This study aimed to evaluate the microclimatic conditions of natural shading provided by Ipês (Handroanthus heptaphyllus [Vell.] Mattos), and of an artificial shading structure characterized by the combination of an aluminized net on the outside and a black polypropylene net on the inside. In addition, their effects were analysed with respect to the physiological and behavioural responses of Holstein cows kept at pasture in a tropical climate. Two paddocks were used, one with trees and the other with trees and an artificial shade structure. Eight multiparous cows were evaluated over 20 non-consecutive days and selected according to their predominant coat colour: four with predominantly white coats and four with predominantly black coats. The experimental days were classified as very hot, with radiation above 625 Wm-2; and hot days, with radiation between 300 and 625 Wm-2. The mean radiant temperature (°C), the radiant heat load (Wm-2) and the black globe humidity index were calculated. The mean radiant temperature for artificial shading was lower for all days (P < 0.05), with values below 30°C during daylight hours. The radiant heat load was lower under the artificial shading structure regardless of the day (P < 0.05), with values below 470 Wm-2. When compared microclimatically with natural shading, artificial shading was more efficient (P < 0.05) in reducing mean radiant temperature and radiant heat load. Although behavioural variation (P < 0.05) was observed, these results were related to the difference in coat pattern. Animals with predominantly black coats grazed in the early morning hours and sought protection as thermal comfort levels rose.

Urban leaf litter accumulating in water-filled containers may function as either a resource or a stressor for Aedes aegypti larvae, yet the chemical and botanical drivers of these contrasting effects remain poorly understood. We combined untargeted metabolite profiling with factorial life-history bioassays to examine how leachates from two dominant street trees, Tipuana tipu and Handroanthus heptaphyllus, influence mosquito life story. First-instar larvae were exposed to 25%, 50% or 100% leachate aged 7 or 14 days. The T. tipu leachates were defined by persistent oxalic acid (cyclohexyl hexyl ester) and condensed tannins over 14 days of decay, whereas H. heptaphyllus rapidly lost most phenolics within the first week, shifting to profiles dominated by short-chain alkenes. At 25% dilution, T. tipu reduced mortality to 7% and produced adults with greater wing lengths than controls. However, mortality was >90% in the 50% and 100% T. tipu treatments, independent of leachate age. By contrast, H. heptaphyllus never produced mortality > 16% across all concentration-age combinations. Adult body size responded nonlinearly, with 100% T. tipu aged 14 days generated the smallest adults, whereas the largest adults emerged from 25% T. tipu. These results indicate that T. tipu can shift from a nutritional subsidy to a potent chemical stressor depending on concentration and aging, whereas H. heptaphyllus exerts consistently mild effects. Urban leaf litter therefore represents an overlooked but influential driver of mosquito performance in city environments. © 2026 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Thermal requirements is a tool to predict plant leaf development. This study aimed to estimate the cardinal temperatures and phyllochron for the foliar development of seedlings from four neotropical forest species native to Brazilian biomes. An experiment was conducted using various sowing dates to provide a wide range of temperature regimes, to estimate the base (Tb), optimum (Topt), and maximum (TB) temperature and phyllochron of Handroanthus heptaphyllus, Tabebuia roseoalba, Ceiba speciosa, and Schinus terebinthifolia. The results indicated significant variations in the cardinal temperatures and phyllochron among the four species. The cardinal temperatures for leaf development for H. heptaphyllus, T. roseoalba, C. speciosa, and S. terebinthifolia were, respectively: (i) Tb: 11.3°C, 10.0°C, 11.5°C and 9.8°C; (ii) TB: 50.3°C, 53.2°C, 57.6°C and 52.6°C; and (iii) Topt: 24.3°C, 24.5°C, 22.7°C and 24.8°C. The H. heptaphyllus was more sensitive to extreme temperatures due to higher Tb values and lower TB values. Furthermore, disparities were observed between species and sowing times concerning the determination of the phyllochron, ranging from 88.5 (H. heptaphyllus) to 298.4 (C. speciosa) °C day- 1, indicating that differences in the early development behavior of these species. These provide important insights into seedlings of neotropical biological and ecological aspects and enhance our understanding of crucial parameters for modelling vegetal development. This study successfully estimates the cardinal temperatures and phyllochron for foliar development of four important forest species native to Brazilian biomes, thereby contributing to the knowledge base of forestry research.

Climate change is a growing concern, driven by the accelerated emission of carbon dioxide resulting from human activities. Recent studies have indicated that urban trees contribute to mitigating these changes. Given that legal frameworks supporting the implementation of this landscape feature are already in place, this study aimed to evaluate the carbon stock and identify the species that contribute the most to it within the oldest area of the Main Campus of the State University of Maringá, in northern Paraná, which was established 50 years ago. The study area comprises 11.5 hectares. Based on the floristic survey of trees and large palms, measurement of the diameter at breast height (1.30 m), total height, and wood density values obtained from specialized literature, local biomass and carbon stock were estimated using three allometric models available in the literature. The area contains 998 specimens belonging to 27 botanical families, 68 genera, and 83 species, 49.40% of which are native to the northern region of Paraná. The estimated carbon stock was 402.76 Mg C or 35.25 Mg C ha-1, a value considered significant when compared to other Brazilian urban areas. Fabaceae accounted for 65.72% of the total carbon stock, followed by Bignoniaceae (10.23%) and Arecaceae (9.85%). The species that contributed the most to carbon storage were Cenostigma pluviosum, Tipuana tipu, Delonix regia, and Dypsis lutescens (exotic); and Handroanthus heptaphyllus, Cordia trichotoma, and Holocalyx balansae (native), in terms of both specimen count and DBH. Only D. regia exhibited high wood density, while the others presented intermediate values. These findings underscore the importance of urban forestry as a carbon sink and reinforce its contribution to the provision of ecosystem services to society.

Characterization of cucumber mosaic virus from Handroanthus heptaphyllus in Brazil

Abstract Tropical timber species are generally shade tolerant, but preliminary studies have indicated that greater light availability can accelerate their growth. In this study, we hypothesized that native timber species can grow faster initially when planted in full sun alongside the pioneer species in high-diversity restoration plantings compared with being planted in the understory of an established forest restoration. We assessed the mortality, relative growth in height (RGH) and stem diameter (RGDGL) of eight native timber species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest 19 months after planting. Overall seedling mortality was similar across planting conditions, and only Handroanthus heptaphyllus exhibited higher mortality in the shaded planting. The RGH and RGDGL of most species was higher in full sun planting. Therefore, our findings indicate that those tropical timber species grow faster and have higher survival rates when planted in open areas. Study Implications: We evaluated the initial growth and mortality of eight timber species native to the Atlantic Forest, focusing on their performance in forest restoration across two distinct conditions: full sun alongside pioneer species, and natural shade beneath an established canopy. Late successional timber species exhibit accelerated initial growth rates when planted in full sunlight compared with under an established forest canopy due to the greater light intensity. Our findings strongly support the practice of planting native timber species in full sun alongside pioneer species. This approach also provides logistical advantages, potentially reducing costs compared with staggered planting methods.

Tropical and subtropical soils do not always provide the necessary amount of phosphorus (P) to supply the nutrient demand of native trees, such as Handroanthus heptaphyllus (Mart.) Mattos (Ipê-roxo). Therefore, it becomes necessary to apply phosphate fertilizers. However, decision-making and doses to be applied will be more assertive if P's critical levels (NC) in the soil and leaves and doses of maximum technical efficiency (MET) are defined to improve the fertilizer recommendation system for native trees. The study aimed to propose NC and MET of P in H. heptaphyllus submitted to P application. The experiment was conducted in Red Argisol submitted to the application of five doses of P (0, 20, 40, 80, and 160 kg ha-1). After 24 months of planting, the P content in the soil and its concentration in the leaf tissue, height growth (H) and stem diameter (DC), chlorophyll A fluorescence, and acid phosphatase enzyme activity were determined. The NC in soil and leaves were calculated. The addition of phosphorus fertilization increased the P levels in the soil and leaves, promoting higher H and DC in the H. heptaphyllus plants. The greater availability of P reduced photochemical energy losses by fluorescence. The NC in the soil for growth variables height and stem diameter was 20.0 and 21.2 mg dm-3. The CN in leaves for growth and physiological parameters was, on average, 1.6 g kg-1.

Trioza tabebuiae Burckhardt &amp; Santana, 2001 is an important pest of some ornamental plants species of the family Bignonaceae in Brazil. This psyllid causes serious damages in leaves of Handroanthus Mattos, 1970 tress curving its margins which reduce the photosynthetic area when high infestations. In Argentina, Handroanthus heptaphyllus (Vell.) Mattos, 1970 is a relevant tree for its wood and for ornamental use. Here, we report for the first time the presence of the psyllid T. tabebuiae associated with the bignonaceous tree H. heptaphyllus in Argentina. Moreover, the damage produced by T. tabebuiae in leaves of the Pink Trumpet trees was observed.

Handroanthus heptaphyllus as bioindicator of chromium-contaminated environments

The Psittacidae presents a great diversity of species in the Neotropical region performing fundamental ecological functions for ecosystems. These frugivorous birds can occupy different positions in the antagonistic-mutualistic gradient of food interactions, acting as predators and/or as seed dispersers. Little is known about bird-plant ecological interaction networks focusing on psittacines in urban environments, which may compromise the management of natural areas in anthropic landscapes and hinder the planning of conservation strategies. In this context, the present study aimed to analyze the network of feeding interactions between psittacines and plants that occur in green areas in urban and periurban areas of the municipality of São Carlos, São Paulo State, southeastern Brazil. Starting with an active searching added to the application of the focal animal sampling at 36 systematized sampling points during the years 2019, 2020 and 2021, the plant species consumed by parrots in the study area were observed. Four species of birds of the Psittacidae family were recorded consuming food resources from 46 plant species. The order of relevance of the birds in structuring the ecological network was: Brotogeris chiriri (Vieillot, 1851), Psittacara leucophthalmus (Statius Muller, 1872), Forpus xanthopterygius (Spix, 1843) and Eupsittula aurea (Gmelin, 1788). The most consumed plants were Syagrus romanzoffiana, Salix babylonica, Caesalpinea pluviosa, Mangifera indica and Handroanthus heptaphyllus. The pattern of consumption by birds was significantly different among species, and overall, they had a broad diet and medium niche overlap. Network nesting was low, as was connectance, i.e., the number of interactions or connections observed between pairs of species was considerably less than the total number possible. Network asymmetry was considerably high, with the psittacine group performing interactions with a large number of plant species, while each plant received on average few psittacine species. The results point to a high plasticity in the use of food resources in anthropic landscapes, indicating that the occupation of the urban environment by psittacines has been occurring successfully and may benefit the populations of the species recorded here.

ABSTRACT Copper (Cu)-contaminated soils are becoming more common, and phytoremediation is an effective strategy for reducing the negative effects of Cu on soils. Tree species are commonly used for this technique because they act as a barrier to this type of contamination. It is necessary to evaluate Cu tolerance and toxicity thresholds together with the harm this metal causes to plants. The objective of the current study was to investigate the tolerance of Handroanthus heptaphyllus plants to Cu through morpho-physiological, biochemical, and tissue Cu concentration analyses. H. heptaphyllus seedlings were subjected to nutrient solutions with varying concentrations of copper: 0, 5, 32, 64, 96, and 128 µM Cu in a hydroponic system. We conducted a morpho-physiological trait analysis on shoot height, root length, dry weight, morphological variables of the root system, leaf area, and photosynthetic variables. In addition, we also looked into photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide concentration, and Cu accumulation in tissues. The values obtained for variables such as dry weight and pigments did not show significant differences, regardless of Cu concentration. Moreover, photosynthetic and transpiration rates were negatively affected only at the highest Cu concentration (128 µM). Overall, excess Cu had no effect on Handroanthus heptaphyllus below 128 µM. Cu accumulated mainly in the roots without a decrease in biomass, which could indicate the tolerance of the species to this metal as well as its great potential in the phytostabilization of Cu in contaminated soils.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a influência de diferentes substratos na emergência e crescimento inicial de plântulas de ipê-roxo. Os tratamentos utilizados foram: vermiculita; vermiculita + areia barrada (1:1); vermiculita + areia (1:1); areia + húmus (1:1) e areia + composto orgânico (1:1). Para a emergência de plântulas de ipê-roxo são indicados todos os substratos avaliados. Para o crescimento inicial, recomenda-se a utilização de vermiculita, vermiculita + areia ou areia + composto orgânico.

Use of physiological attributes to select native forest species for forest restoration in the southern Atlantic forest biome, Brazil

Phosphorus (P) availability in subtropical soils does not often meet the nutritional demand of native tree species such as the ipê-roxo tree (Handroanthus heptaphyllus); therefore, it is necessary to supply P at planting. However, the impact of P on root system growth remains unknown. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of P application on root morphology of H. heptaphyllus plants over a 36-month period in a subtropical climate region. During the experiment, the plants subjected to fertilization with 40 kg P ha−1 were compared to untreated control. Plant roots were scanned through minirhizotron system 18 and 36 months after transplant (MAT), and generated images were used to determine total root length, mean root diameter and total root volume. Plant height and leaf P concentrations were also evaluated. Phosphorus application enhanced root and whole plant growth with a more evident effect at 36 MAT, when soil P availability decreased. The results give important information on the cultivation of H. heptaphyllus plants in soils presenting low P availability.

Valorizing urban forestry waste through the manufacture of toys

Handroanthus heptaphyllus is a tree species with wood of high economic value, used in the manufacture of furniture and civil construction. When grown in soils with low availability of natural nitrogen (N), it demonstrates low growth potential. Thus, the study aimed to define the growth and physiological responses in H. heptaphyllus plants subjeted to N fertilization after planting. Five rates of N (0, 45, 90, 180 and 270 kg N ha−1) were tested at three vegetative phases of the plants (6, 12 and 18 months after planting). At each age, the height, stem diameter, concentration of N and photosynthetic pigments in leaves, chlorophyll a fluorescence and total N content in soil and tissue were determined. The addition of N increased total N content in the soil and the leaves, the concentration of photosynthetic pigments, the use of light energy and the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II, resulting in greater plant growth. In the period between the 6th and the 18th month after planting, the plants showed an increase of 135 cm in height. The concentrations of N and photosynthetic pigments in the leaves decreased over time, because of the effect of dilution and remobilization of N. The use of 260.0 kg N ha−1 kg divided in 35% of the dose added in small holes in the soil at planting; 32.5% three months after the first application; and the remainder in the sixth month after planting increased growth in height and stem diameter at 18 months after planting.

Do s genes or deleterious recessives control late-acting self-incompatibility in Handroanthus heptaphyllus (Bignoniaceae)? A diallel study with four full-sib progeny arrays.

Morphophysiological responses of forest tree species conducted under different levels of shading in the enrichment of degraded ecosystem

Abstract The economic basis of the Brazilian midwest is agriculture, concentrating most of the grain production in the country. With the purpose of increasing yield, farmers have intensified land use and the use of atrazine among other pesticides, which can supposedly compromise human health and photosynthetic metabolism of plant species from Cerrado, such as Handroanthus heptaphyllus. The aim of this study was to determine experimentally the sensitivity level of H. heptaphyllus to atrazine, by measuring gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, chloroplastidic pigments, and membrane permeability. The experiment was conducted in a factorial scheme. Nine‐month‐old H. heptaphyllus plants were treated with six realistic doses of atrazine: 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 g a.i. ha–1 (corresponding to 10, 20, 40, 80, and 100% of the commercial dose recommended for corn crops, respectively), with five replications. Evaluations were performed at 12, 36, 84, 180, and 276 h after treatment application. Photosynthesis, the effective quantum yield of photosystem II, and electron transport rate were gradually reduced by the action of atrazine. On the other hand, the nonphotochemical quenching increased gradually, which indicates that this mechanism was not sufficient to avoid oxidative stress and cellular damage in H. heptaphyllus treated plants. Based on these results, we concluded that the action of the herbicide in the photosynthetic reduction occurs by the electron transport rate limitation. Therefore, H. heptaphyllus trees are at risk in Cerrado areas next to agricultural lands.

ABSTRACT Among the methods used for the restoration of altered areas, the planting of native tree seedlings is one of the most traditional ones. The objective of this study was to evaluate the survival and initial growth of Casearia sylvestris Sw, Handroanthus heptaphyllus Vell. Mattos and Parapiptadenia rigida Benth. Brenan seedlings in altered areas, according to containers used in nursery seedlings production and use of mulching on planting, using morphological and physiological attributes. The experiment was conducted in a 2x2 factorial scheme. The type of containers used (plastic bag and tube) was considered, and the presence or absence of mulching around the seedlings. The three species presented similar survival averages at 24 months. The rates between the treatments were 72.5; 85.0 and 80.0%, respectively. The use of plastic bags had a positive impact on the height (IncH) and stem collar (IncDC), crown area (CA) and shoot dry mass (SDM) for C. sylvestris and H. heptaphyllus, while for P. rigida, the use of plastic bags favored the CA and the SDM. The presence of mulching favored the attributes IncH, IncDC, AC, and MSPA of H. heptaphyllus, as well as CA and SDM of C. sylvestris. Regarding the physiological parameters (relative levels of chlorophyll a and b and fluorescence of chlorophyll a), no difference was observed between the treatments tested. It is recommended that for the planting of seedlings of C. sylvestris, H. heptaphyllus, and P. rigida, in altered areas by anthropization, they be produced in a 1.5 L plastic bag, aiming at greater field growth. Also, in the planting of C. sylvestris and H. heptaphyllus the mulching should be used to favor their growth.