Erythrina Velutina Willd Research Articles

Adaptive Seedling Strategies in Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests: A Comparative Study of Six Tree Species.

This study examines seed germination strategies and seedling establishment in six tree species typical of seasonally dry tropical forests. We focused on how interspecific and intraspecific differences in seed size and germination speed influence biomass allocation and seedling growth. Using generalized linear models, we analyzed the effects of these traits on root/shoot ratios and growth rates. Our findings reveal two main strategies: slow germination, high root/shoot ratio, and low growth rate in Erythrina velutina Willd and Terminalia valverdeae A.H. Gentry, associated with enhanced drought tolerance. In contrast, Cynophalla mollis (Kunth) J. Presl and Coccoloba ruiziana Lindau exhibited rapid germination, lower root/shoot ratios, and low to moderate growth rates, favoring competition during early establishment. Centrolobium ochroxylum Rose ex Rudd partially aligned with this second strategy due to its fast growth. Vachellia macracantha (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Seigler & Ebinger presented a unique case, displaying slow germination and a broad range in both root/shoot ratios and growth rates. At the intraspecific level, significant variation in biomass allocation and growth rate was observed, influenced by germination speed and seed weight. We discuss the adaptive significance of seed traits in SDTFs and their role in seedling establishment under varying environmental conditions, providing insights for strategies for conservation and restoration in these ecosystems.

Protected cultivation and water salinity in the formation of Erythrina velutina Willd seedlings

Protected cultivation can reduce the harmful effects of salt stress on the development of plant species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and morphophysiological responses of E. velutina seedlings grown under saline stress in two growing environments. The experiment was conducted in an experimental area belonging to the Federal University of Ceará, in Fortaleza, Ceará. The experimental design was entirely randomized in subdivided plots, where the plots were represented by the growing environments (closed-screen greenhouse - CSG and open-sided greenhouse chapel - OSG), the subplots by the irrigation waters (0.8 and 5.0 dS m-1) and in the subplots the collection seasons (20, 40, 60 and 80 DAS), with four replications. Saline stress inhibited the growth of E. velutina seedlings in terms of height, leaf area, number of leaves and dry mass of the aerial part, but provided greater root dry mass throughout the growing season. It also affected gas exchange after 50 days of cultivation. The seedlings grown in the open shade environment on the sides and with lower salinity water had a higher Dickson quality index.

Inactivation of isolated fungi on Erythrina velutina Willd. seeds through atmospheric plasma.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of atmospheric plasma application on the inactivation of fungi on the surface of Erythrina velutina seeds and on isolated fungal colonies. Two experiments were conducted using a completely randomized design. First, plasma was applied to the surface of the seeds using helium gas and atmospheric plasma for 3, 6, and 9 min in addition to the control (untreated seeds), constituting seven treatments with five repetitions each. In the second experiment, Petri dishes containing the inoculum of different fungi were treated with atmospheric air plasma for 3, 6, and 9 min (Air-3, Air-6, and Air-9) and were compared with untreated fungi in Petri dishes without treatment (control), totaling four treatments and five repetitions each. We found that the application of atmospheric air plasma to E. velutina seeds for 9 min had an antimicrobial effect on the fungi Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium sp., Brachysporium sp., and Rhizopus sp. The formation of fungal colonies isolated from E. velutina seeds was also inhibited by 3 min of exposure to atmospheric air plasma, except for A. niger, whose inhibition occurred after 6 min of exposure to atmospheric plasma.

Germination niche of a neotropical dry forest species: seed osmotic stress and recovery

Abstract: Erythrina velutina Willd is a native Fabaceae with wide occurrence, mainly in the Caatinga Domain with multiple uses. This study aimed to compare the vulnerability/tolerance of seeds of four accessions of E. velutina to osmotic stresses. Four replications were conducted with 25 seeds, germinated in osmotic solutions of NaCl or PEG up to -1.73 MPa. Seeds that did not germinate after 14 days were recovered in distilled water. Obtained data were fitted in Boltzmann curves and t50 and synchrony were evaluated. A probit analysis was performed, and hydrotime and halotime models were constructed. In distilled water, the germination curve was similar for all accessions. When the concentration of salt or PEG in the substrate increased, the accessions differentiated into two groups. Two accessions - Jutaí 2012 and Jutaí 2015 - maintained high germination up to -0.86 MPa NaCl, while Caboclo 2008 and Caiçara 2011 accessions presented a lower germination speed. The hydrotime and halotime analyses separated the germination response of accessions according to their physiological quality and tolerance to osmotic and saline conditions. Seeds viability was maintained at both stresses, since germination was reestablished at distilled water, thus constituting a crucial response for this species’ survival and conservation.

Initial establishment of Erythrina velutina Willd seedlings under water deficit: physiological and biochemical aspects

Initial establishment of Erythrina velutina Willd seedlings under water deficit: physiological and biochemical aspects

BIOMETRIA DE SEMENTES DE MULUNGU DE DIFERENTES PLANTAS MATRIZES DO SEMIÁRIDO PARAIBANO

ABSTRACT Erythrina velutina Willd. (Fabaceae) is drought tolerant and has the potential for reforestation in the semi-arid region. The response of its seeds to the environmental conditions of each production area influences their size, weight, physiological potential, and health. Thus, this study aimed to assess how the environmental conditions of the different regions of Paraíba influence the biometric characteristics of E. velutina seeds. Seeds from 19 mother plants collected in Juru, Sumé, Araçagi, Guarabira, São João do Cariri, Esperança, Queimadas, Cuité, Boa Vista, and Areia, in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, were used in this study. Water content, thousand-seed weight, and biometric characteristics (length, width, and thickness) were determined in the seeds from each location. The water content ranged from 3.11 to 6.84%, while the thousand-seed weight was higher in mother plants grown in Sumé and Cuité. Seed length ranged from 9.00 to 16.84 mm, being higher in mother plants grown in Juru. Seed thickness and width ranged from 5 to 12.99 mm and were larger in mother plants from Cuité. Temperature, humidity, solar radiation, wind, and precipitation caused variations in the length, width, and thickness of E. velutina seeds, with higher means observed in mother plants grown in Cuité.

Erythrina velutina Willd. alkaloids: Piecing biosynthesis together from transcriptome analysis and metabolite profiling of seeds and leaves

IntroductionNatural products of pharmaceutical interest often do not reach the drug market due to the associated low yields and difficult extraction. Knowledge of biosynthetic pathways is a key element in the development of biotechnological strategies for plant specialized metabolite production. Erythrina species are mainly used as central nervous system depressants in folk medicine and are important sources of bioactive tetracyclic benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs), which can act on several pathology-related biological targets. ObjectivesIn this sense, in an unprecedented approach used with a non-model Fabaceae species grown in its unique arid natural habitat, a combined transcriptome and metabolome analyses (seeds and leaves) is presented. MethodsThe Next Generation Sequencing-based transcriptome (de novo RNA sequencing) was carried out in a NextSeq 500 platform. Regarding metabolite profiling, the High-resolution Liquid Chromatography was coupled to DAD and a micrOTOF-QII mass spectrometer by using electrospray ionization (ESI) and Time of Flight (TOF) analyzer. The tandem MS/MS data were processed and analyzed through Molecular Networking approach. ResultsThis detailed macro and micromolecular approach applied to seeds and leaves of E. velutina revealed 42 alkaloids, several of them unique. Based on the combined evidence, 24 gene candidates were put together in a putative pathway leading to the singular alkaloid diversity of this species. ConclusionOverall, these results could contribute by indicating potential biotechnological targets for modulation of erythrina alkaloids biosynthesis as well as improve molecular databases with omic data from a non-model medicinal plant, and reveal an interesting chemical diversity of Erythrina BIA harvested in Caatinga.

Molecular aspects during seed germination of Erythrina velutina Willd. under different temperatures (Part 2): isoenzyme activity and DNA integrity

ABSTRACT: Erythrina velutina Willd. (Fabaceae) is a Brazilian native tree with economic, ecological and social potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate isoenzyme activity and changes in DNA integrity during germination of E. velutina at different temperatures. The seeds were placed to germinate at 5, 15, 25, 35 and 45 °C, evaluating isoenzyme activity and degradation of the DNA during germination. Isoenzyme expression occurs differently for seed germination under different temperatures, with varied expression between seedlings and cotyledons. The esterase enzyme was more sensitive to express the response of the E. velutina germination seeds at different temperatures. DNA repair is more efficient during the germination of E. velutina seeds when submitted to a temperature of up to 25 °C, with damage to the genetic apparatus with an increase higher than this temperature.

Molecular aspects during seed germination of Erythrina velutina Willd. under different temperatures (Part 1): reserve mobilization

ABSTRACT: Erythrina velutina Willd. (Fabaceae) is a tree species that bears social, ecological, and economic importance for northeastern Brazil, a region with frequent temperature variations. The objective of this work was to evaluate the mobilization of reserves during seed germination and seedling establishment of E. velutina at different temperatures, and how these mechanisms are affected in a thermal-stress situation. The seeds germinated at 5, 15, 25, 35, and 45 °C, and the physiological and biochemical aspects of reserve mobilization (starch, lipids, and total proteins) were assessed during seedling establishment. Germination, vigor, and the mobilization of reserves from the cotyledons to the embryonic axis are affected according to the incubation temperature. The temperature of 25 °C favors the mobilization of reserves during seed germination and seedling establishment in E. velutina. In a situation of thermal stress, high temperatures affect the establishment of the seedlings, whereas low temperatures compromise the mobilization of reserves.

RESPOSTAS FISIOLÓGICAS DE MULUNGU SUBMETIDA A ESTRESSE SALINO E APLICAÇÃO DE ÁCIDO SALICÍLICO

RESPOSTAS FISIOLÓGICAS DE MULUNGU SUBMETIDA A ESTRESSE SALINO E APLICAÇÃO DE ÁCIDO SALICÍLICO
 
 
 FRANCISCO ROMÁRIO ANDRADE FIGUEIREDO1; MARIA DE FÁTIMA QUEIROZ LOPES2; RONIMEIRE TORRES DA SILVA2; JACKSON SILVA NÓBREGA2; TOSHIK IARLEY DA SILVA3 E RISELANE DE LUCENA ALCÂNTARA BRUNO2 
 
 1 Departamento de Ciências Vegetais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido - UFERSA, Rua Francisco Mota, 572, Presidente Costa e Silva, 59625-900, Mossoró - RN, Brasil. E-mail: romarioagroecologia@yahoo.com.br
 2 Departamento de Fitotecnia e Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Federal da Paraíba - UFPB, Rodovia PB-079, 58397-000, Areia-PB, Brasil. E-mails: fatimaqueiroz0@gmail.com; ronimeiretorres@hotmail.com; jacksonnobrega@hotmail.com; lanebruno.bruno@gmail.com
 3 Departamento de Fitotecnia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa - UFV, Avenida Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n - Campus Universitário, 36570-900, Viçosa – MG, Brasil. E-mail: iarley.toshik@gmail.com
 
 
 1 RESUMO
 
 O mulungu (Erythrina velutina Willd.) é uma espécie florestal nativa da região Nordeste do Brasil, sendo utilizada para fins econômicos e medicinal. No entanto, o seu desempenho fisiológico pode ser comprometido por diversos fatores bióticos e abióticos, dentre estes, o estresse salino. Nesse sentido, a aplicação do ácido salicílico, fitohormônio de origem fenólica, torna-se uma estratégia promissora na busca de minimizar esses efeitos deletérios. Assim, o objetivou-se conhecer as respostas fisiológicas do mulungu irrigado com água salina associado a aplicação de ácido salicílico. O delineamento utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial incompleto 5x5, gerados a partir da matriz Composto Central de Box com cinco níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação (0,5; 1,74; 4,75; 7,76 e 9,0 dS m-1) e cinco doses de ácido salicílico (0,0; 0,29; 1,0; 1,71 e 2,0 mM L-1), com quatro repetições. Foram avaliadas as trocas gasosas, fluorescência e índice de clorofila aos 60 dias após a irrigação com água salina. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo teste F, nos casos de significância foi realizada análise de regressão polinomial. A salinidade da água de irrigação ocasiona efeitos deletérios nas trocas gasosas de Erythrina velutina Willd. Os índices de clorofila foram afetados positivamente pelos níveis salinos aplicados e a fluorescência inicial das plantas foi atenuada pela aplicação de ácido salicílico.
 
 Palavras-chave: Erythrina velutina Willd, caatinga, salinidade, trocas gasosas
 
 
 FIGUEIREDO, F. R. A.; LOPES, M. F. Q.; SILVA, R. T.; NÓBREGA, J. S.; SILVA, T. I.; AND BRUNO, R. A. L. 
 PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF MULUNGU SUBMITTED TO SALT STRESS AND APPLICATION OF SALICYLIC ACID
 
 
 
 
 
 2 ABSTRACT
 
 Mulungu (Erythrina velutina Willd.) is a forest species native to the Northeast region of Brazil, being used for economic and medicinal purposes. However, its physiological performance can be compromised by several biotic and abiotic factors, among them, saline stress. That way, the application of salicylic acid, phytohormone of phenolic origin, becomes a promising strategy in the search to minimize these deleterious effects. Thus, the objective was to learn the physiological responses of mulungu irrigated with saline water associated with the application of salicylic acid. The design was a randomized complete block, in an incomplete factorial scheme, using the Box Central Composite (CCB) matrix with five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (0.5; 1.74; 4.75; 7.76 and 9.0 dS m-1), and five salicylic acid doses (0.0, 0.29, 1.0, 1.71 and 2.0 mM), with four replicates. Gas exchange, fluorescence and chlorophyll indices were evaluated 60 days after irrigation with saline water. Data were submitted to analysis of variance by the F test, in cases of significance polynomial regression analysis was performed. The salinity of irrigation water causes deleterious effects on the gas exchange of Erythrina velutina Willd. The chlorophyll indices were positively affected by saline levels applied and the initial fluorescence of the plants was attenuated by the application of salicylic acid.
 
 Keywords: Erythrina velutina Willd, caatinga, salinity, gas exchange

Avaliação da qualidade de mudas de mulungu (Erythrina velutina Willd.) submetidas a diferentes métodos de quebra de dormência

<p class="western" align="justify">Several forest species typical of semi-arid regions are used for afforestation and mulungu among them has great ecological importance. This study aims to evaluate the development of mulungu (Erythrina velutina Willd) seedlings from seeds which have been submitted to different dormancy breaking treatments. The seeds were submitted to eleven treatments: mechanical scarification with sandpaper No. 80 (T1); mechanical scarification with sandpaper No. 60 (T2); hole with soldering iron hole(T3); mechanical scarification with sandpaper No. 60 + immersion in water for 24 hours (T4); mechanical scarification with sandpaper No. 80 + immersion in water for 24 hours (T5); immersion in water at 60 °C for 5 minutes (T6); immersion in water at 80 °C for 5 minutes (T7); immersion in water at 90 °C for 5 minutes (T8); immersion in water for 24 hours (T9); immersion in water for 48 hours (T10) and hole with soldering iron hole+ immersion in water for 24 hours (T11). The treatments applied were efficient in the beginning of development the seedling’s (height, stem diameter and number of leaves), the treatments with water immersion showed better results for the analysis of the total fresh phytomass, divergent results from the literature were found for water scarification treatments, resulting in the least developed seedlings. Thus, it seems clear that of E. velutina dormancy can be overcome with different methods, in order to promote faster germination, and the mechanical scarification more efficient in the initial development of the seedling.</p>

Photoprotective activity of medicinal plants from the caatinga used as anti-inflammatories

Background: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation may cause photoaging, unsightly marks, or dangerous lesions, such as carcinomas and/or melanomas. Sun filters are substances capable of absorbing, reflecting, or refracting UV radiation and thus protect the skin from direct exposure to sunlight. The current trend in the cosmetics industry, in Brazil, is to rationally explore local biodiversity as a way of developing products of natural origin, especially derived from plants. Objective: The present study aims to determine the in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 species from the Caatinga region used in popular medicine as anti-inflammatories. Materials and Methods: Samples of duly identified plant species were dried and ground and hydroethanolic extracts were obtained (80:20). Spectrophotometric analyses were carried out to determine the SPF, antioxidant activity, and quantification of secondary metabolites. In vitro calculation of SPF was based on the method developed by Mansur. Results: Erythrina velutina Willd. had the best SPF of 9.71 ± 1.29 at a concentration of 100 mg/L. Conclusion: The study showed that native species to the Caatinga used by the local population to treat inflammatory disorders have good photoprotective potential and could be used for pharmaceutical preparations to this end. Abbreviations used: ANOVA: Analysis of variance; AOA: Antioxidant activity; CC: Coumarin content; CE: Coumarin equivalent; DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid; DPPH: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl; IC50: Inhibitory concentration 50%; LEA-UFPE: Laboratory of Ecology and Evolution of Social-ecological Systems-Federal University of Pernambuco; RE: Rutin equivalent; SPF: Sun protection factor; TAE: Tannic acid equivalent; TFC: Total flavonoid content; TPC: Total phenolic content; TTC: Total tannin content; UFPE: Federal University of Pernambuco; UFRPE: Federal Rural University of Pernambuco; UV: Ultraviolet; UVA: Ultraviolet type A; UVB: Ultraviolet type B; UV-VIS: Ultraviolet-visible

Physiological quality of Erythrina velutina Willd. (FABACEAE) seeds under different storage conditions

Physiological quality of Erythrina velutina Willd. (FABACEAE) seeds under different storage conditions

Ethanolic extract of Erythrina velutina Willd ameliorate schizophrenia-like behavior induced by ketamine in mice.

Background Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder, characterized by positive, negative and cognitive symptoms. In general, several plants have shown activity in diseases related to the central nervous system (e.g., Erythrina velutina (EEEV), also known as "mulungu"). For this reason, we aimed to investigate the effects of standardized ethanol extract obtained from the stem bark of EEEV on the schizophrenia-like behaviors induced by ketamine (KET) administration. Methods Swiss mice were treated with KET (20 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline for 14 days. In addition, from 8th to 14th days, saline, EEEV (200 or 400 mg/kg, p.o.) or olanzapine (OLAN 2 mg/kg, p.o.) were associated to the protocol. On the 14th day of treatment, schizophrenia-like symptoms were evaluated by the prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex (PPI), locomotor activity evaluated by the open field test (OFT), spatial recognition memory evaluated by the Y-maze task and social interaction test (SIT). Results KET has caused deficits in PPI, and it has also has caused hyperlocomotion in OFT and deficits in SIT as compared to control. EEEV in both doses used, reversed behavioral changes induced by KET, likewise results obtained with the administration of OLAN. Conclusions Taken together, the results demonstrate that the standard extract of EEEV was able to revert schizophrenia-like symptoms, due to the administration in repeated doses of ketamine. Thus, our findings lead to a new perspective for the use of EEEV an interesting alternative for drug discovery in schizophrenia.

Genetic Variability and Symbiotic Efficiency of Erythrina velutina Willd. Root Nodule Bacteria from the Semi-Arid Region in Northeastern Brazil

Legume-rhizobia symbiosis is a cross-kingdom association that results in large mounts of nitrogen incorporated in food webs. For the Brazilian semi-arid region, data on genetic variability and symbiotic efficiency of Papilionoidae rhizobial communities are very scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic variability and the symbiotic efficiency of eight rhizobial isolates obtained from ?mulungu? (Erythrina velutina Willd.) nodules. For 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the genomic DNA was extracted using a commercial kit, amplified with universal primers, and subjected to sequencing reactions. For the isolate ESA 71, PCR amplifications for nodC and nodA genes were attempted. Rhizobial efficiency was assessed by two greenhouse experiments. The first assay was carried out under gnotobiotic conditions, with sterile sand as a substrate; the second experiment was conducted in a non-sterile soil. For both experiments, the inoculation treatments consisted of a single inoculation of each isolate, in addition to a treatment with Bradyrhizobium elkanii BR 5609 as a reference strain. Furthermore, two non-inoculated control treatments, supplied and not supplied with mineral N, were also evaluated. Bacterial identification indicated that both and rhizobia could be found in ?mulungu? root nodules. Three isolates where classified within the Rhizobium genus, four bacteria belonged to Bradyrhizobium and one isolate clustered with Burkholderia. Positive amplification of an intragenic fragment of the nodA gene using a primer set to ?-rhizobia could be found for ESA 71 (Burkholderia). All bacterial isolates were effective in colonizing ?mulungu? roots. In the first experiment, all inoculated treatments and N fertilization increased the N concentration in ?mulungu? shoot tissues. For total N in the shoots, the isolates ESA 70, ESA 72, and ESA 75 stood out. In the non-sterile substrate experiment, the isolates ESA 70, ESA 71, ESA 72, and ESA 75, together with the reference strains, induced increases in the shoot N concentration and total accumulation compared to the absolute control. The results indicate that ?mulungu? is able to establish associations with efficient ? and ?-rhizobia in Brazilian semi-arid soils.

Diversity of new root nodule bacteria from Erythrina velutina Willd., a native legume from the Caatinga dry forest (Northeastern Brazil)

This study aims to evaluate the phenotypical characteristics of bacterial isolates from mulungu (Erythrina velutina Willd.) nodules and determinate their Box-PCR fingerprinting. All bacteria were evaluated by the following phenotypic characteristics: growth rate, pH change, colony color and mucus production. The bacterial isolates able to re-nodulate the original host were also evaluated regarding its tolerance to increased salinity and different incubation temperatures, ability to growth using different carbon sources, intrinsic antibiotic resistance and “in vitro” auxin biosynthesis. The molecular fingerprints were set up using the Box-PCR technique and the isolates were clustered by its profiles. Among the 22 bacterial isolates obtained, eight were able to re-nodulate the original host. Among the nodule inducing isolates, some were tolerant to 1% of NaCl and 39° C and all of them metabolized the maltose, fructose, glucose, sucrose and arabinose, were resistant to rifampicin and produced auxin. The bacteria showed low genetic similarity among them and reference strains, which indicates the great genetic variability of the isolates. The results of this work are the first reports about the bacterial isolates able to nodulate this endemic specie. A more deep study of these bacteria may reveal the existence of isolates tolerant to environmental stresses and suitable as a future mulungu inoculant.

Allelopathy by extracts of Caatinga species on melon seeds

The melon crop is of great socioeconomic importance in Brazil and some species from the Caatinga biome show allelopathic effects on other species. The aim of this study was to assess leaf and seed extracts of cumaru (Amburana cearensis (Allemao) A.C. Sm.), the jujube tree (Zizyphus joazeiro Mart.), Jucá (Caesalpinia ferrea Mart. Ex. Tul. Var. Ferrea) and mulungu (Erythrina velutina Willd.) on the emergence of melon seeds (Cucumis melo L.). Leaves and seeds were used to produce extracts for each species at concentrations of a) 1%, b) 0.5% c) 0.25%, d) 0.125% and e) 0% (control). The experiment was conducted with each extract type and its respective concentrations in a completely randomized design, with four replicates, each of 20 seeds. The percentage emergence and rate index, percentage of abnormal seedlings, seedling dry matter and seedling shoot and root length were assessed. Seed extracts of A. cearensis prevented melon germination, whereas the other extracts had no effect on this variable. Leaf extracts of A. cearensis and leaf and seed extracts of Z. joazeiro, C. ferrea and E. velutina resulted in abnormal melon seedlings. The percentage of abnormal melon seedlings exceeded 30% when treated with C. ferrea seed extract at the highest concentration. Most extracts did not affect seedling dry matter, but E. velutina leaf and seed extract increased the dry matter accumulation of melon seedlings and Z. joazeiro seed extract decreased dry matter accumulation at a concentration of 0.25%. The highest concentrations of mulungu and jucá leaf extracts promoted the shoot growth of melon seedlings. The extract from E. velutina seeds negatively affected root length compared to the control, similar to the effect of C. ferrea and E. velutina leaf extracts at the highest concentrations. Extracts of different organs of Caatinga plants can affect the emergence and characteristics related to seedling growth, depending on the concentration. Most extracts did not affect germination or the emergence rate index, but affected seedling growth.

A comparative framework of the Erythrina velutina tree species in reforested land and native populations

Erythrina velutina Willd. (Fabaceae: Papillionoideae) is a pioneer species found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world that has medicinal properties and that is used in reforestation projects. This species is rare in some areas of northeastern Brazil. This study aimed to characterize and compare genetic structures of natural and restored populations of E. velutina, with a focus on the selection of tree seeds. A total of 108 individuals from five natural populations and one restored population were analyzed using ISSR markers, resulting in 407 polymorphic fragments. A high rate of polymorphism was observed in the restored population. The highest genetic variability was identified within populations (82%). Genetic bottleneck tests were significant for the Carmópolis/Rosário do Catete and Laranjeiras natural populations along with the Laranjeiras restored population. Genetic distances significantly correlated with spatial distance. Only the restored population retained unique alleles. Similarly, increased genetic distance was observed in individuals of the restored populations compared to the other populations. Observed genetic variation in both natural and restored populations of E. velutina was moderate, thus enabling selection of divergent trees from those trees supplying seeds. Environmental protection and management of these areas is necessary for the maintenance of these individuals and subsequent reproduction. We recommend suggestions for E. velutina conservation, since the restoration model adopted in this study did not promote the development of the specimens until the reproductive stage in a fashion that aims to augment the soil seed bank supply, as is suggested for pioneer species.

Populations of Erythrina velutina Willd. at risk of extinction.

The goal of this study was to characterize the structure of two natural populations of the coral tree using RAPD and ISSR markers. The study evaluated all individuals in two different areas in the northeastern region of Brazil: the first was in the riparian area, 10 km x 100 m along the edge of the lower São Francisco River, and the second was in the municipality of Pinhão, in a semiarid region between the municipalities of Neópolis and Santana do São Francisco. We used all the coral trees present in those two areas (37 individuals). The results of the RAPD and ISSR markers were highly congruent, supporting the reliability of the techniques used. Similarity was estimated using the Jaccard arithmetic complement index. A dendrogram was constructed using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean cluster algorithm, and the robustness of the data was bootstrapped with 5000 replicates. A principal coordinate analysis was performed on the basis of Jaccard coefficients. The total genetic variation observed was 21%, corresponding to the variation between the populations, and 79% of the variation was observed within the populations.

Indicadores de sustentabilidade para conservação genética de Erythrina velutina Willd., em área de mata ciliar

Um dos grandes desafios para o sistema agropecuário é estabelecer a produção agrícola aliada à conservação dos recursos genéticos, principalmente visando à proteção de Áreas de Preservação Permanente. Nesse contexto, mulungu (Erythrina velutina Willd), entre outras espécies nativas, vem sofrendo com as pressões antrópicas nos mais diversos ecossistemas, o que causa reduções em sua base genética. Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de utilizar parâmetros ecológicos e genéticos populacionais como indicadores de sustentabilidade em duas populações naturais de mulungu, situadas em áreas de floresta ciliar, no Estado de Sergipe, bem como avaliar a tendência à sustentabilidade delas, visando à conservação genética da espécie. Utilizou-se a matriz de Pressão-Estado-Impacto/Efeito-Resposta (PEI/ER) com a seleção de 13 indicadores, a partir do uso de marcadores moleculares RAPD e bioquímicos (enzimas) nas populações, de modo a apresentá-los como informações relevantes para medir o progresso quanto à sustentabilidade e conservação de mulungu. As populações estudadas apresentaram baixa tendência à sustentabilidade, necessitando de estratégias para mudança desse status.