies religiosa (Kunth Schltdl. et Cham.) y Pinus harwegii (Lindl), y contrastar la coexistencia de colonizadores en tres escenarios de conservación-perturbación que ejemplifican las situaciones de vulnerabilidad de un ecosistema forestal. Se constata una interacción tripartita AMF-HESO-planta por la aparición de hifas coenocíticas, vesículas, hifas septadas, células moniliformes y esclerocios. Los valores de micorrización arbuscular superan el 50% y son superiores a los encontrados para los endófitos (15.7-64.5%). La colonización de ambos tipos de hongos, como la esporulación de AMF (687 esporas 50 g-1 de suelo en la zona reforestada), parece estar relacionada con las condiciones microclimáticas derivadas del uso del suelo. Las variables edafológicas que permiten inferir el comportamiento de la colonización corresponden principalmente al fósforo disponible, calcio, pH, materia orgánica y capacidad de intercambio catiónico. Se concluye que las propiedades del suelo, su uso y el tipo de plantas son determinantes en el establecimiento de las comunidades fúngicas. Sin embargo, son necesarios más estudios sobre la interacción HESO-planta.

Summary: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and dark septate endophytes (DSEF) have such an influence on plant development and on the edaphological characteristics and nutrients available in the soil that changes in these communities can drive modifications in the biotic and abiotic variables of an ecosystem, demonstrating the synergetic between species. Given its relevance, the objective of this work was to determine the status of colonization in the roots of three representative herbaceous species of the understory of a community of Abies religiosa (Kunth Schltdl. et Cham.) and Pinus harwegii (Lindl), and to contrast the coexistence of colonizers in three conservation-disturbance scenarios that exemplify the vulnerability situations of a forest ecosystem. A tripartite AMF-HESO-plant interaction is reported by the occurrence of coenocytic hyphae, vesicles, septate hyphae, moniliform cells, and sclerotia. The values of arbuscular mycorrhization exceed 50% and are higher than those found for endophytes (15.7-64.5%). The colonization of both types of fungi, such as AMF sporulation (687 spores 50 g-1 soil in the reforested area), seems to be related to the microclimatic conditions resulting from soil use. The edaphological variables that allow inferring the colonization behavior correspond mainly to available phosphorus, calcium, pH, organic matter, and cation exchange capacity. It is concluded that soil properties, its use, and the type of plants are determinant in the establishment of fungal communities. However, more studies on HESO-plant interaction are needed.

Abstract We evaluated the bird composition, forest dependence, trophic guilds and avian representativeness associated with 7, 10 and 15 years old reforestations and mature forest patches in order to verify the successional process and avian contribution to the forest restoration. Analyses revealed a segregation of bird composition with a gradual increasing in forest dependent species from 7 years to mature forest. Detrended Correspondence Analysis ranged from those birds often present in semi-open habitats to forest birds, canopy frugivorous and understory insectivorous as the successional stages progressed from the most recent reforestation to the most mature. Although 7 and 10 years of reforestation had the largest composition range, the more generalist, granivorous and forest independent birds, three years were enough to have different bird diversity between them. Avifauna of 15 years patches resembled most closely that of mature forest but still lacked 18 species. In this way, we addressed: 1) planting of herbaceous/shrub and freshy-fruited species in reforestations and; 2) establish riparian forest corridors along the Paraná river to connect these reforestation patches with mature forest. These measures will allow higher avian beta-diversity to maximize the diaspores dispersed by birds to expand and accelerate the rehabilitation of this threatened for forest. dependence 1 restoration semiopen semi open range generalist them way addressed herbaceousshrub herbaceous shrub freshyfruited freshy fruited 2 betadiversity beta

Abstract As part of ongoing studies of Solanum in South America, three new species of the Geminata clade are described for Colombia. Solanum caquetense J.D.Tovar sp. nov., from the Department of Caquetá, is a riverside shrub found in lowland rainforests, with willow-like leaves characteristic of rheophyte plants. Solanum pinguiculum J.D. Tovar sp. nov. is confined to the understory of cloud forests on the eastern Andean slopes in the Departments of Cauca, Huila, and Putumayo, and is a tiny subshrub with somewhat watery stems and minute flowers. Solanum sabu J.D. Tovar sp. nov. is a rare plant, represented by a single collection from the eastern Andean slopes of the Cordillera Central in the Department of Tolima; it is a shrub with loose dendritic trichomes on abaxial leaf surface, and is described here to encourage further investigation in the field and herbaria. Differences between these new taxa and morphologically similar species are discussed, and photos, preliminary conservation status, and distribution maps are provided for all newly described species. To facilitate the identification of these morphologically very similar plants, a dichotomous key for all members of the Geminata clade occurring in Colombia is provided together with a synopsis of their distribution by Department. America JDTovar J D sp nov Caquetá rainforests willowlike willow like plants JD J.D Cauca Huila Putumayo flowers plant Tolima surface herbaria discussed photos status

ABSTRACT Plantation forests can be efficient C sinks in biomass and soil organic carbon (SOC), but the latter depends on many factors, including climate. Tropical humid, mountain areas have cooler temperatures, slowing microbial decomposition, and thus can store considerable SOC. However, the effects of forest plantations on SOC of these montane areas are still poorly studied. Here, we aimed to assess changes in SOC, and related soil properties, after conversion of native rainforest to plantations of five tree species, with rotation cycles varying from 7 to 30 years, on the Mantiqueira Range, Minas Gerais, Brazil. We measured SOC contents and stocks (0.00-0.40 m layer) under a native montane rainforest (control) and plantations of Eucalyptus, Pinus, Cunninghamia, Cupressus and Araucaria, all planted in 3 × 3 m spacing, at an altitude of ca. 1,300 m, marked by humid and cool climate, where SOC contents are naturally high. Soil organic carbon varied from 55 g kg-1 under Eucalyptus to 105 g kg-1 under Araucaria (0.00-0.05 m layer), decreasing in depth (0.20-0.40 m) to the still high values of 20-40 g kg-1. Soil organic carbon stocks for the top 0.20 m were also high, reaching ca. 140 Mg ha-1 under Araucaria, significantly higher value than the native forest (ca. 90 Mg ha-1, p<0.05), which did not differ from the other species. Soil organic carbon stocks were not affected in the 0.20-0.40 m soil layer, whereas soil structure patterns changed under some species, without however resulting in bulk density changes, and pH decreased under Araucaria. Such data showed large SOC stocks under montane native forests can not only be preserved upon conversion to forest plantations, but considerable SOC sequestration can be achieved in 30-years rotation cycles plantations of indigenous Araucaria angustifolia, marked by more open canopies and greater understory biomass. , (SOC) factors climate temperatures decomposition However studied Here properties species years Range Gerais Brazil 0.000.40 000040 0.00 0.40 0 00 40 (0.00-0.4 layer control (control Pinus Cunninghamia spacing ca 1300 1 300 1,30 5 kg1 kg kg- 10 0.000.05 000005 0.05 05 (0.00-0.0 0.200.40 020040 20 (0.20-0.4 2040 20-4 kg1. 1. 020 0.2 14 ha1 ha ha- (ca 9 ha1, 1, p<0.05, p005 p p<0.05 p<0.05) 0.20-0.4 30years angustifolia (SOC 000 0.000.4 00004 0.0 040 0.4 4 (0.00-0. 130 1,3 0.000.0 00000 005 200 0.200.4 02004 2 (0.20-0. 204 20- 02 0. p00 p<0.0 0.20-0. 0.000. 0000 04 (0.00-0 13 0.200. 0200 (0.20-0 p0 p<0. 0.20-0 0.000 (0.00- 0.200 (0.20- p<0 0.20- (0.00 (0.20 p< (0.0 (0.2 (0. (0 (

Abstract Allagoptera campestris is an acaulescent, rhizomatous palm tree that occurs in grassland and savanna areas (Cerrado). In the Santa Bárbara Ecological Station (Águas de Santa Bárbara, São Paulo, Brazil) the species is found growing in three distinct conditions: 1) in the understory of Pinus species plantations introduced in the 1970s in formerly open savanna, 2) in an area where Pinus species cultivated in the 1970s were later removed and the remaining material burned, and 3) in an open, undisturbed savanna area without the interference of pines. Anatomical studies carried out with A. campestris leaves collected in the same three areas indicated leaf plasticity in response to growth conditions. To verify whether there are differences in vessel element morphology in belowground organs, light, and scanning electron microscopy analyses were conducted on portions just below the crown, in the middle of the rhizome, and the median portions of three longer adventitious roots sampled from three plants in each area. The study reveals significant variations in vessel element characteristics of A. campestris, with roots consistently displaying longer and larger elements than rhizomes, and environmental conditions, especially in pine understory, influence vessel dimensions, and hydraulic conductivity in a negative manner. acaulescent Cerrado. Cerrado . (Cerrado) Águas Paulo Brazil conditions 1 s 2 burned 3 pines A organs light crown rhizome rhizomes dimensions manner (Cerrado

Abstract The structure and water availability in the understory of the humid forest of Chapada do Araripe, Northeastern Brazil, are very heterogeneous. This environment is affected by the mono-dominance of babassu palms (Attalea speciosa) and other forms of anthropogenic disturbance. The objective of this work was to examine the use of bryophytes as indirect bioindicators of environmental quality in this forest. Epiphytic bryophytes were collected in localities with distinct levels of babassu dominance and springs/streams. Additionally, proxies for anthropogenic disturbances, humidity and light conditions were evaluated. Functional groups and the species composition were investigated. Our results demonstrated that the region has a high level of environmental heterogeneity. Anthropogenic disturbance was the main driver shaping species composition and abiotic conditions mediated the effects on species. Sites with higher levels of disturbance and greater abundance of babassu palms and canopy opening further limited the distribution of species that require high levels of humidity and shade specialists and favored sun specialists and generalists compared to environments with greater water availability. Therefore, abiotic and anthropic factors are important to understanding the relationships between bryophyte ecology and the environment, helping to predict changes in these assemblages driven by changes in the environment. Araripe Brazil heterogeneous monodominance mono Attalea speciosa springsstreams springs streams springs/streams Additionally disturbances evaluated investigated heterogeneity Therefore

RESUMO Florestas tropicais deciduais sobre afloramento calcário possuem grande relevância ecológica e encontram-se ameaçadas, tornando necessários estudos para sua conservação e restauração. Objetivouse aqui avaliar a variação na composição e estrutura do componente arbustivo-arbóreo de uma floresta decidual em três áreas de um gradiente topográfico na Serra da Bodoquena. Foram amostradas 102 parcelas contíguas de 10 x 10 m (100 m2), sendo 34 parcelas por faixa de relevo, e área total de 1,02 ha. Foram incluídos todos os indivíduos arbustivo-arbóreos com PAP ≥ 10 cm e estimadas as alturas. Calcularam-se os estimadores de riqueza, os parâmetros fitossociológicos usuais e a diversidade. Os dados das variáveis foram ordenados em NMDS pelo coeficiente de Bray-Curtis. Como resultado, na área total obteveram-se 2.385 indivíduos pertencentes a 70 espécies, 49 gêneros e 29 famílias botânicas, com área basal de 25,44 m2/ha. A densidade foi crescente do topo para a encosta baixa. A diversidade e a equabilidade foram maiores no topo. Os diâmetros se concentraram na primeira classe, até 13,1 cm, e a média de alturas foi de 5,25 m, com predomínio de sub-bosque. Cinco espécies amostradas ainda não possuíam registro para a região. A análise de ordenação revelou maior distância das parcelas e espécies do topo do morro em relação às duas áreas de encosta. A composição e a estrutura indicaram a topografia como fator gerador das variações florístico-estruturais. encontramse encontram ameaçadas restauração arbustivoarbóreo arbustivo arbóreo Bodoquena 1 100 (10 m2, m2 , m2) 3 relevo 02 1,0 ha arbustivoarbóreos arbóreos Calcularamse Calcularam riqueza BrayCurtis. BrayCurtis Bray Curtis. Curtis Bray-Curtis resultado obteveramse obteveram 2385 2 385 2.38 7 4 botânicas 2544 25 44 25,4 m2ha mha m2/ha baixa classe 131 13 13, 525 5 5,2 subbosque. subbosque sub bosque. bosque sub-bosque região florísticoestruturais. florísticoestruturais florístico estruturais. estruturais florístico-estruturais (1 0 1, 238 38 2.3 254 25, 52 5, ( 23 2.

ABSTRACT Tropical deciduous forests on limestone outcroppings have great ecological relevance and are threatened, making studies for their conservation and restoration necessary. The objective of this study was evaluate the variation in composition and structure of the shrub and tree component of a deciduous forest in three areas of a topographic gradient in the Serra da Bodoquena. A total of 102 contiguous 10 x 10 m (100 m2) plots were sampled, with 34 plots per relief strip, and a total area of 1.02 ha. All shrubby-arboreal individuals with PAP ≥ 10 cm were included and heights were estimated. Richness estimators, usual phytosociological parameters, and diversity were calculated. The data of the variables were ordered in NMDS by the Bray-Curtis coefficient. As a result, in the total area we obtained 2,385 individuals belonging to 70 species, 49 genera and 29 botanical families, with a basal area of 25.44 m2/ha. The density was increasing from the top to the lower slope. Diversity and equability were higher at the top. Diameters were concentrated in the first class, up to 13.1 cm, and the average height was 5.25 m, with a predominance of understory. Five species sampled had not yet been recorded for the region. Ordination analysis revealed greater distance of plots and species from the hilltop compared to the two hillside areas. Composition and structure indicated topography as a factor generating floristicstructural variations. threatened necessary Bodoquena 1 100 (10 m2 3 strip 02 1.0 ha shrubbyarboreal shrubby arboreal estimated estimators parameters calculated BrayCurtis Bray Curtis coefficient result 2385 2 385 2,38 7 4 families 2544 25 44 25.4 m2ha mha m2/ha slope class 131 13 13. 525 5 5.2 understory region variations (1 0 1. 238 38 2,3 254 25. 52 5. ( 23 2,

ABSTRACT Body weight and vertical stratum utilization are important functional characteristics of species. Several studies have explored the capture success of different traps. These studies, however, did not explore how trappability is influenced by body weight. Here, we investigated the relationship between the weight of marsupial species caught in traps with trap type (wire cage and Sherman) and trap placement (ground and understory). For this we used data from Didelphis albiventris Lund, 1840 (n = 127; 75-958 g) and Gracilinanus agilis (Burmeister, 1854) (n = 327; 8.5-46 g) captured in semideciduous forest fragments in central Brazil. The results show that heaviest individuals of D. albiventris (391.01 ± 197.57 g) were captured more often by wire cage traps, regardless of trap placement. In contrast, G. agilis was trapped at similar rates regardless of weight, trap type or trap placement. We conclude that wire cage traps are more efficient at catching large marsupials weighing more than 300 g on average. Furthermore, the size of the individuals captured is not influenced by where the trap is placed (ground or understory). These findings contribute to a better understanding of the natural history and trappability of Neotropical marsupials. however Here Sherman ground understory. understory . understory) Lund 184 n 127 75958 75 958 75-95 Burmeister, Burmeister (Burmeister 1854 327 8.546 8546 8.5 46 8 5 8.5-4 Brazil D 391.01 39101 391 01 (391.0 19757 197 57 197.5 contrast G 30 average Furthermore 18 12 7595 7 95 75-9 185 32 546 8.54 854 85 8. 4 8.5- 391.0 3910 39 0 (391. 1975 19 197. 3 1 759 9 75- 54 391. (391 (39 (3 (

ABSTRACT The present study analyzed the vertical stratification of hawkmoths in an area of the Dense Ombrophylous Forest in the Amazon. The moths were captured through light traps with ultraviolet lamps F15 T12 LN installed in three strata (canopy, midstory, and understory) from 6 pm to 7 am, during the first quarter to new moon period, on three consecutive nights per month during May 2019 to February 2020, in the Tapajós National Forest located in the state of Pará, Brazil (02°51’23.3”S, 54°57’31.0”W). This study analyzed 33 species (S) and 775 specimens (N) of Sphingidae. The sphingofauna had a high concentration, mainly in the upper strata, with greater emphasis on richness (S = 28), abundance (N = 687), and Berger Parker dominance (BP = 0.72) found in the forest canopy. The canopy’s dominance stood out because the species Erinnyis ello (Linnaeus, 1758) was more abundant in this stratum (N = 492). PERMANOVA analysis indicated significant differences in all strata. Therefore, our study provided important information about the vertical distribution of moths, showing that their richness, abundance, and species composition are distinct between strata. Amazon F F1 T T1 canopy, canopy (canopy midstory understory am period 201 2020 Pará 02°5123.3S, 0251233S S 02°51 23.3 S, 02 51 23 3 (02°51’23.3”S 54°5731.0W. 5457310W W 54°57 31.0 . 54 57 31 0 54°57’31.0”W) 77 N Sphingidae concentration 28, 28 , 28) 687, 687 687) BP 0.72 072 72 canopys s Linnaeus, Linnaeus (Linnaeus 1758 492. 492 492) Therefore 20 202 5123 3S 02°5123.3S 0251 02°5 233 23. 5 2 5731 0W 54°5731.0W 5457 54°5 310 31. 54°57’31.0”W 68 0.7 07 175 49 512 025 02° 573 545 54° 0. 17 4 1

Resumen Introducción: La propagación de la resistencia antimicrobiana en entornos naturales continúa siendo informada de todo el mundo; sin embargo, no existe ningún estudio sobre fitotelmias (agua en las cavidades naturales de las plantas) en el sotobosque profundo de los bosques nubosos tropicales de Costa Rica. Objetivo: Detectar cepas bacterianas resistentes a antibióticos en fitotelmas de un bosque costarricense y un pueblo cercano. Métodos: Utilizamos el método de difusión en disco para analizar la resistencia antimicrobiana de 10 cepas bacterianas gram-negativas aisladas del agua de fitotelmas de 10 bromelias y 10 heliconias, en ambos sitios. Resultados: Tres cepas fueron resistentes a más de tres antibióticos en cada sitio, y una fue susceptible a todos los antibióticos. La resistencia a los antibióticos fue similar en ambos entornos. Conclusiones: Las fitotelmas pueden ser una fuente rápida, económica y sencilla para detectar la resistencia antimicrobiana en entornos inexplorados.

Abstract Introduction: The spread of antimicrobial resistance in natural environments continues to be reported throughout the world; nevertheless, there is no study about phytotelms (water in the natural cavities of plants) in the deep understory of tropical cloud forests from Costa Rica. Objective: To detect phytotelm antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains in a Costa Rican forest and nearby town. Methods: We used the disk diffusion method to analyze the antimicrobial resistance of 10 gram-negative bacterial strains from phytotelm water collected from 10 bromeliads and 10 heliconias in both sites. Results: Three strains were multidrug resistant to more than three antibiotics in each site, and only one strain was susceptible to all antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance was similar in both environments. Conclusions: Phytotelm can be a rapid, cost-effective, and simple source for detecting antimicrobial resistance in unexplored environments.

RESUMO As aves que habitam os ecossistemas de areia branca (EAB) na Amazônia estão adaptadas a habitats distribuídos em manchas isoladas. Esses ambientes ocorrem em solos arenosos extremamente pobres em nutrientes, possuem baixa diversidade florística e suportam assembleias de aves restritas a EAB. Investigamos se espécies de aves especializadas em EAB possuem características morfológicas ou ecológicas que as distinguem de aves generalistas que compartilham o mesmo habitat, mas não estão restritas a EAB. Coletamos dados morfológicos e ecológicos de 22 espécies de aves especialistas e 102 generalistas de EAB, e descrevemos sua diversidade ecomorfológica usando análises multivariadas e medidas de diversidade funcional. Espécies insetívoras do sub-bosque que se movem solitárias ou em pares foram o grupo com maior número de espécies dentro das aves especialistas da EAB. Em contraste, espécies frugívoras de dossel que formam grupos mono ou heteroespecíficos foram mais frequentes entre as espécies generalistas. Aves especialistas e generalistas sobrepuseram-se extensivamente no espaço ecomorfológico, com especialistas ocupando um espaço mais estreito em comparação com generalistas. A diversidade funcional, no entanto, não foi diferente entre espécies especialistas e generalistas ao controlar o número de espécies dentro das comunidades. Estudos futuros comparando a diversidade ecomorfológica de assembleias de aves de outros ambientes na Amazônia podem destacar as pressões ecológicas que levam à diversidade funcional de espécies especialistas em EAB observadas neste estudo. (EAB isoladas nutrientes habitat 2 10 subbosque sub bosque contraste sobrepuseramse sobrepuseram ecomorfológico entanto comunidades estudo 1

ABSTRACT Birds that inhabit white-sand ecosystems (WSE) in the Amazon are adapted to habitats distributed as isolated patches. These environments occur in sandy soils that are extremely poor in nutrients, have low floristic diversity and support bird assemblages restricted to WSE. We investigated whether bird species specialized in WSE have morphological or ecological traits that distinguish them from generalist birds that share the same habitat but are not restricted to WSE. We collected morphological and ecological data from 22 specialist and 102 generalist bird species from WSE and described their ecomorphological diversity using multivariate analyses and measures of functional diversity. Understory insectivorous species that move alone or in pairs, were the group with the most species among specialist birds from WSE. In contrast, canopy frugivorous species that form mono- or heterospecific groups were more frequent among generalist species. Specialist and generalist birds overlapped extensively in ecomorphological space, with specialists occupying a narrower space compared to generalists. Functional diversity, however, was not different between specialist and generalist species when controlling for the number of species within the communities. Further studies comparing the ecomorphological diversity of bird assemblages of other environments in the Amazon may highlight the ecological pressures leading to the functional diversity of specialist species in WSE observed in this study. whitesand white sand (WSE patches nutrients 2 10 pairs contrast mono generalists however communities study 1

Resumen Introducción y objetivos: Ligustrum sinense (ligustrina) es una reconocida especie exótica invasora. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar los rasgos fisiológicos y anatómicos foliares de renovales de ligustrina que podrían otorgarle ventajas para su establecimiento en un ambiente de sotobosque de la selva de Yungas. M&M: Este estudio se realizó en el Parque Nacional Aconquija (Tucumán, Argentina). Se evaluaron los rasgos morfo-anatómicas foliares y fisiológicos en un ambiente de sotobosque durante primavera-verano e invierno. Se analizaron las características anatómicas de la lámina foliar y variables fisiológicas relacionadas al intercambio de gases. Además, se calculó el área foliar específica, densidad de hojas, contenido de nitrógeno foliar y eficiencia fotosintética en el uso del nitrógeno foliar. Resultados: Durante primavera-verano L. sinense muestra una mayor eficiencia fotosintética en el uso del nitrógeno foliar y una mayor asimilación fotosintética en condiciones saturantes. La eficiencia de carboxilación, eficiencia intrínseca del uso del agua y espesor de hoja fueron 26%, 34% y 41% mayores en invierno con relación a primavera-verano. Durante el invierno se registró un aumento en el espesor de la lámina lo que contribuiría a mejorar el intercambio de CO2 bajo condiciones subóptimas para la fotosíntesis. Conclusiones: La ligustrina fotosintetiza todo el año y su éxito para establecerse en el sotobosque de la selva de Yungas podría explicarse en parte por las estrategias morfo-anatómicas y fisiológicas desplegadas.

Summary Background and aims: Ligustrum sinense (Chínese privet) is a recognized invasive exotic species. The objective of this study was to determine the physiological and foliar anatomical traits of Chinese privet saplings that would give it an advantage for its establishment in the understory of the Yungas forest environment. M&M: This study was conducted in Parque Nacional Aconquija (Tucumán, Argentina). The foliar physiological and morpho-anatomical traits deployed were investigated in an understory environment during spring-summer and winter. The anatomical features of the leaf blade and physiological variables related to gas exchange were analyzed. Also, the specific leaf area, leaf density, leaf nitrogen content and photosynthetic nitrogen-use efficiency were calculated. Results: During spring-summer L. sinense displays a higher photosynthetic assimilation rate and a better photosynthetic nitrogen-use efficiency. Carboxylation efficiency, intrinsic water use efficiency, and leaf thickness were 26%, 34%, and 41% higher, respectively, during winter in contrast to spring-summer. In the winter an increase in leaf thickness contributed to improved CO2 incorporation under suboptimal conditions for photosynthesis. Conclusions: Chinese privet undergoes photosynthesis throughout the year and its success as an invasive species in the Yungas forest understory could be attributed at least in part to morpho-anatomical and physiological strategies.

Resumen Antecedentes: Para poblaciones con distribución fragmentada, la alta remoción de frutos/semillas puede representar un cuello de botella para su propagación a nuevas áreas. Por lo que es importante conocer cómo la vegetación y el comportamiento de los comedores de frutos influyen en el patrón espacial de remoción. Pregunta: ¿De qué manera la densidad de la vegetación influye en la probabilidad de remoción de frutos post-dispersión de P. hintonii? Sitio y fecha: Estación Científica las Joyas, Reserva de la Biósfera Sierra de Manantlán, Jalisco. Abril-mayo 2015. Métodos: El número de frutos removidos fue registrado en áreas con sotobosque denso y escaso, en dos tipos de bosques y dos áreas abiertas cubiertas de arbustos. Para identificar las especies de vertebrados removedores de frutos, fueron colocadas cámaras-trampas bajo dosel de P. hintonii con alta producción de frutos. Resultados: La remoción de frutos fue más bajo en áreas con baja densidad de sotobosque en pino-encino (11.17 ± 5.30 %) y áreas abiertas (25.5 ± 2.39 %), comparado al bosque nublado (72.51 ± 0.60 %). El número de días para el inicio de la remoción de frutos fue más bajo en el bosque nublado y pino-encino con sotobosque denso, que en aquellos con sotobosque escaso. Se identificaron seis especies de mamíferos y tres especies de aves consumidoras de frutos de P. hintonii; Pecari tajacu y pequeños mamíferos fueron los más importantes removedores de semillas. Conclusiones: Sotobosques poco densos en pino-encino favorecen menor remoción de frutos de P. hintonii, asociado probablemente al comportamiento de sus consumidores.

Abstract Background: High post-dispersal fruit-seed removal can be a bottleneck for successful propagation to new areas of plant populations with fragmented distribution, as in cloud forest. Therefore, it is important to know how vegetation and fruit-eating behavior will influence the spatial removal pattern. Questions and/or Hypotheses: How do vegetation structure and density influence fruit removal of Persea hintonii in potential propagation areas? Study site and dates: Las Joyas Scientific Station, Sierra de Manantlán Biosphere Reserve, Jalisco, Mexico. April-May 2015. Methods: The number of fruits removed were recorded in treatments excluding of different size vertebrates, in areas with a dense or sparse understory within two forest types plus open areas with shrub cover. To identify vertebrate fruit-removing species, camera-traps were placed under the canopy of P. hintonii trees with high fructification amounts. Results: Fruit removal was lower in areas of low understory density at pine-oak forests (11.17 ± 5.30 %) and gap areas (25.5 ± 2.39 %), compared to subtropical cloud forests (72.51 ± 0.60 %). The number of days to start the fruit removal was lower in the cloud and pine-oak forests with dense understory than in those with a sparse understory. We identified six mammal and three bird species as removers of P. hintonii fruits, among which Pecari tajacu and small mammals were the most important fruit removers. Conclusions: Low density understory in pine-oak favor less fruit removal of P. hintonii, probably associated with the behavior of its consumers.

Resumo Espécies de Piper são importantes componentes do sub-bosque em florestas tropicais e subtropicais, e algumas espécies são de importância econômica e medicinal. Esse gênero tem sido estudado em diferentes áreas da ciência. No entanto, algumas questões permanecem sem resposta após a nova circunscrição proposta pelos estudos filogenéticos. Aqui, reviso diferentes aspectos relacionados à biologia reprodutiva das espécies de Piper (fenologia, expressão sexual, biologia floral, sistemas de polinização e reprodutivo), comparando os resultados entre as regiões neotropical (representando a maioria dos estudos realizados até agora) e paleotropical. 75 espécies foram analisadas. Alguns padrões podem ser observados, principalmente em espécies neotropicais, como a predominância de floração e frutificação anual, dicogamia (geralmente protoginia incompleta) com exposição gradual e sequencial dos estigmas, liberação assíncrona de pólen e polinização por insetos. Alguns aspectos têm sido pouco estudados, como as variações na expressão sexual, a eficiência dos diferentes polinizadores e a composição química dos voláteis florais associados ao seu papel na polinização. Além disso, discuto as lacunas remanescentes e são necessários mais estudos, principalmente sobre as espécies de Piper paleotropicais, para obter informações básicas sobre a biologia reprodutiva dessas plantas. A partir disso, comparações com espécies neotropicais podem ser feitas, permitindo a verificação de padrões nesse gênero. subbosque sub bosque subtropicais medicinal ciência entanto filogenéticos Aqui fenologia, fenologia (fenologia sexual floral reprodutivo, reprodutivo , reprodutivo) representando agora paleotropical 7 analisadas observados anual geralmente incompleta estigmas insetos estudados disso paleotropicais plantas feitas

Abstract Piper species are important components of the understory in tropical and subtropical forests, and some species are of economic and medicinal importance. This genus has been studied in different areas of science. However, some questions remain unanswered after the new circumscription as proposed by phylogenetic studies. Here, I review different aspects related to the reproductive biology of Piper species (phenology, sexual expression, floral biology, pollination and mating systems), comparing the results between Neotropical (representing most of the studies carried out so far) and Paleotropical regions. Seventy-five species were analyzed. Some patterns can be observed, mainly in Neotropical species, such as the predominance of annual flowering and fruiting, dichogamy (generally incomplete protogyny) with gradual and sequential exposure of stigmas, asynchronous pollen release, and pollination by insects. Some aspects have been poorly studied, such as variations in sexual expression, the efficiency of different pollinators, and the chemical composition of floral volatiles associated with their role in pollination. In addition, I discuss remaining gaps and further studies that are required, mainly on Paleotropical Piper species, to obtain basic information on the reproductive biology of these plants. From this, comparisons with Neotropical species can be made, allowing the verification of patterns in this genus. forests importance science However Here phenology, phenology (phenology expression systems, systems , systems) representing far regions Seventyfive Seventy five analyzed observed fruiting generally protogyny stigmas release insects pollinators addition required plants made