Genome of Herbaspirillum seropedicae Strain SmR1, a Specialized Diazotrophic Endophyte of Tropical Grasses

The molecular mechanisms of plant recognition, colonization, and nutrient exchange between diazotrophic endophytes and plants are scarcely known. Herbaspirillum seropedicae is an endophytic bacterium capable of colonizing intercellular spaces of grasses such as rice and sugar cane. The genome of H. seropedicae strain SmR1 was sequenced and annotated by The Paraná State Genome Programme—GENOPAR. The genome is composed of a circular chromosome of 5,513,887 bp and contains a total of 4,804 genes. The genome sequence revealed that H. seropedicae is a highly versatile microorganism with capacity to metabolize a wide range of carbon and nitrogen sources and with possession of four distinct terminal oxidases. The genome contains a multitude of protein secretion systems, including type I, type II, type III, type V, and type VI secretion systems, and type IV pili, suggesting a high potential to interact with host plants. H. seropedicae is able to synthesize indole acetic acid as reflected by the four IAA biosynthetic pathways present. A gene coding for ACC deaminase, which may be involved in modulating the associated plant ethylene-signaling pathway, is also present. Genes for hemagglutinins/hemolysins/adhesins were found and may play a role in plant cell surface adhesion. These features may endow H. seropedicae with the ability to establish an endophytic life-style in a large number of plant species

A persistent organic pollutant related with unusual high frequency of hermaphroditism in the neotropical anuran Physalaemus cuvieri Fitzinger, 1826

Representing a reflection of anthropic activity, the level of xenobiotic compounds in aquatic ecosystems has increased in recent years, bringing severe damage to the environment. The present work reports the occurrence of malformation in gonads of Physalaemus cuvieri individuals from a population of Atlantic Forest in Southern Brazil. Twenty male specimens were collected, which had their testicles removed, immersed in Karnovsky fixative solution, included in historesin for 2 gm cuts and stained with Hematoxylin-eosin. Four specimens showed intersexual gonads condition along with the Presence of sperm and oocytes. In order to test a possible contamination of water, 2 L were collected from the water body to check organochlorine, organophosphate and carbamate compounds. The analysis of water showed the presence of agrotoxic Dieldrin in a concentration of 0.05 mu g/L, representing a concentration above the recommended reference. This agrotoxic, in addition to acting as endocrine disrupter and commercially prohibited, has quite persistent residual effects, and may be responsible for the high frequency of P. cuvieri with intersexual gonads, which in the long term can represent a risk for this population due to the potential impact on its effective reproductive ability. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq

The pioneering use of ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repeat) in Neotropical anurans: preliminary assessment of genetic diversity in populations of Physalaemus cuvieri (Amphibia, Leiuperidae)

The greatest diversity of anurans in the world is in Brazil and one of the major challenges is to reconcile the accelerated economic development with strategies that aim to maintain this diversity in forest fragments, often representing ESUs of some biomes. This study aimed to obtain data that will support conservation projects through the pioneering use of ISSR analysis in Neotropical anurans, estimating the intra- and interpopulation genetic diversity of four populations of P. cuvieri (Paraná and São Paulo regions). Of the 65 loci scored 58 were polymorphic, with 0.797 intrapopulation variation and 0.203 interpopulation variation. The index of interpopulation genetic differentiation (Fst) proved to be high among the population of Marmeleiro-PR and the three populations of SP (Fst > 0.288); genetic dissimilarity was related to the geographical distance. The ISSR proved to be efficient and useful molecular markers in comparison with other markers most widely used for preliminary diagnosis of genetic diversity in populations of amphibians, and could be applied as a tool for future conservation projects, since they could identify potential ESUs and influence decisions on the preservation of fragments

Genetic diversity of Arapaima gigas (Schinz, 1822) (Osteoglossiformes: Arapaimidae) in the Araguaia-Tocantins basin estimated by ISSR marker

The genetic diversity of the specimens of four natural populations of Arapaima from Araguaia-Tocantins basin was assessed within and among these stocks, using five primers for ISSR. COI (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I ) partial sequences confirmed that the specimens belongs to Arapaima gigas . The ISSR provided 168 loci, of which 165 were polymorphic. However, the number of loci for each population and expected heterozygosity values were low. AMOVA showed 52.63% intra-population variation and 47.37% inter-population variation. The F ST was high among all populations (F ST ≥ 0.25), however, the cluster analysis (PCoA) and Bayesian inference showed three major groups: Araguaiana-MT + São Félix do Araguaia-MT, Novo Santo Antônio-MT and Itupiranga-PA. The genetic distance was not correlated with geographical distance. The ISSR marker revealed that the populations of the Araguaia-Tocantins are structured and have a low genetic diversity. These are the first data from a population analysis using molecular markers for A. gigas of Araguaia-Tocantins basins and may be used to define the best management strategies and conservation projects for this species

Cytogenetics of Gymnogeophagus setequedas (Cichlidae: Geophaginae), with comments on its geographical distribution

ABSTRACT We provide cytogenetic data for the threatened species Gymnogeophagus setequedas, and the first record of that species collected in the Iguaçu River, within the Iguaçu National Park’s area of environmental preservation, which is an unexpected occurrence for that species. We verified a diploid number of 2n = 48 chromosomes (4sm + 24st + 20a) and the presence of heterochromatin in centromeric and pericentromeric regions, which are conserved characters in the Geophagini. The multiple nucleolar organizer regions observed in G. setequedas are considered to be apomorphic characters in the Geophagini, whereas the simple 5S rDNA cistrons located interstitially on the long arm of subtelocentric chromosomes represent a plesiomorphic character. Because G. setequedas is a threatened species that occurs in lotic waters, we recommend the maintenance of undammed environments within its known area of distribution

DESENVOLVIMENTO PLANEJADO (UTILIZAÇÃO DO SOLO) DA ESTAÇÃO ECOLÓGICA DE JATAÍ

This study describes the use of a Geographic Information System (GIS)-IDRISI - as a tool for the environmental management at the Jatai Ecological Station, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The system enables the conversion of data, such as land use patterns, vegetal cover, hidrology, and altimetry to digital images. These digital thematic maps are further analysed and processed in a microcomputer generating valuable informations about the physical characteristics of specific ecosystems, such as terrestrial, aquatic and wetlands, within the ecological station. The set of images forms a basis for planning and development of strategies of ecosystems management, environmental education programs and conservation.Como ferramenta para o manejo racional e compreensivo da Estação Ecológica de Jataí, dados relacionados à cobertura vegetal, hidrografia, planialtimetria e ocupação do entorno, foram convertidos em imagens digitais, através de um Sistema de Informações Geográficas (IDRISI), originando cartas temáticas que possibilitam a determinação das áreas físicas dos ecossistemas terrestres, aquáticos e inundáveis da unidade de conservação em questão. O conjunto das cartas temáticas, com diferentes aspectos do complexo ambiental, representa um importante subsídio para o manejo racional da Estação Ecológica, bem como para as propostas de avaliação de impacto e educação ambiental

Cytogenetic studies in three species of the genus Oligosarcus

Karyotypic studies were carried out on three species of the genus Oligosarcus: O. paranensis, O. pintoi, and O. longisrostris. All of them showed a diploid number of 50 chromosomes and the same karyotypic formulae (4M + 10SM + 16ST + 20A). Silver nitrate staining revealed single NORs in O. longirostris and multiple NORs in O. paranensis and O. pintoi. Heterochromatin seemed to play an important role in the chromosomal diversification of these species. Based on cytogenetical data, speciation hypotheses within this group were proposed, reinforcing the importance of chromosomal studies for a better understanding of evolution within the genus Oligosarcus, as well as within the family Characidae.<br>No presente trabalho foram analisadas três espécies do gênero Oligosarcus: O. paranensis, O. pintoi e O. longirostris. As três espécies possuem número diplóide de 50 cromossomos e mesma fórmula cariotípica (4M + 10SM + 16ST + 20A). A impregnação por nitrato de prata revelou RONs simples para O. longirostris e RONs múltiplas para O. paranensis e O. pintoi. A heterocromatina desempenha um importante papel na caracterização das espécies. Hipóteses sobre a especiação do grupo são apresentadas com base nos dados citogenéticos obtidos neste trabalho, reforçando a importância destes estudos para uma melhor compreensão da evolução tanto do gênero Oligosarcus quanto da família Characidae