Fatima Conceição Márquez Piña-Rodrigues

Crescimento inicial de mudas de Clitoria fairchidiana Howard e Peltophorum dubium (Sprenge) Taub em diferentes condições de sombreamento.

Seedlings growth of Peltophorum dubium (Canafistula) and Clitoria fairchildiana (Sombreiro) were evaluated in different shade degrees, which are usually used in the reforestation of Rio de Janeiros slopes. Seeds were collected from several trees and sown directly in plastic bags. Shade levels tested were: 0% (full sun), 30%, 50% and 75%. The experiment started 1 month after sowing. Height was evaluated after 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days of the installation. Root dry weight was analysed 150 days after the installation. Studied species have shown different behaviours in relation to the analysed parameters. It is recommended to the immediate plantation to growth sombreiro’s seedlings under shade of 30% and canafistula, under full sun, 30% or 75% of shade. If you would like to stock the seedlings you should keep sombreiro’s seedlings under full sun and canafistula’s seedlings under 50% of shade. Both species may be planted under full sun, 30%, 50% and 75% of shade, and they are indicated for the beginning of a reforestation or for the enrichment of an area.

Integrating Biodiversity Conservation into Agroecosystem Management: Using Birds to Bring Conservation and Agricultural Production Together

The conversion of natural areas into agricultural systems for food and energy production has globally put biodiversity and ecosystem functions at risk. Recent research has focused on characterizing biodiversity and ecological functions, e.g., pollination, seed dispersal, and control of herbivorous arthropods, as well as on the best agricultural practices to consort the production and conservation of natural environments. In this context, birds can serve as models – both for the relatively good taxonomic resolution and ecological knowledge and for the range of ecosystem services that they consistently perform. We discuss the most sustainable practices for both the maintenance of biodiversity focusing on bird fauna and of ecological processes, and thus for human well-being. In order to close ranks between biodiversity conservation and agricultural production, biodiversity can be incorporated directly or indirectly into agroecosystem management, either to measure or monitor ecological parameters, to identify priority areas for conservation, or to identify suitable native plant species for ecological restoration or agricultural productivity. For the state of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), different ecosystem management solutions are developed to link biodiversity conservation with the safe operation of agroecosystem and sustainable production, taking into account Brazil’s complex legal-environmental framework.

The exotic wasp Megastigmus transvaalensis (Hymenoptera: Torymidae): first record and damage on the Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolius drupes, in São Paulo, Brazil

This paper records the first report of Megastigmus transvaalensis Hussey (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) in Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae) drupes in Sorocaba, state of São Paulo, Brazil. This wasp is an invasive species and was found damaging S. terebinthifolius drupes in urban areas (35.0 ± 15.8%), natural forests (21.5 ± 10.2%) and restoration areas (15.8 ± 8.4%). The bio-ecology and damage caused by M. transvaalensis in the S. terebinthifolius drupes warrants further study focused upon the management of this phytophagous wasp. Megastigmus transvaalensis has a potential to be disseminated throughout Brazil and is posing a threat to the natural regeneration of S. terebinthifolius in the native forests and restoration areas and ecological regions of this country.

CHUVA DE SEMENTES COMO INDICADORA DO ESTÁDIO DE CONSERVAÇÃO DE FRAGMENTOS FLORESTAIS EM SOROCABA - SP

The aim of this study was to analyze the degradation state of forest fragments applying seed rain as an indicator. Fragments (n = 5) in semideciduous forest, in Sorocaba, SP state, were studied from August to October, in 2007, and from January to December, in 2008, and seed traps were established in 11 plots (10 x 10 m). The material was separated and seeds and fruits were identified and classified based on dispersion syndrome and habit. Although fragments F4 and F5 showed high richness, diversity and equitability, there were dominance of herbaceous and anemochoric species. The highest proportion of seed rain was observed in F1, F2 and F4, with 36.8%, 26.8% and 17.8%, and F3 and F5, showed only 12.6% and 5.9%. The seed rain was seasonal and higher in the transition from dry to wet season, with 63% of total seed rain. The anemochory was the most representative syndrome (86%), that is more observed in open and degraded areas. The results indicated viability of the quantitative analysis of seed rain for monitoring the fragment restoration, being effective to detect environmental differences among fragments.

Litterfall: A Bio-indicator for Edge Effect in a Semi-deciduous Seasonal Forest

This study aimed to evaluate the use of litterfall as an indicator of fragmentation in a Semi-deciduous Seasonal Forest in Além Paraíba, MG, Brazil. Litterfall was collected monthly for one year in conical collectors (0.25 m2 of surface), located at seven distances from the forest edge: 10, 30, 60, 100, 160, 250 and 350 m. The litterfall was dried in an oven and separated (leaves, branches, reproductive structures, miscellaneous). Litterfall was greater near the forest edge, probably due to a predominance of species with high leaf deposition (pioneers and deciduous). Litterfall had peaks at the beginning of the rainy season for the average obtained from the seven distances from the forest edge. The edge effect did not clearly influence the contribution of the fractions or the seasonality of total litterfall.

VARIAÇÃO ENTRE E DENTRO DE POPULAÇÕES EM TAMANHO E DORMÊNCIA DE SEMENTES DE Schizolobium parahyba (Vell.) Blake NA FLORESTA ATLÂNTICA

Seed size and dormancy level were studied in 20 trees from two populations of Schizolobium parahybato evaluate how these characteristics occurbetween and within populations, and whether seed germination was affected by its morphometry. These two populations are located in the coastal (Paraty) or mountain (Miguel Pereira) regions in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The seed morphometrictraits (length, width, thickness and weight) were measured. Germination with or without seedcoatdormancy treatment (mechanical scarification) wasassessedbya randomized emergence test in nursey. All morphometric traits differed significantly among individuals and between populations. The trees from the mountain region showed a larger seed size and a lower dormancy level than that of trees from the coastal region. Seed size had no effect on seed germination or seedling development. Climate influence on the determination of germination behavior is discussed based on the results.