Ocotea Catharinensis Research Articles

Present and future distribution of endangered and economically important Ocotea species in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest: Implications for conservation and restoration

Habitat destruction and climate change are major threats to global biodiversity. Economically important species are even more susceptible to these drivers, as their already vulnerable populations experience additional stress. This is exemplified by species such as Ocotea catharinensis, O. odorifera, and O. porosa, which have been extensively exploited and are mainly found in the highly degraded Atlantic Forest hotspot. In this context, this study aimed to assess the effects of climate change on the distribution of these species and identify priority areas to support conservation and restoration measures. The MaxEnt algorithm was employed to estimate the current and future distribution of the three species under two time periods (2040 and 2080) and climate change scenarios (SSP 245 and SSP 585). The obtained information was then used to assess land use change within the species distribution range, focusing on suitable regions within legally protected areas and on lands that need to be restored to comply with the Brazilian forest code. The analysis revealed that habitat loss, particularly due to forest conversion for forestry use, remains a significant threat to these species. Furthermore, climate change is projected to cause reductions in suitable habitats for all species. The predicted reduction ranges from 32% to 67% for O. catharinensis, 39–86% for O. odorifera, and 26–69% for O. porosa, depending on the year and climate change scenario. These results indicate a potential worsening of their conservation status in the coming years. A concerning mismatch was observed between the conservation target and legally protected suitable areas in future scenarios, particularly affecting O. catharinensis and O. porosa. Additionally, a significant portion of the suitable areas falls within lands that require restoration. Our findings highlight climate change as an additional risk factor for the conservation of these already endangered species. The results provided by this study can support the development of ex situ and in situ conservation strategies aiming at safeguarding these ecologically and economically valuable species.

Biosynthesis of tetrahydrobenzofuran neolignans in somatic embryos of Ocotea catharinensis

Somatic embryos of Ocotea catharinensis were used as a model to investigate the biosynthetic pathway of tetrahydrobenzofuran neolignan formation by means of feeding 13C-labelled precursors followed by analysis using MS and 13C NMR. Isotopomers of L-[13C]-phenylalanine administered to embryos were incorporated into tetrahydrobenzofuran neolignans and the analysis of 13C NMR clearly revealed the enriched position of precursors. While feeding a series of putative intermediate including [8�13C]-ferulic acid, [8�13C]-glycoferulic acid, and [8�13C]-coniferyl alcohol were not successful in incorporation to the neolignans, the [8�13C]-coniferyl acetate was detected as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of the neolignan 5�-methoxy-porosin. In the bioconversion assay using the protein fraction from the embryogenic cultures, only the substrate coniferyl acetate was converted into isoeugenol, which together with eugenol, is one of the putative precursors of neolignan formation. These findings support that the tetrahydrobenzofuran neolignans are derived from the oxidative coupling between units of E- isoeugenol and 5�-methoxy-eugenol leading to a regio- and stereospecific products.

Biosynthesis of tetrahydrobenzofuran neolignans in somatic embryos of Ocotea catharinensis

Somatic embryos of Ocotea catharinensis were used as a model to investigate the biosynthetic pathway of tetrahydrobenzofuran neolignan formation by means of feeding 13C-labelled precursors followed by analysis using MS and 13C NMR. Isotopomers of L-[13C]-phenylalanine administered to embryos were incorporated into tetrahydrobenzofuran neolignans and the analysis of 13C NMR clearly revealed the enriched position of precursors. While feeding a series of putative intermediate including [8�13C]-ferulic acid, [8�13C]-glycoferulic acid, and [8�13C]-coniferyl alcohol were not successful in incorporation to the neolignans, the [8�13C]-coniferyl acetate was detected as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of the neolignan 5�-methoxy-porosin. In the bioconversion assay using the protein fraction from the embryogenic cultures, only the substrate coniferyl acetate was converted into isoeugenol, which together with eugenol, is one of the putative precursors of neolignan formation. These findings support that the tetrahydrobenzofuran neolignans are derived from the oxidative coupling between units of E- isoeugenol and 5�-methoxy-eugenol leading to a regio- and stereospecific products.

Temporal changes in population genetics of six threatened Brazilian plant species in a fragmented landscape

Anthropic pressure has caused several changes in the environment, such as habitat loss and fragmentation. One effective way to evaluate its effects on population genetics is to monitor populations through time. We aimed to characterize the population genetics of six plant species at two different times (cohorts). We asked (1) if populations show genetic divergence between cohorts, (2) if any significant changes are present between the genetic index of cohorts and, if so, (3) whether such changes are related to the adult cohort fixation index. To address these questions, we studied 61 populations of 50 adult and 50 seedling individuals genotyped with allozyme markers. We calculated allelic richness (Ar), observed (Ho) and expected heterozygosity (He), and fixation index (f) for each population cohort; and pairwise FST between cohorts. Seedlings were genetically similar to the adults (mean pairwise FST = 0.014). No difference was found in the proportion of populations that showed increases and decreases of the genetic indexes over cohorts, except f, for which more populations showed a decrease. Adult fixation index had a correlation with Ho (r = 0.507, p = 3∙10−5) and He (r = −0.247, p = 0.055). A mean test between cohorts revealed the maintenance of high f values in Araucaria angustifolia and Ocotea catharinensis, as well as a significant decrease in He of Euterpe edulis, species widely explored in the past. Although we only studied two cohorts, general trends and significant changes were detected, which could be important in the conservation of those six species.

Lauraceae Along an Altitudinal Gradient in Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT We performed a phytosociological study on an altitudinal gradient in Lauraceas State Park (Parque Estadual das Lauraceas/PR), aiming to describe the Montane Atlantic Rain Forest, to verify the importance of Lauraceae, and to evaluate the communities’ successional stage. We distributed survey units (2,000 m2 quadrats) along an altitudinal gradient and surveyed all individuals with DBH ≥ 10 cm, which composed the arboreal component. In smaller quadrats (250 m2), we surveyed regeneration individuals. The community at 800 and 900 m a.s.l. shows typical characteristics of Montane forest in an advanced successional stage, and the abundance of Ocotea catharinensis is its main indicator. At 1,000 and 1,100 m a.s.l., the forest is characterized as Montane with short stature in an advanced successional stage, with the occurrence of typical upper montane species such as O. porosa and O. vaccinioides.

Landscape Genetics and Genetic Conservation of Two Keystone Species from Ombrophilous Dense Forest: Euterpe edulis and Ocotea catharinensis

Landscape Genetics and Genetic Conservation of Two Keystone Species from Ombrophilous Dense Forest: Euterpe edulis and Ocotea catharinensis

Reproductive ecology of Ocotea catharinensis, an endangered tree species.

Ocotea catharinensis (Lauraceae) is an endangered tree species from the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. Currently, little is known about the reproductive ecology of this species. Aiming to propose conservation measures, we described aspects related to phenology, floral biology, pollination, seed dispersal and mating system of O.catharinensis. We conducted phenological observations in 62 individuals for 2years. In one reproductive event, we evaluated nectar production, stigmatic receptivity and pollen viability. Floral visitors were observed, identified and classified on a scale of pollination effectiveness. Seed dispersers were observed and identified using camera traps. Finally, the mating system was evaluated through pollen/ovule ratios, experimental pollination treatments and genetic analysis with molecular markers. Ocotea catharinensis presented a supra-annual fruiting pattern with a substantial reduction of reproducing individuals from bud phase to ripe fruit phase. Several mechanisms prompting cross-fertilisation were identified, such as attractive, herkogamic and protogynic flowers. The main floral visitors and pollinators were from the Diptera order, and all seed dispersers were birds. The species presented a predominantly outcrossed mixed mating system with significant selfing rate (17.3%). Although based on restricted evidence, we hypothesised that selfing is an escape mechanism for situations unfavourable to cross-fertilisation. Specifically, for the studied population selfing is a response to reduced population size, which is caused by the non-reproduction of all potentially reproductive individuals and by past exploitation events. Therefore, conservation efforts should be able to enhance population sizes, as well as prevent overexploitation.

Spatial genetic structure, population dynamics, and spatial patterns in the distribution ofOcotea catharinensisfrom southern Brazil: implications for conservation

In this study, we employ an integrated demographic–genetic approach with the aim of informing efforts to conserve Ocotea catharinensis Mez., an endangered tree species from the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. After establishing two permanent plots (15 and 15.5 ha) within protected areas in Santa Catarina state, Brazil, we evaluated demographic aspects (density, recruitment, mortality, and growth), spatial pattern, genetic diversity, and spatial genetic structure (SGS) in three categories (seedlings, juveniles, and reproductive individuals) over 2 years. Studied populations presented low recruitment of individuals and low rates of increment in diameter and height. Aggregation was the main spatial pattern observed for both populations. High levels of genetic diversity were estimated for both populations, as well as high levels of fixation index, signaling the risk of losing genetic diversity over generations. Significant SGS was found for both populations, reflecting nonrandom distribution of the genotypes. ...

Essential Oil Yield and Composition of Native Tree Species from Atlantic Forest, South of Brazil

This work aimed to evaluate the essential oil yield and composition of fresh and dried samples of native tree species in the Atlantic Forest of Parana State, South of Brazil. The essential oil extraction was carried out by hydrodistillation in a graduate Clevenger type apparatus and the chemical composition was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The species show a wide variation in the essential oil yield (0.07 to 1.84%) and in the most species it was not affected by the drying process. The Ocotea odorifera and Ocotea catharinensis species show a higher percentage of monoterpenes, while the species Casearia decandra, Nectandra grandiflora, Lithraea molleoides, Schinus terebenthifolius, Cinnamodendron dinisii, Aloysia gratissima and Drymis angustifolia show higher percentage of sesquiterpenes. Essential oil samples of Casearia sylvestris showed only sesquiterpenes.

Floristic and Forest Inventory of Santa Catarina: species of evergreen rainforest

This study presents the list of species of Evergreen Rainforest in Santa Catarina, based on 202 sample units established by the Floristic and Forest Inventory of Santa Catarina, in order to study the tree/shrub component and regeneration in addition to a floristic survey outside the sample units. We recorded 1,473 species: three gymnosperms and 1,470 angiosperms, that totalize 19% of all species quoted for this Brazilian forest type. The most species-rich families were Orchidaceae (143 species), Myrtaceae (142), Asteraceae (98), Melastomataceae (86), Fabaceae (78), Rubiaceae (65), Solanaceae (61), Bromeliaceae (57), Piperaceae (56), and Lauraceae (52). Among them are eight species listed in the Official List of Endangered Species of the Brazilian Flora: Aechmea blumenavii, Araucaria angustifolia, Billbergia alfonsijoannis, Euterpe edulis, Heliconia farinosa, Ocotea catharinensis, O. odorifera and, O. porosa.

Genetic diversity and population genetic structure in three threatened Ocotea species (Lauraceae) from Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest and implications for their conservation

The Atlantic Rainforest in Brazil is currently comprised of small fragments due to the history of conversion and degradation in the last five centuries. The rainforest trees, Ocotea catharinensis, O. odorifera and O. porosa have been heavily harvested because of the high economic value of their timber and essential oils. Their respective habitats have undergone substantial reduction in area due to continuing anthropogenic pressures. As a consequence, these species have suffered large declines in population size and are now considered to be potentially vulnerable to extinction. This study investigated the patterns and levels of genetic diversity and inbreeding of these species using eight microsatellite markers in order to define priority populations for conservation management actions focusing on population enhancement and ex situ germplasm collections. High genetic diversity was found for each of the species with moderate genetic differentiation among populations. Most populations displayed significant inbreeding and isolation by distance. The results provide important information to choose priority populations for both in situ and ex situ conservation measures.

HPLC mapping of second generation ethanol production with lignocelluloses wastes and diluted sulfuric hydrolysis

Wood wastes are potential material for second generation ethanol production within the concept of residual forest bio-refinery. Current paper reports on ethanol production employing an HPLC method for monitoring the chemical content dispersed in the hydrolysate liquor after fermented. The proton-exchange technique was the analytical method employed. Twelve types of wood chips were used as biomass, including Hymenolobium petraeum , Tabebuia cassinoides , Myroxylon peruiferum , Nectandra lanceolata , Ocotea catharinensis , Cedrelinga catenaeformis , Cedrela fissilis Vell , Ocotea porosa , Laurus nobilis , Balfourodendron riedelianum , Pinus Elliotti and Brosimum spp . The influence of diluted sulfuric hydrolysis on the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae during the fermentation assay was also investigated. Standard compounds mapped in the analysis comprised fructose, lactic acid, acetic acid, glycerol, glucose and ethanol. The yeast showed ethanol productivity between 0.75 and 1.91 g L -1 h -1 , respectively, without the addition of supplementary nutrients or detoxification. The use of these materials for the bioconversion of cellulose into ethanol has been proved. Current analysis contributes towards the production of biofuels by wastes recovery and by process monitoring and optimization.

A importância das plantações de eucalipto na conservação da biodiversidade

In last decades, the increase of Eucalyptus plantations was relevant in Brazil, especially in the global scenario. Several studies showed that these cultures, especially those guaranteed by certification mechanisms, can bring social and environmental benefits. This paper presents data collected in the period 2002-2011, where we show richness data of plants, birds and mammals in eucalyptus plantation farms in Brazil. It is discussed the importance of these areas to biodiversity conservation, where have been recorded 1,320, 620 and 55 species of woody plants, birds and medium and large mammals, respectively. It was registered the occurrence of endangered plant species in the plantations understory: Araucaria angustifolia , Couratari asterotricha , Buchenavia hoehneana , Dalbergia nigra , Ocotea catharinensis and Ocotea porosa . It was also registered the presence of threatened species:crowned eagle ( Urubitinga coronata ), red-browed parrot ( Amazona rhodochorytha ), maned-wolf ( Chrysocyon brachyurus ), anteater ( Myrmecophaga tridactyla ) and tapir ( Tapirus terrestris ). Plantations and forest fragments occupied by secondary vegetation will be among the main elements of future forest landscape. Thus, we cannot neglect the contribution of eucalyptus plantations on biodiversity conservation.

WUSCHEL-related genes are expressed during somatic embryogenesis of the basal angiosperm Ocotea catharinensis Mez. (Lauraceae)

Ocotea catharinensis is a basal angiosperm and an endangered tree species from the Brazilian Atlantic Rain Forest. Despite its economical and ecological importance, mass-propagation of this species is hampered by seldom-produced short-lived seeds, and in vitro propagation is challenged by frequently malformed somatic embryos. Therefore, O. catharinensis somatic embryos are also a good experimental material to study the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying in vitro morphogenesis. In an ongoing effort to characterize genes expressed during somatic embryogenesis of O. catharinensis we have cloned two Ocotea WUSCHEL-related genes. According to our RT-PCR data, both genes were preferentially expressed in embryogenic cell aggregates. One of them, OcWUS, is a possible ortholog of the Arabidopsis WUSCHEL (WUS) gene, which codes for a homeodomain-containing protein involved in the specification and maintenance of the shoot apical meristem. We analyzed the expression patterns of OcWUS and OcWOX4 by RT-PCR, and OcWUS expression was also assessed by in situ hybridization. The expression patterns of OcWUS were very similar to those described for the Arabidopsis WUS. OcWUS transcripts were generally restricted to a small group of cells in the center of the putative shoot apical meristem of O. catharinensis somatic embryos. Perturbed expression of OcWUS might be related to abnormally formed somatic embryos of O. catharinensis obtained through tissue culture.

Methylation patterns revealed by MSAP profiling in genetically stable somatic embryogenic cultures of Ocotea catharinensis (Lauraceae)

Ocotea catharinensis is a rare tree species indigenous to the Atlantic rainforest of South America. In spite of its value as a hardwood species, it is in danger of extinction. The species erratically produces seeds showing irregular flowering and slow growth. Therefore, plants are not easily replaced. Tissue culture-based techniques are commonly used for obtaining living material for tree propagation and in vitro preservation. Therefore, a high-frequency somatic embryogenic system was developed for the species. In the present work, the genetic fidelity of cell aggregates and somatic embryos at various stages of in vitro development of O. catharinensis was investigated using RAPD and AFLP markers. Both analyses confirmed the absence of genetic variation in all developmental stages of O. catharinensis embryogenic cultures, verifying that the in vitro system is genetically stable. The cultures were also analyzed for their methylation profiles at 5′-CCGG-3′ sites by identifying methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphisms. Some of these markers differentiated cell aggregates from embryo bodies. The sequencing of ten MSAP markers revealed that four sequences showed significant similarity to genes encoding plant proteins. Particularly, the predicted amino acid sequence of the fragment designated as OcEaggHMttc155 was similar to the enzyme 1–aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (ACO), which is involved in the biosynthesis of ethylene, and its expression was reported to occur from the beginning to the intermediate stages of plant embryo development. Here, we suggest that this enzyme is possibly involved in the control of the earliest stages of somatic embryogenesis of O. catharinensis, and an approach to study ACO expression during somatic embryogenesis is proposed.

Two-dimensional gel electrophoretic protein profile analysis during seed development of Ocotea catharinensis: a recalcitrant seed species

The aim of the present work was to characterize changes in the protein profile throughout seed development in O. catharinensis, a recalcitrant species, by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Protein extraction was undertaken by using a thiourea/urea buffer, followed by a precipitation step with 10% TCA. Comparative analysis during seed development showed that a large number of proteins were exclusively detected in each developmental stage. The cotyledonary stage, which represents the transition phase between embryogenesis and the beginning of metabolism related to maturation, presents the highest number of stage-specific spots. Protein identification, through MS/MS analysis, resulted in the identification of proteins mainly related to oxidative metabolism and storage synthesis. These findings contribute to a better understanding of protein metabolism during seed development in recalcitrant seeds, besides providing information on established markers that could be useful in defining and improving somatic embryogenesis protocols, besides monitoring the development of somatic embryos in this species.

Fine-scale spatial genetic structure and allozymic diversity in natural populations of Ocotea catharinensis Mez. (Lauraceae)

In order to establish a strategy for conservation, the distribution of genetic diversity in four natural populations of Ocotea catharinensis in the Brazilian Atlantic rain forest was investigated using 18 allozyme loci. Estimates of the average number of alleles per loci (2.2), percentage of polymorphic loci (83.3%) and expected genetic diversity (0.427) in adult individuals were high; suggesting that all populations have genetic potential for conservation. The inbreeding within populations ( $$ \hat{f} = - 0.0 1 1 $$ ) and the total inbreeding ( $$ \hat{F} = 0. 1 3 3 $$ ) suggest population structure, since a high level of divergence among populations ( $$ \hat{\theta }_{\text{P}} = 0. 1 4 3 $$ ) was also detected. Significant values of spatial genetic structure were found inside the four populations. This study demonstrates that the realized gene flow among the remaining populations of O. catharinensis is not sufficient to stop population divergence due to genetic drift and local selection, which threatens the future viability of this species.

Polyamines, amino acids, IAA and ABA contents during Ocotea catharinensis seed germination

Polyamines, amino acids, IAA and ABA contents during Ocotea catharinensis seed germination

Neolignans and sesquiterpenes from leaves and embryogenic cultures of Ocotea Catharinensis (Lauraceae)

The extracts from leaves of Ocotea catharinensis Mez (Lauraceae) were found to contain fourteen neolignans and two sesquiterpenes: nine benzofuran types (including three new compounds 1e, 2f and 4b), one new seco-benzofuran type (3b), two bicyclo[3.2.1]octane types (including the new compound 5c), two new dimers of bicyclo[3.2.1]octane type (7a and 7b) and two sesquiterpenes (including a new humulanol 9). In addition, seven neolignans were also showed to occur in somatic embryos of O. catharinensis including one new bicyclo[3.2.1]octane type (4a).

Polyamine and nitric oxide levels relate with morphogenetic evolution in somatic embryogenesis of Ocotea catharinensis

In this study we examined the effect of polyamines (PAs) putrescine (Put), spermidine (Spd) and spermine (Spm) on growth, morphology evolution, endogenous PAs levels and nitric oxide (NO) release in Ocotea catharinensis somatic embryo cultures. We observed that Spd and Spm reduced culture growth, permitted embryo morphogenetic evolution from the earliest to last embryo development stages, increased endogenous PAs levels, and induced NO release in O. catharinensis somatic embryos. On the other hand, Put had little effect on these parameters. Spd and Spm could successfully be used to promote somatic embryo maturation in O. catharinensis. The results suggest that Spd and Spm have an important role during the growth, development and morphogenetic evolution of somatic embryos, through alterations in the endogenous nitric oxide and PAs metabolism in this species.