Brazilian Native Species Research Articles

Genetic diversity of Tambaqui (Teleostei - Characidae) broodstocks from Northern region of Brazil using microsatellite markers

The Amazonian fish Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) is the most common native species in Brazil. This species has the highest production rate in the Northern region, especially in the State of Rondônia. The genetic evaluation of Tambaqui is an extremely important to increase productivity in fish farms or improve the adaptability in restocking natural populations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of three Tambaqui broodstocks in Rondônia, Brazil. Six microsatellite markers were used to analyze a total of 89 breeders collected from three fish farms located in Ji-Paraná (JP), Ouro Preto do Oeste (OP) and Presidente Médici (PM). A total of 37 alleles between 140 and 310 bp were found, including the presence of exclusive and low frequency alleles in the three broodstocks. The average values of observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.404 (PM) to 0.499 (JP). The FIS coefficient values were positive for the three broodstocks, demonstrating a deficit of heterozygotes. The Molecular Variance Analysis (AMOVA) showed greater variation within the stocks than between them. The genetic differentiation was moderate and significant between the stocks, with higher differentiation between JP x PM and lower between OP x PM. The Bayesian analysis designated an optimal value of K = 3 groupings. Although there is moderate genetic diversity between broodstocks, the high FIS indicates a possible decline of diversity in the next generations, and therefore, the incorporation of new breeders is suggested to increase the genetic diversity in the three stocks.

Red araçá pulp microencapsulation by hydrolyzed pinhão starch, and tara and arabic gums.

Red araçá is a Brazilian native species whose fruits are rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids. To preserve the properties of compounds during processing, red araçá pulp (RAP) was encapsulated by hydrolyzed pinhão starch (PS), tara gum (TG), and arabic gum (AG) in different blends in equal proportions, serving as a coating material. Fresh RAP had a gallic acid equivalent of 3098 mg per 100 g of dry weight, 156.29 μg β-carotene per gram of dry weight, total anthocyanins of 18 mg per 100 g of dry weight and exhibited high antioxidant activity. The highest encapsulation efficiency achieved with the PS, TG, and AG blend was 80.4% for the total carotenoids, and that for the total anthocyanins was 76% with the TG and AG blend. Only one step of antioxidant activity degradation was identified, and the carrier system PSTG was efficient at maintaining the antioxidant activity, with half-life of 23.60-37.27 days. The use of PS alone as a coating material or associated with TG and AG gums resulted in improved retention of bioactive compounds, these being an excellent alternative coating material since they improved the stability of the antioxidant activity of RAP. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

APPLICATIONS OF ISSR MARKERS IN STUDIES OF GENETIC DIVERSITY OF Pityrocarpa moniliformis

ABSTRACT Pityrocarpa moniliformis (Benth.) Luckow & R. W. Jobson (Fabaceae) is a native brazilian species with high potential for economic development programs in semiarid regions, mainly related to the production of honey, animal food and firewood. Thus, the objective of this work was to select Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) molecular markers for genetic diversity studies, as well as to test the efficiency of this approach in quantifying the genetic diversity of a natural P. moniliformis population. For this, 28 ISSR molecular markers were tested, evaluating the total number of loci, polymorphism rate and the Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) for the selected primers, the “Marker Index”, and the “Resolving Power”. Genetic diversity parameters (Nei genetic distance and Shannon index) were evaluated for 30 individuals located in Macaíba, Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil. Seven primers were selected, which provided 74 loci, with 82% being polymorphic, while the PIC value was 0.344. The Nei genetic distance was 0.244, and the Shannon index was 0.374. Therefore, ISSR molecular markers (UBC 827, 840, 844, 857, 859, 860 and 873) are considered efficient in studying the genetic diversity of populations for the selection of matrices and germplasm banks, and may contribute to the conservation and genetic improvement of P. moniliformis populations.

Composition and potential health effects of dark-colored underutilized Brazilian fruits – A review

Among the rich Brazilian biodiversity, a wide range of native and exotic fruit species are found. Many of these fruits have high nutritional and bioactive value, being important sources of minerals, phenolic compounds, vitamins, dietary fiber, among others. Also, the prevention of several diseases and disorders have being associated to the action of phytochemical compounds present in fruits with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects, for example. However, despite the potential of these fruits to be explored economically, many of them remain unknown to a large part of the population and food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetical industries, being produced and consumed only locally. Therefore, summarize information about potential Brazilian native fruits species is essential to stimulate their better use and reinforce the local economy promoting the cultivation and exploration of these fruits. In this context, this review summarizes and discusses the physicochemical characteristics, nutrients, phytochemical compounds, and biological properties of seven dark-colored underexploited Brazilian fruits species: Bactris setosa, Eugenia brasiliensis, Eugenia involucrata, Euterpe edulis, Myrcianthes pungens, Myrciaria cauliflora, and Myrciaria jaboticaba.

Seed germination and dormancy break in Eragrostis polytricha, a native Brazilian grass species with potential for recovery of degraded lands

Ferruginous Rocky Outcrops have high levels of species richness and endemism, but have been threatened by several anthropic actions, especially mining. Eragrostis polytricha, a common grass species in the vegetation of these outcrops, has shown promising features for use in the recovery of mining areas. However, in order to fully understand the species’ potential for such use, its requirements for germination, seed dormancy break and seedling development must be determined. Thus, we aimed to: (1) assess the temperature conditions needed for seeds of E. polytricha to germinate; (2) evaluate the effects of KNO₃ in breaking seed dormancy; and (3) analyze the germination efficiency of seeds that are still in spikelets. The experiment included seven treatments: 15-35 ºC with KNO₃, 20-30 ºC with KNO₃, 15 ºC with KNO₃, 25 ºC with KNO₃, 35 ºC with KNO₃, 20-30 ºC with water, and 20-30 ºC with KNO₃ using spikelets. The treatments with alternating temperatures associated with KNO3 yielded the highest germination rates, suggesting that these two factors combined can break seed dormancy. Seeds inside spikelets exhibited a high germination percentage, and thus represent an interesting alternative for seedling production.

Selection of Brazilian native turfgrass accessions for establishment by sprigs

Abstract Researches with Brazilian native species of Axonopus and Paspalum genus have indicated their lawn-use. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the use of sprigs, which are rhizomes and/or stolons fragments of plants without substrate and with reduced aerial part, as a propagation method for turfgrass establishment. Two experiments were developed. Experiment 1: turfgrass sods (1026 cm²) from Axonopus parodii (AP 01), Paspalum lepton (PL 01) and P. notatum (PN 01 to PN 06) accessions, were fragmented in a straw crushing machine in order to obtain the sprigs. After cleaning the substrate and organic residues from the sprigs, the following variables were analyzed: total number of sprigs; minimum, maximum and average length of the sprigs; standard deviation; number of sprigs shorter than 2 cm, from 2 to 4 cm, and from 4 to 6 cm long. Experiment 2: sprigs from three different length classes were planted and evaluated at 63 days after planting. The commercial variety Zoysia japonica (ZJ 01) was used as a control treatment. The following characters were analyzed: the survival rate of the sprigs, the number of shoots, expansion, soil coverage rate, dry biomass of aerial part, and dry biomass of the roots. Correlations were made among the data obtained. Higher yields were obtained for sprigs shorter than 2 cm and from 2 to 4 cm. All accessions presented better development when established with sprigs longer than 2 cm. The Paspalum notatum accessions PN 01, PN 02, PN 03 and PN 05 could be selected for turfgrass establishment by sprigs propagation.

Additions to the knowledge of the pollen morphology of some Fabaceae from Cerrado forest patches of Brazil

This study presents the pollen morphology of 11 Brazilian native species and one variety of Caesalpinioideae and Detarioideae (Fabaceae) from forest patches of São Paulo, Brazil. The aim of this research is to expand the morphological knowledge of the species of these subfamilies, contributing to the taxonomic study and conservation of these species in the forest area. The pollen grains were acetolyzed, measured, described qualitatively and illustrated using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Differences in pollen unit (tetrads or monads), size (small to large), amb (circular to triangular), shape (oblate to prolate), details of the polar area (very small to large), position of apertures (angulaperturate, planaperturate, subplanaperturate, or fossaperturate), type of endoapertures (lolongate, circular, or lalongate) and exine ornamentation (psilate, scabrate, microreticulate, or reticulate heterobrochate) aid in the differentiation of pollen grains of the analyzed species. In this study, the metric variables related to the apertures assist in the quantitative separation of the species (multivariate analysis), and these variables, together with the qualitative data, contribute to affirm the eurypalynous character of the subfamilies Caesalpinioideae and Detarioideae.

BIOACTIVITY OF EXTRACTS FROM SOLANACEAE AGAINST Zabrotes subfasciatus

The botanical family Solanaceae has many species producing compounds with insecticidal properties, e.g. nicotine and capsaicin, which are used for pest management in agriculture. This fact provides perspectives to identify insecticidal compounds in Brazilian native species of Solanaceae. In this study, we performed a screening with 25 ethanolic extracts from 17 Solanaceae species in order to evaluate their bioactivity against the Mexican bean weevil, Zabrotes subfasciatus(Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae). The bioactivity of Solanaceae ethanolic extracts (2500 mg kg-1) was tested with residual contact bioassays. Adults ofZ. subfasciatus were exposed to treated bean grains, and adult mortality, oviposition, F1progeny and damages on grains were quantified. Most of the ethanolic extracts from Solanaceae reduced the number of eggs per sample, the egg-adult viability, the F1progeny and the damages on bean grains promoted byZ. subfasciatus, but none of them interfered on its sex ratio. Ethanolic extract from leaves of Solanum lycocarpumA. St.-Hil promoted the most promissory effects on Z. subfasciatus. This ethanolic extracts can be a suitable alternative to control Z. subfasciatus in stored beans, mainly for small farmers and organic farmers.

Pollen morphology of Rubiaceae from Cerrado forest fragments: Pollen unit, polarity and diversity of the types of apertures

The pollen morphology of 23 Brazilian native species of Rubiaceae Juss. from forest fragments of a Cerrado area was analyzed using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in the search for new characters that might increase the knowledge on the pollen morphology of the species, and also aiming to help in the taxonomic characterization of the genera. For LM, the pollen grains were acetolyzed, measured, photographed and described qualitatively, whereas for SEM, the non-acetolyzed pollen grains were observed for further details of ornamentation. The analyzed species were grouped into three pollen types based on pollen unit and polarity, and three subtypes were separated considering the type of apertures; the surface ornamentation details were evidenced within each pollen type. The pollen grains are tetrad (Randia, microreticulate) or monad, apolar and inaperturate (Psychotria, reticulate-retipilate) or 2-porate (Coussarea, microreticulate), isopolar and porate (3-porate – Chomelia, reticulate-retipilate; Faramea, microreticulate-striate; Guettarda, reticulate-retipilate or rugulate; 3–4-porate – Tocoyena, foveolate; 6-porate – Mitracarpus, microreticulate-baculate), colpate (3-colpate – Psychotria, reticulate-retipilate; 7-colpate – Borreria, microreticulate-baculate), colporate (3-colporate – Chiococca and Ixora, microreticulate, Genipa and Simira, reticulate; Coutarea, microreticulate-echinate; Rudgea, microreticulate-baculate; 4-colporate – Manettia, reticulate). The metric data of the pollen grains examined by descriptive and multivariate analysis (Principal component analysis and Cluster analysis) allow the distinction of groups of species based on the size and shape. The results indicate the importance of qualitative and quantitative data and reinforce a wide morphological pollen diversity of Rubiaceae species from forest fragments in Cerrado which confirms the family as eurypalynous.

Comparative larvicidal effect of Pterodon spp. extracts obtained by different extraction methods

Pterodon spp. is a native Brazilian tree species of Fabaceae family, popularly known as sucupira. In the present study, the extraction methods of Soxhlet, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) were conducted at different conditions to recover compounds from “sucupira” with larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti larvae. The influence of temperature and pressure on SFE with CO2 was compared to Soxhlet and UAE techniques, performed with hexane and ethanol as solvents. The use of ethanol as solvent provided better yields, but lower larvicidal activity. The extraction yields obtained with CO2 and hexane as solvents (non-polar) were similar, regardless the extraction method. Non-polar solvents showed better larvicidal activity with chances of having practical applications in fighting disease vectors. The chemical composition of these extracts presented as major components, trans-geranylgeraniol, germacrene-D-ol and caryophyllene, which showed to be responsible for the activity.

Distribution of nutrients and functional potential in fractions of Eugenia pyriformis: An underutilized native Brazilian fruit

Uvaia is a Brazilian native species whose fruit has few studies on the nutritional composition and antioxidant properties. In this study, we evaluated for the first time the proximate composition, mineral content, carbohydrate profile, identification of organic compounds, and determination of antioxidant properties in two fractions of this fruit (edible fraction and seed). Edible fraction showed the highest content of ash, lipids, proteins, total fibers, minerals mainly K and Mg (1557.61 and 124.40 mg 100 g−1, respectively), and carbohydrates such as fructose, sucrose, glucose (123.08; 64.40; and 42.39 mg g−1, respectively), and maltotetraose (G4). From the ESI-LTQ-XL-MS/MS analysis, it was possible to identify 22 compounds in the edible fraction and 16 compounds in the uvaia seed, including organic acids, phenolic acids and flavonoids. On the other hand, uvaia seed had the highest content of total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant capacity. These results suggest that this fruit has great potential to be used in industry, with emphasis on making food with functional claims.

Assessment of Gene Flow to Wild Relatives and Nutritional Composition of Sugarcane in Brazil.

The commercial release of genetically modified organisms (GMO) requires a prior environmental and human/animal health risk assessment. In Brazil, the National Biotechnology Technical Commission (CTNBio) requires a survey of the area of natural occurrence of wild relatives of the GMO in the Brazilian ecosystems to evaluate the possibility of introgressive hybridization between sexually compatible species. Modern sugarcane cultivars, the focus of this study, derive from a series of hybridization and backcrossing events among Saccharum species. The so-called “Saccharum broad sense” group includes around 40 species from a few genera, including Erianthus, found in various tropical regions, particularly South-Eastern Asia. In Brazil, three native species, originally considered to belong to Erianthus, were reclassified as S. angustifolium (Nees) Trin., S. asperum (Nees) Steud., and S. villosum Steud., based on inflorescence morphology. Thus, we have investigated the potential occurrence of gene flow among the Brazilian Saccharum native species and commercial hybrids as a requisite for GMO commercial release. A comprehensive survey was carried out to map the occurrence of the three native Saccharum species in Brazil, concluding that they are sympatric with sugarcane cultivation only from around 14°S southwards, which precludes most Northeastern sugarcane-producing states from undergoing introgression. Based on phenology, we concluded that the Brazilian Saccharum species are unable to outcross naturally with commercial sugarcane since the overlap between the flowering periods of sugarcane and the native species is limited. A phylogenomic reconstruction based on the full plastid genome sequence showed that the three native Saccharum species are the taxa closest to sugarcane in Brazil, being closer than introduced Erianthus or Miscanthus. A 2-year study on eight nutritional composition traits of the 20 main sugarcane cultivars cultivated in Brazil was carried out in six environments. The minimum and maximum values obtained were, in percent: moisture (62.6–82.5); sucrose (9.65–21.76); crude fiber (8.06–21.03); FDN (7.20–20.68); FDA (4.55–16.90); lipids (0.06–1.59); ash (0.08–2.67); and crude protein (0.18–1.18). Besides a considerable amount of genetic variation and plastic responses, many instances of genotype-by-environment interaction were detected.

Pollen types of Sapindaceae from Brazilian forest fragments: apertural variation

ABSTRACT Morphological variations in angiosperm pollen grains may aid in the differentiation of families, genera and species. Sapindaceae pollen morphology holds promise for the recognition of taxa of this cosmopolitan family, which is well distributed in tropical regions and possesses great morphological diversity. This study presents the pollen morphology of 23 native Brazilian species of Sapindaceae from forest fragments in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The aim was to identify pollen types in order to expand the morphological knowledge of the analyzed species and contribute to the taxonomy and conservation of the family. Pollen grains were acetolysed, measured and photographed using light and scanning electron microscopy. Qualitative data were described for three pollen types, while quantitative data were analyzed by descriptive and multivariate statistics. The pollen grains are monads, isopolar or heteropolar, small to medium in size, peroblate to oblate-spheroidal and with a subcircular to quadrangular amb. Variation in the type of the apertures [3-porate, 3-(4)-colporate, 3-syncolporate or 3-parasyncolporate] allowed the analyzed genera to be separated into three pollen types. Furthermore, differences in ornamentation (psilate, rugulate, striate, microreticulate, reticulate) delimit species within the established pollen types.

Evaluation of Harvesting and Seed Dormancy Overcoming Techniques in <i>Hymenaea courbaril </i>Germination

Hymenaea courbaril is an endangered Brazilian native species. Recently, this species has been used on reforestation programs. So, production techniques that propitiate faster germination are very important. Although, seed dormancy, which could hamper the seedling production process, is not extensively recognized. Thus, this study focused on evaluating the influence of early harvest technique, scarification and pre-imbibition techniques to overcome H. courbaril seed dormancy in two steps. First, evaluating green fruits harvest could influence the germination process, 137 visually healthy seeds from green fruits and 400 seeds from mature fruits were selected. Seeds from green fruits presented similar results to seeds from mature fruits. Probably due to the natural seed tegument rupture. After, the influence of mechanical scarification, pre-imbibition and the combination of both methods were measured. All studied processing methods did not affect significantly any of the germination measurement parameters. Mechanical scarification exhibits similar responses as previous studies showed when using acid scarification. The technique of harvesting green fruits from the treetop seems to be applicable to commercial seedling production. While none of the studied treatments promoted significantly benefits to germination at any of the indexes.

What is the most suitable native bee species from the Neotropical region to be proposed as model-organism for toxicity tests during the larval phase?

Currently, Brazil has a full framework for pesticide risk assessment established for Apis mellifera, based on the North American approach. However, the use of Apis mellifera as model-organism as a surrogate for Brazilian native species of stingless bees has been questioned. Assessments on other stages of development than adult individual are essential. Our study aimed to standardize in vitro larval rearing method for the stingless bee species Scaptotrigona postica and Tetragonisca angustula, comparing the results to those obtained for M. scutellaris (previously described), for proposing the most suitable one for using in toxicological larval tests. We used the most efficient method for determining the toxicity of dimethoate on S. postica larvae. We presented the first comparative approach of responses to in vitro larval rearing methods among native bee species from Neotropical region, for use in risk assessment. Our results showed that S. postica was the most suitable native species to be proposed as model-organism. In addition, our results are also very useful for a ring test to validate the method, in accordance to OECD.

Nutritional composition of Brazilian native species of Campomanesia spp.

Campomanesia eugenioides, Campomanesia xanthocarpa (Berg) and Campomanesia xanthocarpa var. littoralis are native fruits plants distributed in Brazil, which are popularly recognized for their nutritional, economic and cultural values. Given the scarcity of the controlled scientific studies comparing native Campomanesia varieties, the objective of this study was to characterize the fruits of Campomanesia eugenioides, Campomanesia xanthocarpa and Campomanesia xanthocarpa var. littoralis, regarding chemical composition and nutritional value through the quantification of carbohydrates, lipids, moisture, ash, proteins and fibers; the minerals Ca, Mg, P, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, K, Na content; vitamin C and carotenoids content. These varieties showed distinct physicochemical characteristics with small differences mainly about ash content and caloric values. Nevertheless, C. xanthocarpa var. littoralis showed higher values for fiber content, total soluble solids, and total titratable acidity. C. eugenioides species highlighted in relation to the vitamin C and mineral contents, with an exception for C. xanthocarpa var. littoralis that showed higher iron content. C. xanthocarpa had the highest carotenoid content, confirming that these fruits have functional properties and high nutritional value. Finally, this study will provide important scientific data supporting the application of valuable fruits from three edible Campomanesia species for producing bioactive ingredients and natural preservatives for food products.

Leaf anatomy as a taxonomy tool for the identification of Brazilian native species of Chionanthus (Oleaceae)

The genera Chionanthus is composed by around 100 species distributed worldwide, in tropical and temperate regions of Asia, Africa, Americas and Australia. In Brazil, Chionanthus is the most abundant genera among the Oleaceae family, with 11 species described, nine of them being endemic. The lack of distinctive morphological aspects hinders the identification of some of these species. The aim of this work is to use the leaf anatomy as a tool to the taxonomy of Brazilian native species of Chionanthus, focusing on displaying features that ease their identification. The anatomy of fully expanded leaves was analyzed from 10 species: Chionanthus crassifolius, C. ferrugineus, C. filiformis, C. fluminensis, C. greenii, C. micranthus, C. parviflora, C. subsessilis, C. tenuis and C. trichotomus. The samples, obtained from herborized plants, were rehydrated and cross-sections were made in the middle of the leaf blade, on the petiole and, also, both of the epidermis were dissociated. The occurrence of common anatomic features to Oleaceae were noticed, such as the presence of sclereids and glandular trichomes. The description of the leaf anatomy has permitted to determine the distinctive characteristics between species, such as the shape of the petiole, the vascular system arrangement in the petiole and in the midvein; the presence of papillate epidermal cells; cuticle ornaments; elongate glandular trichomes, sinuosity on the anticlinal walls of the epidermis, presence of hypodermis; differentiation of the mesophyll; and the contour of the midrib on the abaxial surface.

Flowering acceleration in native Brazilian tree species for genetic conservation and breeding

Grafting and growth retardants are commonly used in breeding programs to stimulate flower production. However, little is known about their effects on Brazilian tree species. The aim of this study was to investigate the vegetative and reproductive development of grafted tree seedlings treated with paclobutrazol (PBZ) and grown under greenhouse or outdoor conditions. Potted seedlings of Jacaranda mimosifolia , Handroanthus heptaphyllus , Swietenia macrophylla , Schinus terebinthifolius , Cariniana legalis , and Hymenaea courbaril were evaluated. Shoot number, length, and circumference as well as flower and fruit numbers were determined at 50 and 90 days after PBZ application. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, and means were compared by Tukey’s test (P ≤ 0.05). Growing conditions influenced the vegetative parameters of seedlings, especially after 90 days. J. mimosifolia and S. terebinthifolius responded positively to flowering induction, and their fruit and flower numbers differed between growing environments. Potted grafts of the six native tree species were successfully grown. Grafting and PBZ application induced early flowering in J. mimosifolia and S. terebinthifolius .

How will farmed populations of freshwater fish deal with the extreme climate scenario in 2100? Transcriptional responses of Colossoma macropomum from two Brazilian climate regions.

Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum Cuvier, 1818) is an endemic fish of the Amazon and Orinoco basins, and it is the most economically important native species in Brazil being raised in five climatically distinct regions. In the face of current global warming, environmental variations in farm ponds represent additional challenges that may drive new adaptive regional genetic variations among broodstocks of tambaqui. In an experimental context based on the high-emission scenario of the 5th Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, we used two farmed tambaqui populations to test this hypothesis. RNA-seq transcriptome analysis was performed in the liver of juvenile tambaqui from northern (Balbina Experimental Station, Balbina, AM) and southeastern (Brumado Fish Farming, Mogi Mirim, SP) Brazilian regions kept for 30 days in artificial environmental rooms mimicking the current and extreme climate scenarios. Three Illumina MiSeq runs produced close to 120 million 500 bp paired-end reads; 191,139 contigs were assembled with N50=1595. 355 genes were differentially expressed for both populations in response to the extreme scenario. After enrichment analysis, each population presented a core set of genes to cope with climate change. Northern fish induced genes related to the cellular response to stress, activation of MAPK activity, response to unfolded protein, protein metabolism and cellular response to DNA damage stimuli. Genes biologically involved in regulating cell proliferation, protein stabilisation and protein ubiquitination for degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome system were downregulated. Genes associated with biological processes, including the cellular response to stress, MAPK cascade activation, homeostatic processes and positive regulation of immune responses were upregulated in southeastern fish. The downregulated genes were related to cytoskeleton organisation, energy metabolism, and the regulation of transcription and biological rhythms. Our findings reveal the signatures of promising candidate genes involved in the regional plasticity of each population of tambaqui in dealing with upcoming climate changes.

Capsicum carassense (Solanaceae), a new species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

Capsicum carassense Barboza & Bianchetti sp. nov., a species from mid-elevation of the Atlantic Forest (Minas Gerais, Brazil) is described and illustrated. This endemic new species is distinguished from the most similar C. mirabile Mart. by its moderate to dense general pubescence, narrowly elliptic leaves and larger calyx appendages and corollas. A key for the native Brazilian species of Capsicum growing in the state of Minas Gerais is also provided.