cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14281020.v1
title: Environmental filters structure plant communities in the Brazilian Chaco

description: ABSTRACT We characterized taxonomic and functional differences between two vegetation physiognomies in the Brazilian Chaco, namely chaco woodland (CW) and chaco forest (CF), in order to understand which abiotic and biotic mechanisms underlie the establishment of different physiognomies. We characterized the vegetation physiognomies by comparing woody species composition, richness and diversity and functional diversity between CW and CF plots. We also measured soil variables to characterize abiotic factors related to the different physiognomies. Species richness and diversity and soil nutrient values were higher in CF. Leaf succulence and nitrogen content were higher in CW, while height, leaf area, and specific leaf area were higher in CF. The standardized effect size (SES) of functional richness was higher in CW, but the SES of functional dispersion did not differ between CF and CW. We observed a diversity gradient related to soil fertility. Traits of species in CW were related to adaptations to poor soils, while in CF floristic composition showed a prevalence of species with more attributes related to competition for light. Thus, the structure of the floristic community in CW is likely related to an environmental filter, while competition for resources prevails in CF.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14281025.v1
title: Diversity of endophytic fungi in the leaflets and branches of Poincianella pyramidalis, an endemic species of Brazilian tropical dry forest

description: ABSTRACT Plants harbour diverse communities of fungal species in their internal compartments. Endophytic fungi help their hosts to establish, survive, and adapt to different environments. Here, we examined the diversity of endophytic fungi in the leaflets and branches of Poincianella pyramidalis, a plant species endemic to the Brazilian tropical dry forest (Caatinga). A total of 360 fragments of leaflets and branches were analysed and 189 endophytic fungi were isolated and distributed among 21 ascomycetous genera based on their ITS and LSU rDNA sequences. Diaporthe was the most frequently identified genus, followed by Didymella and Rhytidhysteron. The colonisation rate of plant fragments was higher in the branches (74 %) than in leaflets (14 %). The richness of the genera of endophytic fungi was also higher in the branches than in leaflets, whereas no difference was observed in endophyte diversity between the plant parts, based on Shannon-Wiener and Fisher alpha diversity indices. Our results indicate that endemic plant species from Brazilian dry forest, such as P. pyramidalis, are predominantly colonised by ascomycetous fungi, especially members of the class Dothideomycetes.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14281023
title: What we really know about the composition and function of microalgae cell coverings? - an overview

description: ABSTRACT Cell coverings can be observed in all major groups of organisms, which include animals, plants, fungi, protists and prokaryotes. They play a key role in assuring cell survival or adaptation to certain environmental conditions. Since the term algae refers to a polyphyletic and very artificial group, the cell coverings of these organisms are very diverse in molecular composition and with different arrangements. Differences have taxonomic value since they allow microalgae phyla or even minor taxonomic groups, such as classes, orders or families, to be distinguished. Understanding the structure of cell coverings is also fundamental for the use of microalgae to obtain products of commercial value. Despite its importance, the composition and architecture of microalgae coverings is still poorly understood, especially considering the great diversity of organisms. Diatom frustules are the most studied coverings due their uses in areas of bio- and nanotechnology. There is a lack of information about the cell wall, lorica, periplast, amphiesma and scales. This study is a review with the aim of synthesizing literature information on microalgae cell coverings to describe their compositions, arrangements, functions and industrial uses.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14281023.v1
title: What we really know about the composition and function of microalgae cell coverings? - an overview

description: ABSTRACT Cell coverings can be observed in all major groups of organisms, which include animals, plants, fungi, protists and prokaryotes. They play a key role in assuring cell survival or adaptation to certain environmental conditions. Since the term algae refers to a polyphyletic and very artificial group, the cell coverings of these organisms are very diverse in molecular composition and with different arrangements. Differences have taxonomic value since they allow microalgae phyla or even minor taxonomic groups, such as classes, orders or families, to be distinguished. Understanding the structure of cell coverings is also fundamental for the use of microalgae to obtain products of commercial value. Despite its importance, the composition and architecture of microalgae coverings is still poorly understood, especially considering the great diversity of organisms. Diatom frustules are the most studied coverings due their uses in areas of bio- and nanotechnology. There is a lack of information about the cell wall, lorica, periplast, amphiesma and scales. This study is a review with the aim of synthesizing literature information on microalgae cell coverings to describe their compositions, arrangements, functions and industrial uses.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14281026.v1
title: Seasonality affects the community of endophytic fungi in coconut (Cocos nucifera) crop leaves

description: ABSTRACT The diversity of endophytic fungi in healthy coconut palm leaves (Cocos nucifera) was assessed by analyzing fungal isolates from three coconut cultivars (yellow dwarf, green dwarf, and a hybrid cultivar PB121) used agriculturally in Brazil. The influence of season (rainy or dry) on the endophytic fungal community was also analyzed. Overall, 318 fungal isolates were obtained from 972 coconut leaf fragments. The rDNA ITS region was sequenced from representative species of the isolated endophytic fungi and the most common species identified were Nigrospora oryzae, Pestalotiopsis sp., and Zasmidium musae. The alpha diversity of the endophytic fungi was also calculated. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination and permutational analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) revealed significant seasonal effects on the composition of the endophyte community. However, practically no influence was observed on the fungal communities for the different cultivars of coconut.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14281029.v1
title: Faramea baturitensis (Rubiaceae: Coussareeae), a new species from “Serra de Baturité,” Northeast Brazil

description: ABSTRACT As part of an ongoing study of the taxonomy and systematics of Rubiaceae of the state of Ceará, Brazil, a new species, Faramea baturitensis, is here recognized, described, and illustrated. The new species occurs in “Serra de Baturité,” a relic of the Atlantic Forest. Detailed data on the distribution, habitat, phenology, and conservation status of the new species, as well as a key to species of Faramea in Ceará, are provided.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14281026
title: Seasonality affects the community of endophytic fungi in coconut (Cocos nucifera) crop leaves

description: ABSTRACT The diversity of endophytic fungi in healthy coconut palm leaves (Cocos nucifera) was assessed by analyzing fungal isolates from three coconut cultivars (yellow dwarf, green dwarf, and a hybrid cultivar PB121) used agriculturally in Brazil. The influence of season (rainy or dry) on the endophytic fungal community was also analyzed. Overall, 318 fungal isolates were obtained from 972 coconut leaf fragments. The rDNA ITS region was sequenced from representative species of the isolated endophytic fungi and the most common species identified were Nigrospora oryzae, Pestalotiopsis sp., and Zasmidium musae. The alpha diversity of the endophytic fungi was also calculated. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination and permutational analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) revealed significant seasonal effects on the composition of the endophyte community. However, practically no influence was observed on the fungal communities for the different cultivars of coconut.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14281029
title: Faramea baturitensis (Rubiaceae: Coussareeae), a new species from “Serra de Baturité,” Northeast Brazil

description: ABSTRACT As part of an ongoing study of the taxonomy and systematics of Rubiaceae of the state of Ceará, Brazil, a new species, Faramea baturitensis, is here recognized, described, and illustrated. The new species occurs in “Serra de Baturité,” a relic of the Atlantic Forest. Detailed data on the distribution, habitat, phenology, and conservation status of the new species, as well as a key to species of Faramea in Ceará, are provided.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14281032
title: The pattern of high plant diversity of Neotropical inselbergs: highlighting endemic, threatened and unique species

description: ABSTRACT Understanding how multiple drivers shape plant community diversity across environmental gradients is one of the most important issues in plant ecology and biodiversity conservation. We aimed to analyse plant community structure and diversity in four inselbergs in Espírito Santo State, Brazil. We evaluated species diversity, floristic composition and similarity, phytosociological structure, occurrence, and conservation status of rupicolous flora in the inselberg communities. We used field expeditions and plant inventory data from 370 sampling units. We estimated floristic similarity and compared diversity indexes among inselbergs. We observed marked differences in community structure and diversity among inselbergs, where the southern region had the highest number of taxa and higher values of diversity indices. There were also notable differences in floristic composition and phytosociological structure, with a decrease in similarity as geographical distance increased. This finding demonstrated the existence of differences in the patterns of dominance and vegetation cover along the latitudinal gradient, as well as differences in endemic, threatened, and exclusive species, and represents a first step toward establishing criteria for biodiversity conservation for inselbergs in Espírito Santo State.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14281031
title: Xylem growth rings and leaf phenological patterns in tree species of a subtropical seasonal forest

description: ABSTRACT Growth rings have been reported for several tropical species under seasonal precipitation regimes and have often been related to leaf phenology. We investigated growth ring distinctiveness, wood markers, and leaf shedding and flushing patterns of 16 tree species from a subtropical seasonal deciduous forest under abundant and well-distributed rainfall regime in southern Brazil. Distinct growth rings were found in 13 species, 10 of which presented clear anatomical boundaries. Seven species were deciduous, five semideciduous and four perennial. Leaf shedding peaked during winter and spring months for the deciduous species, while it peaked during spring and summer months for the perennial and semideciduous species. Leaf flushing peaked in spring and summer for all species. All the deciduous species exhibited growth rings with clear boundaries. Marginal parenchyma, associated or not with other anatomical markers, was present in deciduous species but was not present in species with other leaf shedding patterns. Growth rings in Allophylus edulis, Erythrina falcata, Jacaranda micrantha and Luehea divaricata were described for the first time. The presence of seasonal leaf phenological patterns and growth rings in most of the species suggests that seasonality of the photoperiod and/or temperature influence the development of trees in moist subtropical seasonal deciduous forests.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14281032.v1
title: The pattern of high plant diversity of Neotropical inselbergs: highlighting endemic, threatened and unique species

description: ABSTRACT Understanding how multiple drivers shape plant community diversity across environmental gradients is one of the most important issues in plant ecology and biodiversity conservation. We aimed to analyse plant community structure and diversity in four inselbergs in Espírito Santo State, Brazil. We evaluated species diversity, floristic composition and similarity, phytosociological structure, occurrence, and conservation status of rupicolous flora in the inselberg communities. We used field expeditions and plant inventory data from 370 sampling units. We estimated floristic similarity and compared diversity indexes among inselbergs. We observed marked differences in community structure and diversity among inselbergs, where the southern region had the highest number of taxa and higher values of diversity indices. There were also notable differences in floristic composition and phytosociological structure, with a decrease in similarity as geographical distance increased. This finding demonstrated the existence of differences in the patterns of dominance and vegetation cover along the latitudinal gradient, as well as differences in endemic, threatened, and exclusive species, and represents a first step toward establishing criteria for biodiversity conservation for inselbergs in Espírito Santo State.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14281033
title: Implications of global climate change for the development and ecological interactions between two key Amazonian aquatic macrophytes

description: ABSTRACT Amazon wetlands are among the most vulnerable ecosystem to be impacted by climate change, which may increase the frequency of extreme droughts and floods. We used Eichhornia crassipes and Pistia stratiotes, two abundant aquatic plants in the Amazon floodplains, to evaluate the effects of combined temperature and [CO2] increase on growth, physiology and ecological interactions. Individual and paired plants were deposited for three weeks in a microcosm under four IPCC scenarios: control (current temperature/CO2), mild (control + 1.5 ºC, 200 ppm CO2), intermediate (control + 2.5 ºC, 450 ppm CO2) and extreme (control + 3.5 ºC, 850 ppm CO2). P. stratiotes died after three weeks in the intermediate and extreme treatments; E. crassipes experienced no mortality or change in any of the measured variables during the same period. P. stratiotes reduced root length in the mild treatment and reduced total dry biomass in intermediate and extreme treatments, revealing less tolerance to climate change. Ecological interactions between the two species changed with increasing [CO2] and temperature neutral interaction changed to facilitation for E. crassipes, while competitive interaction changed to neutral for P. stratiotes. Global climate change may alter the composition, biomass and ecological interactions of Amazonian aquatic plant species.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14281035
title: Key decision-making criteria for dormancy-breaking and ability to form seed banks of Cerrado native tree species

description: ABSTRACT Ecological restoration by direct seeding in the Cerrado biome still lacks information about native species germination, the need for dormancy overcoming and seed bank formation. This study aims to verify the effects of dormancy overcoming on germination of four tree species and the ability of 12 tree species to form seed banks for restoration use. Our results showed wide variation of species’ germination rates. Overcoming dormancy enhanced germination for Dimorphandra mollis, Hymenaea stigonocarpa, and Peltophorum dubium and decreased it for Copaifera langsdorffii, but was only cost-effective for H. stigonocarpa. Regarding the ability to form seed banks, only H. stigonocarpa and Cecropia pachystachya germinated and live seedlings of Terminalia corrugata were found after being buried for six months, thus forming a transient seed bank. Despite the fact that overcoming dormancy may optimize germination after direct seeding, maintaining dormancy mechanisms of species that can form seed banks could be essential for species establishment over time in restoration areas. Hence, our key decision criteria based on seed costs and seed and labor availability would be useful for the seeding actions of restoration practitioners.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14281033.v1
title: Implications of global climate change for the development and ecological interactions between two key Amazonian aquatic macrophytes

description: ABSTRACT Amazon wetlands are among the most vulnerable ecosystem to be impacted by climate change, which may increase the frequency of extreme droughts and floods. We used Eichhornia crassipes and Pistia stratiotes, two abundant aquatic plants in the Amazon floodplains, to evaluate the effects of combined temperature and [CO2] increase on growth, physiology and ecological interactions. Individual and paired plants were deposited for three weeks in a microcosm under four IPCC scenarios: control (current temperature/CO2), mild (control + 1.5 ºC, 200 ppm CO2), intermediate (control + 2.5 ºC, 450 ppm CO2) and extreme (control + 3.5 ºC, 850 ppm CO2). P. stratiotes died after three weeks in the intermediate and extreme treatments; E. crassipes experienced no mortality or change in any of the measured variables during the same period. P. stratiotes reduced root length in the mild treatment and reduced total dry biomass in intermediate and extreme treatments, revealing less tolerance to climate change. Ecological interactions between the two species changed with increasing [CO2] and temperature neutral interaction changed to facilitation for E. crassipes, while competitive interaction changed to neutral for P. stratiotes. Global climate change may alter the composition, biomass and ecological interactions of Amazonian aquatic plant species.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14281035.v1
title: Key decision-making criteria for dormancy-breaking and ability to form seed banks of Cerrado native tree species

description: ABSTRACT Ecological restoration by direct seeding in the Cerrado biome still lacks information about native species germination, the need for dormancy overcoming and seed bank formation. This study aims to verify the effects of dormancy overcoming on germination of four tree species and the ability of 12 tree species to form seed banks for restoration use. Our results showed wide variation of species’ germination rates. Overcoming dormancy enhanced germination for Dimorphandra mollis, Hymenaea stigonocarpa, and Peltophorum dubium and decreased it for Copaifera langsdorffii, but was only cost-effective for H. stigonocarpa. Regarding the ability to form seed banks, only H. stigonocarpa and Cecropia pachystachya germinated and live seedlings of Terminalia corrugata were found after being buried for six months, thus forming a transient seed bank. Despite the fact that overcoming dormancy may optimize germination after direct seeding, maintaining dormancy mechanisms of species that can form seed banks could be essential for species establishment over time in restoration areas. Hence, our key decision criteria based on seed costs and seed and labor availability would be useful for the seeding actions of restoration practitioners.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14281041
title: Cross-amplification and characterization of microsatellite markers in species of Manihot Mill. (Euphorbiaceae) endemic to the Brazilian Cerrado

description: ABSTRACT The genus Manihot Mill. contains about 120 species of which about 104 occur in Brazil. We tested the cross-amplification of ten microsatellite markers developed for Manihot esculenta in 15 species of Manihot endemic to the Brazilian Cerrado. We also evaluated the genetic diversity of Manihot irwinii, M. orbicularis, and M. purpureocostata. Ten pairs of primers were amplified among 14 species of Manihot. The percentage of polymorphic loci per species varied from 70 to 100 %. Nine markers showed amplification and polymorphism when evaluated on polyacrylamide gel. The markers were combined to form three sets for multiplex genotyping for genetic diversity analysis, and showed 51, 75, and 75 alleles in M. irwinii, M. orbicularis, and M. purpureocostata, respectively. The levels of genetic diversity for the transferred markers were high for the three species and proved to be useful for population genetics studies of species of Manihot endemic to the Cerrado. The results of this study will help to better understand the genetic diversity, taxonomy and relationships among species Manihot, and to develop conservation programs for the genus.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14281041.v1
title: Cross-amplification and characterization of microsatellite markers in species of Manihot Mill. (Euphorbiaceae) endemic to the Brazilian Cerrado

description: ABSTRACT The genus Manihot Mill. contains about 120 species of which about 104 occur in Brazil. We tested the cross-amplification of ten microsatellite markers developed for Manihot esculenta in 15 species of Manihot endemic to the Brazilian Cerrado. We also evaluated the genetic diversity of Manihot irwinii, M. orbicularis, and M. purpureocostata. Ten pairs of primers were amplified among 14 species of Manihot. The percentage of polymorphic loci per species varied from 70 to 100 %. Nine markers showed amplification and polymorphism when evaluated on polyacrylamide gel. The markers were combined to form three sets for multiplex genotyping for genetic diversity analysis, and showed 51, 75, and 75 alleles in M. irwinii, M. orbicularis, and M. purpureocostata, respectively. The levels of genetic diversity for the transferred markers were high for the three species and proved to be useful for population genetics studies of species of Manihot endemic to the Cerrado. The results of this study will help to better understand the genetic diversity, taxonomy and relationships among species Manihot, and to develop conservation programs for the genus.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14281031.v1
title: Xylem growth rings and leaf phenological patterns in tree species of a subtropical seasonal forest

description: ABSTRACT Growth rings have been reported for several tropical species under seasonal precipitation regimes and have often been related to leaf phenology. We investigated growth ring distinctiveness, wood markers, and leaf shedding and flushing patterns of 16 tree species from a subtropical seasonal deciduous forest under abundant and well-distributed rainfall regime in southern Brazil. Distinct growth rings were found in 13 species, 10 of which presented clear anatomical boundaries. Seven species were deciduous, five semideciduous and four perennial. Leaf shedding peaked during winter and spring months for the deciduous species, while it peaked during spring and summer months for the perennial and semideciduous species. Leaf flushing peaked in spring and summer for all species. All the deciduous species exhibited growth rings with clear boundaries. Marginal parenchyma, associated or not with other anatomical markers, was present in deciduous species but was not present in species with other leaf shedding patterns. Growth rings in Allophylus edulis, Erythrina falcata, Jacaranda micrantha and Luehea divaricata were described for the first time. The presence of seasonal leaf phenological patterns and growth rings in most of the species suggests that seasonality of the photoperiod and/or temperature influence the development of trees in moist subtropical seasonal deciduous forests.