ABSTRACT Chinch bugs [Blissus pulchellus Montandon (Hemiptera: Blissidae)] suck the phloem from susceptible forage grasses, injecting toxins that destroy plant vessels and compromise the flow of water and nutrients, leading to plant death. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess eight forage grasses for antixenosis resistance to B. pulchellus and compare the anatomical characteristics of leaf sheath tissue from resistant and susceptible species/cultivars. Experiments were conducted in a laboratory and greenhouse, using choice and no-choice tests with the following forage grasses: Urochloa ruziziensis, U. humidicola, U. brizantha ‘Piatã’, U. brizantha ‘Paiaguás’, U. brizantha ‘Marandu’, Panicum maximum ‘Mombaça’, P. maximum ‘Zuri’, and Andropogon gayanus. The oviposition results demonstrated that in the choice test there was a change in the stink bug’s behavior in relation to grasses four hours after infestation, with U. humidicola, P. maximum ‘Mombaça’ and ‘Zuri’, U. brizantha ‘Marandu’ and A. gayanus, proving to be less attractive to insects. It is concluded that U. humidicola, P. maximum ‘Mombaça’ and ‘Zuri’, U. brizantha ‘Marandu’, and A. gayanus are less attractive to B. pulchellus. A. gayanus and P. maximum ‘Mombaça’ and ‘Zuri’ showed non-preference resistance (antixenosis) to oviposition by B. pulchellus. The resistance of U. humidicola, P. maximum ‘Zuri’, and A. gayanus to B. pulchellus may be associated with greater compaction and lignification of the parenchyma and sclerenchyma cells of leaf sheaths. Blissus Hemiptera (Hemiptera Blissidae Blissidae) nutrients death Thus B speciescultivars species cultivars species/cultivars greenhouse nochoice no ruziziensis U humidicola ‘Piatã, Piatã ‘Piatã , ‘Piatã’ ‘Paiaguás, Paiaguás ‘Paiaguás ‘Paiaguás’ ‘Marandu, Marandu ‘Marandu ‘Mombaça, Mombaça ‘Mombaça P ‘Zuri, Zuri ‘Zuri bug s infestation A insects nonpreference non preference (antixenosis sheaths

RESUMO Os percevejos-das-gramíneas [Blissus pulchellus Montandon (Hemiptera: Blissidae)] sugam a seiva de espécies forrageiras suscetíveis e injetam toxinas que destroem os vasos condutores e dificultam o transporte de água e nutrientes, levando as plantas a morte. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resistência por antixenose e tolerância em oito poáceas forrageiras à B. pulchellus e comparar as características anatômicas dos tecidos das bainhas foliares de espécies/cultivares resistentes e suscetíveis. Os ensaios foram conduzidos em laboratório e casa de vegetação, em testes com e sem chance de escolha, utilizando-se as forrageiras: Urochloa ruziziensis, U. humidicola, U. brizantha ‘Piatã’, U. brizantha ‘Paiaguás’, U. brizantha ‘Marandu’, Panicum maximum ‘Mombaça’, P. maximum ‘Zuri’, e Andropogon gayanus. Os resultados de oviposição demonstraram que no teste de escolha houve uma mudança no comportamento do percevejo em relação às gramíneas quatro horas após infestação, sendo U. humidicola, P. maximum ‘Mombaça’ e ‘Zuri’, U. brizantha ‘Marandu’ e A. gayanus menos atrativos para os insetos. Conclui-se que U. humidicola, P. maximum ‘Mombaça’ e ‘Zuri’, U. brizantha ‘Marandu’, e A. gayanus são menos atrativas a B. pulchellus. A. gayanus, e P. maximum ‘Mombaça’ e ‘Zuri’ apresentam resistência do tipo não-preferência para oviposição a B. pulchellus. A resistência de U. humidicola, P. maximum Zuri, e A. gayanus a B. pulchellus pode estar associada a maior compactação e lignificação das células dos tecidos parenquimático e esclerenquimático das bainhas foliares. percevejosdasgramíneas percevejos Blissus Hemiptera (Hemiptera Blissidae Blissidae) nutrientes morte Assim B espéciescultivares cultivares vegetação utilizandose utilizando se ruziziensis U humidicola ‘Piatã, Piatã ‘Piatã , ‘Piatã’ ‘Paiaguás, Paiaguás ‘Paiaguás ‘Paiaguás’ ‘Marandu, Marandu ‘Marandu ‘Mombaça, Mombaça ‘Mombaça P ‘Zuri, Zuri ‘Zuri infestação insetos Concluise Conclui nãopreferência não preferência

The number of people on Earth and human activities are currently taking on frightening proportions with far-reaching consequences for our planet, its biodiversity and ultimately the human race itself. Ten thousand years ago, humans represented 1% of the total biomass of all land vertebrates. The rest was made up by wild animals. Currently, humans, livestock and pets make up 99% of terrestrial vertebrate biomass, while wild animals represent only 1%. It took millennia for the human population to reach the 1 billion mark and that only by 1890. By 1960, however, the world population had grown to 3 billion. Today there are 8 billion people living on our planet. According to Population Matters, the world population will be approximately 10,4 billion by the end of this century, despite the gradual decline in the growth rate in some countries. There is only a 23% chance that the total population growth rate will tail off before 2100. The population of the 47 least developed countries is likely to triple between 2017 and 2100 to around 3 billion. There are currently 62 million people in South Africa. About 67,9% of our population (in 2021) live in urban areas. The South African population grew by 0,87% in 2023. The fertility rate is 2,30 (2023). It is estimated that by 2050 75,5 million people will be living in South Africa, with 8 out of every 10 people living in urban areas, which would significantly increase the pressure on infrastructure. The Global Footprint Network states that humans currently use the resources of 1,75 Earths. If the situation does not improve, by 2050 we would need the equivalent of three Earths to survive. More than 4 billion people will have little or no water by 2050, and South Africa even now has been classified as a "water-stressed" country. Medical science is continually contributing to more babies surviving their entry into the world and to our living increasingly longer. Life expectancy has risen from 46 years in 1950 to 73,2 years in 2023. By 2050 it will be 77 years. What can be done? Empowerment of women is important. Population growth can be curbed to a reasonable extent by giving more girls access to education. This certainly does not mean that girls or women alone should be held responsible for the current population growth, but much more will have to be done about sex education, women's rights will have to be actively promoted and there will have to be better provision and use of contraceptives. Obviously, these issues should be approached and handled with due caution. In this regard, countries such as Thailand and South Korea have, in the recent past, proved that good education may result in lower birth rates. In Africa, women with no education have an average of 5,4 children; women who completed high school an average of 2,7 children and women with tertiary education an average of 2.2. In Nigeria, every year of school attendance by girls cuts the birth rate by a tenth. In addition, intensified efforts to reform economies and societies should be considered. For the sake of the survival of the human species and the sustainability of the Earth, ecological and economic justice and the empowerment ofwomen have to be encouraged. The Millennium Project - a global participatory think tank that was founded in 1996 under the auspices of the American Council for the United Nations University, but which became independent in 2009 and has since grown into a global network of institutions and individuals - aims to improve humankind's prospects for a better future. It recommends, among other things, the following: • Support a policy aimed at improving the survival of children, responsible family planning and educational opportunities for (especially) girls. • Improve methods that will ensure skills and employment opportunities for young people, as well as care and services for the elderly. • Implement the UN's urban agenda. • Create enough smart cities where citizens with urban intelligence can help in eco-smart ways with the necessary improvements in the city. • Increase training in resilience, and improve disaster prediction and management. • Provide guidance for people about urban ecology. • Intensify research and development in saltwater agriculture (halophytes or salt plants) on coastlines to produce food for humans and animals, biofuel and pulp for the paper industry, and to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2). This will ease the pressure on freshwater agriculture. • Improve agricultural and irrigation management. • Invest in precision agriculture and aquaculture. • Reduce food losses from the "farm to the mouth" (one third or 1,3 billion tons of agricultural production is wasted in this way every year). • Establish seaweed to restore wild fish populations along coastlines. The World Bank estimates that 90% of marine life is completely depleted. • Expand the production of insects for animal feed and human diets (insects have a low environmental impact, and 2 billion people already supplement their diet with insects today). • Encourage vegetarianism. Although there are more ways to address these important global challenges, responsible family planning remains one of the most important. This is an extremely sensitive issue for many people (especially in Africa), but if it is not promoted in a humane, informed and responsible way, the sustainability of life on our planet will increasingly come under tremendous pressure in various respects.

Die aantal mense op aarde en hulle/ons aktiwiteite neem tans skrikwekkende afmetings aan met wydlopende gevolge vir ons planeet, biodiversiteit en uiteindelik onsself. Die moderne mens het sy teenwoordigheid op die aarde en die benutting van hulpbronne baie lank as sy onaantasbare reg gesien. Die huidige uitwerking van byvoorbeeld bevolkingsgroei en besoedeling versteur die aarde se natuurlike ritme in so 'n mate dat ons nou nie meer op 'n kitsoplossing kan hoop nie. Die mens se getalle neem teen so 'n tempo toe dat dit nie net nadelig vir die planeet is nie, maar ook vir die mensdom self. Wat kan gedoen word? Bemagtiging van vroue speel 'n belangrike rol. Dit beteken beslis nie dat meisies en vroue alleen vir die huidige bevolkingsgroei verantwoordelik gehou moet word nie. Die bevolkingsgroei kan egter in 'n redelike mate vertraag word deur veral meer meisies toegang tot onderwys en opleiding te gee - asook hul lewensomstandighede te verbeter. Ook sal daar heelwat meer aan seksopvoeding gedoen moet word, vroueregte sal daadwerklik bevorder moet word en daar sal beter voorsiening en gebruik van voorbehoedmiddels moet wees. Uiteraard moet hierdie kwessies met die nodige omsigtigheid benader en hanteer word. In hierdie verband kan onder andere Thailand en Suid-Korea genoem word wat in die onlangse verlede bewys het dat goeie onderwys geboortesyfers laat daal. In Afrika het vroue wat geen onderwys ontvang nie, gemiddeld 5,4 kinders; vroue wat hoërskool voltooi het gemiddeld 2,7 kinders en vroue wat tersiêre studie deurloop het, gemiddeld 2,2 kinders. In Nigerië sny elke jaar wat meisies skool bywoon, die geboortesyfer met 'n tiende. Hiermee saam sal daar ook verskerpte pogings moet wees om ekonomieë en samelewings te hervorm. Ter wille van die mens se voortbestaan en die volhoubaarheid van lewe op aarde moet ekologiese en ekonomiese geregtigheid, en die bemagtiging van vroue aangemoedig word.

ABSTRACT Population growth has led to an exponential demand for agricultural products, to meet this demand it is necessary to improve management and achieve efficient use of resources without compromising the sustainability of ecosystems, particularly agricultural ones. One of the technologies that facilitate these tasks is precision agriculture (PA), which focuses on the optimization of resources and inputs based on the compilation of precise and timely geo-information of variables of agricultural interest with high spatio-temporal variability, obtained through remote sensors of three types: images captured by satellites or airplanes, images obtained from manned and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and specific information with sensors mounted on machinery or in the field. These limitations were overcome by using multispectral images, which has increased applications for agricultural purposes. Currently, multispectral images allow quantifying soil moisture, monitoring the presence of droughts and the degree of crop water stress, estimating the temporal and spatial variability of evapotranspiration, monitoring phenology, detecting nutritional deficiencies, estimating the degree of weed infestation. and insects, calculate organic carbon and soil salinity, and estimate yields and agricultural production. The use of geospatial technologies in the PA has changed the paradigm of agriculture and today constitutes a viable alternative to face the challenges that food production demands in a world with high climate variability.

RESUMEN El crecimiento poblacional ha derivado en una demanda exponencial de productos agrícolas, para cubrir esta demanda se requiere mejorar la gestión y lograr un uso eficiente de recursos sin comprometer la sustentabilidad de los ecosistemas, en particular los agrícolas. Una de las tecnologías que facilitan estas tareas es la agricultura de precisión (AP), que se enfoca en la optimización de recursos e insumos basado en la compilación de geo información precisa y oportuna de variables de interés agrícola de alta variabilidad espacio-temporal, obtenida mediante sensores remotos de tres tipos: imágenes capturadas por satélites o aviones, imágenes obtenidas desde vehículos aéreos tripulados y no tripulados (VANT’s) e información puntual con sensores montados en maquinaria o en campo. Estas limitantes se superaron al usar imágenes multiespectrales, lo que ha incrementado las aplicaciones con fines agrícolas. Actualmente, las mágenes multiespectrales permiten cuantificar la humedad del suelo, monitorear la presencia de sequías y el grado de estrés hídrico de cultivos, estimar la variabilidad temporal y espacial de la evapotranspiración, dar seguimiento fenológico, detectar deficiencias nutricionales, estimar grado de infestación de malezas e insectos, calcular carbono orgánico y salinidad del suelo y estimar rendimientos y producción agrícola. El uso de tecnologías geoespaciales en la AP ha cambiado el paradigma de la agricultura y hoy en día constituye una alternativa viable para afrontar los retos que demanda la producción de alimentos en un mundo con alta variabilidad climática.

Resumo O Seybouse é um rio no nordeste da Argélia, é o segundo maior rio, tem uma área de captação de cerca de 6.500 km2 que acolhe cerca de 1,5 milhões de habitantes. Importantes atividades agrícolas e industriais são desenvolvidas nesta bacia hidrográfica. O uso de macroinvertebrados bentônicos como indicadores biológicos tem uma longa tradição em países desenvolvidos e está integrado em todas as avaliações da qualidade ecológica dos sistemas fluviais. O objetivo deste estudo foi revisar o inventário e o papel ecológico dos macroinvertebrados bentônicos nas águas interiores do rio Seybouse e determinar o impacto da poluição em suas distribuições. Resultados semelhantes foram relatados para outros países e rios argelinos. Este estudo enfoca a macrofauna bentônica de Wadi Seybouse e seus afluentes. Foram prospectados 03 locais, um no alto Seybousse Bouhamdane em Medjez Amar e dois no meio Seybousse Salah Salah Salah e Oued Zimba. Entre dezembro de 2019 e maio de 2020, dez parâmetros físico-químicos (pH, CE, DO, velocidade da água, NO3, Salinidade, NO2, MES, turbidez, deth) foram medidos para estabelecer um diagnóstico do estado de saúde desses ecossistemas aquáticos. A abordagem biológica complementar pela análise de populações de macroinvertebrados identificou 7.482 indivíduos e 40 táxons divididos em cinco classes: Crustáceos que são os mais dominantes, Insetos com as ordens principais (Ephemeroptera, Diptera, Trichoptera, Heteroptera e Odonata), Moluscos, Nematóides e Anelídeos. As análises físico-químicas e a aplicação dos índices de poluição orgânica, indicaram uma poluição forte a excessiva para todos os locais especialmente Salah Salah Salah.

Abstract The Seybouse is the second largest river basin in Algeria, hosting an important biodiversity and providing various ecosystem services. This watershed is highly influenced by agricultural and industrial activities, which threaten its biodiversity and ecosystem integrity. The use of benthic macroinvertebrates as biological indicators has a long tradition in developed countries and integrated into all assessments of the ecological quality of river systems. However, the macroinvertebrates of many North African regions are still not well studied, including those of the Seybouse river. The aim of this study is to assess the inventory and ecological role of benthic macroinvertebrates in inland waters of the Seybouse River and determine the impact of pollution on their spatial distributions. We sampled the benthic macrofauna of Wadi Seybouse and its affluents using regular surveys in three sites, of which one was in the upper Seybouse Bouhamdane in Medjez Amar and two in the middle Seybouse. Between December 2019 and May 2020, 10 physico-chemical parameters (pH, EC, OD, water speed, NO3, Salinity, NO2, MES, turbidity, depth) were measured in order to establish a health state diagnosis of these aquatic ecosystems. The complementary biological approach by the analysis of populations of macroinvertebrates identified 7482 individuals and 40 taxa divided into five classes: Crustaceans which were the most dominant, insects with the main orders (Ephemeroptera, Diptera, Trichoptera, Heteroptera and Odonata), Molluscs, Nematodes and Annelids. The physico-chemical analyzes and the application of the organic pollution indices indicated a strong to excessive pollution for all sites, especially in Seybouse upstream

Resumo No norte central do Chile, lagoas efêmeras constituem corpos de água isolados e pouco profundos, com um habitat favorável para a fauna adaptada as mudanças sazonais que as zonas úmidas estão sujeitas. Com relação a estes ecossistemas, sabe-se pouco sobre sua fauna, principalmente a de insetos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi caracterizar a riqueza, composição, estrutura e similaridade das comunidades de insetos que habitam as lagoas temporárias de Huentelauquén (29º S, Região de Coquimbo, Chile). Usando armadilhas de interceptação, se capturou um total de 10.762 indivíduos, pertencentes a 7 ordens, 27 famílias e 51 espécies. Coleoptera e Hymenoptera foram as ordens mais representativas, enquanto Neuroptera, Orthoptera e Plecoptera foram grupos pouco representativos. Os estimadores não paramétricos avaliados mostraram valores de riqueza superiores ao observados para todas as lagoas estudadas, e suas curvas de acumulação parecem indicar que o inventario da comunidade estudada está incompleto. A análise hierárquica e de ordenamento revelou agrupamentos de lagoas correspondentes a zona nordeste e sudeste de Huentelauquén. Preliminarmente encontramos uma correlação negativa entre a área de lagoas efêmeras e a riqueza (espécies) e abundância de insetos. É necessário realizar estudos adicionais (sobre outros grupos de artrópodes e em outras estações do ano) para melhor compreensão dos processos locais de extinção e colonização das espécies que habitam estes frágeis ambientes costeiros estudados.

Abstract In northern central Chile, ephemeral pools constitute shallow isolated water bodies with a favourable habitat for fauna adapted to seasonal changes. Based on the limited knowledge about the fauna—particularly insects—associated to these ecosystems, the objective of this study was to characterize the richness, composition, structure and similarity of the insect communities associated with ephemeral pools in Huentelauquén (29º S, Coquimbo Region, Chile). By using pitfall traps, 10,762 individuals were captured, represented by 7 orders, 27 families, and 51 species. Coleoptera and Hymenoptera were the best represented orders, with Neuroptera, Orthoptera and Plecoptera being poorly represented groups. The non-parametric estimators evaluated showed wealth values above those observed for all the studied pools, and their accumulation curves suggest the existence of an incomplete species inventory in the studied community. Additionally, the hierarchical and ordering analysis showed groupings of pools located in the northwest and southeast of Huentelauquén. Preliminarily we found a negative correlation between the area of the pools and the richness (species) and abundance of insects. Additional studies (on other arthropod groups and other seasons of the year) could provide a better understanding of the local processes of extinction and colonization of the species inhabiting these fragile coastal environments.

Abstract The study explores the Ichthyofaunal diversity of freshwater Cyprinidae fish in the Panjkora River of Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 911 fish samples were collected from 5 different sites along the river and identified using standard identification keys. Out of the 911 fish samples, 204 were related to family Cyprinidae, having 4 sub families, i.e Cyprininae representing 3 species i.e Carassius auratus, Cyprinus carpio, Cyprinus watsoni, Danioninae representing 6 species i.e Barilius modestus, Barilius vagra, Barilius pakistanicus, Amblypharangodon mola, Salmophasia punjabensis, Rasbora daniconius, Labeoninae representing 5 species i.e Tor putitora, Crossocheilus diplocheilus, Gara gotyla, Labeo rohita, Labeo diplocheilus, and Barbinae representing 6 species i.e Puntius ticto, Puntius sophore, Puntius chonchonius, Schizothorax esocinus, Schizothorax labiatus and Schizothorax plagiostomus. This study adds 6 new species i.e Amblypharangodon mola, Salmophasia punjabensis, Labeo rohita, Labeo diplocheilus, Puntius chonchonius and Rasbora daniconius for the 1st time which are not reported earlier. EXCEL 2019 and XLSTAT were used for principal components analysis to study richness and correlation of fish diversity. Eigenvalues obtained from Sheringal to Zulam are 3.72, 0.511, 0.37, 0.29 and 0.09 respectively. The higher eigenvalue of Sheringal site shows higher diversity. Water quality study shows that the mean values of water temperature was 16.8°C, pH 7.08, total hardness134.6 mg/L, alkalinity 89.3 mg/L, Nitrate 5.93 mg/L, Chlorine 0.87 mg/L, Nitrite0.02 mg/L and Copper 0.04 mg/L, Iron 0.07 mg/L, Lead 0.002 mg/L. The physicochemical parameters of river Panjkora during the study time remained within the permissible limits as prescribed by the WHO (2005). Gut analysis revealed the presence of algae, nymphs insect’s larvae, macroinvertebrates and protozoans. Dir Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan 91 keys 20 families ie i e auratus carpio watsoni modestus vagra pakistanicus mola punjabensis putitora diplocheilus gotyla rohita ticto sophore esocinus plagiostomus st earlier 201 372 72 3.72 0511 0 511 0.511 037 37 0.37 029 29 0.2 009 09 0.0 respectively 168C C 16 8 16.8°C 708 7 08 7.08 hardness1346 hardness hardness134 hardness134. mgL mg L 893 89 89. 593 93 5.9 087 87 0.8 Nitrite002 Nitrite Nitrite0 02 Nitrite0.0 004 04 007 07 0002 002 0.00 2005. 2005 . (2005) algae insects insect s larvae protozoans 9 2 3.7 051 51 0.51 03 0.3 0. 00 1 70 7.0 hardness13 59 5. Nitrite00 Nitrite0. 000 200 (2005 3. 05 0.5 7. hardness1 (200 (20 (2 (

Resumo O presente estudo explora a diversidade ictiofaunística de peixes Cyprinidae de água doce no rio Panjkora de Dir, Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Paquistão. Um total de 911 amostras de peixes foram coletadas em 5 locais diferentes ao longo do rio e identificadas usando chaves de identificação padrão. Das 911 amostras de peixes, 204 eram relacionadas à família Cyprinidae, com 4 subfamílias, ou seja, Cyprininae representando 3 espécies, isto é, Carassius auratus, Cyprinus carpio, Cyprinus watsoni, Danioninae, representando 6 espécies, ou seja, Barilius modestus, Barilius vagra, Barilius pakistanicus, Amblypharangodon mola, Salmophasia punjabensis, Rasbora daniconius, Labeoninae representando 5 espécies, ou seja, Tor putitora, Crossocheilus diplocheilus, Gara gotyla, Labeo rohita, Labeo diplocheilus e Barbinae, representando 6 espécies, ou seja, Puntius ticto, Puntius sophore, Puntius chonchonius, Schizothorax esocinus, Schizothorax labiatus e Schizothorax plagio estoma. Este estudo adiciona 6 novas espécies, como Amblypharangodon mola, Salmophasia punjabensis, Labeo rohita, Labeo diplocheilus, Puntius chonchonius e Rasbora daniconius pela primeira vez, que não foram relatadas anteriormente. EXCEL 2019 e XLSTAT foram usados para análise de componentes principais para estudar a riqueza e correlação da diversidade de peixes. Os autovalores obtidos de Sheringal a Zulam são 3,72, 0,511, 0,37, 0,29 e 0,09, respectivamente. O autovalor mais alto do site Sheringal mostra maior diversidade. O estudo da qualidade da água mostra que os valores médios da temperatura da água foram 16,8 °C, pH 7,08, dureza total 134,6 mg/L, alcalinidade 89,3 mg/L, Nitrato 5,93 mg/L, Cloro 0,87 mg/L, Nitrito 0,02 mg/ L e Cobre 0,04 mg/L, Ferro 0,07 mg/L, Chumbo 0,002 mg/L. Os parâmetros físico-químicos do rio Panjkora durante o tempo de estudo permaneceram nos limites permitidos conforme prescrito pela OMS (2005). A análise intestinal revelou a presença de algas, ninfas, larvas de insetos, macroinvertebrados e protozoários. Dir Pakhtoonkhwa Paquistão 91 padrão 20 subfamílias seja espécies é auratus carpio watsoni Danioninae modestus vagra pakistanicus mola punjabensis putitora gotyla rohita Barbinae ticto sophore esocinus estoma vez anteriormente 201 372 72 3,72 0511 0 511 0,511 037 37 0,37 029 29 0,2 009 09 0,09 respectivamente 168 16 8 16, C °C 708 7 08 7,08 1346 134 134, mgL mg mg/L 893 89 89, 593 93 5,9 087 87 0,8 002 02 0,0 004 04 007 07 0002 0,00 físicoquímicos físico químicos 2005. 2005 . (2005) algas ninfas insetos protozoários 9 2 3,7 051 51 0,51 03 0,3 0, 00 1 70 7,0 13 59 5, 000 200 (2005 3, 05 0,5 7, (200 (20 (2 (

Abstract The Amazon Rainforest is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity and the ravages of pervasive deforestation. The removal of natural vegetation significantly affects Amazonian streams, leading to alterations in their environmental conditions. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency has devised a comprehensive protocol to monitor changes in the environmental quality of streams. Since 2011, the Sustainable Amazon Network has implemented this protocol in Amazonian streams. Our systematic review aimed to address the following questions: i) How widely has the protocol been employed in Amazonian streams?; ii) Is the utilization of this protocol well-distributed across the Amazon Basin?; iii) Which types of land use have been assessed using this protocol?; iv) Which components of the aquatic biota have been studied in conjunction with the protocol?; and, v) Which metrics of the protocol are most crucial for elucidating aquatic biota distribution? We conducted searches using the Web of Science and Google Scholar databases, identifying 34 studies that directly aligned with our objectives. It was observed that the Eastern Amazon had the highest number of streams evaluated. Additionally, aquatic insects emerged as an effective tool when utilized alongside the protocol for evaluating the impacts of changes in land use. Ultimately, the most important metrics for assessing impacts on aquatic biota were shelter availability in the channels, the preservation status of riparian forests, and water quality. We recommend developing a simplified version of this protocol to facilitate its application for research teams with limited personnel and financial resources available for fieldwork. deforestation conditions States 2011 questions i streams? ii welldistributed well distributed Basin Basin? iii protocol? iv v distribution databases 3 objectives evaluated Additionally Ultimately channels forests fieldwork 201 20 2

Resumo A Floresta Amazônica é renomada por sua extraordinária biodiversidade e pelo difundido desmatamento. A remoção da vegetação natural impacta significativamente os riachos amazônicos, levando a alterações em suas condições ambientais. Nos Estados Unidos, a Agência de Proteção Ambiental desenvolveu um protocolo abrangente para monitorar mudanças na qualidade ambiental dos rios. Desde 2011, a Rede Amazônica Sustentável implementou esse protocolo em riachos amazônicos. Nossa revisão sistemática teve como objetivo abordar as seguintes questões: i) Quão amplamente o protocolo foi utilizado em riachos amazônicos? ii) A utilização desse protocolo está bem distribuída na bacia amazônica? iii) Quais tipos de uso da terra foram avaliados com esse protocolo? iv) Quais componentes da biota aquática foram estudados em conjunto com o protocolo? v) Quais métricas do protocolo são mais cruciais para elucidar a distribuição da biota aquática? Conduzimos buscas nas bases de dados Web of Science e Google Scholar, identificando 34 estudos que se alinharam diretamente com nossos objetivos. Observou-se que a Amazônia Oriental teve o maior número de rios avaliados. Além disso, insetos aquáticos surgiram como uma ferramenta eficaz quando utilizados junto ao protocolo para avaliar os impactos das mudanças no uso da terra. Por fim, as métricas mais importantes para avaliar os impactos na biota aquática foram a disponibilidade de abrigo nos canais, o estado de preservação das florestas ripárias e a qualidade da água. Recomendamos o desenvolvimento de uma versão simplificada desse protocolo para facilitar sua aplicação em equipes de pesquisa com recursos financeiros limitados e um número restrito de pessoal disponível para trabalho de campo. desmatamento amazônicos ambientais Unidos 2011 questões i ii amazônica iii iv v Scholar 3 objetivos Observouse Observou disso fim canais água campo 201 20 2

ABSTRACT Understanding aspects of insect ecology is a key component for the applicability of control methods or pest resistance management. For instance, the comprehension of insect dispersal is crucial to determining insect gene flow and the maximum distance between refuge areas in Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) crops. But, for such studies, insects need to be marked prior to release. Seeking to refine the technique of dispersion studies of the genetic material of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), this study aimed to determine the efficiency of water-soluble dyes for the internal marking of S. frugiperda immatures and adults via larval feeding, with emphasis on marking the spermatophore. Rhodamine B, Methylene Blue, Ponceau, Coomassie, and Eosin-Nigrosin were added to the larval artificial diet at concentrations of 0, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 ppm. Mortality and duration of the larval stage as well as the efficiency of marking internal structures of larvae and adults were evaluated. Rhodamine B and Methylene Blue increased the duration of the larval period, but the former caused higher mortality. The staining of the gut, hemolymph, and imaginal discs, in the larval phase, was observed for Rhodamine B, Methylene Blue, and Coomassie dyes. However, none of the dyes were efficient for marking spermatophores. Thus, the addition of these water-soluble dyes to the larval diet of S. frugiperda can mark internal structures of the larva, but not the adult. Therefore, these dyes have limited application once they may be used only for marking larvae. management instance Bacillus thuringiensis crops But release J.E. JE J E (J.E Smith Lepidoptera (Lepidoptera Noctuidae, Noctuidae , Noctuidae) watersoluble water soluble S feeding spermatophore Ponceau EosinNigrosin Eosin Nigrosin 0 100 200 400 600 800 ppm evaluated period mortality gut hemolymph discs phase However spermatophores Thus larva adult Therefore J.E 10 20 40 60 80 1 2 4 6 8

Resumo A fauna aquática de insetos continua sendo uma ferramenta importante para a bioindicação de distúrbios ambientais, ao mesmo tempo em que mantém um sistema aquático saudável. O objetivo do estudo foi documentar e identificar a diversidade e os padrões de distribuição dos insetos aquáticos, um aspecto altamente ignorado no Catar. Seguindo os procedimentos padrão, as amostras foram coletadas em hábitats aquáticos durante o período de outubro de 2015 a maio de 2017, mensalmente. Um total de 11.287 indivíduos, pertencentes a seis ordens, foram capturados. Dípteros foram os mais abundantes, com as porcentagens de 71,01 (n = 8.015), enquanto a menor porcentagem foi observada para Coleópteros 0,04 (n = 05). Doze famílias de insetos foram identificadas, destas, cinco foram registradas sob Diptera, seguido por Hemiptera (03), enquanto Coleoptera, Tricoptera, Odonata e Ephemeroptera foram representados por famílias únicas. Dentre as localidades selecionadas, Dipterans foram coletados em 10 estações, seguidos por Hemiptera (9), Coleoptera (4), Odonota (4), Ephemeroptera (3) e Trichoptera (1), respectivamente. Entre as amostras de corpos d'água, os riachos foram os hábitats mais preferidos (n = 2.767), enquanto as piscinas de água potável foram os menos (27). Além disso, o maior índice de diversidade de Simpson de 1,48 e o menor de 0,47 foi registrado para piscina de esgoto inundada e recipientes de plástico, respectivamente, enquanto os valores de baixa uniformidade foram observados para lagoas e menos de 1 valores de diversidade de Margalef foram observados para todos os hábitats. Este estudo documenta os padrões de diversidade e distribuição de insetos aquáticos e fornece uma linha de base para os estudos futuros do Catar.

Abstract Aquatic insect fauna remains an important tool for bio indication of environmental disturbance, while maintaining a healthy aquatic system. The purpose of the study was to document and to identify the diversity and distribution patterns of aquatic insect, a highly ignored aspect from the Qatar. Following the standard procedures, the samples were collected from aquatic habitats during the period October 2015 to May 2017 on monthly basis. A total of 11,287 individuals, belonging to 6 orders were captured. Dipterans were the abundant with the percentages of 71.01 (n=8,015), while the lowest percentage was observed for Coleoptera 0.04 (n=05). Twelve insects families were identified, among these five were reported under Diptera, followed by Hemiptera (03), while Coleoptera, Tricoptera, Odonata, and Ephemeroptera were represented by single families. Among the selected localities, Dipterans were collected from 10 stations, followed by Hemiptera (9), Coleoptera (4), Odonota (4), Ephemeroptera (3) and Trichoptera (1) respectively. Among the water bodies samples, streams were the most preferred habitats (n=2,767), while drinking water pools were the least (27). Moreover, the highest Simpson diversity index of 1.48 and lowest of 0.47 was recorded for flooded sewage pool and plastic containers respectively, while the low evenness values were observed for ponds, and less than 1 Margalef’s diversity values were seen for all habitats. This study documents the patterns of the diversity and distribution of aquatic insects, and provides a baseline for the future studies from Qatar.

Resumo Objetivo A alta sensibilidade das nascentes à impactos antrópicos deve-se, em grande parte, a elevada conectividade aquático-terrestre existente. A degradação desses ecossistemas pode ser causada pelo uso do solo, como por exemplo o monocultivo de eucalipto. O objetivo deste estudo foi testar a influência de plantações de Eucalyptus urograndis sobre a riqueza, a diversidade da comunidade de macroinvertebrados bentônicos e as variáveis ambientais aferidas em nascentes nos domínios de Floresta Atlântica. Métodos Dez nascentes (5 em áreas de floresta nativa e 5 em áreas de eucalipto) foram amostradas no período seco de 2017. Os organismos foram triados e identificados ao nível de família. Para cada nascente foram mensuradas o oxigênio dissolvido, temperatura, pH, turbidez, condutividade elétrica, sólidos totais dissolvidos, nitrogênio total, nitrito, nitrato, amônia, fósforo total, cobertura vegetal, caracterização granulométrica e matéria orgânica. Resultados O teste t evidenciou algumas variáveis ambientais diferiram, apresentando as áreas de eucalipto maiores valores de sólidos totais dissolvidos e condutividade elétrica e menores de areia muito grossa. No presente estudo, a riqueza e diversidade da fauna bentônica em nascentes foram significativamente menores nas áreas de eucalipto do que nas áreas de vegetação nativa. Entretanto, a composição das comunidades não diferiu. A análise de espécies indicadoras (IndVal) associou Acari, Hydropsychidae, Leptoceridae, Nematoda, Psychodidae e Tipulidae a áreas de floresta nativa. Conclusões Nossos resultados mostram que nascentes em áreas de eucalipto são afetadas pela monocultura reduzindo a riqueza e diversidade de macroinvertebrados bentônicos e alterando também os parâmetros ambientais. Por fim, verificamos que estudos anteriores em outras partes do mundo também se aplicam a áreas neotropicais onde o eucalipto não é nativo. devese, devese deve se, deve-se parte aquáticoterrestre aquático terrestre existente solo Atlântica ( 2017 família dissolvido temperatura pH turbidez total nitrito nitrato amônia vegetal orgânica diferiram grossa Entretanto diferiu IndVal (IndVal Acari Hydropsychidae Leptoceridae Nematoda fim nativo 201 20 2

Abstract Aim The high sensitivity of springs to anthropic impacts is largely due to the high existing aquatic-terrestrial connectivity. The degradation of these ecosystems can be caused by land use, such as eucalyptus monoculture. The aim of this study was to test the influence of Eucalyptus urograndis plantations on the richness and diversity of the benthic macroinvertebrate community and on the environmental variables measured in springs in the Atlantic Forest domains. Methods Ten springs (5 in native forest areas and 5 in eucalyptus area) were sampled in the dry period of 2017. The organisms were screened and identified at the family level. For each spring, dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total nitrogen, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, total phosphorus, vegetation cover, granulometric characterization and organic matter were also measured. Results: The t-test showed that some environmental variables differed, with the eucalyptus areas having higher values of total dissolved solids and electrical conductivity, and lower values of coarse sand. In the present study, the richness and diversity of the benthic fauna of springs were significantly lower in eucalyptus sites than in native sites. Nonetheless, the composition of the communities did not differ. The Indicator Species Analysis (IndVal) associated Acari, Hydropsychidae, Leptoceridae, Nematoda, Psychodidae, and Tipulidae with areas of native forest. Conclusions Our results show that Brazilian springs are affected by eucalyptus monocultures reducing the richness and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates and also changing water environmental properties. Thus, we verified that previous studies elsewhere in the world also apply to neotropical areas where eucalyptus is not native. aquaticterrestrial aquatic terrestrial connectivity use monoculture domains ( area 2017 level spring oxygen temperature pH turbidity conductivity nitrogen nitrite nitrate ammonia phosphorus cover Results ttest t differed sand Nonetheless differ IndVal (IndVal Acari Hydropsychidae Leptoceridae Nematoda Psychodidae properties Thus 201 20 2

Abstract The complexity of the agroecosystem can also be assessed by the different land uses in the system and the surroundings, being a relevant way to assess the heterogeneity of the landscape and the effects on the community of interest, in this case, entomofauna. Thus, the objective of this work is to verify how the use of soil in the surroundings of Chilean lettuce horticultural systems, in the Coquimbo Region, alters the entomological community of the crop. Insect sampling was conducted (February 2021 to March 2022) using yellow pan traps. Two sites will be sampled on each of the seven studied lettuce crops. Land use and land cover classes were defined: Forests, water bodies, shrub vegetation, grasslands, barren lands, impermeable surfaces, and urban areas. After land use and land cover classification, buffers of 500 to 5,000 m were created around each data collection point. For data analysis, the percentages of land use of different classes were compared with the ecological attributes: Abundance of insects, abundance of insect pests, richness of entomological families and types of oral apparatus (licker-sucker, mandible, picker-sucker, and sucker). Land uses at different distances from horticultural systems affected the entomological community. interest case entomofauna Thus Region crop February 202 2022 traps crops defined Forests bodies vegetation grasslands lands surfaces areas classification 50 5000 5 000 5,00 point analysis attributes insects pests lickersucker, lickersucker licker sucker, sucker (licker-sucker mandible pickersucker, pickersucker picker picker-sucker sucker. . sucker) 20 00 5,0 2 0 5,

Resumo A complexidade do agroecossistema também pode ser avaliada pelos diferentes usos do solo no sistema e no entorno, sendo uma forma relevante de avaliar a heterogeneidade da paisagem e os efeitos na comunidade de interesse, neste caso, a entomofauna. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é verificar como o uso do solo no entorno dos sistemas hortícolas de alface chilena, na região de Coquimbo, altera a comunidade entomológica da cultura. A amostragem de insetos foi realizada (fevereiro de 2021 a março de 2022) utilizando armadilhas amarelas. Serão amostrados dois locais em cada uma das sete culturas de alface estudadas. Foram definidas classes de uso e cobertura da terra: Florestas, corpos d'água, vegetação arbustiva, pastagens, terras áridas, superfícies impermeáveis e áreas urbanas. Após a classificação do uso e cobertura do solo, foram criadas zonas tampão de 500 a 5,000 m em torno de cada ponto de recolha de dados. Para análise dos dados, foram comparados os percentuais de uso da terra das diferentes classes com os atributos ecológicos: Abundância de insetos, abundância de insetos-praga, riqueza de famílias entomológicas e tipos de aparelhos bucais (sugador-lambedor, mandíbula, sugador-colhedor e sugador). Os usos da terra em diferentes distâncias dos sistemas hortícolas afetaram a comunidade entomológica. interesse caso entomofauna Assim chilena Coquimbo cultura fevereiro 202 2022 amarelas estudadas Florestas dágua, dágua d água, água d'água arbustiva pastagens áridas urbanas 50 5000 5 000 5,00 dados ecológicos insetospraga, insetospraga praga, praga insetos-praga sugadorlambedor, sugadorlambedor sugador lambedor, lambedor (sugador-lambedor mandíbula sugadorcolhedor colhedor sugador. . sugador) 20 00 5,0 2 0 5,

RESUMO Insetos da ordem Ephemeroptera tem sido utilizado como bioindicadores de qualidade de água por responderem a inúmeros impactos antrópicos. Neste estudo avaliamos o uso dos Ephemeroptera como bioindicadores de riachos influenciados por atividades agrícolas. Coletamos ninfas de Ephemeroptera em seis riachos com diferentes usos e cobertura do solo em sua área de drenagem localizados na região norte do Rio Grande do Sul. A partir da análise do uso e cobertura do solo, categorizamos os riachos em ‘naturais’ (área de drenagem com >42% de vegetação arbórea nativa) e ‘agrícolas’ (área de drenagem com >72% de uso agrícola na área de drenagem). Coletamos um total de 2767 organismos, distribuídos em quatro famílias e 11 gêneros. Observamos maior abundância (68%) e riqueza taxonômica (11 gêneros) de Ephemeroptera nos riachos agrícolas. Os riachos naturais perfazem um total de 32% da fauna coletada com oito gêneros. Este padrão foi determinado, especialmente, pelas famílias Baetidae e Leptohyphidae. Os gêneros Cloeodes e Tricorytopsis foram abundantes nos riachos agrícolas. Neste estudo, observamos que gêneros de Ephemeroptera são tolerantes a alterações ambientais, sobretudo aquelas causadas por atividades agrícolas. Assim, o uso da ordem em estudos de avaliação da qualidade da água deve ser considerado com cautela. antrópicos agrícolas Sul ‘naturais 42 >42 nativa ‘agrícolas 72 >72 drenagem. . drenagem) 276 organismos 1 68% 68 (68% (1 32 determinado especialmente Leptohyphidae ambientais Assim cautela 4 >4 7 >7 27 6 (68 ( 3 > 2 (6

ABSTRACT Insects of the Ephemeroptera order have been used as bioindicators of water quality as they respond to countless anthropic impacts. In this study, we assessed the use of Ephemeroptera as bioindicators of streams impacted by agricultural activities. We collected Ephemeroptera nymphs in six streams with different uses and soil cover in their drainage areas located in the northern region of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. Based on soil use and cover analysis, we categorized the streams as ‘natural’ (drainage area with >42% native arboreal vegetation) and ‘agricultural’ (drainage area with >72% agricultural use). We collected a total of 2,767 organisms, distributed into four families and eleven genera. We observed greater abundance (68%) and taxonomic richness (11 genera) of Ephemeroptera in the agricultural streams. The natural streams comprise 32% of the fauna collected, with eight genera. That pattern was especially determined by the Baetidae and Leptohyphidae families. The genera Caenis, Cloeodes, and Tricorythopsis were abundant in the agricultural streams. In this study, we observed that genera of Ephemeroptera are tolerant to environmental changes, particularly those caused by agricultural activities. Therefore, the use of the order in studies to assess water quality must be carried out with caution. impacts study activities Sul analysis ‘natural 42 >42 vegetation ‘agricultural 72 >72 use. . use) 2767 2 767 2,76 organisms 68% 68 (68% 11 (1 32 Caenis Cloeodes changes Therefore caution 4 >4 7 >7 276 76 2,7 6 (68 1 ( 3 > 27 2, (6

ABSTRACT The genus Curicta Stål comprises aquatic insects commonly known as water scorpions and typically occurs in habitats associated with marginal mud. It is exclusively distributed in the New World, with 17 species recorded in the Neotropical Region, including 12 in Brazil. In the state of Maranhão, only one species, Curicta montei De Carlo, has been documented to date. Thus, this study aims to explore the diversity of Curicta in the state of Maranhão. A total of 124 specimens were collected, representing three species: Curicta granulosa De Carlo, C. johnpolhemi Keffer, and C. montei. Notably, C. johnpolhemi and C. granulosa are reported here as new distribution records for the state of Maranhão. Previously described based solely on a single female, our investigation of C. johnpolhemi enabled the description of the male, providing additional taxonomic insights for the species. Photographs of one specimen from each species are provided and diagnostic features are illustrated. mud World 1 Region Brazil Maranhão Carlo date Thus collected C Keffer Notably female male illustrated

BACKGROUND: Morphological characteristics and life history strategies are vital in the success of plants to inhabit specific areas. Until recently the genus Acanthopsis was taxonomically poorly understood, and a recent revision rectified this aspect. The group comprises 20 species, all confined to arid parts of South Africa and Namibia. Much regarding the life history and ecology of the genus was still unknown. OBJECTIVES: Members of the genus Acanthopsis adapted to harsh environmental conditions have evolved an array of functional traits to enhance their chances of survival. The present contribution focuses on a select few of these traits, with discussion centred around them METHODS: This paper gives an overview of some casual and anecdotal observations made on the morphological characteristics and life history strategy during the taxonomic study. RESULTS: Significant adaptations include a perennial subshrub habit, spinous inflorescences/infructescences, and flowers exhibiting the classical syndrome for insect pollination, likely by insects possessing elongated proboscises. Additionally, the seeds are myxospermous and undergo dispersal solely when there is an ample supply of water for germination. Noteworthy is the prompt germination of seeds, occurring within 24 h. CONCLUSION: Certain observations may potentially serve as catalysts for further, more in-depth investigations into the ecological significance of specific morphological traits and how the species might respond to anticipated future changes in temperature and precipitation.

Resumen El plástico en Ecuador representa el 11,43% de los residuos generados. La construcción al ser una industria con gran impacto en la economía ecuatoriana es el lugar idóneo para implementar un modelo de economía circular y apoyar a una solución utilizando este desecho. Se plantea a la madera plástica como material de bajo impacto para la construcción, por lo que es necesaria su caracterización. Es así que, mediante el uso de normativas ASTM D (6108, 6109, 638, 2344, 6111, 570 y 2240), se determinan las características físicas y mecánicas de dos tipos de madera plástica producida en Ecuador M1 (PET y cáscara de arroz) y M2 (Polipropileno). Los resultados indicaron que la madera plástica M1 tiene una mayor resistencia a la tracción y capacidad de absorción de agua gracias a las fibras naturales de refuerzo. Además, M1 presenta el módulo de elasticidad más alto, lo que le confiere una mayor rigidez y menor deformabilidad. Por otro lado, se observó que M2 presenta una sección transversal menos compacta y vacíos en su estructura, lo que resulta en mayores deformaciones. En general la madera plástica es ventajosa para la construcción porque tiene una baja probabilidad de ser atacada por xilófagos y tiene un gran potencial en el diseño de elementos de carga axial debido a su desempeño a compresión, tracción y flexión aceptable, limitándose a construcciones de baja altura por las altas deformaciones que presenta.

Abstract Plastic in Ecuador represents 11.43% of the waste generated. As the construction industry has a significant impact on the Ecuadorian economy, it is an ideal place to implement a circular economy model and support a solution using this waste. Plastic wood is proposed as a low-impact material for construction, so its characterization is necessary. In this work, the physical and mechanical characteristics of two types of plastic wood produced in Ecuador, M1 (PET and rice husk) and M2 (polypropylene), were determined using ASTM D regulations (6108, 6109, 638, 2344, 6111, 570, and 2240). The results indicated that plastic wood M1 has higher tensile strength and water absorption capacity due to its natural reinforcement fibers. Additionally, M1 has the highest modulus of elasticity, which gives it greater stiffness and lower deformability. On the other hand, it was observed that M2 has a less compact cross-section and voids in its structure, resulting in greater deformations. In general, plastic wood is advantageous for construction because it has a low probability of being attacked by wood-boring insects and has great potential in the design of axial load elements due to its acceptable performance under compression, tension, and bending, limited to low-rise constructions due to the high deformations it presents.