The sandfly Trichophoromyia auraensis has recently evolved as a proven vector of Leishmania (Viannia) endemic to state of Acre in the north of Brazil. This note is intended to propose a correction in the report of the first occurrence of natural infection of Leishmania (Viannia) in this species. We and the other scientific groups reinforced that Tr. auraensis is a possible vector involved in the transmission of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in Acre, Brazil.

Studies on the sandfly fauna to evaluate natural infection indexes are still limited in the Brazilian Amazon, a region with an increasing incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Here, by using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction directed to Leishmania kDNA and hybridisation, we were able to identify L. (Viannia) subgenus in 12 out of 173 sandflies captured in the municipality of Rio Branco, Acre state, revealing a positivity of 6.94%. By sequencing the Leishmania 234 bp-hsp70 amplified products from positive samples, infection by L. (V.) braziliensis was confirmed in five sandflies: one Evandromyia saulensis, three Trichophoromyia auraensis and one Pressatia sp. The finding of L. (Viannia) DNA in two Ev. saulensis corresponds to the first record of possible infection associated with this sandfly. Moreover, our study reveals for the first time in Brazil, Th. auraensis and Pressatia sp. infected by L. (Viannia) parasites.

In order to mark Triatoma brasiliensis, the vector of Chagas disease in Brazil, two chemical compounds, rubidium chloride (RbCl) and chromium chloride (CrCl3), were tested. First, 199 N2-N5 nymphs were fed on blood with 0.025M RbCl. Rb marker positivity ranged from 2.5% (N3)-70% (N2), with a maximum persistence of 98 days. Second, 265 N2-N5 nymphs were fed on blood containing 0.0015M CrCl3. Cr marker positivity ranged up to 93% (N5), with a maximum persistence of 119 days. Finally, we blood fed 213 T. brasiliensis to investigate whether CrCl3 altered the biology of this insect. The developmental time of T. brasiliensis was unaltered, but the survival of the Cr-marked group was lower than that of the control group. Differences in the mean fecundity of the control (mean of 156.1) and experimental (mean of 135.6) groups were not statistically significant and 100% of the egg batches of females Cr-marked as nymphs were positive. In conclusion, CrCl3 is a useful tool for marking T. brasiliensis nymphs due to its high positivity and persistence.

Este artigo aborda a paulatina, porém consistente recuperação da vegetação remanescente, em área Kaiowá e Guarani, graças à integração de esforços de moradores locais e órgãos parceiros. Na riqueza dos relatos confirma-se a existência de um imenso acervo de conhecimentos tradicionais, contendo formas de utilização, modelos de manejo e gestão ambiental, que apontam para uma situação mais adequada e de possível sustentabilidade.

This paper approaches the slow but consistent remaining vegetation recovery, as a result of the integration of local habitants and partner organs efforts, in the Kaiowá and Guarani area. It's confirmed by the rich reports that there's an immense acquis of traditional knowledge, containing forms of utilization and environmental management models, which point out a more adequate and likely sustainability situation.

Este articulo trata de la lenta, pero consistente recuperación de la vegetación remanente, en area Kaiowá y Guarani, gracias a la integración de esfuerzos de los residentes locales y órganos parceros. En la riqueza de las narraciones se confirma la existéncia de un inmenso acervo de conocimientos tradicionales, comportando formas de utilización, modelos de manejo y gestión ambiental, que apuntan para una situación mas adecuada y de posible sustentabilidad.

Cet article propose une analyse de la récupération progressive et constante de la végétation restante en territoire autochtone Kaiowá et Guarani. Ce processus est réalisé avec l'effort des résidents locaux et des organismes partenaires. Les récits des habitants révèlent de nombreux savoirs traditionnels, y compris les moyens et les modèles de gestion durable de l'environnement.

RESUMO O presente estudo objetivou estimar parâmetros e valores genéticos para os caracteres altura e diâmetro de indivíduos de erva-mate Ilex paraguariensis (St. Hil.) pela metodologia de modelos mistos (procedimento REML/BLUP). As progênies de meios-irmãos foram plantadas na Reserva Indígena Kaiowá e Guarani, em Caarapó/MS, sob delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com seis tratamentos (progênies), seis repetições e vinte plantas por parcela. Aos 9 meses de idade, foram avaliados os caracteres: altura total das mudas e diâmetro do coleto. Ganhos genéticos preditos de 4,16% foram obtidos para o caráter altura e 7,20% para o caráter diâmetro, com a seleção dos dez melhores indivíduos. Embora os ganhos genéticos não sejam elevados para a idade avaliada, estimulam a utilização desses germoplasmas e a continuidade das avaliações em idades mais avançadas, explorando-se a variabilidade dentro das progênies.

ABSTRACT The objective of this paper was to estimate genetic values and parameters for the traits height and diameter of erva-mate individuals using the methodology of mixing models (REML/BLUP procedure). The half-sib progenies were established at the Indigenous Reserve Kaiowá and Guarani, in Caarapó/MS, in a randomized block design, with six treatments, six replications and twenty plants per plot. Nine months after planting, height and diameter were evaluated. Genetic gain predition of 4.16% for height and of 7.20% for diameter were obtained with selection of the best ten individuals. Although the genetic gain is not high for the evaluated age, it stimulate the use of these germoplasms in future evaluations at advanced ages, exploring the variability within progenies.

Abstract This paper intended to estimate genetic values and parameters for plant height, diameter at the base of the plant and leaf-storey number of rubber tree [Hevea brasiliensis (Willd ex Adr. de Juss.) Müell. Arg.] halfsib progenies using the mixed-model methodology (Reml/Blup procedure). The rubber tree progenies were obtained from a second generation population produced from the recombination of 30 original parents, pertaining to the Instituto Agronômico de Campinas (IAC) in São Paulo state. At the age of eight months the variables were evaluated. Results demonstrated the existence of significant genetic variability among the progenies for the studied traits. The estimates of the heritability coefficient showed moderate values for both height and leaf-storey number, and low values for plant diameter at the base of the plant. There are good possibilities of genetic gain for these main traits in the context of the improvement program that was started in Mato Grosso do Sul state.

Em áreas rurais, buscam-se espécies arbóreas que apresentem rápido crescimento, habilidade para fixar nitrogênio e melhorar a estrutura do solo, especialmente em locais degradados, tendo usos múltiplos e facilidade para consórcio com culturas agrícolas. A Albizia lebbeck apresenta essas características. O presente estudo avaliou a variabilidade genética e estimou parâmetros genéticos em progênies de albizia para o caráter germinação. Sementes de 26 matrizes da espécie foram coletadas no município de Campo Grande, MS. Os testes de superação da dormência e germinação foram realizados no laboratório de Botânica da Universidade Católica Dom Bosco. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso, com cinco repetições e 15 plantas. As estimativas de herdabilidade no sentido amplo foram de 0,43 para indivíduos e 0,79 para média de matrizes, sugerindo expressivo controle genético. A seleção das 10 melhores matrizes proporcionou ganho genético de, pelo menos, 8,1%. Este germoplasma pode ser usado em programa de melhoramento genético para a espécie.

Fast growing and nitrogen fixing forest trees species play an important role in rural areas, mainly in degraded lands, where they provide multiple purposes and facilities for intercropping with other crops. Albizia lebbeck is one of such species. This paper aimed at estimating the genetic variability for germination in a progeny test of this species. Seeds from 26 parent trees were collected in a site located at Campo Grande, MS. The germination tests were performed in the UCDB University under a randomised complete block design with five replications and 15 plants per plot. The broad sense heritability estimates were 0.43 and 0.79 at individual and parent tree mean levels, respectively, which denotes a moderate to high genetic control. Selection of the best 10 parents provided a genetic gain of 8.1%. This genetic resource can be used in a genetic improvement program for the species.