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Increasing trends in food safety awareness drive consumer demands for fresher healthier diets and has led to the development of low-cost pH-sensitive indicator films to evaluate deterioration levels in fresh foods. Arrowroot starch/iota-carrageenan-based films were combined with 10, 30, 50% Kyoho skin extract (KSE) to produce indicator films with halochromic abilities. The KSE indicator films were characterized based on their physico-mechanical, functional, and crystallinity properties; thermal stability; and their pH-dependent color changes in in situ anthocyanin-based monitoring of shrimp freshness. All KSE indicator films displayed compact structure under scanning electron microscope analysis and increased tensile strength, exhibited UV-vis barrier ability, and presented low water wettability. Moreover, FTIR signaled strong hydrogen bond interactions among polymers and KSE that strengthened peak crystallinity in XRD analysis and lowered weight loss at melting temperature, which indicated thermal stability of the indicator films. Furthermore, pH-sensitivity of the indicator films integrated with natural KSE anthocyanin demonstrated color changes from purple to red under acidic conditions, purple to green in an ammonium environment, and yellow appeared in high alkaline conditions. Finally, this study demonstrated the food packaging and halochromic capacity of biopolymer-based pH-sensitivity of the KSE indicator films in real-time monitoring of shrimp at room storage temperatures.

Breast cancer prevention still needs to be improved. Calorie restriction is thought to prevent breast cancer through the induction of autophagy. Maranta arundinacea L. (MA) has the potential for calorie restriction because it contains high fiber. This research aimed to observe the effect of dietary MA against dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary cancer in Sprague Dawley rats related to autophagy.Twenty-five Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: 1) control group without DMBA-induced with a standard diet, 2) 20 mg/kg BW of DMBA two times a week for five weeks with a standard diet, 3) DMBA and diet modification with 30% of MA, 4) DMBA and diet modification with 45% of MA, and 5) DMBA and diet modification with 60% of MA. Examination of the nodule was conducted once every week for 22 weeks. Breast tissue/tumor examination underwent histology examination with hematoxylin-eosin. Examinations of immunohistochemical staining against Beclin1, LC3B, and SQSTM1 were conducted to reveal autophagy. The difference of autophagy protein expression was analyzed using One way ANOVA with 95% confidence level and significance set as p0.05.Cancer was detected in four rats of DMBA standard diet, two rats of 30% MA, one rat of 45% MA. No cancer was detected in the rats of control and rats with 60% of MA group. The Beclin1 expressions showed that the 60% of MA group had the highest score (2.5±0.52) followed by the 45% of MA group (1.87±0.49), control group (1.77±0.11), 30% of MA group (1.28±0.75), and DMBA with standard diet had the lowest score (1.28±0.91). The difference of Beclin1 expressions was statistically significant (p-value=0.03). However, the difference of the LC3B expressions (p-value=0.11) and SQSTM1 expressions (p-value=0.225) were not statistically significant.Dietary modifications with MA potentially prevent breast cancer and induce initiation of autophagy.

Amazonia is extremely biodiverse, but the mechanisms for the origin of this diversity are still under debate. We propose a diversification model for Amazonia based on the interplay of intrinsic clade functional traits, habitat associations and past geological events, using as a model group the species-rich Neotropical family Marantaceae. Our results show that the species richness of the lineage is predicted by functional strategy, rather than clade age, and thus the fast vs. slow growth functional trade-off is a major determinant of clade diversification in Marantaceae. Rapidly growing clades were mostly associated with highly productive habitats, and their origin and diversification dynamics matched the expansion of fertile soils mediated by Andean uplift c. 23 Mya. Fast-growth strategies probably led to fast molecular evolution, speeding up speciation rates and species accumulation, resulting in higher numbers of extant species. Our results indicate that pure allopatric-dispersal models disconnected from past geological and ecological forces may be inadequate for explaining the evolutionary and diversity patterns in Amazonian lowlands. We suggest that a coupling of the functional trait-niche framework with diversification dynamics provides insights into the evolutionary history of tropical forests and helps elucidate the mechanisms underlying the origin and evolution of its spectacular biodiversity.

In broadening the understanding of the diversity, distribution and seasonality of gelatinous zooplankton of Sri Lanka, a survey (‘Waya-jel-Survey’) was carried out in coastal waters of the country from 2016 to 2020, and the collected specimens of pelagic tunicates were taxonomically identified. Further, a comprehensive literature survey was conducted and the previous records on the occurrences of pelagic tunicates within the exclusive economic zone of Sri Lanka were cross-checked and listed in developing the first-ever annotated checklist. Among the samples collected in this study, Pyrostremma spinosum and Thalia sibogae were reported for the first time from Sri Lankan waters while two more thaliaceans, i.e., Doliolum denticulatum and Pegea confoederata, and six appendicularians, i.e., Fritillaria borealis sargassi, F. formica digitata, Oikopleura cophocerca, O. fusiformis, O. longicauda, and O. rufescens were re-recorded. In total, forty species (including two subspecies) in 19 genera, belonging to five families from four orders of the classes Appendicularia (n = 17 species) and Thaliacea (n = 23 species) were reported to be inhabited in Sri Lankan waters. Most of the records were from the Laccadive Sea region while the majority of the species have been reported during the northwest monsoon (December to February) period.

Future food packaging trends are shifting to natural and eco-friendly materials developed from biopolymers such as starch and other hydrocolloids, to reduce pollution from synthetic polymers. Arrowroot starch (AS) (3.5, 3, 2.5, and 2%) and iota-carrageenan (IC) (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2%) were blended to develop biodegradable edible films (AS/IC-BEF), which were compared against AS-BEF (4%, control). All films were characterized based on their physico-mechanical and barrier properties, functional group properties, crystallinity properties, thermal properties, and soil and seawater biodegradation. AS-BEF exhibited smooth surface, high transparency, and completed composting soil biodegradation in 7 days whereas AS/IC-BEF samples exhibited higher tensile strength, water solubility, swelling properties, and barrier properties, but completed biodegradation after 30 days. XRD analysis indicated IC fractions contributed to increase in degree of crystallinity (28.35°) and FTIR signaled strong hydrogen bond interactions between polymers. AS/IC-BEF samples demonstrated melting temperatures between 158 and 190 °C while glass transition temperatures ranged from 153 to 176 °C, which resulted in maximum weight loss around 50–55% at melting temperatures. Finally, AS/IC-BEF samples successfully inhibited weight loss of cherry tomatoes at room temperature and extended their shelf life to 10 days, which indicated that the AS/IC composite material produced a BEF with potential food and industrial applications.

Résumé Les forêts anciennes de la région de Yoko en République Démocratique du Congo portent des vestiges de perturbation. Par endroit, il s’observe des peuplements à Marantaceae sur des étendues parfois larges. Pour plusieurs auteurs, ces peuplements sont des indicateurs d’une recolonisation des forêts perturbées. Cette étude vérifie les causes et la période probable des perturbations de ces peuplements en étudiant les indicateurs biologiques, par l’analyse de tempérament du groupement fonctionnel biologique de la strate arborescente et des indicateurs non-biologiques, par l’étude anthracologique et la datation au 14C des vestiges du sous-sol. En effet, deux sites ont été retenus : les peuplements à Marantaceae de la réserve forestière de Yoko et les peuplements à Marantaceae de Biaro. Dans chaque site, 16 parcelles de 50 m x 50 m et 6 fosses de 1 m x 1 m x 1 m ont été établies. Un inventaire systématique des populations d’arbres (DHP ≥ 10 cm) ont été réalisé dans toutes les parcelles et la récolte des vestiges du sous-sol (charbons de bois fossiles et céramique) étaient faite à chaque 10 cm de profondeur dans toutes les fosses. Après analyse des tempéraments des populations d’arbres par l’Indice de Pionnier, l’étude anatomique et l’identification botanique des charbons de bois fossiles, la description et le calibrage de la céramique et la datation 14C de quelques fragments de charbons de bois fossiles, les résultats ont montré que : (i) ces zones se repeuplent avec d’importantes proportions d’arbres pionniers héliophiles et non-pionniers héliophiles (ii) Leurs sous-sols regorgent des vestiges de charbons de bois et de la céramique. (iii) La datation au 14C des charbons indique des perturbations entre le 11e et le 2e siècle cal.BP. Les charbons des bois et la céramique recueillis dans les sous-sols sont des indicateurs inertes qui témoignent de la présence humaine dans les temps passés dans ces milieux et les populations d’arbres pionniers et non pionniers héliophiles sont des indicateurs biologiques qui recolonisent les forêts de la région. ---- Abstract Old growth forests in the Yoko area in the Democratic Republic of Congo show evidence of disturbance. In some places, Marantaceae stands can be found over large areas. For many authors, these stands are indicators of recolonization of disturbed forests. The present study verifies the causes and probable period of disturbance of these stands by studying biological indicators, by temperament analysis of the biological functional grouping of the tree stratum and non-biological indicators, by anthracological study and 14C dating of the subsoil remains. Two sites were selected: the Marantaceae stands of Yoko Forest Reserve and the Marantaceae stands of Biaro. In each site, 16 plots of 50 m x 50 m and 6 pits of 1 m x 1 m x 1 m were established. A systematic inventory of tree populations (DBH ≥ 10 cm) was conducted in all plots and subsoil remains (fossil charcoal and ceramics) were collected at every 10 cm depth in all pits. After analysis of tree population temperaments by the Pioneer Index, anatomical study and botanical identification of fossil charcoal, description and sizing of ceramics, and 14C dating of some fossil charcoal fragments, the results showed that (i). these areas were repopulating with significant proportions of heliophilic pioneer and non-pioneer trees; (ii) their subsoils abound with charcoal and ceramic remains; (iii) the 14C dating of the charcoals indicated disturbances between the 11th and 2nd centuries cal BP. The charcoal and ceramics collected in the subsoils are inert indicators that testify of the human presence in past times in these environments and the populations of pioneer and non-pioneer heliophilic trees are biological indicators that have recolonized the forests of the region. &nbsp

Polymeric membranes have been used in several applications, including their use as curatives in cutaneous wounds. Bromelain has long been used for anti-inflammatory purposes, so the objective of this work was to produce carboxymethylcellulose-acetylated blends, incorporate bromelain, characterize the systems, compare the blends with bromelain loaded in nanoparticles and liposomes and, finally, to evaluate their healing potential. Four membrane formulations were produced by solvent evaporation: the control, membranes containing free bromelain, bromelain-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) and bromelain-loaded liposomes (LIPs). The enzyme concentration was the same for all formulations. Transparent, flexible and intact films were obtained. The membranes containing free bromelain, bromelain-loaded NPs and bromelain-loaded LIPs had higher water content, lower water vapor permeability and maximum tensile strength, and greater elongation at rupture. The capacity to absorb simulated exudate was higher in samples containing free bromelain, and bioadhesion was reduced in the presence of free bromelain compared to the control. An in vivo assay was performed to verify the membranes’ healing potential. Histological analysis revealed no edema on the 14th day in animals treated with membranes containing bromelain-loaded NPs and LIPs.

The objective of this paper is to analyze the effects of the diversification of nontimber forest products (NTFPs) on human development in Congo. An error correction model (VECM) is used to achieve this objective. The estimates are based on data from the statistical yearbooks of the Ministry of Forest Economy (MEF) from 2018, UNDP in 2019, World Bank in 2020 and FAO 2018. The results show that in the Congolese context, particularly in the forestry sector, NTFP diversification has no effect on human development in the short term. In contrast, in the long term, the effect of NTFP diversification on human development is positive and significant. These results suggest the need for, on the one hand, the implementation of policies for the conservation, protection and rational exploitation of forests and, on the other hand, the continued implementation of initiatives to combat the abusive exploitation of NTFPs.

This study investigated the effects of bio-nanocomposite coatings developed using arrowroot starch (AA), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), carnauba wax nanoemulsion (CWN), and Cymbopogon martinii and Mentha spicata essential oils (CEO and MEO, respectively) on the physicochemical, microbiological, bioactive, antioxidant, and aromatic characteristics of strawberries cv. 'Oso Grande' in refrigerated storage for 12 days. The coatings improved the shelf life and stability of strawberries, minimizing their weight loss (2.6-3.9 %), as well as changes in color and texture (except for those coated with CEO), titratable acidity, pH, soluble solids, anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid content, and antioxidant activity compared with uncoated control strawberries. The bio-nanocomposite coatings containing MEO and CEO also exhibited antimicrobial activity, reduced visible fungal deterioration (40-60 %), and reduced microbial load (3.59-4.03 log CFU g

A new species of Maranta (Marantaceae) from Central Brazil is described and illustrated. The species is recognizable due to its small rosulate habit, unbranched aerial shoot, hirtellous bracts with apex acute, sub-brachyblastic cymules, and each bracteole subtending a single flower.

Nodes are interfaces between stems and leaves. Vascular bundles originate here and elongate into leaves and internodes. In Marantaceae, internodal bundles are highly diverse, including inverted bundles in the climbing genus Haumania. The objective of this paper is to characterize bundle forms, their position across the stem and their connection to leaves and short shoots in Haumania spp. and other unrelated African branch-angle climbers in the family (Hypselodelphys, Trachyphrynium). We question whether bundle inversion is a genus-specific trait in Haumania or related to the climbing growth form. Vascular bundles in internodes are scattered across the stem diameter in a characteristic pattern. Four (to five) bundle types follow each other in a centripetal order from highly sclerenchymatic ‘a’-bundles close to the epidermis to ‘d’-bundles in the centre with a low sclerenchyma proportion. Inverted bundles only appear in internodes of Haumania, making this trait a synapomorphy for the genus. The nodes show stem, leaf and short shoot bundles in a remarkably diverse pattern with partitioned phloem clusters and apparently augmented xylem elements. Our preliminary conclusion is that the inversion of bundles happens when leaf and short shoot traces join the main axis bundle layers.

The present study aims to produce arrowroot flour fermented by kefir grains, in addition to assessing the physicochemical, nutritional, and microbiological characteristics. Fermented arrowroot flour was produced at room temperature (approximately 25 to 28 °C). Fermentation was conducted in batch (6 kg of the substrate and 10% of kefir grains were added with homogenization every 3 hr). Samples were evaluated every 12 hr for both fermentation processes (fermentation process 1: 24 hr and fermentation process 2: 48 hr). The flours were evaluated for physicochemical, nutritional, and microbiological qualities, using a completely randomized design, considering only the variation in the duration of both fermentation processes (from 24 to 48 hr). The fermentation process positively modified the physicochemical, nutritional, and microbial characteristics of the flours. An increase in antioxidant activity (IC50 : control flour [CF] = 18.9 ± 0.13; arrowroot kefir flour [24 hr of fermentation; AKF1] = 15.36 ± 0.14; and arrowroot kefir flour [48 hr of fermentation; AKF2] = 13.84 ± 0.15), protein percentage (CF = 3.08 ± 0.12; AKF1 = 4.87 ± 0.33; and AKF2 = 6.00 ± 0.07), and organic acid (lactic, acetic, and propionic acids) production was observed, as well as modification in color (browning), the conformation of starch structures, and carbohydrate reduction. These results suggested that the "arrowroot kefir flours" open a new perspective for introduction in the market as a new product that can be used as food in nature or food ingredient for making bread, biscuits, pasta, and others, showing microbiological safety and functions properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The fermented flours present improved nutritional characteristics due to the fermentation process, such as higher antioxidant activity and protein levels. Regarding the population growth and societal demand for healthier food, one possibility is to provide a fermented flour with added nutritional value and raise knowledge about the arrowroot. Thus, these flours can be used in various food items or as an ingredient in food preparations for consumers that desire a healthy diet.

Bee bread samples from the hives of Tetragonula biroi managed in agricultural and agroforest sites in Nagcarlan, Laguna, Philippines were analyzed through light microscopy during the wet season from June to November. A total of 31 pollen types, belonging to 20 botanical families were identified as pollen sources of T. biroi. Adonidia merrilli Becc. and Cocos nucifera L. were consistent predominant pollen sources (>45%) in both sites. The other predominant pollen types in the agricultural site were Arecaceae type 1, Fabaceae type and Marantaceae type, and Ipomoea sp. in the agroforest site. A decreasing number of pollen types were observed from early to late wet months of the study period. Though both sites provide a wide array of pollen sources for T. biroi, the presence of long-blossoming crops resulted in the homogenization of pollen types in the hive. This study highlights the importance of crop diversity and surrounding natural vegetation in the agricultural landscape in providing various pollen sources for pollinators like T. biroi.

Recognition and delimitation of taxonomic categories of biological organisms are still challenging and full of controversy. We used Ischnosiphon as a model to unravel the importance of morphometrics as individual-based variables to disentangle the morphological variability of plant species. Ischnosiphon spp. continue to be problematic for users, taxonomists and ecologists, due mainly to the huge morphological variability, the species criteria and circumscription proposed for many taxa and the many habitat and vegetative macro-morphological characters lacking in most currently available exsiccates. Twenty-three morphometric variables were sampled from 228 individuals, belonging to 22 Ischnosiphon spp. Principal components and discriminant multivariate analyses were used to describe and identify patterns of morphological variation in Ischnosiphon. Individual-landmark assessment analysed with multivariate methods captured morphometric intraspecific diversity and morphological variability in Ischnosiphon spp., along with the continuous variation of important morphological traits. By examining the morphology of Ischnosiphon spp. through individual-landmark assessment, we demonstrate that different morphological species concepts used today in the identification of the species are difficult to apply. We propose a replicable and analytical framework to accommodate individual variability in species diagnosis in morphologically diverse plant groups.

In Africa, the importance of NTFPs in the livelihood security is well recognized and these products represent vital sources of income for poor population. However, the sales chain of Marantaceae leaves is informal in Gbado-Lite and there is no information available on this sector for the promotion of the sale of NTFPs at the local level to reduce poverty and protect the environment as well as to conserve biodiversity. This survey shows that mostly female (55%) carries out the sale of Marantaceae leaves in Gbado-Lite. Among traders, 37.5% are illiterate, 32.5%, 20% and 10% have a secondary, primary and university education respectively. Regarding the marital status, 52.5% of respondents are divorced, 25% are widows and 22.5% are married. While 40% of respondents are unemployed, 30% are farmers while housewives and pupils account for 17.5% and 12.5% respectively. Our respondents know seven other non-woody forest products. These include: Mushrooms (27.5%), Caterpillars (22.5%), Marantaceae leaves (20%), honey (17.5%), snails and game (5% each) and vines (2.5%). Marantaceae leaves are first used for food packaging (47.5%), food preservation (35%), building material (10%). The forest accounts for 52% of the total harvesting habitat of Marantaceae leaves. It is followed by fallow (25%), fields (15%) savannah (8%) respectively. This sale allows the schooling for children (27.5%); health care (20%); food purchase (17%); beverage purchase (12.5%). The majority of respondents believe that these leaves are not well managed after use and therefore pollute the environment because of the lack of a waste collection structure. Yet, they are biodegradable and should be used to make compost for crops in Gbado-Lite.

The Brachybasidiaceae are a family of 22 known species of plant-parasitic microfungi belonging to Exobasidiales, Basidiomycota. Within this family, species of the largest genus Kordyana develop balls of basidia on top of stomatal openings. Basidial cells originate from fungal stroma filling substomatal chambers. Species of Kordyana typically infect species of Commelinaceae. During fieldwork in the neotropics, fungi morphologically similar to Kordyana spp. were found on Goeppertia spp. (syn. Calathea spp., Marantaceae), namely on G. panamensis in Panama and on G. propinqua in Bolivia. These specimens are proposed as representatives of a genus new to science, Marantokordyana, based on the distinct host family and molecular sequence data of ITS and LSU rDNA regions. The specimens on the two host species represent two species new to science, M. oberwinkleriana on G. panamensis and M. boliviana on G. propinqua. They differ by the size and shape of their basidia, molecular sequence data of ITS and LSU rDNA regions, and host plant species. In the past, the understanding of Brachybasidiaceae at order and family level was significantly improved by investigation realized by Franz Oberwinkler and his collaborators at the University of Tübingen, Germany. On species level, however, our knowledge is still very poor due to incomplete species descriptions of several existing names in literature, scarceness of specimens, as well as sequence data lacking for many taxa and for further barcode regions. Especially species of Kordyana and species of Dicellomyces are in need of revision.

Using the solution casting method, a novel biodegradable thermoplastic arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) starch (TPAS) films containing arrowroot fiber (AF) at different concentrations (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 wt%) were developed and characterized in terms of thermal, antibacterial activity, water vapor permeability (WVP), biodegradability, and light transmittance properties. The TPAS/AF-10 biocomposite film revealed a higher degradation temperature (313.02 °C) than other biocomposite films, indicating better thermal stability. Furthermore, increasing AF concentration led to a significant (p 0.05) reduction in the linear burning rate and WVP of the biocomposite films from 248.9 to 115.2 mm/min and 8.18 × 10

Thalia dealbata Fraser-derived biochar was prepared at different carbonization temperatures to remove nutrients in aqueous solution. Thermogravimetry/differential thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) was used to analyze the carbonization and decomposition procedure of Thalia dealbata Fraser. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), zeta potential, and N

Amazonia is extremely biodiverse, but the mechanisms for the origin of this diversity are still under debate. We propose a diversification model for Amazonia based on the interplay of intrinsic clade functional traits, habitat associations and past geological events, using as a model group the species-rich Neotropical family Marantaceae. Our results show that the species richness of the lineage is predicted by functional strategy, rather than clade age, and thus the fast vs. slow growth functional trade-off is a major determinant of clade diversification in Marantaceae. Rapidly growing clades were mostly associated with highly productive habitats, and their origin and diversification dynamics matched the expansion of fertile soils mediated by Andean uplift c. 23 Mya. Fast-growth strategies probably led to fast molecular evolution, speeding up speciation rates and species accumulation, resulting in higher numbers of extant species. Our results indicate that pure allopatric-dispersal models disconnected from past geological and ecological forces may be inadequate for explaining the evolutionary and diversity patterns in Amazonian lowlands. We suggest that a coupling of the functional trait-niche framework with diversification dynamics provides insights into the evolutionary history of tropical forests and helps elucidate the mechanisms underlying the origin and evolution of its spectacular biodiversity.

This work consists in a taxonomic survey. Identification key, morphological descriptions, illustrations, geographic distribution and phenology are presented. The order is represented in the study area by four species divided into three families: Goeppertia monophylla (Vell.) Borchs. & S.Suárez (Marantaceae), Heliconia farinosa Raddi (Heliconiaceae), Hedychium coccineum Buch.-Ham. ex Sm. and Renealmia petasites Gagnep. (Zingiberaceae).

Thalia sibogae Van Soest, 1973 Thalia sibogae Van Soest 1973: 204, 205, Fig. 8; 1998: 235, Table 14.1. Kim et al. 2011: 147, Fig. 5. Purushothaman et al. 2017. Ishak et al. 2018: 454, 459���465, Figs. 4a���e, 5. Material examined. One solitary zooid (MDAFWU 2018 /85), St.133, January 2018 (Fig. 2D���F). Description. Solitary zooid: Transparent body bulky rounded with a very thick, smooth test, with two long (about one third of body length), tapering processes on the posterior end (Fig. 2D���F); length without processes 7 mm. Atrial palps fairly small and bifurcate (Fig. 2F); lateral projections very small, simple and not bifurcated (Fig. 2D, F); medioventral projections are small and of unequal length, the anterior ones are the smallest (Fig. 2E). Six body muscles broad; M I narrowly interrupted dorsally, M II���IV converged mid-dorsally, M V and M VI near but do not touch dorsally; M II���V in complete rings, M VI interrupted ventrally (Fig. 2D). Totally (M I���VI) 60 muscle fibers. The nucleus (stomach + intestine) is close to the middle posterior projection (Fig. 2D���F). Aggregate zooid: Not collected. Global distribution. The Central Indo-Pacific (Van Soest 1973, 1998; van der Land 2008); Korean waters (Kim et al. 2011); the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia (Ishak et al. 2018). Type locality: Pulu Sanguisapio, Tawi-Tawi Island, Sulu archipelago (Siboga -Expedition St. 93, 05��N, 120��E). Remarks. Although Van Soest (1973) did not observe lateral projections on the type material of T. sibogae, tiny lateral projections may exist with solitary zooids of T. sibogae according to Kim et al. (2011) and Ishak et al. (2018). Therefore, the Sri Lankan specimen resembles the specimens of Kim et al. (2011) and Ishak et al. (2018). The total number of muscle fibres (M I���VI) in solitary zooids of Thalia democratica (Forsk��l, 1775) shows a clinal variation, decreasing from higher to lower latitudes (Van Soest 1975b); and there is a possibility to be such a variation in T. sibogae, but data is not enough in the literature for comparison. Local name: Indi Gaduwa (in Sinhalese) [note: usually fishers use this term for tiny salps, while the Pegea -like larger salps are called ��� Rata-indi Gadu ��� in Sinhalese and ��� Pereechcham Katti ��� in Tamil]. Local importance: None [but, Pegea -like larger salps regularly clog into fishing nets (authors��� observations)]., Published as part of Karunarathne, Krishan D. & Croos, M. D. S. T. De, 2021, Pelagic tunicates (Appendicularia and Thaliacea) of Sri Lanka: two first records with an annotated checklist, pp. 352-376 in Zootaxa 5067 (3) on pages 358-360, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5067.3.2, http://zenodo.org/record/5681899, {"references":["Van Soest, R. W. M. (1973) The genus Thalia Blumenbach, 1798 (Tunicata, Thaliacea), with descriptions of two new species. Beaufortia, 20 (271), 193 - 212.","Kim, S., Won, J. H. & Kim, C. B. (2011) Taxonomic study of the genus Thalia (Thaliacea: Salpida: Salpidae) from Korea. Animal Systematics, Evolution and Diversity, 27 (2), 142 - 150. https: // doi. org / 10.5635 / KJSZ. 2011.27.2.142","Purushothaman, J., Hansda, S., Dey, J., Mohan, S., Basi, A. & Venkataraman, K. (2017) An annotated checklist of Thaliaceans (Chordata: Tunicates). Marine Biodiversity, 2017, 1 - 28. [published online] https: // doi. org / 10.1007 / s 12526 - 017 - 0698 - z","Ishak, N. H. B. A., Adam, N. A. B. & Kassim, Z. (2018) A taxonomic revision of the genus Thalia Blumenbach, 1798; Weelia Yount, 1954; Brooksia Metcalf, 1918 (Salpida: Salpidae) from East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Zootaxa, 4422 (4), 451 - 477. https: // doi. org / 10.11646 / zootaxa. 4422.4.1","Van Soest, R. W. M. (1998) The cladistic biogeography of salps and pyrosomas. In: Bone, Q. (Ed.), The Biology of pelagic tunicates. Oxford University Press, New York, pp. 231 - 249.","Van der Land, J. (2008) UNESCO-IOC Register of Marine Organisms (URMO). Available from: http: // www. marinespecies. org / urmo (accessed 28 October 2020)","Forskal, P. (1775) Descriptiones animalium, avium, amphibiorum, piscium, insectorum, vermium: quae in itinere orientali observavit. ex officina Molleri, Hauniae, 224 pp. https: // doi. org / 10.5962 / bhl. title. 2154","Van Soest, R. W. M. (1975 b) Zoogeography and speciation in the Salpidae (Tunicata, Thaliacea). Beaufortia, 23 (307), 181 - 215."]}

The banana and ginger group, order Zingiberales, comprises of exceptionally diverse, primarily tropical, plants. Within Zingiberales, the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) is unique in being not only the most species-rich but also the most disparate in terms of their morphology and anatomy, and the only group with a substantial number of species in temperate environments. Multiple radiations into temperate habitats were found to not be driven by morphological change, but instead may point to a genetic plasticity in the family that provided opportunities for speciation events not found anywhere else in the order., Phenotypic variation can be attributed to genetic heritability as well as biotic and abiotic factors. Across Zingiberales, there is a high variation in the number of species per clade and in phenotypic diversity. Factors contributing to this phenotypic variation have never been studied in a phylogenetic or ecological context. Seeds of 166 species from all eight families in Zingiberales were analyzed for 51 characters using synchrotron based 3D X-ray tomographic microscopy to determine phylogenetically informative characters and to understand the distribution of morphological disparity within the order. All families are distinguishable based on seed characters. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analyses show Zingiberaceae occupy the largest seed morphospace relative to the other families, and environmental analyses demonstrate that Zingiberaceae inhabit both temperate and tropical regions, while other Zingiberales are almost exclusively tropical. Temperate species do not cluster in morphospace nor do they share a common suite of character states. This suggests that the diversity seen is not driven by adaptation to temperate niches; rather, the morphological disparity seen likely reflects an underlying genetic plasticity that allowed Zingiberaceae to repeatedly colonize temperate environments. The notable morphoanatomical variety in Zingiberaceae seeds may account for their extraordinary ecological success and high species diversity as compared to other Zingiberales.

Stonedahlia mishmiensis gen. et sp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 5D95FA54-49C6-4609-A61F-A5A20F64CB93 Figs 4D–F, 23–24, 25D, 27D Diagnosis See generic diagnosis. Etymology The name of the new species is derived from the type locality, Mishmi hills. Type material Holotype INDIA • ♂; Arunachal Pradesh, Myodia; 28°16ˊ47.4˝ N, 095°54ˊ44.9˝ E; 2463 m a.s.l.; 11 Sep. 2014; H.M. Yeshwanth leg.; Ex: Colocasia sp. (Araceae); UASB. Paratypes INDIA • 10 ♂♂, 10 ♀♀; same collection data as for holotype; UASB; • 2 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀; same collection data as for holotype; ZISP. Description Male COLORATION. Pale yellow to pale brownish yellow (Fig. 4D–F). Dorsum pale yellow, sometimes scutellum and claval commissure brown yellow; eye dark reddish-brown; antennal segment I with diffuse brown longitudinal stripe laterally and reddish tinge apically, segment II with dark reddishbrown apex, segments, III and IV brown with paler bases; labium pale yellow with darkened apex of segment IV; thoracic pleurites and abdomen pale yellow; legs pale yellow with brown apical part of tarsal segment III. STRUCTURE. Total length 4.4–4.6; body 4.0–4.1× as long as basal width of pronotum. vertex 2.9–3.0× as wide as dorsal width of one eye, 0.6–0.7× as wide as length of antennal segment I; antennal segment II 1.0–1.1× as long as basal width of pronotum, 1.8–1.9× as long as width of head; pronotum 1.5× as wide as long. Female COLORATION. As in male. STRUCTURE. Total length 4.4–4.7; body 3.7–3.8× as long as basal width of pronotum. vertex 2.8–2.9× as wide as dorsal width of one eye, 0.5–0.6× as wide as length of antennal segment I; antennal segment II subequal to basal width of pronotum, 1.9× as long as width of head; pronotum 1.4–1.5× as wide as long. Host Colocasia sp. (Araceae). Distribution Arunachal Pradesh state of India.

Stonedahlia gen. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 98840AE6-FFED-494B-A796-7845DE858B32 Figs 4D–F, 23–24, 25D, 27D Type species Stonedahlia mishmiensis gen. et sp. nov. (by monotypy). Diagnosis Recognized by the following combination of characters: Total length 4.4–4.7; coloration uniformly pale yellow to pale brownish yellow, only apices of tarsi, labium, and sometimes antennal segments II–IV darkened (Fig. 4D); body long and gracile, parallel-sided, 3.7–4.0× as long as basal width of pronotum; head vertical, strongly produced ventrally but not produced anteriad of antennal fossae in dorsal view; antennal segment I subequal to head width; eyes small, not in contact with pronotum, vertex about 3× as wide as eye (Fig. 4E); pronotum heavily punctate, with wide and flat pronotal collar, weakly raised calli and distinctly expanded disc; hemelytron translucent, long, apex of abdomen not reaching or barely surpassing cuneal fracture (Fig. 4F); cuneus elongate, 2.5–3.0× as along as broad; single cell of membrane forming almost right angle and reaching apex of cuneus; legs elongate; genital capsule boatshaped, with spinelike subapical process on left side of aperture (Fig. 23); left paramere hook-shaped (Fig. 24E–F); aedeagus tubular, C-shaped, sclerotized throughout except at apex (Fig. 24G); endosoma not clearly separated from phallotheca, non-retractable, entirely expanded from phallotheca in repose; apex of aedeagus membranous, with anchor-shaped apex formed by three oppositely directed processes. Etymology The genus is named after Gary M. Stonedahl in recognition of his outstanding contribution to plant bug taxonomy and particularly his seminal studies of eccritotarsines. The gender is feminine. Description COLORATION. Pale yellow, with darkened apices of labium, antennal segments II–IV, and tarsi (Fig. 4D– F). SURFACE AND VESTITURE. Head smooth, moderately shining, pronotal collar and calli weakly punctate, disc of pronotum coarsely punctate, scutellum smooth, hemelytron weakly rugose, shining; dorsum clothed with dense, adpressed to semierect, comparatively short, whitish simple setae, appendages, thoracic venter and abdomen with longer simple setae, erect to semierect on femora, adpressed elsewhere. STRUCTURE. Body elongate, parallel sided, 3.7–4.0× as long as basal width of pronotum. Head: vertical, strongly produced ventrally below eyes; in dorsal view transverse, not produced anteriad of antennal fossae, with small sessile eyes separated from pronotum by distance almost equal to eye length; vertex broad, 3.0–3.2× as wide as dorsal width of one eye, with shallow transverse depression; eye occupying about one-third of head height in lateral view; frons weakly convex, vertical, clypeus not prominent oriented ventroposteriorly; mandibular and maxillary plates comparatively large, subquadrate; antennal fossa located close to inferior eye margin at mid-height of eye in frontal view; antennal segment I tubular, about twice diameter of segment II, slightly longer than head width, segment II 1.9–2.0× as long as head width, 1.0–1.1× as long as pronotum width; segments II and III filiform, subequal in length and slightly shorter than segment II; labium reaching mesocoxa, with segment I long, reaching procoxa, length of segment II subequal to segment I, segments III and IV combined subequal in length to segment II. Thorax: pronotum 1.4–1.5× as wide as long, campaniform; pronotal collar wide and flat, more than twice as wide as diameter of antennal segment I, not delimited by impressed line posteriorly; calli weakly raised and poorly demarcated, reaching lateral margins of pronotum, separated by small deep pit; disc of pronotum behind calli noticeably widened, trapeziform, raised, with slightly convex lateral margins, rounded posterior angles and somewhat concave medially posterior margin; mesoscutum almost entirely covered with pronotum, separated from scutellum by distinct recession; scutellum slightly raised above hemelytron; metathoracic scent efferent system typical for eccritotarsines (Fig. 25D). Hemelytron: translucent, long, with nearly straight costal margin, distance between base of hemelytron and apex of clavus subequal to distance between apex of clavus and cuneal fracture, apex of abdomen not reaching or barely surpassing cuneal fracture; embolium inflated; cuneus elongate, 2.5–3.0× as along as broad, cuneal fracture obsolete; single cell of membrane forming almost right angle and reaching apex of cuneus. Legs: elongate, slender, hind femur surpassing apex of abdomen, tibiae cylindrical, slightly dilated apically; tarsi 2-segmented with apical segment elongate, slightly swollen; pretarsus typical eccritotarsine. GENITALIA. Genital capsule boat-shaped, slightly compressed laterally, dorsolateral wall of capsule protruded into large subapical fold and equipped with spinelike subapical process at base of fold (Fig. 23); right paramere slightly larger than left one, L-shaped, apical process prominent, straight, with abruptly curved apex and long subapical spine (Fig. 24A–D); left paramere hook-shaped (Fig. 24E–F); aedeagus tubular, C-shaped, sclerotized throughout except at apex, with subapically serrate dorsal wall; endosoma not clearly separated from phallotheca, non-retractable, entirely expanded from phallotheca in repose (Fig. 24G); apex of aedeagus weakly sclerotized, anchor-shaped, with three oppositely directed, gradually curved, weakly sclerotized processes, dorsal and ventral processes simple, lateral process apically sclerotized, twin-coned. Female STRUCTURE, SURFACE AND VESTITURE. As in male. GENITALIA. Not examined. Host Similarly to Ernestinus spp., specimens of this monotypic genus were found in large groups breeding on under surfaces of Colocasia (Araceae) leaves (Fig. 27D). Remarks The new genus undoubtedly belongs to a group of six genera outlined by Stonedahl (1988) and related to Ernestinus (see relevant Remarks section for additional details). Within this group, Stonedahlia gen. nov. appears to be most closely related to Myiocapsus Poppius, 1914. Both genera may be easily distinguished from Eofurius, Ernestinus, Microbryocoris, Palaeofurius, and Stylopomiris by the ventrally produced head with vertical frons, pale yellow coloration, and genital capsule with spinelike process on the left wall. Myiocapsus spp. differ from Stonedahlia gen. nov. in having distinctly larger eyes contacting anterior margin of pronotum and projecting laterally beyond anterolateral angles of pronotum, and male genitalia structure, particularly the simple, straight, gradually tapering right paramere (Stonedahl 1988: figs 49e, 50e, 51g), and the apex of aedeagus with small membranous lobes and one or two sclerotized appendages (Stonedahl 1988: figs 49g, 50g, 51d). Based on gracile body, ventrally produced head, slender legs, and pale yellow coloration, the new genus is superficially similar to Prodromus Distant, 1904 (compare Fig. 27C–D) but the distinctly stylate eyes, longitudinal sulcus on vertex, strongly narrowed basal part of antennal segment I, sickle-shaped left paramere, entirely sclerotized aedeagus, and other characters of the latter genus suggest that the two taxa are only distantly related., Published as part of Yeshwanth, H. M. & Konstantinov, Fedor V., 2021, Review of the plant bug tribe Eccritotarsini (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae) of India and Sri Lanka with description of two new genera and six new species, pp. 1-69 in European Journal of Taxonomy 745 on pages 30-32, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2021.745.1311, http://zenodo.org/record/4690362, {"references":["Stonedahl G. M. 1988. Revisions of Dioclerus, Harpedona, Mertila, Myiocapsus, Prodromus and Thaumastomiris (Heteroptera: Miridae, Bryocorinae: Eccritotarsini). Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 187: 1 - 99."]}

Grapevine (

Thalia geniculata L. (Zingiberales, Marantaceae) has inflorescences with two simultaneously opening, hermaphroditic, single-day flowers, which form a pseudanthium. The species has an irreversibly explosive pollination mechanism. In one population of T. geniculata we verified that in 98.5% of the pseudanthia, only one flower from each pair set fruit. We assessed whether this fruit-set pattern could be linked to pollinator behavior, testing if pollinators only visit one flower in each pseudanthium, which would decrease visitation probability of the other flower in the pseudanthium. In the morning, less flowers were visited than in the afternoon, and we observed higher pollinator activity in the afternoon. In the morning, most of the visited pseudanthia had only one flower visited, while in the afternoon most pseudanthia had both flowers visited, the opposite of what we predicted. We concluded that single fruit set in the pseudanthia is not caused by pollinator behavior. It might be caused by pollen limitation during pollinator visits or even resource limitation to support two fruits per pseudanthia.

This study evaluated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Marantochloa leucantha (Marantaceae). The in vitro antioxidant activity of the extracts and solvent fractions was evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl- 2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) assay models and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity by the rat paw edema model. The phytochemical screening indicated the presence of tannins, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, reducing sugar and phenolics. The antioxidant assay showed that all the extracts exhibited high antioxidant activity comparable with ascorbic and gallic acid controls. In DPPH model, a 250 μg/ml EtOAc fraction of the leaves showed antioxidant activity of 93.9 ± 1.7 % (EC50 0.82 μg/ml) and a 1000 μg/ml of same stem fraction produced 91.9 ± 0.3 % activity (EC50 1.38 μg/ml). In the FRAP model, EtOAc fraction exhibited 31.1±0.7 and 92.0 ± 2.2 μM Fe2+/g of dried leaves and stem, respectively at 1000 μg/ml FeSO4 equivalent. The anti-inflammatory potential of the plant showed that the crude stem extract and fractions at 200 - 600 mg/kg exhibited significant (p < 0.01) dose-related inhibition of paw edema in rats. A 200 mg/kg EtOAc fraction showed 18.8 % inhibition compared to 31 % observed in diclofenac-treated rats in 2 h post albumin challenge. These findings validated the folkloric use of this plant in the treatment of diseases associated to the oxidative stress and could further provide promising lead compounds with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 18(2): 233-240, 2019 (December)

The present study aimed to characterise and establish the phenological stages of arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea L.) by employing the extended BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie) scale system and reporting a detailed biometric evaluation. An experiment with individual plants grown in separate pots was set up in a greenhouse for the identification and characterisation of phenological stages (the phenotypic characterisation and tuberisation process was accompanied by histological analyses every 2 months) and for biometric evaluation (plant height, root volume, dry biomass, leaf area and accumulated starch). We identified 36 secondary stages within eight principal stages of arrowroot growth which comprise: (0) sprouting; (1) leaf development–main stem; (2) formation of lateral stems; (3) elongation–main stem; (4) rhizome formation and tuberisation; (5) inflorescence emergence; (6) flowering, and (9) senescence. Results were categorised and recorded by way of photographs and technical drawings. The total growth cycle in this experiment was 230 days, concluding at the point of harvest. It was possible to observe the phenological events that characterised the changes at each stage (colouration, flag leaf emission, inflorescence and the rhizome tuberisation process). The BBCH system was efficient in identifying arrowroot phenological data. It constitutes a tool for agricultural calendar delineation and contributes to the standardisation of research on the species.

The influence of the incorporation of blackberry pulp on properties of arrowroot starch films has been studied. The blackberry pulp transferred bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity and color to arrowroot starch films. Increasing the concentration of blackberry pulp (from 0 to 40%, mass/mass of dry starch) in the film resulted in increased thickness (from 0.065 to 0.133 mm), increased elongation (from 3.18 to 13.59%), decreased tensile strength (from 22.71 to 3.97 MPa), increased water vapor permeability (from 3.62 to 4.60 g.mm/m2.day.kPa) and solubility in water (from 14.18 to 25.46%). The films were stable to different media, maintaining the same initial diameter dimensions after immersion in acidic, neutral and alkaline solutions, but their color intensity was reduced, probably due to the release of anthocyanins to the solutions. The films with blackberry pulp presented darkness after sterilization process.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:59:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-07-31 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) The diversification of raw materials in the starch industries is a current strategy. However, the production of native starches does not meet market demand, and it is essential to expand the knowledge about chemical modifications in the same production line for different sources of starch. Phosphate starches are one of the most abundantly produced and widely used chemically modified starches. However, the effects of this modification may vary with the starch source and the reaction conditions. In this study, arrowroot, cassava and sweet potato starches were modified with sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP)/sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) mixture under same conditions. The reaction time ranged from 7.5 to 120 min. Unmodified and modified starches were analyzed for phosphorus, amylose, morphology, X-ray diffraction pattern, crystallinity, swelling power, solubility, pasting and thermal properties. Phosphorus content linked to the starches increased with the reaction time, which affected the physicochemical properties of the three starches. The changes were more significant in all reaction times for cassava starch, followed by arrowroot. Due to its intrinsic characteristics, longer reaction times were necessary for more significant changes in sweet potato starch. Regardless of the starch source, as the reaction time increased, the average starch granule diameter, swelling power, solubility and peak viscosity increased. There was a decrease in setback in the longer reaction times for cassava and arrowroot starches. The changes in the reaction times allowed obtaining phosphate tuberous starches with different properties which can meet the demands of the food and non-food industries. Center for Tropical Roots and Starches (CERAT) São Paulo State University (UNESP) Department of Food Engineering and Technology São Paulo State University (UNESP) Center for Tropical Roots and Starches (CERAT) São Paulo State University (UNESP) Department of Food Engineering and Technology São Paulo State University (UNESP) FAPESP: 2016/25791-9 CNPq: 302827/2017-0

The fauna of the bryocorine plant bug tribe Eccritotarsini from India and Sri Lanka is reviewed and updated. Ten genera and 20 species are reported from the region including two genera and six species described as new: Harpedona vittlaensis sp. nov., Lopidolon dandeliensis sp. nov., Mertila rubrocephala sp. nov., Namyatovia gen. nov. for N. castlerockensis gen. et sp. nov. (as the type species) and N. sirsiensis gen. et sp. nov., and Stonedahlia gen. nov. for S. mishmiensis gen. et sp. nov. The genus Bromeliaemiris Schumacher, 1919 is synonymized with Lopidolon Poppius, 1911. Dioclerus lutheri (Poppius, 1912) and Ernestinus ramkeshariae Yasunaga & Ishikawa, 2016 are reported from India for the first time. Differential diagnoses, keys, habitus photographs, illustrations of male genitalic structures, host and distributional information are provided for all genera and species.

The goal of this paper was to evaluate the influence of a range of plasma generation voltages on the physicochemical, structural, and technological properties of Aria (Goeppertia allouia) starch. Untreated (0 kV) and high voltages of cold plasma generation (7, 10, 14, and 20 kV) treated samples were evaluated according to their amylose content, pH, groups carbonyl/carboxyl, molecular size distribution, structure and technological properties (empirical viscosity, hydration properties, thermal analysis and gel strength). The applied voltage of 14 kV resulted in the greatest depolymerization of the starch chains, while 20 kV allowed the formation of oxidized complexes, promoting crosslinking of the starches chain. The cold plasma technique did not affect the levels of resistant starches, but increased the starch digestibility. The increased carbonyl and carboxyl groups also influenced the paste viscosity, improved hydration properties. This study suggests that the cold plasma technique can be useful in the controlled modification of starches, producing starches with different technological properties.

Ramli MP, Malek S, Milow P, Aziz NJ. 2021. Traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in the Kampung Orang Asli Donglai Baru, Hulu Langat, Malaysia. Biodiversitas 22: 1304-1309. Documentation on traditional knowledge of medicinal plants is important before it is completely exhausted by the loss of natural habitats surrounding it and the passing away of older generations. In this study, an ethnobotanical survey for the medicinal plants in the Kampung Orang Asli Donglai Baru, Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia was carried out. A semi-structured interview was prepared to record the medicinal uses of the local medicinal plants in the study area. The information such as the Orang Asli local name, parts used for medication, methods of preparation, and type of ailments were all collected. The total numbers of recorded species in the study sites were 39 species belonging to 22 families. The families Zingiberaceae, Marantaceae, Leguminosae, Vitaceae, Lamiaceae, Melastomataceae, and Araceae have recorded the highest species of medicinal plants. The most frequently utilized plant parts were the leaves (25%) followed by roots (20%), whole plants (10%), fruit (5%) and flowers (2.5%). Gastrointestinal problems including stomach ache, diarrhea, indigestion and bloating were among the most frequent ailments treated with the medical plants. This study revealed that many medicinal plants are still broadly used by the community for treating various diseases in ailments. Further investigation needs to be carried out to explore the potential of these plants in scientific usage.

Lateral organs arranged in spiral phyllotaxy are separated by the golden angle, ≈137.5°, leading to chirality: either clockwise or counter-clockwise. In some species, leaves are asymmetric such that they are smaller and curved towards the side ascending the phyllotactic spiral. As such, these asymmetries lead to mirroring of leaf shapes in plants of opposite phyllotactic handedness. Previous reports had suggested that the pin-stripe calathea (Goeppertia ornata) may be exclusively of one phyllotactic direction, counter-clockwise, but had limited sampling to a single population. Here, we use a citizen science approach leveraging a social media poll, internet image searches, in-person verification at nurseries in four countries and digitally-curated, research-grade observations to demonstrate that calatheas (Goeppertia spp.) around the world are biased towards counter-clockwise phyllotaxy. The possibility that this bias is genetic and its implications for models of phyllotaxy that assume handedness is stochastically specified in equal proportions is discussed.

We conducted an inventory of the fern, lycophyte and non-palm monocotyledon ground-herbs of terra firme riparian forests in the lower Tapajós region of the Brazilian Amazon. Eight 1.5 × 250 m plots, totaling 0.3 hectares, were surveyed along the watersheds of the Cupari and Curuá-Una rivers, located at the Tapajós National Forest, Pará, Brazil. To characterize the ground-herb community, we calculated species richness, abundance and Fisher’s alpha for each plot. To analyze turnover, we compared composition among plots by pairwise Bray-Curtis distance. In total, we sampled 3,130 individuals, 58 species, 27 genera and 20 families of riparian ground-herbs. Marantaceae (14 spp) was the richest family and Poaceae the most abundant family (738 individuals). The fern Triplophyllum glabrum (Tectariaceae) was the most frequent species, observed in 87.5 % of plots. Ground-herbs communities in the studied area have high species turnover, making it necessary to invest time and resources to adequately characterize and manage riparian habitats. The ground-herb community composition observed in the riparian zone here resembles that of other non-riparian forested sites in the Amazon with the plant families Marantaceae, Pteridaceae and Poaceae generally being the most commonly represented in the Amazonian ground-herb stratum. We highlight the importance of herb inventories, especially in conservation units. Resumo Realizamos um inventário de herbáceas ripárias em uma floresta de terra firme da Amazônia brasileira localizada na região do baixo Rio Tapajós, para samambaias, licófitas e monocotiledôneas não-palmeiras. Oito parcelas de 1,5 × 250 m, totalizando 0,3 hectares, foram amostradas ao longo das bacias hidrográficas dos Rios Cupari e Curuá-Una, localizados na Floresta Nacional do Tapajós, Pará, Brasil. Para caracterizar a comunidade herbácea, calculamos a riqueza, a abundância e o alfa de Fisher para cada parcela. Para analisar a dissimilaridade, comparamos a composição de espécies entre parcelas através da distância Bray-Curtis par-a-par. No total, foram amostrados 3.130 indivíduos, 58 espécies, 27 gêneros e 20 famílias de herbáceas ripárias terrestres. Marantaceae (14 spp) é a família com a maior riqueza e Poaceae a mais abundante (738 indivíduos). A samambaia Triplophyllum glabrum (Tectariaceae) é a espécie mais comum entre as parcelas, observada em 87,5 % delas. As comunidades de herbáceas terrestres têm alta substituição de espécies na área estudada, mostrando a necessidade de investimento de tempo e de recursos para caracterizar e manejar habitats ripários. A composição das comunidades de herbáceas terrestres ripárias observada aqui se assemelha a de sítios de florestas de terra firme não ripárias na Amazônia, sendo as famílias Marantaceae, Pteridaceae e Poaceae geralmente as mais representativas do estrato herbáceo amazônico. Destacamos aqui a importância de inventários de herbáceas terrestres, particularmente em unidades de conservação.

Changes in chromosome number and structure, as well as alterations in genome size, are important cytological characters that often reflect speciation events. Due to a wide variety of previously reported chromosome numbers the species-rich arrowroot family (Marantaceae) is an ideal system to investigate the role of chromosomal changes in species diversification, especially of dysploidy and polyploidy. The mechanisms and direction of changes during evolution as well as ancestral states of chromosomal characters are largely unknown. This study provides a detailed survey of chromosomal and genome size variation in 43 Marantaceae accessions (37 species, 16 genera) from the whole distribution range. Phylogenetic tree mapping suggests that x = 13 is the ancestral basic chromosome number. Descending dysploidy to x = 9, 10, 11, and 12 occurred ten times in parallel within each of the five main clades. In contrast, ascending dysploidy to x = 14, occurred only once. Ploidy level variation was confined to basic numbers x = 9, 11, and 13 and was observed in four out of the five clades. The occurrence of triploids and pentaploids points towards heteroploid diploid-tetraploid and tetraploid-hexaploid hybridizations. Trends in genome evolution as exposed by regression analyses revealed a massive genome size increase after dysploidy - and a genome size decrease after polyploidy. A schematic illustration of possible origins and the modes of chromosomal changes in a biogeographical context is presented. Exemplified by the family Marantaceae, it is shown how variable chromosomal evolution can be and how it contributes to species richness and speciation in the plant kingdom.

Lateral organs arranged in spiral phyllotaxy are separated by the golden angle, ≈137.5°, leading to handedness: either clockwise or counter-clockwise. In some species, leaves are asymmetric such that they are smaller and curved towards the side ascending the phyllotactic spiral. As such, these asymmetries lead to mirroring of leaf shapes in plants of opposite phyllotactic handedness. Previous reports had suggested that the pin-stripe calathea (Goeppertia ornata) may be exclusively of one phyllotactic direction, counter-clockwise, but had limited sampling to a single population. Here, we use a citizen science approach leveraging a social media poll, internet image searches, and in-person verification at nurseries in four countries and two continents to demonstrate that calatheas (Goeppertia spp.) around the world are biased towards counter-clockwise phyllotaxy. The possibility that this bias is genetic and its implications for models of phyllotaxy that assume handedness is stochastically specified in equal proportions is discussed.

Although the vast majority of critically endangered Grauer’s gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri) inhabit low-elevation rain forests, current insights into this ape’s life history and ecology stem predominantly from 2 small populations ranging in highland habitats. Here, we provide an initial and non-exhaustive overview of food items of Grauer’s gorillas in the Nkuba Conservation Area (NCA), a lower-elevation (500–1,500 m) forest located between Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Maiko National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Community-based conservation efforts at the NCA aim to protect a population of unhabituated Grauer’s gorillas, which we have studied since 2014. Between 2014 and 2020, we simultaneously tracked 1–3 gorilla groups and recorded a total of 10,514 feeding signs on at least 100 plant species, ants, termites, and fungi. Vegetative plant parts (plant stems, leaves, pith, bark, and roots), especially of Marantaceae and Fabaceae, made up close to 90% of recorded feeding signs, with fruit accounting for most of the remainder and a small (G. gorilla), which live under ecologically comparable conditions.

Broad-leaved monocot herbs are widespread and dominant components of the shaded understories of wet neotropical forests. These understory habitats are characterized by light limitation and a constant threat of falling branches. Many shaded understory herb species have close relatives that occupy forest edges and gaps, where light availability is higher and defoliation threat is lower, creating an opportunity for comparative analysis of functional traits in order to better understand the evolutionary adaptations associated with this habitat transition. We documented ecological, morphological and ecophysiological traits of multiple herb species in six monocot families from each of these two habitats in the wet tropical rainforest at the La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica. We found that a mixture of phylogenetic canalization and ecological selection for specific habitats helped explain patterns of functional traits. Understory herbs were significantly shorter and had smaller leaves than forest edge species. Although the mean number of leaves per plant and specific leaf area did not differ between the two groups, the larger leaf size of forest edge species gave them more than three times the mean plant leaf area. Measures of leaf water content and nitrogen content varied within both groups and mean values were not significantly different. Despite the high leaf nitrogen contents, the maximum photosynthetic rates of understory herbs were quite low. Measures ofδ13C as an analog of water use efficiency found significantly lower (more negative) values in understory herbs compared to forest edge species. Clonality was strongly developed in several species but did not show strong phylogenetic patterns. This study highlights many functional traits that differ between broad-leaved monocot species characteristic of understory and forest edge habitats, as well as traits that vary primarily by phylogenetic relatedness. Overall, plant functional traits do not provide a simple explanation for the relative differences in abundance for individual understory and forest edge species with some occurring in great abundance while others are relatively rare.

This study aims to determine the diversity of Herbaceous plants found in the forest Education and Training atMuhammadiyah University of Bengkulu, Central Bengkulu Regency. This research was conducted in January to February 2019 by using the coordinate points LS03040’10” BT 100232’55”. The method used in this study was a direct survey to the research location. The samplewas taken by exploring the research location. The identification of Herbaceous plants samples was did in the laboratory of Muhammadiyah University of Bengkulu. The data obtained was analyzed descriptively. The results of this study were found that it consist of 16 speciesfrom 9 families such as Th eAcanthaceae family, Amaranthaceae, Araceae, Astreaceae, Cleomaceae, Commelinaceae, Marantaceae, Musaceae, Zingiberaceae with a total of 1.052individuals.The species diversity index (H’) at all levels has a value of 1.483 which is a medium categorywith  ecological conditions namely an average temperature is 280C, 86%air humidity, 6.5 soil pH, and 25% soil moisture.

The phytotoxic potential of the leaves and twigs of

Submitted by Giselle Bezerra de Araújo (giselle.b.araujo@unesp.br) on 2020-10-20T21:22:08Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação GBA_definitiva_completa com ficha.pdf: 4674656 bytes, checksum: a061f0d186c76eed9d33a49dfdb1d638 (MD5) Rejected by Adriana Ap. Puerta Buzzá (dripuerta@rc.unesp.br), reason: Prezada Giselle, O documento enviado para a coleção Campus Unesp Rio Claro foi recusado pelo(s) seguinte(s) motivo(s): - Capa e página de rosto - ao final da página - falta constar a cidade de defesa. O correto é: Rio Claro - SP e na linha debaixo - 2020. - Falta a folha de aprovação, que deve ser solicitada à Seção de Pós-Graduação e deve ser inserida após a ficha catalográfica. Maiores informações: http://ib.rc.unesp.br/Home/Biblioteca37/repositorio_fluxograma_unesp_rioclaro.jpg Agradecemos a compreensão e aguardamos o envio do novo arquivo. Atenciosamente, Biblioteca Campus Rio Claro – E-mail: stati.rc@unesp.br Repositório Institucional UNESP https://repositorio.unesp.br on 2020-10-28T23:02:57Z (GMT) Submitted by Giselle Bezerra de Araújo (giselle.b.araujo@unesp.br) on 2020-10-29T16:27:46Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação GBA final.pdf: 4995116 bytes, checksum: 45dce90ebe6af87c7b748be46a838c2f (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Ap. Puerta Buzzá (dripuerta@rc.unesp.br) on 2020-11-02T17:42:46Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 araujo_gb_me_rcla_par.pdf: 742483 bytes, checksum: 12a315dc883c9a1c8b0888854753a033 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2020-11-02T17:42:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 araujo_gb_me_rcla_par.pdf: 742483 bytes, checksum: 12a315dc883c9a1c8b0888854753a033 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2020-08-31 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Goeppertia é o gênero mais diverso de Marantaceae e compreende ca. 250 espécies, previamente incluídas em Calathea. Pelo fato das classificações infragenéricas de Goeppertia ainda não terem sido publicadas, os seus grupos informais refletem os seis clados propostos em sua filogenia molecular e as divisões taxonômicas de Calathea. O clado “Breviscapus” é o mais heterogêneo morfologicamente e reúne cerca de 70 espécies, com elevada representatividade na Mata Atlântica. Considerando o grande número de espécies e a diversidade do gênero Goeppertia, bem como a variabilidade encontrada no clado “Breviscapus” e a importância do levantamento de caracteres anatômicos foliares, o objetivo deste estudo é descrever a micromorfologia e anatomia foliar das espécies de Goeppertia ocorrentes na Mata Atlântica, caracterizando-as e discutindo possíveis implicações taxonômicas para o gênero. Para o levantamento e análise dos caracteres, foram utilizadas técnicas usuais de microscopias eletrônica de varredura e de luz. Foram analisadas dezenove espécies, sendo dezessete endêmicas da Mata Atlântica – ca. 40% da diversidade de espécies nessa formação. Dos 131 caracteres micromorfológicos e anatômicos foliares analisados, 80 são homogêneos entre os táxons estudados, independente se exclusivos da Mata Atlântica ou ocorrentes no Cerrado. Os demais caracteres variaram, podendo ser úteis na caracterização específica, como: tricomas malpighiáceos na face abaxial da lâmina foliar de G. fatimae; células papilosas na face adaxial da lâmina foliar de G. zebrina; bordo foliar obtuso de G. bachemiana; formato convexo-convexo da nervura central de G. applicata; células com parede periclinal externa convexa em ambas as faces do pulvino de G. zebrina; formato côncavo-convexo com expansões laterais no pecíolo de G. applicata; hipoderme adaxial bisseriada e cilindro vascular delimitado por calota contínua de fibras, com estegmatas, no pecíolo de G. bachemiana. Os resultados levantados são importantes para o conhecimento anatômico das espécies de Goeppertia na Mata Atlântica, bem como para o gênero como um todo em Marantaceae. Goeppertia is the most diverse genus of Marantaceae and comprises about 250 species, previously included in Calathea. As Goeppertia's infrageneric classifications have not been published, its informal groups still reflect the six clades proposed in its molecular phylogeny and the taxonomic divisions of Calathea. The “Breviscapus” clade is the most heterogeneous morphologically and includes about 70 species, with high representativeness in the Atlantic Forestall species of the Atlantic Forest. Considering the large number of species and the diversity of the genus Goeppertia, as well as the variability found in the “Breviscapus” clade and the importance of surveying leaf anatomical characters, the present study aims to describe the leaf micromorphology and anatomy of species of Goeppertia occurring in the Atlantic Forest, characterizing them and discussing possible taxonomic implications for the genus. For the evaluation and analysis of characters, usual techniques of both scanning electron and light microscopies were used. Nineteen species were analyzed, seventeen of which endemic to the Atlantic Forest – about 40% of the species diversity in this formation. Of the 131 leaf micromorphological and anatomical characteristics analyzed, 80 were homogeneous among the taxa studied, regardless of whether they were exclusive to the Atlantic Forest or the Cerrado. The other characters varied and may be useful in specific characterization, such as malpighiaceous trichomes on abaxial leaf surface of G. fatimae; papillose epidermal cells on adaxial leaf surface of G. zebrina; obtuse leaf margin in G. bachemiana; convex-convex shape of midrib of G. applicata; cells with convex outer periclinal wall on both surfaces of pulvinus of G. zebrina; concave-convex shape with lateral expansions of petiole of G. applicata; biseriate hypodermis on adaxial leaf surface and vascular cylinder with a continuous cylinder of fibers, with stegmata, on petiole of G. bachemiana. The results obtained are important for the anatomical knowledge of Goeppertia species in the Atlantic Forest, as well as for the genus as a whole in Marantaceae.

Aria (Goeppertia allouia) is a tuber from the arrowroot's family widely found in the Brazilian Amazon. The tuber has a flavor similar to corn, besides high retrogradation when cooked, differing from other commercial starches. To enhance its added value, the Aria starch was extracted to evaluate its potential as a food ingredient. The Aria starch was compared to the commercially available corn and potato starches regarding their physicochemical, thermal, structural, and rheological properties based on the Duncan's test (p-value

Ctenanthe oppenheimiana (E. Morren) K. Schum. (Maranta oppenheimiana) is a shade-loving, monocotyledonous ornamental plant belonging to the family Marantaceae. The plant has attractive foliage and is used for decoration in a park and around offices building. Six million seedings were produced in China in 2017 (China Flower Association, 2018). Plants were seriously infected with a year-round foliar disease. The disease occurred in all planting areas and approximately 53.1% and 48.3% of the plants in Guangdong and Fujian provinces in China, March 2017, were infected and caused economic loss to control plant diseases with chemicals. The initial symptoms were observed after 1 month of planting and included small brown lesions that expanded to form large irregular yellow lesions at the tips or margins of the leaves in campus of Guangdong Ocean University. Diseased plants were collected in Zhanjiang city (110°30' E, 21°20' N), Gaozhou city Guangdong province and (117.42E, 25.3N) and Zhangping city Fujian province (117°42' E, 25°30' N). Seven single-spore cultures were recovered from symptomatic samples after they were disinfested with 1% NaOCl, and plated on potato sucrose agar (PSA) at 28 °C for one week. Three isolates were used for pathogenicity test, 200 μL conidial suspension (106 conidia ml-1) was dropped on the leaf sites with sterile needle-prick wound at 5-8 leaf stage. There were three replicates for each treatment and the experiment was repeated three times. Plants were placed in incubator at 25 ℃, with 80% humidity and a 12-h light/dark cycle. Control seedlings were treated identically except sterile water was placed on the wounds. Round brown necrotic lesions in the middle of the leaves grew in the inoculated wounded leaves 5 days after inoculation and brown necrotic lesions developed into large brown lesions of 2.2-3.6 cm 10 days after inoculation whilethere were no symptoms in the negative controls. Colletotrichum was re-isolated from the lesions in inoculated leaves fulfilling Koch's postulates. Colonies on PSA were grayish white with a regular border and a felty aerial mycelium that contained masses of orange conidia. No setae were observed in the PSA culture. Conidia were straight and hyaline with rounded ends measuring 10.0-15.0×5.0-6.0 μm (average =14.2×5.3 μm, n=50). Conidiophores hyaline, septate. Conidiogenous cells were hyaline, cylindric, and 13.2-22.5×4.5-5.5 µm (average =19.5×4.6 μm, n=50). Appressoria were cylindrical, 5.2-10.5 × 4.0-6.8 μm (average =7.5×5.2 μm, n=50). For molecular identification, the colony PCR method with MightyAmp DNA Polymerase (Takara-Bio, Dalian, China) (Lu et al. 2012) was used to amplify the ITS of ribosomal DNA, glutamine synthetase (GS), calmodulin(CAL) and Apmat loci of three isolates using primer pairs of ITS4/ITS5, GSF1/GSR1, CL1C/CL2C and AM-F/AM-R (Liu et al. 2015). Phylogenetic tree derived from a neighbor-joining analysis of a concatenated alignment of ITS, GS, CAL and ApMAT sequences. The accession numbers of three isolates ZJCG, GZCG and FJCG used in this study were KP635210, MN133235, MN133236 for ITS, MT594433, MT594434, MT594435 for CAL, MT594436, MT594437, MT594438 for GS and MN133228, MN133229, MN133230 for ApMAT. The sequences of the three isolates were aligned with those of the related species in C. gloeosporioides complex (Liu et al. 2015). Analyses based on concatenated data sets of four genes showed that the sequences had high levels of identity to those of the C. siamense strains. According to both morphological and sequence analyses, the C. oppenheimiana pathogen was identified as C. siamense. There are two reports of foliar pathogens on C. oppenheimiana, Rhizoctonia solani and Pyricularia oryzae (Baiswar et al. 2010, Pappas and Vloutoglou, 1996). To our knowledge, this is the first report of anthracnose on C. oppenheimiana caused by C. siamense in China. Identification of the pathogen of this disease is essential for the development of effective and economical management practices.

Karyotype analyses in species of the family Marantaceae (550 species, 31 genera) were conducted to shed light on the reported strong variation of chromosome number and size and the occurrence of polyploidy. Special attention was paid to the alterations in basic chromosome numbers, karyotypes and ploidy levels. Taxon sampling covered the whole distribution area of Marantaceae in Africa, Asia and America. We applied mitotic chromosome counting using conventional rapid squash techniques in 43 accessions (39 species, 16 genera), evaluated literature records for 51 species and conducted karyotype analyses. Eleven different somatic chromosome numbers were found (2n = 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 33, 44, 36, 52, 65, 72). Based on the presumed basic chromosome numbers ofx = 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, this may correspond to diploid, triploid, tetraploid, pentaploid and octoploid levels, respectively. Dysploid variation, polyploidy and, to a lesser extend, hybridization may be the main factors in chromosome number evolution of the family. Our results also point to a certain degree of association with species diversification and geographical patterns.

This research work aimed extraction and characterization of arrowroot starch. Besides, the effects of different concentrations of starch (2.59-5.41%, mass/mass) and concentrations of glycerol (9.95-24.08%, mass versus starch mass) on films properties were evaluated by a rotational central composite 22 experimental design. Arrowroot starch showed high amylose content (35%). Low values were found for the swelling power and solubility index. The X-ray diffraction showed "C" type crystalline structures, while thermogram showed Tg around of 118 and 120 °C. The thermogravimetric analysis showed that 40% of mass loss of starch occurred between 330 and 410 °C. The films were homogeneous, transparent and manageable. Starch and glycerol concentrations played a significant role in thickness and solubility in water of films, but was not significant for water vapor permeability and tensile strength. Therefore, arrowroot is a very promising starch source for application in films.

A non-conventional starch obtained from guinea arrowroot tubers (Calathea allouia) grown in the Amazon was used as a polymeric matrix for the development of edible films. The films were manufactured by blending/thermo molding and plasticized with glycerol. Agro-industrial wastes from wine manufacture (grape waste flour and grape waste extract) were used as natural fillers of the thermoplastic starch (TPS) matrices. The results showed that the natural fillers caused cross-linking in the TPS matrix. This led to the production of films with higher resistant starch (RS) content, especially RS type 4 (RS4), although the DSC results showed that the films developed also contained RS type 3 (RS3). As expected, the presence of RS reduced the in vitro digestibility rate. Films made with the natural fillers were also less hydrophilic, had a greater thermal resistance, and tended towards ductile mechanical behavior. Finally, the edible film containing grape waste flour as a natural filler proved to be pH-sensitive, although this material disintegrated under alkaline conditions. Fil: Gutiérrez Carmona, Tomy José. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales; Argentina Fil: Herniou-Julien, Clémence. Institut Universitaire Et Technologique Of Saint-brieuc; Fil: Alvarez Gonzalez, Kelvia Kristina. Universidad Central de Venezuela; Venezuela Fil: Alvarez, Vera Alejandra. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales; Argentina

Bamban (Donax canniformis) is a plant of the Marantaceae family that has many uses, among others, as a craft and traditional medicine in South Kalimantan. The young leaves were used to treat eyes irritation by local people in South Kalimantan. This study aims to determine the chemical compound in young and mature bamban leaves and evaluate their antibacterial and antiradical activity. The young and mature bamban leaves were extracted separately by maceration technique using 80% ethanol. The liquid extract were filtered and then concentrated with a vacuum oven at 45°C. The flavonoid compound were detected using HPLC using quercetin, rutin and catechin standard. Antibacterial activity was tested using agar well diffusion method and radical scavenging activity using DPPH method. Results showed the yield of mature and young leaves were 1.50% and 0.71%. Both extracts contained rutin and catechins. None of quercetin was detected in both extracts.The young leaves extract inhibited Salmonella, E.coli, and P.aeruginosa bacteria at 15% concentration of extract. The mature and young leaves extract had radical scavenging activity at 45.34% and 18.50% respectively.Keywords : antibacterial, bamban leaves, DPPH, ethanol, flavonoid