Northwestern Region Of Argentina Research Articles

Biología reproductiva de Hatcheria macraei (bagre de torrente) en el Área Natural Protegida la Ciénaga, en el centro oeste de Argentina

ABSTRACT The northwestern region of Argentina has several gaps in ichthyogeographic knowledge and there are still bodies of water without records of the species that inhabit them. When planning mitigation projects or conservation or management actions, little knowledge of the biology of a species presents itself as a restriction. Therefore, the objective is to know the reproductive biology of the torrent catfish (H. macraei) in the Natural Protected Area La Ciénaga, San Juan, with the purpose of generating basic information as a tool for the future management of these populations. The torrent catfish, Hatcheria macraei (Girard, 1855) is a Siluriformes that belongs to the Trichomycteridae family, it is a rheophilic and phototactic negative species, which is characterized by living in cold and well-oxygenated waters with sandy and rocky substrates. In a period of one year, fecundity, reproductive potential, minimum reproductive size were determined, sexual dimorphism was evaluated, and the state of gonadal development was described. It was determined that the species presents an opportunistic strategy, presenting a prolonged reproduction period from October to November.

Soil Properties and Bacterial Communities Associated with the Rhizosphere of the Common Bean after Using Brachiaria brizantha as a Service Crop: A 10-Year Field Experiment

Intensive agricultural farming practices, such as monoculture, require long bare fallow periods and the overuse of agrochemicals, which compromise soil health over time. Increasing plant diversity in agroecosystems with service crops represents a promising alternative to achieving sustainability goals. However, how specific cover crop species influence the abundance and structure of soil bacterial communities remains to be solved. In this study, we assessed the effects of B. brizantha in two different agricultural cycles for 10 years in a common bean monoculture system in the northwestern region of Argentina (NWA) by measuring chemical, physical, and microbiological parameters in the rhizosphere, as well as by screening the rhizobiome using 16S rRNA sequencing. The ten-year inclusion of B. brizantha had a positive impact on properties in the rhizosphere compared to the common bean monoculture. The bacterial beta-diversity was different among treatments, but not the alpha-diversity. The most abundant phyla were Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi and Myxococcota. The predicted functions related to chemoheterotrophy and aerobic chemoheterotrophy were increased under B. brizantha treatments compared to the bean monoculture. The inclusion of the pasture B. brizantha contributed to restoring soil health and minimizing soil degradation.

New Records of Mosquitoes in Bolivia and Northwestern Argentina

Two mosquito species, Culex (Culex) hepperi and Culex (Culex) maxi are reported for the first time for Bolivia, in Tarija department. Aedes (Ochlerotatus) stigmaticus and Mansonia (Mansonia) indubitans are the first records in Aniceto Arce province, in Tarija department, southern Bolivia. In addition, Aedes (Protomacleaya) alboapicus and Culex (Phytotelmatomyia) renatoi are reported for the first time in the northwestern region of Argentina. Anopheles (Nyssorrhynchus) nuneztovari s.l. is reported for the first time in Jujuy and Tucumán provinces, and Aedes (Ochlerotatus) raymundi and Anopheles (Anopheles) neomaculipalpus are the first reports in Tucumán province. The 3 species are extending their geographical distribution in these provinces. Data on the collection localities and comments about the medical relevance of some species are also presented.

An Unwanted Association: The Threat to Papaya Crops by a Novel Potexvirus in Northwest Argentina.

An emerging virus isolated from papaya (Carica papaya) crops in northwestern (NW) Argentina was sequenced and characterized using next-generation sequencing. The resulting genome is 6667-nt long and encodes five open reading frames in an arrangement typical of other potexviruses. This virus appears to be a novel member within the genus Potexvirus. Blast analysis of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and coat protein (CP) genes showed the highest amino acid sequence identity (67% and 71%, respectively) with pitaya virus X. Based on nucleotide sequence similarity and phylogenetic analysis, the name papaya virus X is proposed for this newly characterized potexvirus that was mechanically transmitted to papaya plants causing chlorotic patches and severe mosaic symptoms. Papaya virus X (PapVX) was found only in the NW region of Argentina. This prevalence could be associated with a recent emergence or adaptation of this virus to papaya in NW Argentina.

The Oriental Hornet (Vespa orientalis L.): a Threat to the Americas?

Invasive alien species generate adverse ecological, economic and social impacts in the invaded area. This is particularly alarming as the establishment of alien species shows no sign of saturation worldwide. Among invasive alien species, social wasps of the Vespidae family are well known to negatively impact the biodiversity and economy in the invaded areas. In 2020, an established population of the Oriental Hornet (Vespa orientalis L.) was detected in central Chile. This finding represents the first successful establishment of an insect of the genus Vespa in South America and rises an alarm about its potential spread in the Americas. Here, we performed an ecological niche modelling approach using Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and literature occurrences for V. orientalis and a set of environmental variables, to identify the suitable areas for the species outside its native range. The highest suitability values were predicted mostly in warm temperate regions and some arid regions of the world, with humid subtropical, Mediterranean, semi-arid or desert climates. In the Americas, we identified four main regions as moderately or highly suitable for the oriental hornet: the Gulf of Mexico and some areas in western California in the USA, central west Chile and the north-western region of Argentina. When we complemented GBIF occurrences with data from the literature, the potential areas of invasions became broader. Based on our results, we recommend the implementation of early warning monitoring schemes including citizen science initiatives to prevent the invasion of the oriental hornet.

1419Cancer mortality burden and quality of life in Argentina: geographical pattern and measures of association

Abstract Background Health outcomes are often related to the conditions in which people live. Previous studies indicated that cancer mortality is non-randomly distributed between social groups and regions in Argentina. We aimed to analyze geographical pattern of mortality due to the most prevalent cancers in Argentina (2013-2015), from a quality of life approach. Methods Age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) for specific cancer types (breast, lung, prostate, colon, cervix, stomach) was estimated by direct method (2013-2015 period). Mortality maps at a departmental scale (n = 511) were constructed by using a Getis-Ord Hot Spot spatial analysis. A Quality of Life Index (QLI, continuous score) for Argentina 2010 was used. Poisson mixed models with a random intercept were performed to estimate IRRs (relative risk) as measures of association. Results Breast, lung, and colon cancers show the most clear ASMR geographical patterns, which locate an extensive cold spot (lower and correlated rates) in the northwestern region of Argentina and a hot spot (higher and correlated rates) in the Pampeana (center-east) region . Particularly, breast and cervix cancers showed confronting mortality geographic patterns and opposite relationships with the departmental QLI (IRR 1.23 and 0.78, respectively). A direct association was found for lung (IRR 1.46/1.15 for women/men) and colon cancer (IRR 1.57/1.49 for women/men). Conclusions Results evidence geographic disparities in cancer mortality burden linked to the quality of life of populations at departmental scale in Argentina. Key messages Geographic disparities in cancer mortality are linked to the quality of life in Argentina. Mortality-QLI relationship varies according the cancer type.

Searching for solar-like interannual to bidecadal effects on temperature and precipitation over a Southern Hemisphere location

Precipitation and temperature over Tucuman (26.8°S, 65.2°W), a province located in the Northwestern region of Argentina, is analyzed for the interval 1889–2018 in search of any plausible statistical associations with impacts and responses from solar variability. The aim of the study was to contribute data to the controversial issue of climate variations in response to both anthropogenic and natural forcings. The long-term behavior of Tucuman climatic series involves overall warming and augmented precipitation tendencies, possibly linked to the increasing greenhouse gases concentration or even other local man-made factors like increasing urbanization. In addition, we identified sporadic ~4 and ~8-year periodicities, and a ~20-year oscillation after the 1950–1960's. Based on the physical hint that bidecadal periodicities detected in climate parameters are probably not linked to the solar 11-year-like irradiance cycles, we expand our scope of investigations to include another effect which has been recently considered in the dynamics of large rivers as “the planetary hypothesis of the solar cycles”. This new hypothesis supposes that the barycentric dynamics of the Sun could be involved in modulations of the intrinsic solar magnetic and radiative output cycles and therefore Earth-bound climatic responses. Thus, we present a wide-ranging statistical analysis of correlation, cross spectrum, and coherence between Tucuman's climatic series and solar orbital parameters, including also the analysis of hemispheric mean temperatures. Our results show significant coherence at the ~20-year cycle, which is clearly present in the Sun's barycentric dynamic that could in turn be linked to some features of the quasi-decadal solar activity variations.

Sisyrinchium humahuacense of sect. Segetia a new species from Argentina

A new species from the Andean region of northwestern Argentina is described and illustrated: Sisyrinchium humahuacense. This species can be distinguish from its closest related species by three main characters: the presence of a conspicuous horizontal rhizome, the colour of the flowers and the presence of rudimentary leaves not splitting in fibers. A phylogenetic analysis based on DNA sequences supported the inclusion of S. humahuacense within the genus and as part of the section Segetia. Also, a key to species to identify S. humahuacense is presented herein.

Macroinvertebrados bentónicos de ríos de zonas áridas del noroeste argentino

In the Northwestern region of Argentina (NOA), an extensive part of the territory is occupied by arid environments, vulnerable to the development of human economic activities. The aim of this study was to provide basic information about the benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages of rivers in this area, and to use different biotic indices to prove their power to predict river ecological status. Fifteen streams and rivers were sampled in the provinces of Catamarca and La Rioja, in different occasions, accounting for a total of 23 sites. Samples were taken with Surber net (two or three in each site) and environmental parameters were recorded. Canonical correspondences analyses (CCA) were performed to study the relationships between environmental data and the macroinvertebrate assemblage structure, and different biotic indices were calculated for each site. A total of 59 taxa were found, being Diptera the richest group (12 families). The highest alfa diversity was 29 taxa, while the lowest was 1. The best represented taxa were Andesiops peruvianus , Meridialaris tintinnabula , Austrelmis (larva), Orthocladiinae, Smicridea , Helicopsyche and Heleobia . The CCA showed that electric conductivity and streambed width were important factors that influence the macroinvertebrate assemblage structure. The biotic index with the best ecological performance was the “indice biotico de las Sierras de San Luis” (IBSSL). Diversity in the studied sites was similar to those of other sites from arid environments of Argentina, like Cuyo (San Luis and Mendoza provinces) and Catamarca province, but lower than those of the Patagonian sites. The IBSSL proved to be useful to be applied in the region, but more detailed studies are needed, including polluted sites to improve their explanatory value. https://doi.org/10.25260/EA.18.28.2.0.645

Foreign Invasive Pests Drosophila Suzukii (Matsamura) and Zaprionusindianus Gupta (Diptera: Drosophilidae) Threaten Fruit Production in Sub-Tropical Argentina

1. Abstract The sub-tropical region of north western Argentina (Tucuman province) shelters a major soft fruit production and exporting industry. Drosophilasuzukii <span style=font-size:10.0pt;font-family: times= new= roman,serif;mso-ansi-language:en-us=>(spotted-wing Drosophila; SWD) is a major global pest of soft fruits because females can lay eggs under the epidermis of healthy, ripening fruit. Recently, Argentina was invaded by the SWD, which has rapidly spread towards all the cardinal points, showing a great ability of adaptation to different climates and fruit crops. We report for the first time <span style=font-size:10.0pt;font-family: times= new= roman,serif;mso-ansi-language:en-us=>the presence of two invasive drosophilid species, SWD and Zaprionusindianus (African fig fly) in the sub-tropical rainforest of the Yungas (Koppen-Geiger climate classification CWa), adjacent to a high-value fruit production region, in the province of Tucuman (northwestern Argentina). Both species were recovered from wild guava fruit (P.sidiumguajava). The SWD was found in healthy, ripe fruit attached to the trees (65%) and in damaged fruit lifted from the ground (35%); while Z. indianus was only recovered from damaged fruit collected from the ground (100%). Zaprionusindianus, SWD and other drosophilid accounted for 86.6%, 7.1% and 6.3%, respectively, of the total of drosopholids found. The presence of both invasive insects in the region, especially SWD, is a threat for the local berry industry. Since SWD can complete its life cycle in guavas, these fruits would allow the sustainability of SWD populations during the seasons in which commercial berry crops are not in production. Berry growers and government plant protection agencies should promptly take measures to limit these pests dispersion to commercial fruit fields. 2. Keywords: African Fig Fly; <span style=font-size:10.0pt; font-family: times= new= roman,serif;mso-ansi-language:en-us;mso-fareast-language:= es=> Invasive Species; Psidiumguajaba; Spotted-Wing Drosophila

Characterization of Fusarium species associated with tobacco diseases in Northwestern Argentina

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) production is centred in the northwestern region of Argentina (NWA), where the incidence of root rot and stem diseases has increased considerably in recent years. This study aimed to analyse the genetic, morphological and pathogenic diversity of the Fusarium oxysporum and F. solani complexes (hereafter FOSC-FSSC), causing Fusarium wilt and root rot. One hundred tobacco fields were surveyed at six locations during two consecutive seasons, and 130 isolates were recovered from symptomatic tobacco plants. The isolates were characterized by morphological traits, molecular characteristics (EF1-α sequence) and pathogenicity tests. All of the isolates were identified as members of the FOSC or FSSC, exhibiting considerable intra-group variation. Three morphotypes were differentiated based on morphological characters in both complexes. The phylogenetic tree generated from the EF1-α sequences confirmed the isolates’ identification. The pathogenicity of the isolates towards tobacco seedlings was assessed in a greenhouse. Considerable variability in pathogenicity was observed among the isolates. Differences in the levels of pathogenicity were recorded. In the FOSC and FSSC, 81% and 60% of the isolates were pathogenic, respectively. In this study, members of FOSC and FSSC exhibited considerable variability in morphological characteristics and virulence, and a portion of them were non-pathogenic for tobacco. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to provide information on the variability of the pathogens associated with tobacco wilt and root rot in NWA. This work contributes to the development of sustainable management strategies in tobacco production.

Conventional and reduced-risk fungicides to control postharvest Diplodia and Phomopsis stem-end rot on lemons

Abstract Stem-end-rot (SER), caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae or Diaporthe citri, is an important postharvest disease in humid and warm citrus growing areas, such as the Northwestern region of Argentina. The commercial control of SER has been accomplished by applications of the systemic fungicide carbendazim (CARB). However, alternative chemicals for this fungicide are needed due to increasing restrictive regulations in overseas markets. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of conventional and reduced-risk postharvest fungicides to control SER. In vitro tests show that L. theobromae was more resistant to fungicides than D. citri. In trials using artificially inoculated lemons, SER caused by D. citri (Phomopsis SER) was controlled by the fungicides evaluated. The conventional fungicides imazalil and thiabendazole (TBZ) were the most effective chemicals to control SER caused by L. theobromae (Diplodia SER), while other fungicides, as fludioxanil, azoxystrobin, pyrimetanil and propiconazole, were not effective. The best control of Diplodia SER was obtained by immersion for 60 s in 2000 mg/L of TBZ at pH 5 and 20 °C. In this condition, TBZ-residue loading on lemons was 3.0 mg-L−1, which did not exceed the allowed maximum residue levels. TBZ applied in lemon commercial treatments is the best option to reduce SER caused by both pathogens. At this time, this is the unique suitable alternative to replace CARB treatment in Argentinean packinghouses.

Tropical high Andean drylands: species diversity and its environmental determinants in the Central Andes

Diversity determinants have mostly been evaluated in high diversity areas, leaving behind regions with less species diversity such as drylands. Here we aim to analyze the patterns of plant diversity in tropical drylands in the southern Central Andes, and determine the importance of water, energy, and environmental heterogeneity as diversity determinants of the arid and semi-arid adapted flora. We examined the distribution of 645 native species from lowlands to 6000 m.a.s.l. in the north-western region of Argentina (NWA) and define hotspots of diversity within each NWA ecoregion. Diversity is concentrated in regions of middle elevation with intermediate values of water and energy, at the transition between arid and semi-arid regions. Furthermore, we showed that in tropical drylands energy input is as fundamental for plant diversity as water input is and, we found that the effects of these variables varied with elevation and, also with aridity. Water variables had the strongest effect on the flora in the arid high Andean ecoregions, where an increase in precipitation during the growing season stimulated species diversity. Energy only became more important than water when the arid adapted flora entered the low and semi-arid regions where energy increments reduce species diversity. Our analysis provides strong quantitative support for climate variables as the main determinants of plant diversity across different ecoregions of the southern Central Andes. Given the present climate change events, knowing how these variables affect the distribution of the arid adapted flora is crucial for planning strategies for achieve their present and future conservation.

Gram-Positive Bacteria with Probiotic Potential for the Apis mellifera L. Honey Bee: The Experience in the Northwest of Argentina.

Apis mellifera L. is one of the most important natural pollinators of significant crops and flowers around the world. It can be affected by different types of illnesses: american foulbrood, nosemosis, varroasis, viruses, among others. Such infections mainly cause a reduction in honey production and in extreme situations, the death of the colony. Argentina is the world's second largest honey exporter and the third largest honey producer, after China and Turkey. Given both the prominence of the honey bee in nature and the economic importance of apiculture in Argentina and the world, it is crucial to develop efficient and sustainable strategies to control honey bee diseases and to improve bee colony health. Gram-positive bacteria, such as lactic acid bacteria, mainly Lactobacillus, and Bacillus spp. are promising options. In the Northwest of Argentina, several Lactobacillus and Bacillus strains from the honey bee gut and honey were isolated by our research group and characterized by using in vitro tests. Two strains were selected because of their potential probiotic properties: Lactobacillus johnsonii CRL1647 and Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis Mori2. Under independent trials with both experimental and commercial hives, it was determined that each strain was able to elicit probiotic effects on bee colonies reared in the northwestern region of Argentina. One result was the increase in egg-laying by the queen which therefore produced an increase in bee number and, consequently, a higher honey yield. Moreover, the beneficial bacteria reduced the incidence of two important bee diseases: nosemosis and varroosis. These results are promising and extend the horizon of probiotic bacteria to the insect world, serving beekeepers worldwide as a natural tool that they can administer as is, or combine with other disease-controlling methods.

Identification of male-produced aggregation pheromone of the curculionid beetle Acrotomopus atropunctellus.

The sugarcane stem weevil, Acrotomopus atropunctellus (Boheman) (Curculionidae: Molytinae: Cholini) is an important economic pest from the Northwestern region of Argentina. Analyses of the headspace volatiles produced by separated males and females revealed one male-specific compound. Its structural identification is reported here in using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy analysis and chemical micro-reactions. Besides, two laboratory olfactometry assays allowed us to propose 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one (sulcatone) as an aggregation pheromone for this insect, being attractive to both conspecific males and females. This compound is reported for the first time as involved in the Curculionidae family communication.

“De lugares y objetos” - La visibilización del pasado afro en el norte de argentina – Caso de estudio: La ciudad colonial de San Miguel de Tucumán

La presencia de africanos en la argentina continúa siendo hoy en día un tema en discusión y continua elaboración. Negada, silenciada y en el mejor de los casos minimizada dentro de los discursos oficiales de la configuración de la nación, esta ausencia fue tal que la misma se trasladó y arraigó hasta en la propia memoria e imaginario colectivo de los argentinos. En los últimos años surgieron diversos estudios académicos motivados a reivindicar la verdadera historia de los afro y afro argentinos así como la incidencia e importancia que los mismos tuvieron en los diferentes procesos históricos del país. En este caso presentamos un avance acerca de las tareas de investigación realizadas hasta el momento, las cuales se enmarcan en el proyecto de pos graduación en memoria social y patrimonio cultural de la UFPEL, el cual se basa en el estudio del patrimonio material africano, como herramienta de visibilización y revalorización de la historia de dicha población contextualizando el área de estudio en la ciudad colonial de San Miguel de Tucumán, situada en la región noroeste de Argentina.

Confrontar al peronismo. Dinámica partidaria y prácticas políticas de la Unión Cívica Radical (Tucumán, 1946-1958)

&lt;p&gt;El artículo analiza las respuestas que ensayó la Unión Cívica Radical de la provincia de Tucumán (región noroeste de Argentina) frente al peronismo en el período comprendido entre las presidencias de Juan Perón y la “Revolución Libertadora” (1946-1958). Con ese fin propone dos ejes de análisis. Por un lado, explora los conflictos que se suscitaron en las cúpulas de cara a la definición de una estrategia para enfrentar al peronismo. Por otro lado, examina el proceso de recepción, por parte de la dirigencia local, de las directivas emanadas desde las autoridades. Mediante una reducción de la escala de observación el artículo intenta aportar al conocimiento sobre las variaciones provinciales del radicalismo en la etapa referida. La investigación se basa en documentación partidaria, prensa escrita, debates legislativos y entrevistas orales.&lt;/p&gt;

A New Species of &lt;I&gt;Valeriana&lt;/I&gt; from the Andean Region of Northwestern Argentina Based on Morphological and Molecular Data

Abstract Valeriana serratifolia, a new species from the Andean region of northwestern Argentina, is described and illustrated. It can be distinguished from its closest morphological taxon, V. macrorhiza, by its entire, spathulate leaves with serrulate margin, and falcate fruits, 2–2.5 mm long, crowned by the reduced annular calyx shifted toward the ventral face. A phylogenetic analysis based on DNA sequences of plastid markers trnL-F and trnK intron supported V. macrorhiza as its closest related species. We also provide a key to differentiate V. serratifolia from the epappose species of Valeriana from Argentina.

Northwestern Argentina: A Center of Genetic Diversity of Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citriodoraPaláu, Verbenaceae)

The aerial parts of lemon verbena (Aloysia citriodora PALÁU) are worldwide used due to their medicinal and aromatic properties. The essential-oil and acteoside contents have been proposed as the main quality markers for their pharmacological and organoleptic features. The northwestern region of Argentina has been repeatedly proposed as the place of origin for this species. For this reason, the essential-oil yields and chemical compositions of leaves of 25 populations of lemon verbena from both wild collections and experimental crops from this region were studied. Plants from six different collections were subsequently grown on the same experimental parcel located at Cerrillos, Salta province, during more than seven years. In addition, the acteoside contents determined in all the samples collected in 2010 showed significant variations (from 0.5 to 4.0%). Large differences were observed in the essential-oil composition and yields, which ranged from 0.4 to 2.1% (v/w). Nevertheless, most of the samples complied with the European Pharmacopoeia specifications. A remarkable chemical diversity with at least four clearly defined chemotypes was detected in this region. Therefore, it would be urgent to encourage actions to protect these genotypes of lemon verbena in the northwestern Argentina.

Argentinean Species of Chalarus Walker (Diptera: Pipunculidae): New Records and Description of Chalarus tani n. sp.

The Argentinean species of Chalarus Walker were studied. Pipunculidae adults belonging to four species, C halarus chilensis Collin, Chalarus triramosus Rafael, Chalarus absonus Rafael and Chalarus tani n. sp. were described based on two male specimens collected in the La Rioja and Tucuman Provinces, northwestern region of Argentina. Chalarus absonus is recorded for the first time in Argentina. New distributional data and an identification key to the adult males of the Argentinean representatives are provided including figures.