Amazonas Department Research Articles

Spatial Distribution of Burned Areas from 1986 to 2023 Using Cloud Computing: A Case Study in Amazonas (Peru)

Wildfire represents a significant threat to ecosystems and communities in the Department of Amazonas, Peru, causing losses in biodiversity and land degradation and affecting socioeconomic security. The objective of this study was to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of burned areas (BAs) from 1986 to 2023 to identify recurrence patterns and their impact on different types of land use and land cover (LULC). Landsat 5, 7, and 8 satellite images, processed by Google Earth Engine (GEE) using a decision tree approach, were used to map and quantify the affected areas. The results showed that the BAs were mainly concentrated in the provinces of Utcubamba, Luya, and Rodríguez de Mendoza, with a total of 1208.85 km2 burned in 38 years. The most affected land covers were pasture/grassland (38.25%), natural cover (forest, dry forest, and shrubland) (29.55%) and agricultural areas (14.74%). Fires were most frequent between June and November, with the highest peaks in September and August. This study provides crucial evidence for the implementation of sustainable management strategies, fire prevention, and restoration of degraded areas, contributing to the protection and resilience of Amazonian ecosystems against future wildfire threats.

Skin mycosis distribution, and burden of visits over a decade in Colombia: ecological study

ObjectivesTo describe the sociodemographic distribution of dermatomycosis and the visits burden over a 10-year period of care. MethodsAn ecological study was conducted using data on visits and people treated in the Colombian Health System during 2010-2019 using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes (ICD-10). Departments and geopolitical regions were the units of analysis, and visit burden was reported as frequency, intensity (visits per person), and rate of dermatomycosis visits (per 10,000 visits; 95% confidence interval). ResultsA total of 4,570,593 visits were analyzed. The most used ICD-10 codes were B369 (superficial mycosis, unspecified), B360 (pityriasis versicolor), B354 (Tinea corporis), B359 (dermatophytosis), and B351 (Tinea unguium) (56.5%), with visits primarily involving the adult population (27-59 years; 32.2%), women (43.4%), and urban populations (57.3%). Amazonas department had the highest rate of visits (2.36 per 10,000), while Nariño had the highest intensity of visits (1.94 visits per person). Caribbean region had the highest rate of visits (17.0 per 10,000 visits; 17.0-17.0), followed by the Amazon region (16.3 per 10,000 visits; 16.2-16.4). ConclusionsThe annual visits burden of dermatomycosis in Colombia is high and concentrated in susceptible geographic areas, possibly due to socio-environmental factors. This health problem is overshadowed by chronic diseases and trauma but is often recurrent, and chronic, and induces out-of-pocket costs for treatment.

EDNA metabarcoding: an effective tool for vertebrate diversity studies in the Colombian Amazon and Orinoco basins

The development of fast, cost-effective, non-invasive, and efficient sampling alternatives, such as environmental DNA (eDNA), is crucial for understanding the changes in species biodiversity and distributions worldwide, particularly for low abundance, cryptic, and threatened species. This study utilized environmental eDNA to analyze the variety of aquatic, semi-aquatic, and terrestrial vertebrates in the Colombian Amazon and Orinoco basins. The study focused on four main subregions: Bojonawi Natural Reserve and adjacent areas (Vichada Department), Sierra de la Macarena National Park and Tillavá (Meta Department), Puerto Nariño and adjacent areas (Amazonas Department), and the Municipality of Solano (Caquetá Department). A total of 709 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified across all sampling locations. The Orinoco River had the highest number of fish genera (68), while the Guayabero River had the highest number of tetrapod genera (13). New taxonomic records were found for all locations, with the highest number of previously undetected fish diversity being found in the Bita, Orinoco, and Tillavá rivers, compared to traditional surveys. Likewise, the study identified two fish species, four mammal species, and one reptile species as vulnerable. Additionally, four mammal species were identified as endangered, including the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), two subspecies of the Amazon River dolphin (Inia geoffrensis geoffrensis and Inia geoffrensis humboldtiana), and the tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis). Standardizing the methodology and improving current DNA sequence databases for the Neotropics is essential to develop future eDNA studies and enhance our understanding of the region’s diversity.

Tree Species Composition and Structure of a Vegetation Plot in a Montane Forest in the Department of Amazonas, Peru

The diversity and floristic composition of a primeval forest was studied, located in the district of Yambrasbamba–Bongará–Amazonas, delimiting a 1 ha area, and at an altitude of 1890 m.a.s.l. All individuals with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 10 cm were inventoried. The plant diversity in the area was measured and a description of its composition and floristic structure was made. The following were recorded: a total of 640 trees distributed in 39 families, 60 genera and 152 species. The value of the Simpson’s index (D) was 0.974 and that of the Shannon–Wiener index was 4.264, indicating that the species had a high abundance of individuals. In turn, Fisher’s alpha value (α) was 23.744, indicating a regular diversity in montane forests in relation to different altitudinal gradients. The families with the highest number of individuals were Melastomataceae, Rubiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Phyllanthaceae, and Lauraceae. The most abundant species were Alchornea acutifolia Müll.Arg. with 47 individuals (7.34%), Chimarrhis glabriflora Ducke with 39 individuals (6.09%), Hieronyma alchorneoides Allemão with 39 individuals (6.09%), and Cyathea lasiosora (Kuhn) Domin with 33 individuals (5.16%). A comparative analysis was carried out of plots of montane and premontane forests, and the studied plot presented had the third-highest register of families and genera, behind the plots studied in the provinces of Oxapampa and Chanchamayo.

Simulation of the dynamics of the dengue pattern in the province of Condorcanqui, Department of Amazonas-Peru

The present research work had as a research problem, how to simulate the dynamics of the dengue model in the province of Condorcanqui, department of Amazonas, and consisted of finding a system of differential equations containing unknowns and parameters (the latter had to be found numerically), the general objective of our research was to simulate the dynamics of the dengue model in the province of Condorcanqui, department of Amazonas. As for the methodology, we used the hypothetical-deductive methods, directed observation and the quantitative method, which are typical of the sciences. It was concluded that the SIR model simulates the dynamics of the dengue model in the province of Condorcanqui, department of Amazonas.

The surface of leaves and fruits of Peruvian cacao is home for several Hannaella yeast species, including the new species Hannaella theobromatis sp. nov.

As part of a long-term study aiming to isolate and identify yeast species that inhabit the surface of leaves and fruits of native fine-aroma cacao in the department of Amazonas, Peru, we obtained multiple isolates of Hannaella species. Yeasts of the genus Hannaella are common inhabitants of the phyllosphere of natural and crop plants. On the basis of morphological,and physiological characteristics, and sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene (LSU) and the internal transcribed spacerregion (ITS), we identified five species of Hannaella from the phyllosphere of Peruvian cacao. Four have been previously described: H. phyllophila (isolates KLG-073, KLG-091), H. pagnoccae (KLG-076), H. sinensis (KLG-121), and H. taiwanensis (KLG-021). A fifth, represented by eight isolates (KLG-034, KLG-063, KLG-074, KLG-078, KLG-79, KLG-082, KLG-084, KLG-085), is not conspecific with any previously described Hannaella species,and forms the sister clade to H. surugaensis in thephylogenetic analysis. It has 2.6-3.9% (18-27 substitutions, 2-4 deletions, and 1-3 insertions in 610-938 bp-long alignments), and 9.8-10.0% nucleotide differences (37 substitutions and 14 insertions in 511-520 bp-long alignments) in the LSU andITS regions, respectively, to H. surugaensis type strain, CBS 9426. Herein, the new species Hannaella theobromatis sp. nov. is described and characterised. The species epithet refers to its epiphytic ecology on its host Theobroma cacao.

Potential Distribution and Identification of Critical Areas for the Preservation and Recovery of Three Species of Cinchona L. (Rubiaceae) in Northeastern Peru

The genus Cinchona L. has important medicinal, cultural, and economic value and is the emblematic tree of Peru. The genus is mainly found in the cloud forests of the Andes. However, the expansion of agriculture and livestock farming in the department of Amazonas is degrading these ecosystems and has reduced the size of the genus’s populations. In this work, we model the potential distribution under current conditions of three Cinchona species (C. capuli L. Anderson, C. macrocalyx Pav. Ex DC., and C. pubescens Vahl.) to identify areas with a high likelihood of species presence and their key conservation and reforestation zones. We fitted a maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model using nineteen bioclimatic variables, three topographic variables, nine edaphic variables, and solar radiation. Under current conditions, the potential distribution of C. capuli covers 17.22% (7243.98 km2); C. macrocalyx, 29.11% (12,238.91 km2); and C. pubescens, 22.94% (9647.63 km2) of the study area, which was mostly located in central and southern Amazonas. Only 24.29% (25.51% of C. capuli, 21.02% of C. macrocalyx, and 26.35% of C. pubescens) of the potential distributions are within protected areas, while 10,987.22 km2 of the surface area of the department of Amazonas is degraded, of which 29.80% covers the area of probable occurrence of C. capuli, 38.72% of C. macrocalyx, and 34.82% of C. pubescens. Consequently, it is necessary to promote additional conservation strategies for Cinchona, including the establishment of new protected areas and the recovery of degraded habitats, in order to protect this species.

Morphological, phylogenetic, and genomic evidence reveals the causal agent of thread blight disease of cacao in Peru is a new species of Marasmius in the section Neosessiles, Marasmius infestans sp. nov.

The thread blight disease (TBD) of cacao ( Theobroma cacao) in the department of Amazonas, Peru was recently reported to be caused by Marasmius tenuissimus (sect. Neosessiles). This same species is known to be the main causal agent of TBD in West Africa. However, some morphological characteristics, such as the presence of rhizomorphs, the almost exclusively white color, and pileus sizes less than 5 mm, among others, differ to the description of M. tenuissimus. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a taxonomic revision of the cacao-TBD causal agent in Peru, by using thorough micro and macro morphological, phylogenetic, and nuclear and mitochondrial genomic approaches. We showed that the causal agent of TBD of cacao in Amazonas, Peru, belongs to a new species, Marasmius infestans sp. nov. This study enriches our knowledge of species in the sect. Neosessiles, and strongly suggests that the M. tenuissimus species complex is highly diverse.

Taxonomic and chorological novelties in Blakea (Melastomataceae: Pyxidantheae) from Peru with a list of species for the country

Seven new Peruvian species of Blakea are described and illustrated here: Blakea eden, Blakea quinta, Blakea wilderi and Blakea yumi from the Department of Amazonas, Blakea pavida and Blakea rojasiae from the Departments of Amazonas and Cajamarca, and Blakea leoniae from the Departments of Amazonas and San Martin. Following IUCN criteria, we propose that most species should be considered as Endangered (EN) but for B. pavida, B. quinta and B. yumi, that should be recognized as Critically Endangered (CR) due to their restricted distributions and the intense ongoing human activity (agriculture and livestock) in their habitats. Additionally, we provide notes on the new records and species that have been published since Brako & Zarucchi’s checklist of the Peruvian flora in 1993, including the lectotypifications of Blakea brasiliensis, B. nareliana, and Topobea pittieri (B. henripittierii). Blakea gracilis and B. parvifolia are suggested to be excluded from Peru. Based on this, we present a list of 33 Blakea species currently accepted for Peru, 14 of which are endemic.

A Structural Analysis of the Economic Impact of Tourism and the Perspective of Tourism Providers in Kuélap, Peru

Tourism boosts the regional economy and encompasses various sectors that determine its potential, promoting economic, environmental and social development by generating the creation of small and medium-sized enterprises and employment, thus improving people’s quality of life. In this context, an analysis of the structural changes in the number of visitors to the Kuélap archaeological site in the region of Amazonas, Peru was conducted. The closure of the Kuélap Monumental Archaeological Zone was selected as the object of analysis since the Kuélap archaeological site constitutes the most prominent tourist resource in the department of Amazonas and is the main attraction for tourists to visit. This study was carried out by using an analytical and descriptive approach, with a non-experimental longitudinal and cross-sectional design. Data from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR) were used, and the perspective of tourism providers by means of a survey applied to a sample of 83 entrepreneurs in Chachapoyas, Tingo and La Malca was analysed. The results show that the implementation of cable cars in Kuélap has had a positive impact of 54% on sales and employment, while the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact of 81%. On the other hand, the closure of the archaeological site has had a negative impact of 52%. Any negative impact on the Kuélap archaeological site resulted in a slowdown in the regional economy. In conclusion, from the point of view of visitor records and the perspective of tourism providers regarding structural changes, social impact is reflected in different economic sectors and, therefore, in the development of the local and regional economy. It is essential to consider these aspects when making decisions and developing strategies to promote tourism in the region in order to improve the quality of life of its residents (social, economic and cultural well-being).

Identification, semi-quantification, and dynamics of volatile organic compounds during spontaneous fermentation of two cocoa varieties from northern Peru, using HS-SPME/GC-MS techniques

During spontaneous fermentation, an important process through which cocoa beans pass, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and non-VOCs are generated and act as precursors of aromas and flavors that influence the chocolate. In the north of Peru, cocoas of different varieties and qualities are grown, and one of the most valued is the fine aroma native cocoa (Cacao Fino de Aroma (CFA)) compared with the Castro Naranjal 51 Collection (CCN-51) variety. In this investigation, the VOCs generated during the spontaneous fermentation of CFA and CCN-51 varieties, from the department of Amazonas, Peru, were analyzed. For the extraction of VOCs, the headspace (HS) and solid-phase microextraction (SPME) techniques were used, while gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrophotometer (GC-MS) was employed for their subsequent separation and identification. The spontaneous fermentation process lasted for 156 h, and a total of 122 VOCs were identified in 2 varieties. The dynamics of 20 VOCs were assessed, and the principal component analysis of 22 VOCs was performed to compare the profiles of VOC of the 2 cocoa varieties. In conclusion, the CFA variety presented higher concentrations of floral, fruity, and sweet aromatic VOCs that positively influence the quality of the chocolate.

A Draft Genome Resource for Marasmius tenuissimus, an Emerging Causal Agent of Thread Blight Disease in Cacao

Thread blight disease (TBD) is a serious emerging threat to global cacao production, causing leaf blight symptoms and necrosis in the canopy of infected trees. Though previously thought to be caused primarily by the fungus Marasmiellus scandens, recent work has revealed that a variety of pathogenic Marasmiaceae are responsible for TBD, with Marasmius tenuissimus identified as the dominant causal agent of TBD in Ghanaian cacao plantations. M. tenuissimus has also been reported in remote organic cacao plantations in the Amazonas Department of Peru, infecting 90 to 100% of the trees surveyed. Here, we have assembled and annotated the nuclear genome of M. tenuissimus isolate GH-37. This resource is a first attempt at a high-quality draft genome utilizing both second- and third-generation sequencing for M. tenuissimus and extends the current understanding of the evolution, ecology, and virulence of this pathogen. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .

Morphological, phylogenetic, and genomic evidence reveals the causal agent of thread blight disease of cacao in Peru is a new species of Marasmius in the section Neosessiles, Marasmius infestans sp. nov.

The thread blight disease (TBD) of cacao (Theobroma cacao) in the department of Amazonas, Peru was recently reported to be caused by Marasmius tenuissimus (Sect. Neosessiles). This same species is known to be the main causal agent of TBD in West Africa. However, some morphological characteristics, such as the presence of rhizomorphs, the almost exclusively white color, and pileus sizes less than 5 mm, among others, differ to the description of M. tenuissimus. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a taxonomic revision of the cacao-TBD causal agent in Peru, by using thorough micro and macro morphological, phylogenetic, and nuclear and mitochondrial genomic approaches. We showed that the causal agent of TBD of cacao in Amazonas, Peru, belongs to a new species, Marasmius infestans sp. nov. This study enriches our knowledge of species in the Sect. Neosessiles, and strongly suggests that the M. tenuissimus species complex is highly diverse.

Multicriteria Analysis in Apiculture: A Sustainable Tool for Rural Development in Communities and Conservation Areas of Northwest Peru

Apiculture plays a vital role in maintaining a genetically diverse ecosystem and is an economic activity that contributes to the development of rural communities, thereby enhancing the livelihoods of beekeepers. However, despite the presence of over forty thousand beekeepers in Peru, there is currently no cartographic information available on optimal areas for the development of apiculture. Our study focused on assessing the suitability of land for apiculture development in rural and indigenous communities within the Amazonas Department in northwest Peru. We integrated biophysical and socioeconomic criteria using the Multiple Criteria Evaluation (MCE) technique, in conjunction with state-of-the-art geoinformation and earth observation techniques, to model and validate land suitability for supporting apiculture. It was identified that suitability is influenced by biophysical criteria (65%) and socioeconomic criteria (35%), resulting in highly suitable areas covering 315.6 km2 within the territory of peasant communities, 128.4 km2 within native communities, and an additional 41.4 km2 within conserved areas. Furthermore, to validate our results, we combined the use of high-resolution satellite imagery and visits to artisanal producers. This research provides valuable insights for spatiotemporal land use planning, emphasizing apicultural activity as a driver of rural development and biodiversity conservation. Consequently, this study contributes as a management tool to promote apicultural activities as support for rural development and in local-level decision making.

<i>Epidendrum edquenii</i> (Laeliinae), a new species from a montane wet forest of the Private Conservation Area La Pampa Del Burro, Amazonas, Peru

A new species Epidendrum edquenii, is described and illustrated from the Private Conservation Area La Pampa del Burro, department of Amazonas, northeastern Peru. It belongs to the informal Takulumena group, characterized by Vanda-like monopodial stems with basal or lateral, successive inflorescences. The new species is distinguished by its non-pubescent, red flowers with green dorsal surface, margins, and apices of the sepals and petals, yellow-green base of column and disc of lip, acuminate sepals 9.5–10.7 mm long, narrowly ovate petals with the margin densely and shortly ciliate, and widely triangular lip, 6.0 × 9.5 mm, with the margin scarcely papillose. A list and an identification key for the previously known species of the Takulumena group are provided. Furthermore, the new name Epidendrum vulcanitungurahuae is proposed to replace the illegitimate combination Epidendrum tungurahuae, predated by E. tunguraguae.

Management to Promote Participatory Budgeting in the Closing of Gaps in Basic Public Services in the Provincial Condorcanqui - Amazonas Department

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to analyse the management to promote participatory budgeting as an effective tool in closing gaps in basic public services. The main objective was to review existing literature and highlight the contributions and rationale of local government participation and management in the context of municipal public administration. Theoretical framework: Participatory budgeting is mentioned as a key concept in the study. Participatory budgeting involves the active participation of the community in the process of allocating public resources, allowing for greater transparency and decision-making based on the needs and priorities of the population. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study is based on a systematic literature review of descriptive typology, following the guidelines set out in the PRISMA statement. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established to select relevant papers, which were then synthesised into a matrix that facilitated content analysis by year, country of resource, areas of knowledge and substantive contributions of the review. Findings: Analytical categories, such as participation and local government management, provide examples of exceptional content undervalued by the systems to which they belong. In addition, it is noted that the research revaluates these contributions and the logic of their emergence in the context of public administration. Social, practical and research implications: At the social level, the study highlights the importance of participatory budgeting as a tool that promotes citizen participation in decision-making and the closing of gaps in basic public services. In practical terms, it suggests that a local public administration committed to paradigm shifts in public policy and the provision of high quality public services can benefit from the implementation of participatory budgeting. In terms of research implications, it is mentioned that the research revalues the contributions of the analytical categories and the logic of their emergence. Originality/value: It is highlighted that a systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, which implies a rigorous approach and a solid basis for the findings and conclusions presented. In addition, the value of citizen participation and local government management in the context of municipal public administration is emphasised.

Fatty acid profile and rheological properties of cocoa paste from north-eastern Peru

This study evaluated the fatty acid profile and the physicochemical and rheological properties of cocoa mass obtained from twenty cacao accessions from the department of Amazonas, Peru. Eight types of fatty acids were identified: four saturated (palmitic, margaric, stearic and arachidic) and 4 unsaturated (palmitoleic, oleic, linoleic, α-linolenic). The INDES-37 accession had the highest percentage of fat in dried beans with 55.25%, while INDES-53 had the highest fat content in mass with 70.57%. Accession INDES-53 had higher linoleic acid content, CAP-92 had higher palmitic acid content, CAP-125 had higher stearic and arachidic acid abundance, and TSH-565 had higher oleic acid content. The cocoa mass from accession CAP-74 had higher viscosity (4.6 Pa·s), and those obtained from INDES-37 and CAP-125 had higher yield strength (17.36 and 19.64 Pa respectively). Cocoa mass hardness also varied according to the accession (from 1 099–8 829 g in TSH-565 and CAP-39, respectively). Palmitic acid content was negatively correlated to oleic, stearic, and linoleic acid content. Positive correlations were also observed between α-linolenic acid and cocoa mass hardness, and viscosity was positively correlated with arachidic acid. Cacao grown in Amazonas, Peru, has a diverse range of physicochemical and rheological characteristics that can be exploited for chocolate industrialization.

Management by Results in Public Works and its Relation to the Quality of Life of the Population of the Department of Amazonas

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to examine the evidence and substantive contributions of managing for results in public works projects and their impact on quality of life.
 
 Theoretical framework: It is based on the results-based management approach, which refers to the allocation of resources based on the achievement of measurable and quantifiable results. Also mentioned is the PRISMA statement, which sets out guidelines for conducting a systematic literature review.
 
 Design/Methodology/Approach: The study is based on a systematic literature review of descriptive typology. It follows the guidelines set out within the PRISMA statement to ensure a rigorous and replicable approach. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established to select relevant papers, which were then synthesised into a matrix to conduct a content analysis by year, country of resource, areas of knowledge and substantive contributions of the review.
 
 Findings: The findings indicate that results-based management contributes significantly to the improvement of public works projects and to the overall quality of life. Evidence is cited from the perspectives of both specialists and those within government units. However, deficiencies in budget implementation capacity and weak budget execution are also identified, which have affected the achievement of sustainable development goals.
 
 Social, practical and research implications: At the social level, the study highlights the importance of efficient results-based management to improve the quality of life of society at large. In practical terms, it identifies gaps in budget implementation capacity that need to be addressed to achieve significant impact. In terms of research implications, the need for further study and evaluation of the relationship between results-based management, quality of life and sustainable development is highlighted.
 
 Originality/value: Workers at the Regional Planning and Budgeting Office of the Regional Government of Amazonas - Headquarters have a generally positive view of budget results and quality of spending, but a more negative view of budget management due to a number of shortcomings in budget execution capacity.

First Report of Anthracnose Caused by Colletotrichum asianum on Mango (Mangifera indica) in Peru.

Mangoes (Mangifera indica L.) are one of the most important export fruits in Peru and anthracnose, caused by several species in the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides species complex (CGSC), is one of their main postharvest diseases (Alvarez et al. 2020). Balsas is the major mango producing district in the Amazonas department, where farmers practice intercropping in orchards mostly of less than 5 ha (Cabezudo Cerpa 2022). In July 2021, mango fruits cv. Kent with anthracnose were detected at an incidence of 55 to 80% during postharvest in Balsas. Symptoms included sunken dark brown lesions with appearance of orange conidiomata at advanced stages of the disease. We collected two samples of infected mangoes from a farm located at 6°51'01" S, 77°59'48" W (1088 m.a.s.l.). One axenic culture (INDES-AM1) was obtained from a hyphal tip of a monosporic colony and cultivated on PDA medium at 25 °C in the dark. The growing rate of the colony was 8.1 mm.day-1. Conidia were hyaline, guttulate, unicellular and cylindrical with narrowing center, with dimensions of 15.8 to 23.5 × 4.5 to 7.6 μm (mean = 18.6 ± 0.03 × 6.0 ± 0.02 μm, SE, n = 50), consistent to the CGSC (Weir et al. 2012). Appressoria were dark brown, and ovoid to slightly irregular in shape, ranging from 5.3 to 10.1 × 4.7 to 8.3 μm (mean = 7.9 ± 0.02 × 6.0 ± 0.02 μm, SE, n = 50). Koch's postulates were fulfilled on mature mango fruits of the same cultivar and from the same district. Mangoes were washed with detergent and left to dry before inoculation. PDA-mycelial plugs of 0.5 cm wide were transferred on two different locations of two fruits, with four replicates. One location was previously wounded with five needle punctures of 3 mm depth. The inoculated fruits were maintained in a moist chamber at ambient light and temperature (18.9 ± 0.5 °C, SE). Symptoms appeared three-to-five days post inoculation (dpi), and the superficial diameter of the lesions were 8.3 ± 1.5 and 3.6 ± 2 mm with the invasive and the superficial inoculation approaches, respectively, at five dpi. Lesions were very similar to original symptoms. Macro and micromorphological characteristics of the re-isolated fungal colonies were the same as isolate INDES-AM1. Molecular identification of the pathogen was carried out following Weir et al. (2012). Total DNA was extracted using the Wizard® Genomic DNA Purification Kit (Promega Corp., Madison, Wisconsin) and the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), and partial sequences of the chitin synthase (CHS1), actin (ACT), β-tubulin 2 (TUB2), calmodulin (CAL), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) nuclear genes were sequenced (Accession numbers: OP425395, OP440444, OP440442, OP440443, OP555062, OP555063). ITS, CHS1, ACT, TUB2, CAL, and GAPDH sequences were 98.6, 100, 100, 99.5, 100, and 99.08% identical to Colletotrichum asianum type strain ICMP 18580 sequences, respectively. Additionally, a bootstrapped maximum likelihood midpoint-rooted phylogeny with a multilocus dataset with the six sequences from reference strains of C. asianum and closely related species within the CGSC revealed that strain INDES-AM1 is C. asianum. This species has been found causing anthracnose on M. indica in at least 15 different countries in Africa, America, Asia, and Oceania (Weir et al. 2012). It was originally described from coffee and has multiple other hosts (Prihastuti et al. 2009; Lima et al. 2015). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of C. asianum infecting mangoes in Peru.

New and noteworthy species of the genus Epidendrum (Orchidaceae, Laeliinae) from the Área de Conservación Privada La Pampa del Burro, Amazonas, Peru.

Fourteen species of the genus Epidendrum, recently collected in the Área de Conservación Privada La Pampa del Burro (ACPPB), five of them new to science (Epidendrumechinatiantherumsp. nov., E.imazaensesp. nov., E.parvireflexilobumsp. nov., E.rosulatumsp. nov., and E.ochrostachyumsp. nov.), are described and illustrated. The other species include a new record for Peru (E.acrobatesii) and four for the department of Amazonas (E.brachyblastum, E.forcipatum, E.mavrodactylon, and E.tridens). Epidendrumenantilobum is here considered a synonym of Epidendrumbrachyblastum. The type locality of Epidendrumcryptorhachis, originally stated as Ecuador, Guayabamba, is corrected to indicate that it refers to the valley of Guayabamba, Rodríguez de Mendoza, Amazonas, Peru. Our results show the need to continue conducting botanical exploration in the ACPPB as a baseline for subsequent studies, including a full inventory of the orchid diversity.