Abstract Background: The Myrtaceae family represents one of the most diverse groups in South America. Yet, there are few studies on their reproductive characteristics. Among the species with limited information on their reproductive behavior are Myrceugenia euosma (O. Berg) D. Legrand and Siphoneugena reitzii D. Legrand. Questions: What are the floral attractions and resources of M. euosma and S. reitzii for pollinators? Who are the pollinators of these species? What is the predominant reproductive system in both species? Studied species: M. euosma and S. reitzii, two sympatric Myrtaceae from southern Brazil. Study site and dates: Urubici, Painel, and Rio Rufino, Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil. November 2021 - February 2022. Methods: Information was obtained on morphological aspects, anthesis time, stigmatic viability, floral resources, structures attractive to visitors, olfactory testing, observation and identification of floral visitors, and reproductive system testing. Results: The flowers of M. euosma opens between 11 am and 17 pm (- 20 pm), with full opening occurring mostly at night; S. reitzii flowers open between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m., with a highest peak by 8 a.m. Flowers of both species have receptive stigmas until senescence. Pollen is the primary floral reward and the scent coming from the anthers combined with the floral display attract native bees and Apis mellifera, legitimate pollinators of both species. The lack of fruit development in the self-pollination tests support cross reproduction in both taxa. Conclusions: Both species exhibit traits consistent with melittophily syndrome and potential self-incompatibility. These results are essential for conservation efforts.

Resumen Antecedentes: La familia Myrtaceae es una de las más diversas en América del Sur, pero sus características reproductivas están poco estudiadas. Myrceugenia euosma (O. Berg) D. Legrand y Siphoneugena reitzii D. Legrand son dos especies con información limitada sobre su comportamiento reproductivo. Preguntas: ¿Cuáles son las atracciones florales y los recursos de M. euosma y S. reitzii para los polinizadores? ¿Quiénes son los polinizadores de estas especies? ¿Cuál es el sistema reproductivo predominante en ambas especies? Especies estudiadas: M. euosma y S. reitzii, dos Myrtaceae simpátricas del sur de Brasil. Sitio y años de estudio: Urubici, Painel y Río Rufino, Santa Catarina, Sur de Brasil. Noviembre de 2021 - febrero de 2022. Métodos: Se analizaron aspectos morfológicos, tiempo de antesis, viabilidad estigmática, recursos florales, estructuras atractivas para visitantes florales, pruebas olfativas, identificación de visitantes florales y ensayos del sistema reproductivo. Resultados: Las flores de M. euosma se abren entre las 11 am y las 5 pm (completamente durante la noche), y las de S. reitzii entre las 4 am y las 8 am. Ambas especies tienen estigmas receptivos hasta la senescencia. El polen es la principal recompensa floral, y el aroma de las anteras, junto con la visualización floral, atrae a abejas nativas y Apis mellifera, sus polinizadores legítimos. La autopolinización no resultó en frutos, lo que sugiere la predominancia de la reproducción cruzada en ambas especies. Conclusiones: M. euosma y S. reitzii muestran características de melitofilia y potencial autoincompatibilidad, lo que es crucial para su conservación.

Abstract: Background: Plants emit floral signals that are attractive to pollinators. Floral volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are considered a key signal in attracting pollinators. However, it has been scarcely explored whether flowers of the same color emit the same scent. Questions: Do different species of Salvia with white corolla flowers emit the same floral scent and attract the same floral visitors? Study species: Salvia assurgens and Salvia madrigalii, two species with white corolla but different floral morphology. Study site: Temperate forest southeast of Morelia, Michoacán. Methods: The floral scent was analyzed by gas/mass chromatography and floral visitor observations were carried out with video cameras. Results: The chemical profile of floral scent (composition and relative quantity) differed between S. assurgens and S. madrigalii. In S. madrigalii we found 16 VOCs and it was visited exclusively by the hummingbird Amazilia beryllina, and in S. assurgens we found 11 VOCs and it was visited by four species of insects, being the butterfly Thorybes dorantes the most frequent visitor. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that floral volatiles were significantly correlated with the visitation rate of floral visitors. Conclusions: Our study shows evidence that Salvia species with white corolla flowers with different morphology emit different floral scents and attract particular floral visitors.

Resumen Antecedentes: Las plantas emiten señales florales que resultan atractivas para los polinizadores. Los compuestos volátiles orgánicos florales (COVs), son considerados como una señal clave en la atracción de polinizadores. Sin embargo, ha sido escasamente explorado si las flores de especies del mismo género con el mismo color emiten el mismo aroma y atraen a los mismos visitantes florales. Preguntas: ¿Las especies de Salvia con flores de corola blanca, emiten el mismo aroma floral y a su vez atraen a los mismos visitantes florales? Especie de estudio: Salvia assurgens y S. madrigalii, dos especies de corola blanca pero con distinta morfología floral. Sitio de estudio: Bosque templado al sureste de Morelia, Michoacán. Métodos: El aroma floral se analizó por cromatografía de gases/masas y la observación de visitantes florales se realizó con cámaras de video. Resultados: El perfil químico del aroma floral (composición y cantidad relativa de COVs) difirió significativamente entre S. assurgens y S. madrigalii. En S. madrigalii encontramos 16 COVs y fue visitada exclusivamente por el colibrí Amazilia beryllina y en S. assurgens encontramos 11 COVs y fue visitada por cuatro especies de insectos, siendo el más frecuente la mariposa Thorybes dorantes. El análisis de correspondencia canónica (ACC) mostró que los volátiles florales se correlacionaron significativamente con la frecuencia de visita de los visitantes florales. Conclusiones: Nuestro estudio muestra evidencia que las flores blancas de Salvia de distintas especies con distinta morfología emiten diferente aroma floral y a su vez atrae a visitantes florales particulares.

Abstract Background: Floral microstructure, with multiple functions, is very important in pollination biology. Questions: Are the expected general characteristics of corolla micromorphology fulfilled in the selected species with different pollination systems? Studied species: Agave americana, Arbutus unedo, Aristolochia paucinervis, Cestrum nocturnum, Cytinus hypocistis subsp. macranthus, C. ruber, Dianthus lusitanus, Grevillea robusta, Musa x paradisiaca, Nicotiana glauca, Stellaria media and Teucrium fruticans. Study site and dates: Southern Spain, 2017-2019. Methods: Floral micromorphological characters were studied by light and scanning electron microscopy and analyzed using different statistical tests. Results: The adaxial side of the corolla lobes in melittophilous, myrmecophilous, psychophilous and sapromyophilous species showed papillose cells, and the same was true of the sphingophilous species Cestrum nocturnum and hummingbird-pollinated Nicotiana glauca. In contrast, tabular cells were observed in the perching-pollinator ornithophilous species Grevillea robusta, the two studied chiropterophilous species, and autogamous Stellaria media. In addition, corolla mesophyll was thicker in chiropterophilous species. Furthermore, differences were detected in cell turgidity (in protogynous Aristolochia paucinervis) and in mesophyll thickness between male and female flowers (Cytinus). Conclusions: Papillose cells were present in corollas in physical contact with pollinators, as expected, but also appeared in corollas of some other species without such contact. We recommend that studies of dichogamous and unisexual species include comparisons of corolla micromorphology between sexual states, as differences may exist in cell turgidity or mesophyll thickness. We also caution against the widespread view that certain types of pollinators do not mechanically interact with the epidermal surface of the corolla.

Resumen: Antecedentes: La microestructura floral posee gran importancia en biología de la polinización, con múltiples funciones. Preguntas: ¿Se cumplen los patrones esperados de micromorfología de la corola en las especies seleccionadas? Especies de estudio: Agave americana, Arbutus unedo, Aristolochia paucinervis, Cestrum nocturnum, Cytinus hypocistis subsp. macranthus, C. ruber, Dianthus lusitanus, Grevillea robusta, Musa x paradisiaca, Nicotiana glauca, Stellaria media y Teucrium fruticans. Sitio y años de estudio: Sur de España, 2017-2019. Métodos: Micromorfología floral estudiada a MO y MEB y analizada mediante pruebas estadísticas. Resultados: La cara adaxial de los lóbulos corolinos en las especies melitófilas, mirmecófilas, psicófilas y sapromófilas mostró células papilosas, pero también en la esfingófila Cestrum nocturnum y en la ornitófila por colibríes Nicotiana glauca. Presentaron células tabulares la ornitófila perchera Grevillea robusta, las dos especies quiropterófilas y la autógama Stellaria media. Además, el mesofilo de las quiropterófilas fue más grueso. Finalmente, hubo diferencias en la turgencia celular (A. paucinervis, protógina) y en el grosor del mesofilo entre las flores masculinas y femeninas (Cytinus). Conclusiones: Se cumplió el patrón esperado de existencia de células papilosas en corolas que contactan físicamente con los polinizadores, pero también aparecieron en corolas sin tal contacto. En especies con dicogamia y unisexualidad es aconsejable estudiar la microestructura corolina diferenciando entre los dos estados sexuales, ya que la turgencia celular o el grosor del mesofilo podrían diferenciarlos. También advertimos contra la amplia opinión de que ciertos tipos de polinizadores no interaccionan mecánicamente con la superficie epidérmica de la corola.

RESUMEN Las flores del Agave americana, caracterizadas por su color amarillo a verdoso, son altamente atractivas para diversos polinizadores, incluyendo murciélagos, insectos y aves. Estos polinizadores consumen gran parte de la energía que la planta ha acumulado a lo largo de su vida, lo que hace que estas flores se presenten como una alternativa alimentaria viable. Este estudio tiene como objetivo determinar el comportamiento antioxidante y polifenólico de la conserva de flor de cabuya negra (Agave americana), una opción alimentaria aún poco conocida en la gastronomía ecuatoriana. Las muestras fueron sometidas a un riguroso proceso que incluyó secado, trituración y extracción asistida por ultrasonido, seguido de análisis mediante los métodos FRAP y Folin-Ciocalteu. Los resultados indicaron un contenido significativo de polifenoles, con 868,5 mg/kg, y una notable capacidad antioxidante, alcanzando 65000 mg/kg. Estos hallazgos sugieren que la conserva de flor de Agave americana podría ser una opción alimentaria saludable. Además, destacan la importancia de realizar futuras investigaciones sobre fitoquímicos presentes en alimentos no convencionales, con el fin de expandir el conocimiento científico y diversificar la gastronomía ecuatoriana y mundial.

ABSTRACT The flowers of Agave americana, characterized by their yellow to greenish color, are highly attractive to various pollinators, including bats, insects, and birds. These pollinators consume a large portion of the energy that the plant has accumulated throughout its life, making these flowers a viable food alternative. This study aims to determine the antioxidant and polyphenolic behavior of the preserved flower of black cabuya (Agave americana), a still little-known food option in Ecuadorian cuisine. The samples were subjected to a rigorous process that included drying, grinding, and ultrasoundassisted extraction, followed by analysis using the FRAP and Folin-Ciocalteu methods. The results indicated a significant polyphenol content, with 868.5 mg/kg, and a remarkable antioxidant capacity, reaching 65,000 mg/kg. These findings suggest that the preserved flower of Agave americana could be a healthy food option. Additionally, they highlight the importance of conducting future researchon phytochemicals present in unconventional foods to expand scientific knowledge and diversify Ecuadorian and global cuisine.

Insects are one of the most species-rich groups on Earth. They comprise much of animal diversity and play vital roles in ecosystems, including pollination, pest control, and decomposition. However, only a fraction of this diversity has been formally described. South Africa is recognised as one of the most biologically diverse countries globally, with an estimated 44 000 insect species. Many crops rely on insect pollinators, including canola, apples, oranges, and sunflowers. A shortage of wild pollinators currently threatens crop yields, yet our knowledge of insect diversity within South Africa is sparse. There are few taxonomic specialists relative to South Africa's biodiversity, and the methods used for insect identification can be time-consuming and expensive. DNA barcoding provides an important research tool to accelerate insect biodiversity research. In this review, we queried the public DNA barcoding BOLD (Barcode of Life Data System) database for records of "Insecta" within South Africa, and 416 211 published records assigned to 28 239 unique BINs (Barcode Index Numbers) were returned. We identified five taxonomic orders with more BINs than known species in southern Africa (Hymenoptera, Diptera, Thysanoptera, Plecoptera, and Strepsiptera). Most of the barcoded records were derived from Malaise trap sampling in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo, while the rest of South Africa remains poorly sampled. We suggest that there is a need for a comprehensive national sampling effort alongside increased investment in taxonomic expertise to generate critical baseline data on insect biodiversity before species are lost to extinction. SIGNIFICANCE: Insects provide critical ecosystem services, but our knowledge of insect biodiversity is limited. DNA barcoding can help fill biodiversity knowledge gaps; however, within South Africa, sampling has been uneven. Well-sampled provinces include Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo, while the Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, North-West and Western Cape remain under-sampled. We argue for a broad national Malaise trapping effort to generate crucial baseline data on insect biodiversity. Without urgent investment in taxonomic expertise and biomonitoring, we risk losing much of our biodiversity before it is even described.

Abstract Background: The terrestrial bromeliad Puya ctenorhyncha is a near-threatened endemic species that grows between 2,500-4,050 m asl. Hypotheses: Hummingbirds are the most important visitors of this plant given its morphological and floral traits. Study site: The study was carried out along the “Death Road”, located in the Yungas montane cloud forest, La Paz, Bolivia. Methods: We monitored an average of 216 individuals monthly for two years (2018-2019). Besides we conducted direct observations of focal plants to quantify the visits of animals. Results: The reproductive season lasted from April to August in the first year and from May to June in the second. The mean nectar volume was 8.09 ± 1.59 μL per flower and its composition included fructose, glucose, and 86 % of water. With 341 hours of observations, we determined that Coeligena torquata (Trochilidae) is the main visitor and putative pollinator, followed by C. violifer. Males of both species were more frequent visitors than females. Coeligena torquata showed the highest activity during the afternoon while C. violifer was more active in the morning. Conclusions: Floral phenology seems to be annual and unimodal. Although the main pollinators seem to be hummingbirds, the nectar concentration and composition is more similar to bromeliad species of other genera which are pollinated by bats or passerine birds. It is important to evaluate, in future studies, the dependence of both hummingbirds and their behavioural response towards the plant.

Resumen: Antecedentes: La bromelia terrestre Puya ctenorhyncha es una especie endémica casi amenazada que crece entre los 2,500-4,050 m snm. Hipótesis: Los colibríes son los visitantes más importantes de esta planta dadas sus características morfológicas y florales. Sitio de estudio: El estudio se realizó en el “Camino de la Muerte”, situado en el bosque nublado montano de los Yungas, La Paz, Bolivia. Métodos: Monitoreamos un promedio de 216 individuos mensuales durante dos años (2018-2019), mediante observaciones de su biología fenológica. Asimismo, realizamos observaciones directas en plantas focales para cuantificar las visitas de animales. Resultados: La época reproductiva duró de abril a agosto en el primer año y de mayo a junio en el segundo. El volumen medio de néctar fue de 8,09 ± 1,59 μL por flor y su composición incluía fructosa, glucosa y 86 % de agua. Con 341 horas de observaciones, determinamos que Coeligena torquata (Trochilidae) es el principal visitante y polinizador putativo, seguido por C. violifer. Los machos de ambas especies fueron visitantes más frecuentes que las hembras. Coeligena torquata mostró la mayor actividad durante la tarde mientras que C. violifer fue más activa por la mañana. Conclusiones: La fenología floral parece ser anual y unimodal. Aunque los principales polinizadores parecen ser los colibríes, la concentración y composición del néctar es más similar a especies de bromelias de otros géneros que son polinizadas por murciélagos o aves paseriformes. Es importante evaluar, en estudios futuros, la dependencia de ambos colibríes y su respuesta de comportamiento a la planta.

Abstract The widespread loss of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes and ecosystems is a global concern. This loss is related to the intensification of agricultural practices, the inappropriate use of agrochemicals and the fragmentation of natural habitats. All of this affects plant diversity and has an impact on the functioning of the ecosystem, limiting ecosystem services. Promoting greater functional diversity in the margins of our crops is an achievable goal through the management of the resources offered by the weed flora. In particular, species of the Brassicaceae Burnett family (hereinafter referred to as cruciferous), play a fundamental role in agrosystems by attracting natural enemies of pests and providing nectar and pollen to pollinators. The objective of this study was to detect and estimate the floral resources offered by cruciferous plants in the presence of other weed species. To this end, an experiment was designed at the “La Poveda” farm (CSIC, Madrid) in 2023, in which up to 4 flights were carried out with a drone over the floral margins where three cruciferous plants of interest were found: Diplotaxis tenuifolia, Eruca vesicaria and Moricandia arvensis. These species represent some of the key functional traits of crucifers that are often present in our agrosystems. The detection of these species was carried out through the analysis of images captured by the drone and the implementation of convolutional neural network architectures. In this work, we present the first results of the models we are developing.

Resumen La pérdida generalizada de biodiversidad en los paisajes y ecosistemas agrarios es una preocupación a nivel global. Esta pérdida se relaciona con la intensificación de las prácticas agrícolas, el uso inadecuado de agroquímicos y la fragmentación de hábitats naturales. Todo esto afecta la diversidad vegetal y tiene un impacto en el funcionamiento del ecosistema, limitando los servicios ecosistémicos. Promover una mayor diversidad funcional en los márgenes de nuestros cultivos es una meta alcanzable mediante el manejo de los recursos que nos ofrece la flora arvense. En particular, las especies de la familia Brassicaceae Burnett (en adelante, crucíferas), desempeñan un papel fundamental en los agrosistemas al atraer enemigos naturales de plagas y proporcionar néctar y polen a los polinizadores. El objetivo de este estudio era detectar y estimar los recursos florales ofrecidos por las crucíferas en presencia de otras especies arvenses. Para ello, se diseñó un experimento en la finca “La Poveda” (CSIC, Madrid) en 2023, en el que se llevaron a cabo hasta 4 vuelos con un dron sobre los márgenes florales donde se encontraban tres crucíferas de interés: Diplotaxis tenuifolia, Eruca vesicaria y Moricandia arvensis. Estas especies representan algunos de los rasgos funcionales clave de las crucíferas que suelen estar presentes en nuestros agrosistemas. La detección de estas especies se realizó mediante el análisis de imágenes capturadas por el dron y la implementación de arquitecturas de redes neuronales convolucionales. En este trabajo, presentamos los primeros resultados de los modelos que estamos desarrollando.

Abstract Weeds play an important role in the trophic network of agroecosystems since they interact directly or indirectly with other of their components and offer a wide spectrum of ecological functions. The objective of this work was to determine the relationship between plant species and pollinating insects in the autonomous community of Aragón, Spain. Based on a list of 354 species found by the authors in winter cereal fields and adjacent margins during vegetation sampling in recent decades, a bibliographic search was carried out using 6 databases and other sources of information for each species plant to determine the associated insects. The species found mostly corresponded to the botanical families Poaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Brassicaceae. 80.5% of species presented entomophilous pollination, where bees were the main pollinating insects (23%), followed by lepidopterans (11%). Both types of insects were reported in a large number of plant species (21.5%). The difficulty of finding information for typical plant species in the region justifies the compilation work and motivates its continuity, which in addition to pollinators, will cover other functional groups of insects such as pests, natural enemies, and virus vectors. These preliminary results aid to know which weed species with flowers potentially attractive to insects should be conserved within and around agroecosystems, as they can favour the provision of the ecosystem service of pollination, contributing to the correct functioning of ecosystems and to food production.

Resumen Las especies arvenses (malas hierbas) desempeñan un papel importante en la red trófica de los agroecosistemas, ya que interaccionan directa o indirectamente con otros de sus componentes y ofrecen un amplio espectro de funciones ecológicas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la relación entre especies vegetales arvenses e insectos polinizadores en la comunidad autónoma de Aragón, España. A partir de un listado de 354 especies vegetales encontradas por los autores en campos de cereal de invierno y en márgenes colindantes durante los muestreos de vegetación de las últimas décadas, se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica utilizando 6 bases de datos y otras fuentes de información por cada especie vegetal para determinar los insectos asociados. Las especies encontradas correspondieron en su mayoría a las familias botánicas Poaceae, Asteracea, Fabaceae y Brassicaceae. Un 80,5% presentó polinización entomófila, donde las abejas fueron los principales insectos polinizadores (23%), seguido de lepidópteros (11%). En una gran cantidad de especies (21,5%) se reportaron ambos tipos de insectos. La dificultad de encontrar información para especies vegetales típicas de la región justifica el trabajo de recopilación iniciado y motiva su continuidad, que además de polinizadores, abarcará otros grupos funcionales de insectos, como plagas, enemigos naturales y vectores de virus. Estos resultados preliminares ayudan a conocer qué especies arvenses conviene conservar por tener flores potencialmente atractivas para insectos, dentro y alrededor de los agroecosistemas, favoreciendo la prestación del servicio ecosistémico de polinización y contribuyendo al correcto funcionamiento de los ecosistemas y a la producción de alimentos.

Abstract Supporting sustainable strategies to promote functional biodiversity in agroforestry systems is a priority for increasing biological conservation protection against enemies of existing crops and forest species. For the Conservation biological control, it is important to implement management practices that maintain and contribute to enhancing the reproduction, survival and efficiency of both pollinators and beneficial entomofauna that regulate the population of crop enemies. Plant species suitable for promoting increased population levels of these natural enemies and pollinators, ensuring their food needs (e.g. pollen, nectar, honeydew) and shelter (alternative hosts), are fundamental. In this context, regarding pollinating insects and, in particular, the domestic bee, Apis mellifera iberiensis, this work aims to contribute to the knowledge of the flora that meet these requirements, and at the same time, contribute to increasing the value of the domestic bee for the Ecosystem Services.

Resumo Apoiar estratégias sustentáveis para o fomento da biodiversidade funcional nos sistemas agroflorestais é uma prioridade para o incremento da proteção biológica de conservação contra os inimigos das culturas e espécies florestais existentes. Para o controlo biológico de conservação, é importante a implementação de práticas de gestão que mantenham e contribuam para potenciar a reprodução, sobrevivência e eficiência, tanto dos polinizadores quanto da entomofauna benéfica que regula a população dos inimigos das culturas. As espécies de plantas adequadas para fomentar o aumento dos níveis populacionais destes inimigos naturais e dos polinizadores, garantindo as suas necessidades alimentares (por exemplo, pólen, néctar, melada) e abrigo (hospedeiros alternativos), são fundamentais. Neste contexto, relativamente a insetos polinizadores e, em particular à abelha doméstica, Apis mellifera iberiensis, pretende-se, com este trabalho, contribuir para um melhor conhecimento sobre a flora associada e, ao mesmo tempo, contribuir para incrementar o valor da abelha doméstica nos Serviços dos Ecossistemas.

Resumen Los márgenes de las rutas que contienen vegetación natural brindan condiciones biológicas estables y promueven la biodiversidad. Estas áreas son importantes para mejorar los servicios ecosistémicos en los paisajes agrícolas. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron i) evaluar la diversidad de insectos como visitantes florales (excluyendo apiformes), y la riqueza de especies de plantas en los márgenes de las rutas, ii) determinar los Grupos Funcionales de insectos registrados como visitantes florales en los márgenes de rutas, y iii) analizar el rol ecológico de los insectos presentes en ocho márgenes de rutas ubicados en la región centro-este de la provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina. El estudio se realizó a lo largo de cuatro rutas provinciales (N°. 6, 10, 62 y 64) y la ruta nacional N°. 19; de noviembre de 2013 a septiembre de 2015. Se registraron un total de 1614 insectos, Oxysarcodexia varia (Walker) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), Allograpta exotica (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Syrphidae) y Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), fueron las especies más abundantes. Las familias Brassicaceae, Apiaceae y Asteraceae recibieron el mayor número de visitas de insectos. Se registraron un total de 225 interacciones planta-insecto. Se discute la importancia de los márgenes de ruta con vegetación natural para proporcionar alimento y refugio a insectos polinizadores, depredadores, parasitoides, herbívoros y descomponedores.

Abstract The roadside margins that contain natural vegetation provides biological stable conditions and promote biodiversity. These areas are important to enhance ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes. The aims of this study were i) to assess the diversity of insects as floral visitors (excluding apiformes), and plant species richness in roadside margins, ii) to determine the Functional Groups of insects recorded as floral visitors of roadside margins, and iii) to analyze the ecological role of insects presents in eight roadside margins located in the central-eastern region of the Santa Fe province. The study was conducted along four provincial roads (No. 6, 10, 62, and 64) and the national road No. 19, on November 2013 to September 2015. A total of 1614 insects were recorded. Oxysarcodexia varia (Walker) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), Allograpta exotica (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Syrphidae) and Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), were the most abundant species. The families Brassicaceae, Apiaceae, and Asteraceae received the highest number of insect visits. A total of 225 plant-insect interactions were recorded. The importance of roadside margin with natural vegetation to provide food and shelters for pollinators, predators, parasitoids, herbivores, and decomposers insects is discussed.

Abstract The increasing global importance of pink peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia, Anacardiaceae) as a high-value commercial crop and its potential for expansion in production demand appropriate management due to uncertainties regarding its sexual system. This study focused on evaluating the morphology of sterile and fertile floral whorls, as well as analyzing the sexual system of pink pepper in two populations in northeastern Brazil. The results revealed no significant differences in the morphological characteristics of the flowers between the studied areas, suggesting that the species possesses notable adaptability to environmental conditions. However, a significant difference in the proportion of staminate individuals was observed in both areas, representing over 88% and 72%, respectively. A correlation was observed between the size of the stamens and the presence of apparently atrophied pistils (r=0.275; df=178; p<0.001), along with the occurrence of fruits in these hermaphroditic plants. In this context, the species should be considered gynodioecious due to the presence of plants with hermaphroditic flowers and plants with pistillate flowers. However, further research is essential to elucidate the role of pollinators, especially bees and wasps, and to better understand the fruiting process in hermaphroditic flowers. These insights have the potential to significantly enhance management aiming for efficient fruit production, promoting its economic and ecological relevance. Schinus terebinthifolia Anacardiaceae highvalue high value whorls Brazil areas conditions However 88 72 72% respectively r=0.275 r0275 r 0 275 (r=0.275 df=178 df178 df 178 p<0.001, p0001 p p<0.001 , 001 p<0.001) context pollinators wasps relevance 8 7 r=0.27 r027 27 (r=0.27 df=17 df17 17 p000 p<0.00 00 r=0.2 r02 2 (r=0.2 df=1 df1 1 p00 p<0.0 r=0. r0 (r=0. df= p0 p<0. r=0 (r=0 p<0 r= (r= p< (r

Resumo A crescente importância global da Pimenta rosa (Schinus terebinthifolia, Anacardiaceae) como uma cultura de alto valor comercial e seu potencial de expansão na produção demandam um manejo apropriado devido às incertezas quanto ao seu sistema sexual. Este estudo se concentrou na avaliação da morfologia dos verticilos florais estéreis e férteis, bem como no análise do sistema sexual da Pimenta rosa em duas populações no nordeste do Brasil. Os resultados revelaram que não houve diferenças significativas nas características morfológicas das flores entre as áreas estudadas, sugerindo que a espécie possui uma notável adaptabilidade às condições ambientais. No entanto, observou-se uma marcante diferença na proporção de indivíduos estaminados em ambas as áreas, representando mais de 88% e 72%, respectivamente. Observou-se correlação entre o tamanho dos estames e a presença de pistilos aparentemente atrofiados (r=0,275; gl=178; p<0,001), juntamente com a ocorrência de frutos nessas plantas hermafroditas. Neste contexto, deve-se considerar a espécie como ginodióica devido à presença de plantas com flores hermafroditas e plantas com flores pistiladas. No entanto, é fundamental conduzir pesquisas adicionais para elucidar o papel dos polinizadores, especialmente abelhas e vespas, e entender melhor o processo de frutificação em flores hermafroditas. Esses insights têm o potencial de aprimorar significativamente o manejo visando a uma produção eficiente de frutos, promovendo sua relevância econômica e ecológica. Schinus terebinthifolia Anacardiaceae férteis Brasil estudadas ambientais entanto observouse observou 88 72 72% respectivamente Observouse Observou r=0,275 r0275 r 0 275 (r=0,275 gl=178 gl178 gl 178 p<0,001, p0001 p p<0,001 , 001 p<0,001) contexto devese deve pistiladas polinizadores vespas ecológica 8 7 r=0,27 r027 27 (r=0,27 gl=17 gl17 17 p000 p<0,00 00 r=0,2 r02 2 (r=0,2 gl=1 gl1 1 p00 p<0,0 r=0, r0 (r=0, gl= p0 p<0, r=0 (r=0 p<0 r= (r= p< (r

Abstract Terminalia argentea tree, native to Brazil, is widely used in landscaping, recovering degraded areas, its wood, coal production, and the bark or leaf extracts has medicinal use. Despite of its importance, the arthropod fauna associated to this plant and its interspecific relationships still needs further studies. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the arthropods, their ecological indices and the distribution in the leaf faces on T. argentea saplings. The numbers of phytophagous insects (e.g., Cephalocoema sp.), pollinators (e.g., Tetragonisca angustula), and natural enemies (e.g., Oxyopidae), and their ecological indices (e.g., species richness), were higher on the adaxial leaf faces on T. argentea saplings. Aggregated distribution of phytophagous insects (e.g., Aphis spiraecola), pollinators (e.g., Trigona spinipes), and natural enemies (e.g., Camponotus sp.) on T. argentea saplings was observed. Abundance, diversity, and species richness of natural enemies correlated, positively, with those of phytophagous and pollinators insects. Predators and tending ants followed their prey and sucking insects, respectively. Tending ants protected sucking insects against predators, and reduced chewing insects. The high number of Cephalocoema sp. on T. argentea saplings is a problem, because this insect can feed on leaves of this plant, but its preference for the adaxial leaf face favors its control. The aggregation behavior of arthropods on T. argentea saplings favors the control of potential pests of this plant. There seems to be competition between tending ants for space and food resources on T. argentea saplings. tree Brazil landscaping areas wood production use importance studies T e.g., eg e g (e.g. sp., sp , angustula, angustula angustula) Oxyopidae, Oxyopidae Oxyopidae) richness, richness) spiraecola, spiraecola spiraecola) spinipes, spinipes spinipes) observed Abundance diversity correlated positively respectively predators problem e.g. (e.g e.g

Resumo Terminalia argentea, árvore nativa do Brasil, é muito utilizada no paisagismo, na recuperação de áreas degradadas, sua madeira na produção de carvão e o extrato da casca ou das folhas tem uso medicinal. Apesar de sua importância, a fauna de artrópodes associada a esta planta e suas relações interespecíficas ainda carecem de estudos mais aprofundados. Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar os artrópodes, seus índices ecológicos e a distribuição nas faces foliares de mudas de T. argentea. O número de insetos fitófagos (ex.: Cephalocoema sp.), polinizadores (ex.: Tetragonisca angustula), e inimigos naturais (ex.: Oxyopidae), e seus índices ecológicos (ex.: riqueza de espécies), foram maiores nas faces adaxiais das folhas das mudas de T. argentea. Foi observada uma distribuição agregada de insetos fitófagos (ex.: Aphis spiraecola), polinizadores (ex.: Trigona spinipes) e inimigos naturais (ex.: Camponotus sp.) em mudas de T. argentea. A abundância, diversidade e riqueza de espécies de inimigos naturais correlacionaram-se, positivamente, com as de insetos fitófagos e polinizadores. Os predadores e as formigas cuidadoras seguiram as suas presas e os insetos sugadores, respectivamente. As formigas cuidadoras protegeram os insetos sugadores contra os predadores e reduziram os insetos mastigadores. O elevado número de Cephalocoema sp. em mudas de T. argentea é um problema, pois esse inseto pode se alimentar de folhas dessa planta, mas sua preferência pela face adaxial da folha favorece seu controle. O comportamento de agregação de artrópodes em mudas de T. argentea favorece o controle de potenciais pragas dessa planta. Parece haver competição entre as formigas cuidadoras por espaço e recursos alimentares nas mudas de T. argentea. Brasil paisagismo degradadas medicinal importância aprofundados T ex. ex (ex. sp., sp , angustula, angustula angustula) Oxyopidae, Oxyopidae Oxyopidae) espécies, espécies) spiraecola, spiraecola spiraecola) spinipes abundância correlacionaramse, correlacionaramse correlacionaram se, correlacionaram-se positivamente respectivamente mastigadores problema (ex

Abstract Animal pollination plays a key role in global agricultural production and especially of monoecious crops, which are essentially dependent on pollinators. The West Indian gherkin fruit (Cucumis anguria L., Cucurbitaceae) is a monoecious vegetable adaptable to adverse abiotic conditions, resistant to diseases, and rich in minerals and vitamins, thus being a relevant alternative for improving nutritional security of socioeconomically vulnerable populations. The knowledge on the influence of pollination and of specific pollinators on chemical characteristics of fruits would help pollinators’ management, but it is still poorly understood. In this study we investigated the influence of pollination on quantitative and qualitative aspects of fruits fruits of West Indian gherkin fruits (Cucumis anguria L., Cucurbitaceae) in the Brazilian semi-arid region. Data on pollination biology and on fruits resulted from controlled crosses (open-OP, cross-CP and Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758 pollinations) were compared among crosses: number, length, weight, number of seeds, firmness and chemical traits related to flavor and shelf life. Flowers were pollinated by four bee species, and Apis mellifera was the most frequent. followed by two native bee species. OP and A. mellifera resulted in more fruits than CP. Fruits resulting from OP were heavier than CP and had similar weight when compared to A. mellifera. The other variables did not differ between treatments. The better performance of OP and A. mellifera when compared to CP is probably related to the xenia, i.e., the influence of tissues bearing paternal genes (pollen and pollen tube) in maternal tissues. OP and A. mellifera experiments apparently resulted in the deposition of a greater genotypic diversity of the pollen loads when compared to CP. This result is also explained by the higher functional diversity of pollinators related to OP when compared to CP. This study not only elucidates immediate impacts on yield but also emphasizes the deeper connections between floral biology, pollinator diversity, and sustainable crop production, once West Indian gherkin profit was enhanced by bee pollination. crops Cucumis L L. Cucurbitaceae conditions diseases vitamins populations management understood semiarid semi arid region openOP, openOP open OP, (open-OP crossCP cross Linnaeus 175 pollinations length seeds life species frequent A treatments xenia ie i e i.e. tube 17 i.e 1

Resumo A polinização animal desempenha um papel fundamental na produção agrícola global e especialmente nas culturas monóicas, que são essencialmente dependentes de polinizadores. O maxixe das Índias Ocidentais (Cucumis anguria L., Cucurbitaceae) é uma hortaliça monóica adaptável a condições abióticas adversas, resistente a doenças e rica em minerais e vitaminas, sendo assim uma alternativa relevante para melhorar a segurança nutricional de populações socioeconomicamente vulneráveis. O conhecimento sobre a influência da polinização e de polinizadores específicos nas características químicas dos frutos ajudaria no manejo dos polinizadores, mas é pouco compreendido. Neste estudo investigamos a influência da polinização nos aspectos quantitativos e qualitativos de frutos do semiárido brasileiro. Dados de biologia da polinização e de frutos resultantes de cruzamentos controlados (OP-polinização aberta, CP-cruzada e Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758) foram comparados entre cruzamentos: número, comprimento, peso, número de sementes, firmeza e características químicas relacionadas ao sabor e prazo de validade. As flores foram polinizadas por quatro espécies de abelhas, sendo Apis mellifera a mais frequente. OP e A. mellifera resultaram em mais frutos que CP. Os frutos resultantes de OP foram mais pesados que os de CP e apresentaram peso semelhante quando comparados aos de A. mellifera. As demais variáveis não diferiram entre os tratamentos. O melhor desempenho de OP e A. mellifera quando comparado ao CP provavelmente está relacionado à xenia, ou seja, à influência dos tecidos portadores de genes paternos (pólen e tubo polínico) nos tecidos maternos. Experimentos com OP e A. mellifera aparentemente resultaram na deposição de maior diversidade genotípica das cargas polínicas quando comparados com CP. Este resultado também é explicado pela maior diversidade funcional dos polinizadores relacionados ao OP quando comparado ao CP. Este estudo não apenas elucida os impactos imediatos no rendimento, mas também enfatiza as conexões mais profundas entre a biologia floral, a diversidade de polinizadores e a produção agrícola sustentável, uma vez que o lucro do maxixe das Índias Ocidentais foi aumentado mesmo quando polinizado por uma espécie de abelha exótica. monóicas Cucumis L L. Cucurbitaceae adversas vitaminas vulneráveis compreendido brasileiro OPpolinização aberta CPcruzada cruzada Linnaeus 1758 comprimento sementes validade abelhas frequente tratamentos xenia seja pólen polínico maternos rendimento floral sustentável exótica 175 17 1

Abstract Delimiting species is challenging in recently diverged species, and adaptive radiation is fundamental to understanding the evolutionary processes because it requires multiple ecological opportunities associated with adaptation to biotic and abiotic environments. The young Petunia genus (Solanaceae) is an excellent opportunity to study speciation because of its association with pollinators and unique microenvironments. This study evaluated the phylogenetic relationships among a Petunia clade species with different floral syndromes that inhabit several environments. We based our work on multiple individuals per lineage and employed nuclear and plastid phylogenetic markers and nuclear microsatellites. The phylogenetic tree revealed two main groups regarding the elevation of the distribution range, whereas microsatellites showed high polymorphism-sharing splitting lineages into three clusters. Isolation by distance, migration followed by new environment colonization, and shifts in floral syndrome were the motors for lineage differentiation, including infraspecific structuring, which suggests the need for taxonomic revision in the genus. environments Solanaceae (Solanaceae microenvironments range polymorphismsharing polymorphism sharing clusters distance colonization differentiation structuring

ABSTRACT The economic exploration of pear in the subtropical areas is possible when using hybrid cultivars obtained by crossing European (Pyrus communis) and Asian cultivars (Pyrus pyrifolia). Genetic improvement programs in Brazil have launched some cultivars in recent decades. Pear requires cross-pollination to improve fruit set in commercial plantations. In the case of these hybrid pear trees, the combinations of pollen receptor and donor cultivars that are best for cultivation in subtropical regions are not known. The objective of this study was to select cultivars with the potential to be pollinators of pear trees in subtropical regions. Four cultivars that received pollen grains (mother plants) (‘Packham’s Triumph’, ‘Tenra’, ‘Triunfo’, and ‘Seleta’) and three donors (‘Cascatense’, ‘Primorosa’, and ‘Shinseiki’) were used. Stigmatic receptivity was observed in all cultivars during all stages of reproductive development. All cultivars had highly viable pollen grains. The cultivar ‘Seleta’ was the best recipient cultivar. The ‘Seleta’ × ‘Shinseiki’ cross showed the highest percentages of fruiting. The highest percentages of pistils with pollen tubes reaching the ovary were observed in the crosses ‘Triunfo’ × ‘Shinseiki’ and ‘Seleta’ × ‘Shinseiki’. The ‘Shinseiki’ pear is an option as a pollinator of crops in subtropical regions. Pyrus communis pyrifolia. pyrifolia . pyrifolia) decades crosspollination pollination plantations known mother plants ‘Packhams Packhams ‘Packham s Packham Triumph, Triumph , Triumph’ ‘Tenra, Tenra ‘Tenra ‘Tenra’ ‘Triunfo, Triunfo ‘Triunfo ‘Seleta Seleta ‘Cascatense, Cascatense ‘Cascatense (‘Cascatense’ ‘Primorosa, Primorosa ‘Primorosa ‘Primorosa’ ‘Shinseiki Shinseiki used development fruiting ‘Shinseiki. (‘Cascatense