ABSTRACT Backgrounds: Urban and peri-urban fragments are vital for biodiversity conservation, requiring genetic assessment of tree species in fragmented forests. The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic variability and diversity for adult individuals of J. micrantha along an urban-rural gradient in the Araucaria Forest. Fifteen individuals were sampled, with five from each remaining forest type. Initially, 10 ISRR primers were tested. Five mother trees were chosen from each site (urban, peri-urban, and rural) with a minimum distance of 100 m. The experimental design was a RCBD with 15 progenies, three provenances, three blocks, and 20 plants per plot, totaling 900 seedlings. Results: The average percentage of polymorphic loci was 93.33%. The urban population showed a greater loss of genetic diversity (H=0.1806). 79% of the genetic diversity was found within populations. The observed gene flow value (Nm) was 1.8790, indicating that there were no random losses of alleles within populations. The fragments did not exhibit significant differences, but there were significant differences among the progenies. The stem diameter (SD) and the height-diameter relationship (H/SD) emerged as the key traits for selecting new individuals due to their higher heritability (< 0.50), accuracy (< 0.70), and relative coefficient of variation (< 7%). Conclusion: The urban fragment is the most affected, but gene flow between fragments prevents the random loss of alleles. The analysis suggests that these fragments form a unique population, despite geographic barriers. Thus, the three fragments can be considered when choosing superior individuals for future progeny tests in genetic improvement programs for the species. Backgrounds periurban peri conservation forests J urbanrural rural Forest sampled type Initially 1 tested urban, (urban periurban, m progenies provenances blocks 2 plot 90 seedlings Results 9333 93 33 93.33% H=0.1806. H01806 H H=0.1806 . 0 1806 (H=0.1806) 79 populations Nm (Nm 18790 8790 1.8790 SD (SD heightdiameter height H/SD HSD (H/SD < ( 0.50, 050 0.50 , 50 0.50) 0.70, 070 0.70 70 0.70) 7%. 7 7% 7%) Conclusion affected barriers Thus 9 933 3 93.33 H0180 H=0.180 180 (H=0.1806 1879 879 1.879 05 0.5 5 07 0.7 93.3 H018 H=0.18 18 (H=0.180 187 87 1.87 0. 93. H01 H=0.1 (H=0.18 8 1.8 H0 H=0. (H=0.1 1. H=0 (H=0. H= (H=0 (H= (H

RESUMEN Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar el desarrollo morfológico y el ciclo biológico de Luffa cylindrica, en diferentes tipos de fertilización (polvo basáltico y NPK), así como identificar la entomofauna visitante. Fue realizado en Canoinhas/SC, en un área de 450 m², organizado en nueve camas: tres con polvo de basalto, tres con NPK y tres sin fertilización (testigo). Las evaluaciones se realizaron quincenalmente, midiendo las variables: número de semillas germinadas, altura de la planta (cm), largo y ancho de hojas y flores (cm), largo del fruto (cm), número de flores y frutos y la presencia o ausencia de frutos dañados y, finalmente, la recolección de insectos visitantes. La especie germinó a los 60 días, sus hojas pueden alcanzar 18,67 cm de largo y 16,72 cm de ancho; 10 flores midiendo en promedio 6,67 cm y 11 frutos de 24,50 cm de largo. Hubo mayor eficiencia del polvo de basalto para altura de planta y número de frutos dañados. Para el número de flores, largo y ancho de flores, el NPK demostró ser más eficiente, en las demás variables no hubo diferencia significativa. De esta forma, el polvo de basalto es una alternativa sostenible para la fertilización, evitando los productos convencionales.

ABSTRACT This research aimed to analyze the morphological development and biological cycle of Luffa cylindrica, in different types of fertilization (basalt powder and NPK), as well as to identify the visiting entomofauna. Research was made in Canoinhas, Santa Catarina State, in a 450 m² area, held in nine flowerbeds: three with basalt powder, three with NPK and three with no fertilization (control test). Evaluations were carried out fortnightly, and variables tested were: number of germinated seeds, plant height (cm), leaves and flowers length and width (cm), fruits length (cm), number of flowers and fruits, damaged fruits (presence or absence) and, finally, collection of visiting insects. The species germinated at 60 days, its leaves can reach 18.67 cm long and 16.72 cm wide; 10 flowers, measuring on average 6.67 cm, and 11 fruits with 24.50 cm in length. Basalt powder efficiency was higher for plant height and number of damaged fruits. For flowers number, length and width of flowers, NPK was more efficient, in the other variables there was no significant difference. Thus, basalt powder is a sustainable fertilizer alternative, avoiding conventional products.