Gymnopodium Floribundum Research Articles

Is there a negative association between the content of condensed tannins, total phenols, and total tannins of tropical plant extracts and in vitro anthelmintic activity against Haemonchus contortus eggs?

In vitro studies using plant extracts suggest a relationship between their polyphenol contents and their anthelmintic (AH) activity against Haemonchus contortus. High polyphenol content appears to increase the efficacy of plant extracts against H. contortus as assessed by the larval exsheathment inhibition assay (LEIA) while appearing to reduce the AH efficacy measured using the egg hatch assay (EHA). In addition, some plants lack AH activity. Therefore, the present study investigated the relationship between the contents of condensed tannins (CT), total phenols (TP), and total tannins (TT) in methanol:water extracts (70:30) obtained from ten tropical plant species consumed by small ruminants as well as their AH activity against H. contortus evaluated by LEIA and EHA. Extracts of Acacia collinsii, Lysiloma latisiliquum, Havardia albicans, Senegalia gaumeri, Mimosa bahamensis, Piscidia piscipula, Acacia pennatula, Gymnopodium floribundum, Leucaena leucocephala, and Bunchosia swartziana were examined. Positive correlations were found between the effective concentration 50% (EC50) (EHA) of extracts and their CT (r=0.6809, P<0.05, n=10) and TP (r=0.9152, P<0.05, n=10) content, suggesting that their concentration negatively affected AH activity against eggs. Based on the LEIA, there was no significant association between the EC50 and the CT, TP, or TT of all extracts evaluated. Thus, if sheep and goats consume a complex feed mixture with high amounts of CT, TP, and TT, it might be difficult to observe an AH effect against H. contortus egg hatching. However, the AH effect upon L3 establishment might be feasible.

Gastrointestinal nematode infection does not affect selection of tropical foliage by goats in a cafeteria trial.

It is important to determine whether gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) affect foliage choice of goats leading to confirm the expression of a self-medication behavior. This study investigated the effect of GIN infection on tropical foliage selection by goats. During experimental stage 1 (10days), goats had a natural mixed GIN infection, and at stage 2 (10days), goats were treated with effective anthelmintics to maintain them free of GIN infection. During stage 1 the twelve adult goats (32 ± 2.3kg live weight [LW]) were assigned to three groups (n = 4) according to their initial GIN infection status: HI group, with fecal egg count (FEC) between 1450 and 2150 eggs per g/feces (EPG); MI group, medium FEC (592-1167 EPG); and the NI group, free from GIN infection. Fresh foliage of four tropical plants were offered to goats ad libitum for 1h daily: Gymnopodium floribundum (high condensed tannin [CT] content, 37-40%), Mimosa bahamensis (medium CT content, 16-17%), Leucaena leucocephala (low CT content, 3-5%), and Viguiera dentata (negligible CT content, 0.6-0.9%). Jacobs' selection indexes (JSIs) were estimated for the experimental foliage based on dry matter (DM), CT, or crude protein (CP) intake. During both study stages, individual fecal egg counts were estimated. The JSI patterns of different plant species, based on DM, CT, or CP, were similar irrespective of infection level during stage 1 (HI, MI, and NI) or no GIN infection (stage 2). Thus, irrespective of GIN infection, goats actively selected M. bahamensis (high CT, low CP content) and V. dentata (negligible CT, high CP content) but avoided G. floribundum (high CT, low CP content) and L. leucocephala (medium CT and high CP content). Thus, natural GIN infection did not influence goats' foliage selection.

Uso y manejo de leña combustible en viviendas de seis localidades de Yucatán, México

Se analizó el patrón de preferencias en el uso de leña combustible en 1153 viviendas de seis localidades de Yucatán, mediante la aplicación de cuestionarios estructurados a informantes clave y muestreos en los sitios de extracción. Las localidades de estudio presentan heterogeneidad en la composición florística y distancia a la ciudad capital de estado, factores que modifican las preferencias y hábitos de consumo. El promedio de consumo en las localidades de estudio oscilo entre 1,26 y 2 ,89 kg/día/habitante, el promedio general de los sitios estudiados fue de 2,06 kg/día/habitante. La leña se extrae de la vegetación aledaña, la milpa y el solar. La colecta se hace a una distancia promedio de 3,8 km respecto a la vivienda. Los medios básicos para su transporte son el triciclo, la carga directa en la espalda del usuario y mediante uso de vehículo automotor. La leña se colecta fundamentalmente como material seco desprendido o seco en pie, debido a su menor peso, facilidad de acarreo y rápida ignición. Los usos fundamentales son la cocción de alimentos y calentamiento de agua de baño. 41 son las especies más usadas como combustible, pero las principales son: Acacia gaumeri, Havardia albicans, Lysiloma latisiliquum, Gymnopodium floribundum, Bursera simaruba, Caesalpinia gaumeri, Conocarpus erectus y Piscidia piscipula, debido a su mayor abundancia, fácil encendido, duración en el fuego y/o baja emisión de humo.

Precipitation Regime and Nitrogen Addition Effects on Leaf Litter Decomposition in Tropical Dry Forests

AbstractWe conducted a year‐long field experiment to investigate how nitrogen addition affected decomposition of Piscidia piscipula and Gymnopodium floribundum along a precipitation gradient in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Nitrogen addition did not affect decomposition rates at the drier sites. However, fertilization at the wettest site increased the decomposition of Gymnopodium litter and decreased the decomposition of Piscidia litter. Water‐soluble carbon and lignin, and water‐soluble carbon and nitrogen concentrations were the best predictors of decomposition for Gymnopodium and Piscidia litters, respectively. We conclude that the effects of nitrogen addition on decomposition will vary from site to site as a function of mean annual precipitation, inherent soil fertility, and species identity.

Estructura y composición en dos comunidades arbóreas de la selva baja caducifolia y mediana subcaducifolia en Campeche, México

Structure and composition of tropical dry forest (SBC) and tropical semideciduous forest (SMS) were described in 2 locations at Campeche, Mexico. We compare the species richness, abundance and distribution of trees as well as their dasometric characteristics within each plant communities. We established 27 plots (500 m2) were all individuals ≥ 3cm of diameter at the breast height were counted and measured. We counted 3 162 individuals belonging to 83 species and 30 families. Tree species richness was higher in the SMS (70 species in 30 families; 13 species average per plot) than in SBC, were 50 species in 21 families and 11 species per plot were recorded. Tree diversity in SBC was 1.91 (±0.34) versus 2.10 (±0.32) in SMS. Consequently, communities are not equitably distributed both in SMS (J=0.65±0.12) and SBC (J=0.63±0.12). Species composition was statistically different between plant communities (ANOSIM, R=0.19, p=0.01). Beta diversity, estimated using the Sorensen index, confirms this, with 46 species non-shared (13 registered only for SBC and 33 only in SMS; while 37 species (45%) were common to both plant communities. Some species are considered as indicators of the SMS while others are for SBC as shown by SIMPER analysis; representative species of SMS were Coccoloba barbadensis, Croton reflexifolius, Diospyros albens, Swartzia cubensis and Tecoma stans. In SBC forests highlighted Diospyros tetrasperma, Gymnopodium floribundum, Mimosa bahamensis, Randia aculeata and Sideroxylon americanum. Conspicuous and dominant species present in both vegetation types were Lonchocarpus xuul, Lysiloma latisiliquum, Piscidia piscipula, Bursera simaruba and Vitex gaumeri.

Source water, phenology and growth of two tropical dry forest tree species growing on shallow karst soils

Seasonally dry tropical forests are dominated by deciduous and evergreen tree species with a wide range of leaf phenology. We hypothesized that Piscidia piscipula is able to extend leaf senescence until later in the dry season due to deeper and more reliable water sources than Gymnopodium floribundum, which loses leaves earlier in the dry season. Physiological performance was assessed as timing of leaf production and loss, growth, leaf water potential, depth of water uptake determined by stable isotopes, and leaf stable isotopic composition of carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O). P. piscipula took water primarily from shallow sources, whereas G. floribundum took water from shallow and deep sources. The greatest variation in water sources occurred during the onset of the dry season, when G. floribundum was shedding old leaves and growing new leaves, but P. piscipula maintained its leaves from the previous wet season. P. piscipula showed greater relative growth rate, greater leaf expansion rates, and more negative predawn and midday water potentials than G. floribundum. P. piscipula also exhibited greater leaf organic δ13C and lower δ18O values, indicating that the decrease in photosynthetic carbon isotope discrimination was associated with greater stomatal conductance and greater photosynthesis. Our results indicate that the contrasting early and late dry season leaf loss phenology of these two species is not simply determined by rooting depth, but rather a more complicated suite of characteristics based on opportunistic use of dynamic water sources, maximizing carbon gain, and maintenance of water potential during the dry season.

Volatile constituents of tzitzilché flower (Gymnopodium floribundum Rolfe) from Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Volatile compounds were isolated in tzitzilché flower (Gymnopodium floribundum Rolfe) by headspace solid-phase microextraction and analyzed by capillary gas chromatography–flame ionization detection (GC–FID) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Fifty-six compounds were identified, the major constituents being (E)--ocimene (21.4%), 2-ethyl-1-hexanol (14.6%) and linalool (10.1%).

Floral classification of Yucatan Peninsula honeys by PCA &amp; HS‐SPME/GC–MS of volatile compounds

SummaryIn the current work, we focus on the application of principal component analysis (PCA) to differentiate the floral origin of three types of honeys of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico [Tahonal (Viguiera dentata Blake, var. heliantoides), Dzidzilché (Gymnopodium floribundum Rolfen) and Haabín (Piscidia piscipula L.)], by using the volatile compounds of the honey obtained by HS‐SPME/GC–MS with PDMS/DVB fibres. About 70 peaks were detected in each honey sample, many of them were found with similar retention times in the analysed honeys. The PCA with three factors (nearly 68% of the total variance) discriminates between the three types of honeys, which leads us to conclude that it is possible to successfully differentiate samples from different unifloral honeys according to their volatile composition.

Mangroves of Southeastern Mexico: Palaeoecology and Conservation

Pollen analysis on a sediment core from a mangrove area in southeastern Mexico was discussed and aspects of paleoecology, ecology and conservation were considered. The core spans the last 4000 years and evidences changes in a Rhizophora mangle dominated system. Between 3900 and 3500 cal yr BP, pollen data indicate higher levels of precipitation. Between 3600 and 3300 cal yr BP tropical forest near the mangrove area is established, indicated by the presence of Ficus, Moraceae, Fabaceae, Sapotaceae, Rubiaceae and Gymnopodium floribundum. Between 3300 and 3150 cal yr BP, development of tasistal vegetation is evidenced, based on taxa like Acoelorraphe wrightii and Thrinax radiata. The paleoecological evidence is discussed considering mangrove ecology and conservation. Mangroves in southeastern Mexico are impacted by natural hazards, like hurricanes and additionally human activities have severely damaged this economically important ecosystem.

Tremelloscypha gelatinosa (Sebacinales) from tropical deciduous Gymnopodium forests in southern Mexico

Populations of Tremelloscypha gelatinosa were found growing on the soil in Gymnopodium floribundum associations of the tropical deciduous forest in southern Mexico (State of Chiapas). Documentation of the different developmental coriaceous and spongy stages revealed a widely variable gross morphology that ranges from stipeless pulvinate forms to rudimentarily stipitate pseudoinfundibuliform forms that appear polyporoid, steroid, or gomphoid. The studied collections are described and their taxonomically distinctive macro-and micromorphological characters are illustrated. The possible mycorrhizal association of T. gelatinosa with Gymnopodium floribundum and traditional use of the basidiomes as a wild edible fungus by the local population are also discussed.

Phenology of five tree species of a tropical dry forest in Yucatan, Mexico: effects of environmental and physiological factors

In order to relate phenological responses of trees to environmental variables we recorded the phenological patterns and select morphological and physiological traits (wood density and water potentials) of five tree species (Acacia gaumeri, Apoplanesia paniculata, Bursera simaruba, Gymnopodium floribundum, and Diospyros cuneata) in the tropical dry deciduous forest of the National Park of Dzibilchaltun, Yucatan, Mexico, over a period of 2 years (2004 and 2005). We chose two sites: one close to a permanent water source, locally known as ‘cenote’ (the CC site, ground water table was found at 2 m) and the other far from the cenote (FC site ground water table was at a depth of 10 m). Sites mainly differed in soil depth (FC site having greater soil depth) and soil nutrient characteristics (FC site more potassium, CC site more phosphorous). Our results indicated significant differences in phenology within species between sites and years, with leaf, flower and fruit production tending to be higher at the CC site and in the year 2004. Wood density and xylem water potentials were negatively related to each other, and midday water potentials were higher at the CC site. Differences in phenology found among years suggest that the timing of rainfall as well as the duration of periods without rain may play a more important role in phenology than total annual precipitation. Also differences inter-sites suggest a strong effect of site on tree phenology. Proximity to superficial bodies of water, such as cenotes, coupled with a greater concentration of available phosphorus in the soil may modify the effect of drought in this tropical dry deciduous forest.

Monofloral honeys in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

This work characterises monofloral honeys of the Yucatán Peninsula based on their pollen content. The sampling was carried out from January to July 2000. We examined 78 different honey samples from various parts of the Yucatán Peninsula including the states of Yucatán, Campeche and Quintana Roo. Pollen separated from honey was acetolysed, identified and counted. Through pollen analysis, 250 pollen taxa were identified, 180 of which had not been reported previously in Mexican honeys. Thirteen different types of monofloral honeys were found (with a percentage of ≥ 45%) within the honey produced in the Yucatán, Peninsula. These were: Viguiera dentata, Bursera simaruba, Piscidia piscipula, Eugenia sp. 2, Pimenta dioica, Melothria pendula, Gymnanthes lucida, Phoradendron quadrangulare, Gymnopodium floribundum, Rubiaceae 1, Thouinia paucidentata, Thouinia sp. 1, and Pouteria mammosa. This is the first study of monofloral honeys in Mexico and Central America. The characterisation of the honey may give an added market value as it permits us to separate the honeys of monofloral or multifloral origin. The results of this study indicate that it is possible to produce several monofloral honeys in a region with great plant diversity as the Yucatán Peninsula. We recommend installing apiaries in disturbed vegetation zones of the Yucatán Peninsula where an advanced succession of a tree layer exists. This supplies the nectar and pollen during the critical period in March and April which is the driest season.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE DOS ESPECIES NUEVAS DE TRIALEURODES COCKERELL (HOMOPTERA: ALEYRODIDAE) DE LA PENÍNSULA DE YUCATÁN, MÉXICO

En este estudio dos especies nuevas del género Trialeurodes Cockerell presentes en la península de Yucatán son descritas tomando como base las características morfológicas de las cubiertas pupales, las cuales se montaron en portaobjetos y fueron analizadas en microscopio compuesto. Las especies nuevas encontradas son: Trialeurodes quintanarroensis sp. nov. sobre Gymnopodium floribundum Rofle en Tulum, Quintana Roo; T. campecheanensis sp. nov. sobre Piscidia piscipula L. en Campeche y Champoton en el Estado de Campeche.

δ 13C isotopic index of honeys produced in the Yucatan peninsula, Mexico

SUMMARYThe study was carried out in order to characterize honeys produced in the Yucatan peninsula by analysis of the δ 3C isotope and to detect whether adulterants were present. A total of 234 honey samples, the harvesting of which coincided with the main flowering season of tajonal (Viguiera dentata) and tzitzilche (Gymnopodium floribundum), were collected from the Mexican states of Yucatan, Campeche and Quintana Roo. Two types of samples were taken: honeycomb honey (for characterization) and honey obtained from the main honey processing plants (to detect possible adulterations). The analyses were performed using stable carbon isotope ratio analysis. The isotopic values of pure honeys extracted from combs at the laboratory were:-26.3 ± 0.32 δ %° (n = 28) for tajonal and −24.5 ± 0.30 δ ° (n = 33) for tzitzilche. Adulterations were not detected in tajonal honeys; however, the tzitzilche honeys had 25.3% samples within the range of suspected adulteration and 5.7% within the range of adulterated.

Vegetation patterns and environmental gradients in tropical dry forests of the northern Yucatan Peninsula

Patterns of plant species composition and their relationships to soil and topographic variables were investigated in tropical dry forests across the north central Yucatan, Mexico. Seven sites were studied in the oldest accessible forests along a 200–km transect oriented northwest to southeast; an eighth site was located in a little‐disturbed area located 75 km northeast of the transect. Two of the sites were on Mayan ruins. All sites were sampled using 9–24, 10m × 20m plots (&lt;n= 132) for woody stems ≥ 3.0 cm diameter breast height. The important natural forest species were Bursera simaruba, Caesalpinia gaumeri, Gymnopodium floribundum, Piscidia piscipula, and Thouinia paucidentata. The two most important woody species in ruin woodlands were Brosimum alicastrum and Croton lundellii. Forest plots (n=108) had 17 species on average, ruin plots (n= 24) nine species. Mean basal area of stems at the forest plots (20.7 m2.ha‐1) was lower than in ruin plots (28.4 m2.ha‐1). Detrended Correspondence Analysis generally placed plots by site along the geographic transect. Natural forest plots and sites were separated from the plots on ruin sites. The five soil and topographic variables (slope, soil depth, percent surface rock, soil pH, total soil organic matter) differed significantly among sites. Plot values were correlated with DCA axe scores. Intersite floristic variation reflects an overall west to east environmental gradient affected by climate.

Vegetation patterns and environmental gradients in tropical dry forests of the northern Yucatan Peninsula

Patterns of plant species composition and their relationships to soil and topographic variables were investigated in tropical dry forests across the north central Yucatan, Mexico. Seven sites were studied in the oldest accessible forests along a 200–km transect oriented northwest to southeast; an eighth site was located in a little-disturbed area located 75 km northeast of the transect. Two of the sites were on Mayan ruins. All sites were sampled using 9–24, 10m × 20m plots (<n= 132) for woody stems ≥ 3.0 cm diameter breast height. The important natural forest species were Bursera simaruba, Caesalpinia gaumeri, Gymnopodium floribundum, Piscidia piscipula, and Thouinia paucidentata. The two most important woody species in ruin woodlands were Brosimum alicastrum and Croton lundellii. Forest plots (n=108) had 17 species on average, ruin plots (n= 24) nine species. Mean basal area of stems at the forest plots (20.7 m2.ha-1) was lower than in ruin plots (28.4 m2.ha-1). Detrended Correspondence Analysis generally placed plots by site along the geographic transect. Natural forest plots and sites were separated from the plots on ruin sites. The five soil and topographic variables (slope, soil depth, percent surface rock, soil pH, total soil organic matter) differed significantly among sites. Plot values were correlated with DCA axe scores. Intersite floristic variation reflects an overall west to east environmental gradient affected by climate.

Gymnopodium floribundum: a major honey plant for beekeepers in Yucatan, Mexico

(1999). Gymnopodium floribundum: a major honey plant for beekeepers in Yucatan, Mexico. Bee World: Vol. 80, No. 3, pp. 145-147.

Nectar sources of European and Africanized honey bees (Apis melliferaL.) in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

SUMMARYHoney samples were collected from 22 European and 22 Africanized honey bee colonies. The pollen from these honey samples was acetolysed and subsequently mounted on slides using glycerine jelly in order to identify frequently used nectar sources for honey bees in the Yucatán Peninsula during the wet and dry seasons. The most common species in order of abundance in the honey samples were: Metopium brownei, Mimosa bahamensis, Samyda yucatanensis, Thouinia canesceras, Lonchocarpus rugosus, Bursera simaruba, Trema micrantha, Gymnopodium floribundum, Lonchocarpus sp. 2, Paullinia sp.1 and Viguiera dentata. Many of the pollen grains found in the honey samples were not from nectariferous plants, but from plants that produce pollen only: Cecropia peitata, several Cyperaceae, Gramineae and one Piperaceae. Families represented by the greatest number of species were: Leguminosae, Compositae, Gramineae, Malvaceae, Sapindaceae, Myrta- ceae, Palmae, Polygonaceae, Cyperaceae and Sapotaceae. A comparison was made between the numbers of pollen and nectar flowers visited by bees from European and Africanized colonies in different apiaries. Less than 50% of the pollen species were common to both European and Africanized honey samples, indicating a differential utilization of the resources available.

Apiculture and management of associated vegetation by the maya of Tixcacaltuyub, Yucat�n, M�xico

We present the results of field work and a series of interviews with Mayan beekeepers, in order to answer the following questions: (i) Which factors are relevant when establishing an apiary? (ii) How do Mayans choose the melliferous flora? (iii) How do Mayans manage the vegetation surrounding their apiaries? and (iv) What is their knowledge of flowering phenology and honey production cycle? Apiary establishment depends on: no apiaries established at a minimum distance of 3 km; water availability (i.e., “Haltunes”); direct access to roads; combination of old and young vegetation (particularly abundance of Gymnopodium floribundum). Melliferous flora is classified according to quality and quantitity of the honey produced; 34 species are considered important at different times of the year. Finest honey and arger quantities are obtained from G. floribundum, followed by Viguiera dentata; the worst honey is from Lysiloma latisiliquum. Management of vegetation is minimum, mainly cutting plants that could impede growing of important melliferous, or protecting ( = not cutting) the latter; nevertheless, some of the most important melliferous are dominant in the vegetation. Their knowledge of flowering phenology and production cycle are quite complex. We discuss the problems the beekeepers are facing in regards to forest clearing, commercialization of produces, etc.

The Flowering Periods of Leguminosae in the Yucatan Peninsula in Relation to Honey Flows

SummaryThe Yucatan flowering periods of 176 species of legume have been determined from samples taken throughout the year at 15 sites across the peninsula. They comprised 67 trees, 19 shrubs, 60 herbs and 30 creepers. Blooming of 3 species, Tajonal (Viguiera dentata), Tzitzilché (Gymnopodium floribundum), and Xtabentún (Turbina corymbosa) occurred in phase with 5 principal honey harvests in 1 year. The flowering of the less-studied species is discussed in relation to honey flows and regional climate.