Specimen Vouchers Research Articles

Knowledge linked to museum specimen vouchers: measuring scientific production from a major biological collection in Colombia

Biological collections are sources of knowledge, particularly critical to understand life when they house specimens from megadiverse countries. However, the scientific value of biological collections is usually unknown because the lack of an explicit link between knowledge and specimens. Here we compiled 628 papers from 152 journals that used collection objects from the Colecciones Biologicas del Instituto de Investigacion de Recursos Biologicos Alexander von Humboldt, Colombia (IAvH-CB) as sources. The compilation was largely based on expert knowledge. However, to assess the performance of our method we compared our results with results obtained conducting automatic searches in academic databases. We calculated different metrics and depicted geographical, taxonomic, and bibliometric trends. We found that geographic coverage of the IAvH-CB objects used in the studies is largely regional or national. Taxonomically, we found records of 176 families in 61 orders of taxa, but there is large variation among the number of studies in different groups. The bibliometric analyses indicated that there is a growing trend in the number of publications and citations over the years, and that the citation number as well as the H index of this set of papers is comparable to the knowledge produced by major researchers in Colombia and of similar magnitude to that of the production of relatively small or medium sized collections in the USA. The compilation method used performed well, with broad coverage and an omission rate below 8%, compared with automated searches. However, we conclude that both approaches, expert knowledge and automated searches, are complementary. IAvH-CB are a massive source of scientific knowledge about Colombian biodiversity and they are instrumental for documenting basic issues about taxa in the country.

Molecular phylogeny of Atractus (Serpentes, Dipsadidae), with emphasis on Ecuadorian species and the description of three new taxa.

We present a molecular phylogeny of snake genus Atractus, with an improved taxon sampling that includes 30 of the 140 species currently recognized. The phylogenetic tree supports the existence of at least three new species in the Pacific lowlands and adjacent Andean slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes, which we describe here. A unique combination of molecular, meristic and color pattern characters support the validity of the new species. With the newly acquired data, we propose and define the Atractus iridescens species group, as well as redefine the Atractus roulei species group. The species Atractus iridescens is reported for the first time in Ecuador, whereas Atractus bocourti and Atractus medusa are removed from the herpetofauna of this country. We provide the first photographic vouchers of live specimens for Atractus multicinctus, Atractus paucidens and Atractus touzeti, along with photographs of 19 other Ecuadorian Atractus species. The current status of Atractus occidentalis and Atractus paucidens is maintained based on the discovery of new material referable to these species. With these changes, the species number reported in Ecuador increases to 27, a number that is likely to increase as material not examined in this work becomes available and included in systematic studies.

Studies on the Mitochondrial Genomics in Salmo trutta caspius Population in Three Rivers of Caspian Sea

Mitochondrial DNA is suitable for phylogenetic studies. Hence in this study mitochondrial DNA genes in Salmo trutta caspius were sequenced and deposited in Genbank. Six sequences of S.t. caspius mitochondrial ATPase 6 gene with accession nos. LC011387.1, LC154842- LC154847 and the full length of the mitochondrial genome in S.t. caspius (accession no. LC011387.1) were deposited in Genbank. Sequences were aligned between S.t. caspius and Salmo trutta by BLAST program. Although results showed a high homology between both sequences, but single nucleotide variations between ND genes in S.t. caspius and Salmo trutta were observed. S.t. caspius, S. trutta, and Salmo salar sequences were converted into a circular map in an online system named Organellar Genome DRAW (http://ogdraw. mpimp-golm.mpg.de). Maps created by OGDRAW were different for S.t. caspius, S. trutta and S. salar. Moreover, Maximum Parsimony method was conducted for evolutionary analysis using MEGA 6.0 program tree between S.t. caspius and other salmonids. The results showed that S.t. caspius, Salmo trutta, Salmo trutta fario and S. trutta are covered in a group. On the other hand, results of evolutionary analysis using Tajima's test were conducted in MEGA 6.0 program for three sequencing including, S.t. caspius, S.t. trutta specimen voucher Nor 00, and S.t. fario used as an outgroup for equality of evolutionary rate. Comparison of partial mitochondrial sequence in Iranian S.t. caspius population was performed between three regions [Tonekabon (Cheshmekileh Roud), Ramsar (Safa Roud) and Talesh (Nav roud)]. The results showed that except for one single nucleotide mutation in the partial sequence of mitochondria of S.t. caspius [Ramsar (Safa Roud)], there has been 100% homology between them. In conclusion, the mitochondrial genome homology of S.t. caspius and other salmonids were high, though some SNPs were observed between S.t. caspius and other salmonid species.

New verified nonindigenous amphibians and reptiles in Florida, 1976 through 2015, with a summary of over 152 years of introductions


 
 
 
 More nonindigenous species occur in Florida, USA, than any other region worldwide and may threaten many of Florida’s natural resources. The frequency of new reports mandates the need for regular updates. Herein, we use photographic and specimen vouchers in addition to literature records to provide updated information on verified nonindigenous amphibians and reptiles in Florida. Between our most recent summary in 2012 and the end of 2015, 38 additional species are known to have been intercepted (n = 2) or introduced (n = 36). We also update the invasion stage of seven species previously reported from Florida and report that five additional taxa are now established. In total, 191 independent known introductions of 180 herpetofaunal taxa led to the establishment of 63 taxa. This suggests that one in three introduced herpetofaunal species becomes established in Florida. The pet trade represents the most common introduction pathway among these species animal importer in Hollywood, Broward County, is the probable source for introduction of a quarter of all herpetofauna introduced to Florida.
 
 
 

Non-destructive DNA extraction for small pelagic copepods to perform integrative taxonomy

Molecular analyses of small-sized copepods (≤1 mm) generally involve the complete destruction of the specimens. Consequently, incongruences between the molecular and morphological results cannot be investigated since no specimen vouchers remain. The present study provides a modified column-based DNA extraction method to retain the exoskeleton of the specimen and thus, to enable molecular and morphological analysis of the same specimens. The method has been tested on ethanol preserved specimens of nine pelagic copepod genera.

The importance of biobanking in molecular taxonomy, with proposed definitions for vouchers in a molecular context

The importance of biobanking in molecular taxonomy, with proposed definitions for vouchers in a molecular context

GenSeq: An updated nomenclature and ranking for genetic sequences from type and non-type sources

An improved and expanded nomenclature for genetic sequences is introduced that corresponds with a ranking of the reliability of the taxonomic identification of the source specimens. This nomenclature is an advancement of the “Genetypes” naming system, which some have been reluctant to adopt because of the use of the “type” suffix in the terminology. In the new nomenclature, genetic sequences are labeled “genseq,” followed by a reliability ranking (e.g., 1 if the sequence is from a primary type), followed by the name of the genes from which the sequences were derived (e.g., genseq-1 16S, COI). The numbered suffix provides an indication of the likely reliability of taxonomic identification of the voucher. Included in this ranking system, in descending order of taxonomic reliability, are the following: sequences from primary types – “genseq-1,” secondary types – “genseq-2,” collection-vouchered topotypes – “genseq-3,” collection-vouchered non-types – “genseq-4,” and non-types that lack specimen vouchers but have photo vouchers – “genseq-5.” To demonstrate use of the new nomenclature, we review recently published new-species descriptions in the ichthyological literature that include DNA data and apply the GenSeq nomenclature to sequences referenced in those publications. We encourage authors to adopt the GenSeq nomenclature (note capital “G” and “S” when referring to the nomenclatural program) to provide a searchable tag (e.g., “genseq”; note lowercase “g” and “s” when referring to sequences) for genetic sequences from types and other vouchered specimens. Use of the new nomenclature and ranking system will improve integration of molecular phylogenetics and biological taxonomy and enhance the ability of researchers to assess the reliability of sequence data. We further encourage authors to update sequence information on databases such as GenBank whenever nomenclatural changes are made.

First Report of Pilidium concavum Causing Tan-Brown Rot on Strawberry Fruit in Belgium

In April 2010, pink-orange spore masses that later turned brown were observed on 7 to 50% of the transplant lots during a routine screening of Belgian strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa, cv. Elsanta) for the latent presence of Colletotrichum acutatum using the petiole freeze method (4). These spore masses contained hyaline, canoe-shaped to allantoid conidia (mean size 7.5 × 1.8 μm), which is not consistent with C. acutatum spore morphology. Subsequently, a spore mass was transferred onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) and a gray-to-brown colony with whitish, aerial mycelium was produced, which is also not consistent with C. acutatum isolates. To identify the fungus, the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA region was amplified by PCR and sequenced. The 485-bp region was 100% identical to that of Pilidium concavum specimen voucher BPI 1107275 (GenBank Accession No. AY487094). P. concavum (Desm.) Höhn. (synanamorph Hainesia lythri; teleomorph Discohainesia oenotherae) is a pathogen of strawberry causing tan-brown rot of fruit and is a common secondary invader of roots and dead strawberry plant parts (3). A recent strain of P. concavum from strawberry, isolate UPL 50, obtained from Brazil (L. Zambolim, Univ. Fed. de Viçosa, personal communication) showed similar colony, microscopic (mean spore size of 6.8 × 1.8 μm), and molecular (ITS sequence 98% identical to that of P. concavum specimen voucher BPI 1107275) features as the Belgian isolate. Pathogenicity tests were conducted on mature strawberry fruits by submerging 15 fruits per isolate for 3 min in a conidial suspension (2 × 106 conidia ml-1 of water) obtained from a 2-week-old colony on PDA. Controls were submerged in sterile distilled water. The inoculated fruits were incubated in a moist chamber at 25°C. Sunken, yellowish brown lesions with pink and later orange-brown spore masses were observed starting 3 days after inoculation on 88 and 94% of the fruit for the Brazilian and Belgian isolate, respectively. The control fruits remained healthy. The fungal isolates were reisolated from symptomatic fruits and their identity was confirmed based on morphological features. During a strawberry field survey in July 2010 in Sint-Truiden (Belgium), lesions typical of those described above were observed on eight strawberry fruits (cv. Elsanta). The fungus was isolated from the symptomatic tissue of two fruits and characterized as described above. Since P. concavum was latently present on strawberry transplants and caused disease on the fruits in the field, we conclude that P. concavum is a potential threat for Belgian strawberry production. Moreover, no strawberry cultivars with resistance to the pathogen have been reported. The disease has previously been reported on strawberry in South America and Poland (1,2), but to our knowledge, this is the first report of P. concavum on strawberry in Belgium. Although the spore and colony morphology of P. concavum is different from C. acutatum, the spore masses of P. concavum can easily be confused with the spore masses of C. acutatum when using the freeze method. This suggests the need for microscopic analysis of these spore masses during routine analyses.

Avifauna of the Easternmost Tepui, Tafelberg in Central Suriname

We conducted ornithological surveys of Tafelberg mountain, Suriname, in November–December 2005 and August–September 2008 and also surveyed the adjacent lowlands in both forest and savanna habitats around the Kappel Airstrip. We recorded a total of 283 species, including 27 Guianan endemics and 2 tepuian endemics (Heliodoxa xanthogonys and Hylophilus sclateri). Four species were new for Suriname and represented significant range extensions (Chamaeza campanisona, Hemitriccus inornatus, Turdus leucops and Turdus olivater). First specimen vouchers were collected for Dysithamnus leucostictus, Heliodoxa xanthogonys, Hylophilus sclateri, Catharus minimus and Piranga rubra, and first vocal evidence was obtained for the presence of Aeronautes montivagus in Suriname. The Kappel avifauna (266 species) was composed of species that would be expected to occur in the Guianan lowlands, but the presence of Hemitriccus inornatus was unexpected and implies a much wider distribution for this elusive tody-tyrant. The avifauna of the Tafelberg summit was composed of 170 species including 18 montane species, most of which are known disjunctly from the Guianan highlands further west, but one (Dysithamnus leucostictus) is otherwise known only from the coastal mountains of Venezuela and the Andes. The isolated Tafelberg population of the latter may represent an undescribed species.

First Report of Pilidium concavum on Paeonia suffruticosa in China.

Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews, a deciduous perennial shrub, is known for its beautiful and charming flowers. It is regarded as the flower symbol of China and cultivated throughout the country. Since 2006, large, brown necrotic spots have been observed on numerous P. suffruticosa plants in gardens in Luoyang, China. Spots appeared each year and were observed on more than 50% of the plants, sometimes affecting more than half of the leaf. Initial symptoms appeared as small, round, water-soaked lesions in the middle or on the margin of leaves. These areas enlarged up to 1 to 3 cm in diameter and were circular or irregular, brown to dark brown, and pale brown on the margins. In a humid atmosphere, black, sessile, discoid conidiomata developed on the spots and exuded a pink spore mass that turned brown with age. Conidiophores were hyaline, unicellular, cylindrical, and fusiform and 5.0 to 8.0 μm long and 1.4 to 2.0 μm wide. Pure cultures were obtained by plating the spores on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. In culture, the fungus produced a gray-to-brown colony with whitish aerial mycelium. The morphology and size of conidia were comparable with previous descriptions of Pilidium concavum (Desm.) Höhn. (1). The ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of the isolate was amplified by PCR with primers ITS1 and ITS4 and sequenced. The 472-nt sequence was 100% identical to that of the Pilidium concavum specimen voucher BPI 1107275 (GenBank Accession No. AY487094). To validate Koch's postulates, pathogenicity was tested by inoculating 10 leaves of P. suffruticosa with mycelia plugs from a colony growing on PDA; leaves inoculated with the plugs of PDA medium only served as the control. Leaves were covered with plastic for 24 h to maintain high relative humidity. After 7 days, 100% of the mycelium-inoculated leaves showed symptoms identical to those observed on P. suffruticosa leaves affected in the field, whereas all leaves inoculated with PDA medium only remained free of symptoms. Reisolation of the fungus from leaf lesions confirmed that the causal agent was Pilidium concavum. Thus, we concluded that Pilidium concavum is the causal agent of leaf spots of P. suffruticosa. This disease has been reported to be frequently occurring on P. suffruticosa stems imported from Japan (1), but to our knowledge, this is the first report of Pilidium concavum on P. suffruticosa in China.

First Report of Pilidium concavum on Bergenia crassifolia in France.

Bergenia crassifolia (L.) Fritsch (elephant's ears or Siberian tea) (Saxifragaceae) is a perennial rhizomatous plant with pink flowers appearing at the end of winter. Since 1990, large, brown, and necrotic spots have been observed on numerous B. crassifolia plants at the University of Sciences in Nice, France. Spots appeared each year in the spring on newly emerged leaves and enlarged up to 1 to 3 cm in diameter during the summer, sometimes affecting more than half of the leaf surface. Leaves with spots were collected from May to November and placed in a humid atmosphere. Black, sessile, discoid conidiomata developed on the spots and exuded a pink, then brown, spore mass. When a mass was transferred onto a 1% malt agar medium, mycelium grew and then numerous, relatively spherical conidiomata (0.5 to 2.5 mm in diameter) developed and exuded a pink slimy mass, which contained many conidia. The mycelium grown at 24°C in the dark was scarce and pale, pink-beige. Under the light, the fungal culture was much darker with a fluffy mycelium and numerous conidiomata. The base of the conidiomata was dark; conidiophores were hyaline and showed little segmentation. Unicellular, cylindrical, fusiform conidia were hyaline, 5.4 to 8 μm long, and 1.4 to 1.9 μm wide. The morphology and size of conidia were comparable with previous descriptions of Pilidium concavum (Desm.) Höhn. (2,3). The ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of two isolates was amplified by PCR with primers PN3 and PN10 according to Mendes-Pereira et al. (1) and sequenced. The 421-nt sequence (GenBank Accession No. FM211810) was 100% identical to that of the P. concavum specimen voucher BPI 1107275 (GenBank Accession No. AY487094). P. concavum was reported to be on stored or rotting leaves or fruits of many dicotyledonous plants (2). To validate Koch's postulates, pieces of mycelium cultures with conidiomata (28 days old) were placed onto the upper surface of leaves of healthy B. crassifolia plants (10 to 12 pieces per plant). The leaf epidermis was previously wounded with a needle and a drop of melted paraffin was poured onto each piece of mycelium to prevent desiccation. Agar plugs without the fungus were placed similarly on wounded leaves of two control plants. Four inoculated and two control plants were incubated in growth chambers at either 24 or 18°C (16 h of light per day, 15,000 lx, 80% humidity). At 24°C, brown spots developed from 90% of the inoculation sites, whereas spots were observed for only 18% of the sites at 18°C. Such spots did not develop on control plants. After 2 months, healthy leaves as well as those with necrotic spots were put in humid chambers. Conidiomata formed after 4 weeks and exuded the same pink mass, which contained numerous conidia and from which the fungus was reisolated. Similar symptoms were also observed in several other locations in France and in botanical gardens in Akureyri (Iceland) and Métis (Canada), from which P. concavum was reisolated. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. concavum on B. crassifolia.

First Report of Soybean Pod and Stem Blight Caused by Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae in Taiwan.

Genera, Diaporthe and Phomopsis, from an important pathogenic complex of soybean (Glycine max) throughout the world, cause reductions in plant stands, yield, and seed health and quality (1). In a study of the Diaporthe/Phomopsis complex in Taiwan in March 2008, four stem samples with black fruiting structures in linear rows on senescent soybean were collected from the research fields at AVRDC, Shanhua, Tainan, Taiwan. Unidentified fungal isolates were obtained by surface disinfection of infected stems and plating excised tissues on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Colonies of the isolates showed ropelike white mycelia with yellowish tonalities. Small and scattered black stromata were observed frequently in the medium. Mutic pycnidia were found solitarily or aggregated in conidiomata on PDA plates after 10 days of incubation at 24°C with a 12-h photoperiod with near-UV light. All isolates produced α-conidia that measured 8.78 × 3.32 (7.00 to11.00 × 3.00 to 4.00) μm, and sporadically, β-conidia of 30.58 × 0.85 (26.00 to 33.00 × 0.60 to 1.20) μm. Perithecia were not observed in the collected stem samples or the fungal cultures on PDA. Restriction fragment length polymorphism patterns of the PCR products amplified by ITS4 and ITS5 primers for all isolates were identical to the patterns reported for Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae (3). Thus, all isolates were identified as D. phaseolorum var. sojae on the basis of morphologic and genetic characteristics (2,3). Pathogenicity was confirmed through inoculations during the V2 growth stage of soybean seedlings by atomizing conidial suspensions (1 × 107 α-conidia/ml) of each isolate on soybean seedlings as well as by injecting the inoculum into soybean stems separately. Four plants in each of three replications were inoculated for each method and six noninoculated plants served as controls. Plants were incubated in a growth chamber at 25°C and maintaining relative humidity at 100% by a humidifier for 48 h in darkness; thereafter, plants were maintained in the greenhouse at temperatures ranging from 23 to 34°C. Seven days after inoculation, red-brown leaf spots and coalescent lesions were observed on seedlings atomized by inoculum suspensions, as well as brown lesions and black pycnida in linear rows observed on plants inoculated by stem injection. No symptoms were observed on noninoculated plants. The fungal isolates obtained from inoculated soybeans were morphologically identical to those used as inoculum. The pathogenicity test was repeated twice. To our knowledge, this is the first explicit report identifying the causal agent of soybean pod and stem blight in Taiwan. The vouchers of infected specimens are available at AVRDC-The World Vegetable Center. Reference: (1) R. P. Mulrooney. Plant Dis. 70:600, 1988. (2) R. N. Pioli et al. Phytopathology 93:136, 2003. (3) A. W. Zhang et al. Phytopathology 88:1306, 1998.

Disconnection and Reconnection: Misconceptions and Recommendations Pertaining to Vouchers in Wood Science

This paper aims to raise awareness of the importance of plant specimen vouchers in wood anatomy and wood identification in keeping abreast of plant name changes. It reveals the strong possibility that many wood specimens in xylaria are currently misidentified because corresponding plant specimen vouchers have been lost or separated from collections and not revisited. It appeals to the systematic wood anatomy community to reconnect wood specimens in xylaria with their corresponding plant specimen vouchers in order to update nomenclature. More specific recommendations are aimed at the International Association of Wood Anatomists (IAWA) to promote and educate those in the wood community on the importance and value of plant specimen vouchers in wood identification and systematic wood anatomy. Of equal importance is the adoption and promotion of a wood specimen citation system that unambiguously indicates whether research is based upon wood specimens with corresponding plant specimen vouchers and whether these vouchers have been consulted so that the research reflects current nomenclature.

Corrigendum to “Phylogeny of the New World true frogs (Rana)” [Mol. Phylogenet. Evol. 34 (2005) 299–314

There is an error in a locality for a voucher specimen reported in Table 1. The entry for Rana virgatipes reports the correct specimen voucher number but the incorrect locality. The correct information, preceded by the applicable table column head, follows: Species: Rana virgatipes Voucher number and specimen locality data: MVZ 175944: USA: New Jersey: Burlington Co.: Lake at junction of Hwy. 70 and Hwy. 530. GenBank No.: AY779202

Phylogeny and Genetic Diversity of Palolo Worms (Palola, Eunicidae) from the Tropical North Pacific and the Caribbean

Palolo worms (Palola, Eunicidae) are best known for their annual mass spawnings, or "risings," in the South Pacific. Palola currently contains 14 morphologically similar species, mostly from shallow tropical waters. In this study, 60 specimens of Palola from nine locations in the tropical North Pacific and the Caribbean were sequenced for the two mitochondrial markers cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 16S ribosomal RNA to infer phylogenetic relationships, genetic diversity, and phylogeography within the taxon. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using Bayesian statistics and parsimony. Vouchers of the same specimens were examined morphologically. Two major clades (A and B) can be distinguished within the monophyletic Palola. A number of individuals in clade B bear rows of ventral eyespots in the posterior body region, typical for swarming P. viridis and probably a synapomorphy for clade B. No morphological synapomorphy was found for clade A. Haplotypes from divergent clades often co-occur in the same location. Some haplotypes are geographically widespread, in one case covering the entire east-west expansion of the tropical Pacific. These results imply that despite the apparent absence of teleplanic larvae in eunicid polychaetes, long-distance dispersal is possible in at least some lineages of Palola. With the first taste of palolo I understood the Samoans' love for it. Certainly it suggested a salty caviar, but with something added, a strong, rich whiff of the mystery and fecundity of the ocean depths. -R. Steinberg. Pacific and Southeast Asian cooking. Time-Life Books, New York, 1970.

Mammals and Birds of the Manu Biosphere Reserve, Peru

The eastern slope of the tropical Andes and adjacent Amazonian lowlands are home to some of the world's richest biotas. Here we report on recent surveys and inventories of mammal and bird faunas in Peru's Manu National Park and Biosphere Reserve and compile these records with prior literature, museum specimens, and unpublished records to produce updated lists for both taxa. The lists of 222 species of mammals and 1005 species of birds recorded along an elevational transect in the Manu Biosphere Reserve are the largest for any similarly sized area in the world. Mammals recently documented in the reserve include 147 species, 130 with specimen vouchers. Twelve species were new to science, and most of these have been recently described; four others might be new and are currently being evaluated. Twenty-nine mammal species are newly added to Manu's list. The cumulative tally comprises 20 species of opossums, 1 shrew opossum, 2 armadillos, 5 sloths and anteaters, 92 bats, 14 primates, 21 carnivores, 1 tapir, 7 even-toed ungulates, 58 rodents, and 1 rabbit. Avian records include 682 species with specimen vouchers and another 108 documented by recognizable photographs or voice recordings. The avifauna is largely resident, including 911 species that are year-round residents, 42 migrants from the north, 24 migrants from the south or other tropical areas, and 28 vagrants (represented by fewer than three records).

New Records of Invasive Exotic Plant Species in St. Lucie County, Florida

Abstract Eighteen category one invasive species as defined by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council and nine category two invasive species are newly recorded for St. Lucie County, Florida as the result of surveys done by the authors from August through November 2003. These records document the rapid spread and need for increased monitoring of invasive species and the documentation of these specimens through the collection of herbarium voucher specimens. These records also highlight the gaps present in specimen vouchers in areas such as St. Lucie County due to a lack of monitoring.

NEMATODE MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS: From Bands to Barcodes

Nematodes are considered among the most difficult animals to identify. DNA-based diagnostic methods have already gained acceptance in applications ranging from quarantine determinations to assessments of biodiversity. Researchers are currently in an information-gathering mode, with intensive efforts applied to accumulating nucleotide sequence of 18S and 28S ribosomal genes, internally transcribed spacer regions, and mitochondrial genes. Important linkages with collateral data such as digitized images, video clips and specimen voucher web pages are being established on GenBank and NemATOL, the nematode-specific Tree of Life database. The growing DNA taxonomy of nematodes has lead to their use in testing specific short sequences of DNA as a "barcode" for the identification of all nematode species.

O gênero Phyllanthus L. (Phyllantheae - Euphorbiaceae Juss.) no bioma Caatinga do estado de Pernambuco - Brasil

RESUMO O estudo taxonômico de Phyllanthus L. no bioma Caatinga de Pernambuco foi realizado através da análise morfológica de materiais herborizados e de observações de campo. Constataramse 11 taxa: Phyllanthus acuminatus Vahl., P. amarus Schumach. & Thonn., P. caroliniensis Walt. subsp. caroliniensis., P. claussenii Müll. Arg., P. jacobinensis Müll. Arg., P. klotzschianus Müll. Arg., P. minutulus Müll. Arg., P niruri L., P. heteradenius Müll. Arg., P. stipulatus (Raf.) Webster e P. tenellus Roxb. Os principais caracteres morfológicos utilizados para separação das espécies foram o hábito, o padrão de ramificação, a forma do disco glandular das flores de ambos os sexos, o número e união dos estames e a ornamentação das sementes. A maior parte das espécies apresenta distribuição nas subzonas do agreste e sertão em vegetação de Caatinga. Apenas P. acuminatus Vahl, P. minutulus Müll. Arg. e P. stipulatus (Raf.) Webster foram encontradas exclusivamente na subzona do Agreste, nas florestas Montanas.

Florística e estrutura da comunidade arbórea de um fragmento florestal em Luminárias, MG

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a composição florística e estrutural da comunidade arbórea de uma floresta em Luminárias, MG. O local de estudo é conhecido como Mata do Galego, possui cerca de 77 ha e está localizado a 21°29'S e 44°55'W, às margens do rio Ingaí. A amostragem florística foi realizada em parcelas e também em caminhadas pela floresta. Todo o material coletado foi identificado e incorporado ao Herbário ESAL, da Universidade Federal de Lavras. O levantamento estrutural foi realizado por meio de amostragem sistemática, em 32 parcelas de 20 × 20m, distribuídas em três transeções, da margem do rio até a borda da mata. Nas parcelas, foram amostrados todos os indivíduos arbóreos, vivos, com circunferência à altura do peito (CAP) ≥ 15,5 cm. As variáveis químicas e físicas do solo foram obtidas das análises de amostras superficiais de solo (0-20 cm) de cada parcela. No levantamento florístico foram amostradas 201 espécies, 129 gêneros e 57 famílias. As famílias com maior riqueza foram Myrtaceae, Lauraceae, Fabaceae Faboideae, Rubiaceae, Euphorbiaceae e Fabaceae Mimosoideae. No levantamento estrutural foram amostrados 2343 indivíduos de 159 espécies, 104 gêneros e 50 famílias. As espécies mais abundantes foram Casearia sylvestris, Lithraea molleoides, Machaerium stipitatum, Faramea cyanea, Diospyros inconstans e Copaifera langsdorffii. A Mata do Galego apresentou alta diversidade de espécies (H' = 4,23 nat/indivíduo) e alta equabilidade (J' = 0,83). A alta diversidade de espécies pode estar relacionada à influência de formações vegetais próximas e aos diferentes microhabitats proporcionados pela topografia, variações na fertilidade e umidade do solo.