ABSTRACT This was the first study conducted on the diversity and abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) species and quantification of glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) fractions, as well as on their relationship with environmental and soil chemical and physical properties along an elevation gradient above 1000 m in a Brazilian Atlantic cloud forest. AMF diversity was assessed by examining spores extracted from soil samples collected near the roots of the 18 most common plant species in permanent plots established in the field at altitudes of 1500, 1700, 1900, and 2100 meters above sea level. Fifteen AMF species were found, most of them belonging to the families Acaulosporaceae, Glomeraeceae, and Gigasporaceae. Compositions of the AMF community varied among the altitudes; Acaulospora was the predominant genus, with six species. The total Bradford-reactive soil protein (BRSP) and the easily extractable BRSP (EE-BRSP) soil glomalin were the highest at the altitude of 2100 m (5.7 and 3.8 mg.g soil-1, respectively). Altitude and environment and soil characteristics affected the composition and diversity (Shannon index) of the AMF communities. However, the effect of altitude on AMF diversity can be estimated, indirectly, through its effect on plant diversity. (AMF glomalinrelated related GRSP (GRSP fractions 100 forest 1 1500 1700 1900 210 level found Acaulosporaceae Glomeraeceae Gigasporaceae genus Bradfordreactive Bradford reactive (BRSP EEBRSP EE (EE-BRSP 5.7 57 5 7 (5. 38 3 8 3. mgg mg g soil1, soil1 1, soil-1 respectively. respectively . respectively) Shannon index communities However estimated indirectly 10 150 170 190 21 5. (5 soil- 15 17 19 2 (

Abstract During a taxonomic investigation of the names classified under Scleria subgenus Scleria section Hymenolytrum, it was necessary to replace the lectotype of S. macrogyne, as the specimen does not agree with the original description. In addition, we propose S. ramosa as a new synonym of S. macrogyne and discuss the reestablishment of S. cyperinoides as an accepted name. Hymenolytrum S description addition name

ABSTRACT In ecotonal Cerrado areas, the addition of Amazonian and Atlantic Forest species mainly occurs through connections between forest areas and forest physiognomies. In this context, the biome is a unique region for research on the influence of geographical and historical factors on its biota. In tropical ecotonal regions, integrated communities can exist on soils that present variations in fertility, physical properties and depth, which results in heterogeneity of physiognomies. It was tested the hypothesis that edaphic conditions related to calcium availability are significantly related to species composition and structural parameters in two physiognomies. The study was conducted in the Cerrado of the Chapada das Mesas National Park (CMNP) in the city of Carolina, Northeast Brazil, and the sample universe consisted of 18 areas in two physiognomies. The initial hypothesis was confirmed. The results and inferences about the vegetation structure and physical-chemical parameters of the soil, suggest that the management for conservation of the CMNP must consider the particularities of the Cerrado physiognomies and the vegetation responses to environmental filters, such as edaphic conditions and associations with other organisms. context biota regions fertility depth (CMNP Carolina Brazil 1 confirmed physicalchemical chemical soil filters organisms

ABSTRACT As part of the systematic study of the tribes Ditaxeae and Adelieae (Acalyphoideae-Euphorbiaceae), here we compile and present a taxonomic synopsis for the South American taxa of Argythamnia, Chiropetalum, and Philyra. We recognize 22 species for Argythamnia, including one herein described as a new species, 20 species and one variety for Chiropetalum, and a single species for Philyra. We also designate 22 lectotypes, a new synonymization and a status novum, in addition to keys for each genus, distribution maps for all taxa, analysis of collection density in South America for each genus, and taxonomic and ecological comments for all taxa. AcalyphoideaeEuphorbiaceae, AcalyphoideaeEuphorbiaceae Acalyphoideae Euphorbiaceae , (Acalyphoideae-Euphorbiaceae) Argythamnia Chiropetalum Philyra 2 lectotypes novum genus (Acalyphoideae-Euphorbiaceae

ABSTRACT The Serra da Bodoquena National Park is an important protected area that promotes the conservation of a threatened ecosystem, the Dry Forest. It comprises two major fragments of predominantly Seasonally Dry Forest vegetation. The two fragments are under different protection schemes because they are considered different biomes. The southern fragment is considered part of the Atlantic Forest biome, and is thus protected by the Atlantic Forest Law, while the northern one is considered part of the Cerrado biome and is protected by the Native Vegetation Protection Law of Brazil (2012). This difference affects management and threatens the conservation of the National Park. The Native Vegetation Protection Law is more permissive, thus increasing the conflicts between the park and surroundings in the northern fragment. We used floristic composition to provide a more accurate definition for the two fragments with regard to their phytogeographical domain. Our results identified high floristic similarity between the fragments, indicating the same vegetation type for both. Among the 202 plant species identified in this study, 76% belong to the Atlantic Forest biome. This relatively high proportion indicates that the predominant vegetation and species composition of the National Park is typical of the Atlantic Forest. The occurrence of fragments of the Atlantic Forest, with a representative number of species of its flora outside the area of application of the law of the Atlantic Forest, defined by Decree No. 6.660 / 2008, indicates the need to elaborate or adapt the law to protect these fragments. ecosystem biomes 2012. 2012 . (2012) permissive domain both 20 study 76 No 6660 6 660 6.66 2008 201 (2012 2 7 666 66 6.6 200 (201 6. (20 (2 (

ABSTRACT Plants interact in positive ways, facilitating each other. We can use this facilitative effect in agriculture by intercropping crop plants with aromatic plants that provide benefits such as the repulsion of pests, resulting in a reduction of agrochemical inputs and higher crop productivity. Considering this potential benefit, we conducted a study in an olive grove to test the effect of the aromatic plants basil (Ocimum basilicum) and rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) on olive (Olea europaea) production. We planted six aromatic saplings under olive trees (20 trees with basil and 20 with rosemary) and selected 20 olive trees with no aromatic plants as a control group. To estimate the productivity of olive trees, we measured the number of inflorescences per tree, the number of fruits, and the average fruit weight. After nine months, we did not find a significant difference in the productivity of olive trees intercropped with aromatic plants compared to olives without the association. However, basil and rosemary had low mortality rates and showed substantial growth. Consequently, while probably not increasing olive production, the absence of negative effects on olive productivity indicates that intercropping aromatic plants and olives is viable and might provide diversification and economic resilience to small farmers. ways other pests benefit Ocimum basilicum Salvia rosmarinus Olea europaea production (2 2 group tree fruits weight months association However growth Consequently farmers (

Abstract Parablechnum cordatum (Blechnaceae) exhibits significant morphological variability, with many species considered as its synonyms, and is treated as a species complex by several authors. In this study, we offer a comprehensive revision of the taxon and an updated circumscription of Parablechnum usterianum, a species frequently confused with P. cordatum, leading to a refined understanding of species delimitation. Our analysis, based on morphological and spore micro- and ultrastructural examination of Brazilian specimens within the complex, recognizes three distinct species: Parablechnum cordatum s.s., Parablechnum brasiliense, and Parablechnum regnellianum, the latter being treated as a synonym but now resurrected with a new combination. Here, we present a key to the species, along with detailed descriptions, diagnostic images, distribution maps, lectotypifications, synonymies, and nomenclatural clarifications. Blechnaceae (Blechnaceae variability synonyms authors study usterianum P delimitation analysis micro ss s s.s. brasiliense regnellianum combination Here descriptions images maps lectotypifications synonymies clarifications s.s

Abstract Radulaceae is one of the most isolated lineages of leafy liverworts. This family contains three genera and between 200 and 350 extant species worldwide. Most species belong to the genus Radula, which is subdivided into five subgenera and remains taxonomically challenging. In the framework of an integrative taxonomic revision of Radulaceae in tropical America, we are paying special attention to understudied features that may be taxonomically informative, such as spores. Here, we perform the first palynological evaluation of sixteen species of Radulaceae. The spores were processed by standard palynological techniques and described using light and electron microscopy. The spores of Radulaceae are isomorphic monads, apolar in species of the genus Radula and cryptopolar in Cladoradula, usually small to medium-sized, rarely large, inaperturate, with a circular to slightly elongated outline. The spore surface is ornamented with rounded elements, here called Granulate-type ornamentation, or with elongated elements, called Echinate-type ornamentation, and shows differences in each species. The palynological data, especially spore ornamentation, can make an important contribution to Radulaceae taxonomy for separating species or groups of species. The groups found here, however, do not fully correspond to generic and infrageneric circumscriptions as supported by molecular-phylogenetic evidence. liverworts 20 35 worldwide challenging America informative Here microscopy monads Cladoradula mediumsized, mediumsized medium sized, sized medium-sized large inaperturate outline elements Granulatetype Granulate type ornamentation Echinatetype Echinate data however molecularphylogenetic molecular phylogenetic evidence 2 3

Abstract Pollen morphology serves as a valuable tool for taxonomic characterization and evolutionary studies. In this study, we conducted a detailed morphological analysis of pollen grains from 16 species of Machaerium Pers. (Fabaceae) occurring in São Paulo, Brazil. Pollen samples were obtained from herbarium specimens and subjected to both qualitative and quantitative analyses using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Our results confirm the stenopalynous character of Machaerium pollen, characterized by monads, isopolar pollen grains, 3-colporate with narrow colpi, and microreticulate exine. Quantitative measurements of colpus length and width, and endoaperture width, proved to be relevant for species differentiation. Additionally, qualitative characteristics such as pollen size, amb, shape, aperture position, presence of fastigium, and the thickness of the exine layer were identified as distinguishing factors among species. Despite variations observed, our analysis did not reveal distinct pollen features for taxonomic sections within the genus, indicating a high degree of pollen similarity among species. These findings contribute to our understanding of pollen morphology in Machaerium species and highlight the importance of pollen characteristics in taxonomic studies and evolutionary research. study 1 Pers Fabaceae (Fabaceae Paulo Brazil monads 3colporate colporate 3 colpi width differentiation Additionally size amb shape position fastigium observed genus research

Abstract The threatened orchid Cattleya milleri is a microendemic orchid of a Brazilian savanna hotspot. As endophytes and mycorrhizae may improve its propagation and conservation, we investigated its root fungal community. Cattleya milleri roots were sampled in five natural sites and at a greenhouse. Fungal root endophytes were isolated for characterization and molecular ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) identification. Total DNA was extracted from endorhiza and rhizosphere for ITS amplification and sequencing. Sixteen fungal isolates were clustered in 6 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) and endorhizal and rhizospheric sequences were clustered in 327 OTUs. Endorhiza presented from 25 to 89 OTUs, and rhizosphere 56 OTUs. Cluster analysis showed high divergence between natural and greenhouse fungal communities, but similarity among natural samples. From the 94 genera, 24 were annotated as endophytes, two mycorrhizas, 33 pathotrophs, 40 saprotrophs, and 17 symbiotrophs based on the FunGuild database. Endophytes of the orders Capnodiales, Hypocreales, Pleosporales, and mycorrhizae of Sebacinales occurred in all sites. The mycorrhizae Tulasnella occurred in all natural samples. The interaction with only two mycorrhizal taxa may limit C. milleri distribution. However, the recruitment of many non-mycorrhizal endophytes is essential to natural development. Pleosporales, Tulasnella, and Sebacinalles may be considered for C. milleri propagation and conservation. hotspot conservation community Internal Spacer identification sequencing OTUs (OTUs 32 2 8 5 communities samples 9 genera mycorrhizas 3 pathotrophs 4 saprotrophs 1 database Capnodiales Hypocreales Pleosporales C distribution However nonmycorrhizal non development

ABSTRACT Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) communities in coffee-cultivated areas in the northeastern region of Brazil have been insufficiently studied when compared to other Brazilian regions. This study determined AMF occurrence and richness in coffee-cultivated soils under different management systems in the State of Bahia, Brazil, and in soils from surrounding areas with pasture and native forest (control areas). Physicochemical soil characteristics in the different study areas were also evaluated. A total of 43 AMF spore morphotypes in 14 genera belonging to six families were recovered from soil samples from all study areas: Glomeraceae (35%), Acaulosporaceae (35%), Gigasporaceae (21%), Ambisporaceae (5%), Archaeosporaceae (2%) and Diversisporaceae (2%). Rhizophagus fasciculatus, Acaulospora mellea and Glomus sp. 1 were the most frequent fungi found in all areas. In the coffee-cultivated areas, 12 genera were identified, two of which (Dominikia and Fuscutata) had not yet been reported in association with coffee plants in Brazil. We concluded that soil physicochemical properties and AMF occurrence can distinguish study areas based on land use. The different coffee management systems did not influence AMF species richness, but the occurrence was influenced by both management and soil factors. (AMF coffeecultivated cultivated regions Bahia control . areas) evaluated 4 35%, 35 35% , (35%) 21%, 21 21% (21%) 5%, 5 5% (5%) 2% 2 (2% 2%. fasciculatus sp identified Dominikia Fuscutata use factors 3 (35% (21% (5% (2 (35 (21 (5 ( (3

Abstract This study brings the updated flora of the Cerrado Pé-de-Gigante (CPG) - which is part of the Vassununga State Park and one of the largest remnants of the Cerrado biome in São Paulo state, in Brazil - as well as information regarding the conservation status of the CPG flora. The plant list was produced through a systematic review of existing literature, virtual herbaria, and on-site field validation. In such an area of just over 1200 hectares, we documented a total of 683 plant species, including angiosperms, ferns, lycophytes and bryophytes. Notably, our fieldwork revealed 11 previously unrecorded plant species. Concerning the conservation condition of the native flora, four are in threat categories - three as Vulnerable (VU) and one Endangered (EN) - and five are Near Threatened (NT); we also highlight the presence of 18 exotic species with invasive potential that pose a significant threat to the local ecosystems by contributing to habitat degradation and species extinction. We emphasize the relevance of the CPG in the context of biodiversity conservation, especially considering that the remaining Cerrado vegetation in São Paulo state is found mostly in small fragments and often inadequately protected. PédeGigante Pé de Gigante (CPG literature herbaria onsite on site validation 120 hectares 68 angiosperms ferns bryophytes Notably 1 VU (VU EN (EN NT (NT) extinction protected 12 6 (NT

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of iron mining tailings on seed germination, photosynthetic capacity, and biomass accumulation of macaúba palm (Acrocomia aculeata) seedlings. After operculum removal, seed germination tests were conducted on two substrates: iron mining tailings and vermiculite (control). No significant difference was observed between treatments in the total percentage of germinated seeds, 68% and 65% for vermiculite and tailings, respectively. In a second essay, the macaúba palm seedlings were grown using four different substrates: a reference soil (mixture of red oxisol and sand), tailings, fertilized reference soil, and fertilized tailings. No significant differences were observed for the chlorophyll indices. Plants in the reference soil showed significantly higher net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate. However, plants in fertilized tailing showed greater photochemical efficiency compared to those without fertilization. The study concludes that A. aculeata maintains its germination capacity in iron mining tailings. Tailing fertilization increased macaúba seedling dry mass and leaf area with greater CO2 assimilation and photochemical efficiency. Thus, the macaúba palm is a promising plant component for rehabilitating degraded areas impacted by iron ore mining activities. Acrocomia removal substrates control. control . (control) seeds 68 65 respectively essay mixture sand, sand , sand) indices photosynthesis conductance rate However A CO Thus activities (control 6

Abstract At an intraspecific scale, plants exhibit trait adjustments to their respective habitat, playing a pivotal role in species distribution across environmental gradients. We aimed to understand whether and how Curatella americana L. (Dilleniaceae) varies in leaf and wood morphoanatomical traits among three Amazon open vegetation types under distinct edaphic conditions. We tested the hypothesis that soil properties drive variation in species' functional traits and resource-use strategies. We collected plant and soil samples at seven sites (three savannas, two campinarana and two restinga) and functional traits were measured for 70 C. americana individuals. The variation in intraspecific traits was associated with soil properties. In the restinga, individuals exhibited the highest specific leaf area influenced by fine sand and sodium. However, in the savanna, soil variables prompted morphoanatomical responses related to leaf dry-matter content, leaf thickness, largest lumen resistivity, the lowest wood density and average vessel area. The campinarana sites have strong affinities for clay and pH. We highlight the continuum of conservative-acquisitive functional strategies, exhibited by C. americana across Amazonian open vegetation, showing the adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. Strategies vary within individuals based on tissue type, suggesting decoupling between leaf and wood levels, with traits operating independently at both levels. scale habitat gradients L Dilleniaceae (Dilleniaceae conditions resourceuse resource use strategies savannas restinga 7 C sodium However savanna drymatter dry matter content thickness resistivity pH conservativeacquisitive conservative acquisitive type levels

ABSTRACT Aristolochia hypoglauca and A. paulistana (Aristolochiaceae) are two species that inhabit the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. They highly resemble each other especially on the size and overall shape of the caudate perianth, which causes confusion in herbaria determinations. We applied geometric morphometrics (GM) to overcome this taxonomic uncertainty. GM was based on the landmark method applied to leaves of all specimens available mostly in Brazilian herbaria. The GM results supported the recognition of the two species, as the two principal components were responsible for 94.97% of the variation assessed through the principal component analysis (PCA). The Discriminant Function and the Cross-validation tests resulted in the maximum percentage of correctly classified cases (100%). The Procrustes distance (0.2252; p< 0.0001), and the Mahalanobis Distance (8.4473; p< 0.0001) provide statistical support for leaf shape differences with taxonomic significance. Thus, we revisit the taxonomy and comparative morphology of both species, and compare them with other Aristolochia species with caudate floral limb native to Brazil, and commented the phenology, distribution and habitat, and conservation status. Additionally, we proposed the epitypification of A. hypoglauca, given that the holotype does not fulfill the purpose of precise application of the name. A Aristolochiaceae (Aristolochiaceae Forest perianth determinations (GM uncertainty 9497 94 97 94.97 PCA. PCA . (PCA) Crossvalidation Cross validation 100%. 100 100% (100%) 0.2252 02252 0 2252 (0.2252 p 0.0001, 00001 0.0001 , 0001 8.4473 84473 8 4473 (8.4473 significance Thus Brazil phenology habitat status Additionally name 949 9 94.9 (PCA 10 (100% 0.225 0225 225 (0.225 0000 0.000 000 8.447 8447 447 (8.447 94. 1 (100 0.22 022 22 (0.22 0.00 00 8.44 844 44 (8.44 (10 0.2 02 2 (0.2 0.0 8.4 84 4 (8.4 (1 0. (0. 8. (8. ( (0 (8