Medicinal Plants in the Atlantic Forest (Brazil): Knowledge, Use, and Conservation

This study focuses on knowledge of medicinal plants among the Caiçaras (rural inhabitants of the Atlantic Forest coast, Brazil). In particular, we examine the use of medicinal plants according to sex and age to reveal general patterns of Caiçara knowledge and use of plant resources. Data collected through 449 interviews at 12 Caiçara communities (Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo coastal sites) include citations of 249 plants and identification of 227 species. We show the importance of introduced as opposed to native plants and of key individuals for the conservation of the Caiçaras-Atlantic Forest.     

Gendering Local Knowledge: Medicinal Plant Use and Primary Health Care in the Amazon

Local knowledge is becoming increasingly important in primary health care projects. However, these projects often incorporate local knowledge in an uncritical manner. One area where this is apparent is in the lack of attention paid to the gendered nature of local knowledge. I use one example, women's knowledge and use of medicinal plants in a low-income community in the Brazilian Amazon, to illustrate the links among authority, knowledge, and gender. In this article I argue that policy makers must pay attention to the relationships among authority, gender, and local knowledge and examine how the use of local knowledge in development strategies can affect existing (gendered) power relationships. Women's roles as managers of household health (which includes medicinal plant use) are a source of authority for them. Because of that, the way in which local knowledge is incorporated into primary health care programs can have a significant impact on women's authority.     

Use of Alternative Plant Resources by Common Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) in the Semi‐Arid Caatinga Scrub Forests of Northeastern Brazil

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is amply distributed in the Brazilian Northeast, but little is known of its ecology in the semi‐arid Caatinga scrublands. The present study provides the first detailed data on the composition of the diet of C. jacchus in Caatinga ecosystems, derived from observations at four sites in the state of Sergipe. While exudate sources were gouged at all four sites in a manner typical of the species, fruit was the principal component of the diet at the main study site during most months, and a number of unusual items were eaten, including leaves, and the reproductive parts of cacti and bromeliads. These plants are rarely recorded in marmoset diets, but are common in caatinga habitats. Leaves were ingested during 5 of the 8 months monitored at the main study site, reaching 39.74% of the diet in 1 month, and appeared to be an alternative fallback food to plant exudates during periods when fruit was scarce. Three species of cactus provided both flowers and fruits, while the terrestrial bromeliad, Encholirium spectabile, provided nectar (30.81% of the diet in November). Approximately half of the plant species (and three families) identified in this study had not been recorded previously in the diet of Callithrix. Overall, the data suggest that, while the marmosets exploit the same types of plant foods in the Caatinga, the resource base is quite distinct from that of the Atlantic Forest. Other differences, such as relatively small groups and large home ranges, may contribute to divergent ecological patterns, which require more systematic investigation. Am. J. Primatol. 75:333‐341, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Plant species endemism in savanna vegetation on table mountains (Campo Rupestre) in Brazil

A new theory about the origin of endemism in the campo rupestre vegetation type is proposed and discussed, based on the studies of endemic species which have been conducted in several campo rupestre areas. Data on endemic plant species of the studied mountain ranges are provided. New localities are reported for some rare and endemic plants of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The present knowledge of their distribution is briefly discussed. Vegetation characteristics were studied in their stands by means of vegetation relevés, and a synthetic constancy table is provided. The main phytogeographical characteristics of the studied sites are given.     

Plant volatiles: new perspectives for research in Brazil

Agroecosystems consist on complex trophic relationships among host plants, herbivores and their natural enemies. This article reviews the research of plant volatiles in Brazil, in order to determine multiple resistance mechanisms of economically important crops and to contribute to the understanding of insect-plant interactions. Most pest management programs, including chemical and biological control, do not consider the impact of these chemicals on herbivores and their natural enemies. Alternative control methods are being developed in order to improve our understanding on the endogenous mechanisms of plant induced defenses against phytophagous arthropods. The use of plant volatiles technology as an additional tool in integrated pest management programs would offer a new and environmentally sound approach to crop protection. This technique involves the development of baits that attract beneficial organisms and the manipulation of biochemical processes that induce and regulate plant defenses, key factors in the improvement of control programs against economically important pests. The elucidation of the mechanisms involved in the indirect defenses of plants will result in useful tools for biological control of crop pests.     

Use and commercialization of Podocnemis expansa (Schweiger 1812) (Testudines: Podocnemididae) for medicinal purposes in two communities in North of Brazil

The emergence of alternative medicines for AIDS in Asia and Africa was discussed at a satellite symposium and the parallel session on alternative and traditional treatments of the AIDSImpact meeting, held in Marseille, in July 2007. These medicines are heterogeneous, both in their presentation and in their geographic and cultural origin. The sessions focused on the role of these medications in selected resource poor settings in Africa and Asia now that access to anti-retroviral therapy is increasing. The aims of the sessions were to (1) identify the actors involved in the diffusion of these alternative medicines for HIV/AIDS, (2) explore uses and forms, and the way these medicines are given legitimacy, (3) reflect on underlying processes of globalisation and cultural differentiation, and (4) define priority questions for future research in this area. This article presents the insights generated at the meeting, illustrated with some findings from the case studies (Uganda, Senegal, Benin, Burkina Faso, China and Indonesia) that were presented. These case studies reveal the wide range of actors who are involved in the marketing and supply of alternative medicines. Regulatory mechanisms are weak. The efficacy claims of alternative medicines often reinforce a biomedical paradigm for HIV/AIDS, and fit with a healthy living ideology promoted by AIDS care programs and support groups. The AIDSImpact session concluded that more interdisciplinary research is needed on the experience of people living with HIV/AIDS with these alternative medicines, and on the ways in which these products interact (or not) with anti-retroviral therapy at pharmacological as well as psychosocial levels.     

Traditional Plant Use in the Phlegraean Fields Regional Park (Campania,Southern Italy)

The Phlegraean Fields Regional Park in southern Italy has an especially long history of human exploitation. For our ethnobotanical studies we interviewed 39 people native to the area and recorded 962 use-reports. For each species, we provide scientific and vernacular names, plant parts used, and preparation and administration processes. In all, 69 species belonging to 35 families were classified. The species most frequently mentioned were Citrus limon, Chamomilla recutita, Malva sylvestris, Parietaria judaica, Ficus carica, Foeniculum vulgare and Laurus nobilis. The commonest plant use recorded is medicinal, followed by culinary and domestic; for 26% of the species inventoried, more than one use was recorded. The present study confirms the persistence of traditional plant use in regions of central and southern Italy.     

Traditional Food Plant Knowledge and Use in Three Afro-Descendant Communities in the Colombian Caribbean Coast: Part I Generational Differences

Few studies in Colombia have focused on traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) changes and assessed whether they signified TEK erosion or explored what drives changes. In this study, we researched three Afro-descendant communities’ food plant TEK in the Colombian Caribbean coast. Methods used included a plant recognition exercise undertaken with three generations in families. Respondents were asked how they used a plant, the last time of use, and the reasons for non-consumption (NC) or consumption several years previously (CSYP). Different patterns of recognition and use emerged. Of the 98 species, 28 did not show evidence of intergenerational change. For certain cultivated species, there were marked differences between the percentage of grandparents and children reporting current consumption. Finally, 33 species had low recognition rates by the youngest generation and high levels of NC or CSYP. By analyzing the reasons given for NC or CSYP and the perceptions of participants in interviews and focus groups, we identified TEK erosion for various species (e.g., Anacardium excelsum, Elaeis oleifera, Solanum allophyllum, and Talinum triangulare). However, high NC levels did not always signify declining knowledge or use. Additionally, there appeared to be different dynamics of TEK change in the study sites.En Colombia pocos estudios se han enfocado en los cambios en el conocimiento ecológico ancestral (CEA) para determinar si se evidenciaba erosión del CEA o han explorado cuáles factores impulsan los cambios. En este estudio, investigamos el CEA sobre plantas alimenticias de comunidades Afrodescendientes en tres localidades en la costa Caribe colombiana. Se utilizó un ejercicio de reconocimiento de plantas, desarrollado con tres generaciones en familias. Se preguntó a los entrevistados cómo utilizaban una planta, la última fecha de uso y las razones de no consumo (NC) o consumo hace varios años (CHVA). Desde los datos surgieron diversos patrones de reconocimiento y uso. De las 98 plantas, 28 no mostraron evidencia de cambios intergeneracionales. Para algunas especies cultivadas, había diferencias marcadas entre el porcentaje de abuelos y de niños que reportaban consumo actual. Finalmente, 33 especies obtuvieron niveles de reconocimiento muy bajos por la generación más joven y altos niveles de NC o CHVA. Analizando las razones por el NC o el CHVA y las percepciones de los participantes en entrevistas y en grupos focales, identificamos erosión del CEA en el caso de varias especies (p.ej. Anacardium excelsum, Elaeis oleifera, Solanum allophyllum y Talinum triangulare). Sin embargo, niveles altos de NC no siempre estaban indicando una reducción del conocimiento y del uso. Al parecer había diferentes dinámicas de cambio en el CEA en los sitios de la investigación.     

Traditional Knowledge and Management of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (Pequi) in the Brazilian Savanna, Northeastern Brazil1

Traditional Knowledge and Management of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. ( Pequi ) in the Brazilian Savanna, Northeastern Brazil Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (pequi) is a tree native to northeastern Brazil that produces fruits of importance to human populations of the region. This species serves as a resource for the livelihoods of many people and represents a source of income in many rural communities in northeastern Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, use, collection practices, and forms of local management related to C. coriaceum in a rural community in the state of Ceará, Chapada do Araripe, northeast Brazil. Pequi collectors were identified and constituted the sample of respondents (N = 56). The knowledge of C. coriaceum is uniformly distributed in the community. The categories food and derivatives (oil) were the most relevant. Considering all use categories, there was a significant difference between the knowledge of men and women (p <0.05, 95% confidence interval) based on the Shannon-Wiener and Hurlbert’s PIE diversity indices. The main form of management applied to pequi trees was collection of its fruits, followed by the practice locally referred to as zelar (similar to the management practice “protection”) and sowing seeds. All of the informants stated that they commercialize pequi fruits. The mean income from fruit sales is less than the mean income obtained via selling pequi oil, as the latter product is of greater commercial value. Among the nine most relevant collection sites, Barreiro Novo (savanna) was highlighted, which is part of both a protected area and the anthropogenic landscape of the region, and has great economic and cultural importance for pequi collectors.     

Traditional Food Plant Knowledge and Use in Three Afro-Descendant Communities in the Colombian Caribbean Coast: Part II Drivers of Change

Traditional Food Plant Knowledge and Use in Three Afro-Descendant Communities in the Colombian Caribbean Coast: Part II Drivers of Change. Ethnobotany is a developing field in Colombia. There are significant information gaps, however, both in terms of geographical coverage and different human groups. Most research has focused on documenting traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) but has not addressed the question of whether there is TEK erosion and, if so, what is driving the changes. Our study focused on three Afro-descendant communities in the Colombian Caribbean region, seeking to identify intergenerational changes in food plant TEK and to analyse the drivers of change. Information was collected through three focus groups per location with women and men of different age groups. Results showed that a general process of erosion of food plant TEK was perceived in all three communities and that multiple drivers of change, falling into three categories, were at work: availability of a food plant resource, access, and food preferences. Yet, these varied over time and amongst locations and depended on the type of food plant resource. Nonetheless, the distancing of younger generations from a diversified agricultural-based livelihood, which led to less time spent in the monte (nearby uncultivated land covered with trees, shrubs and plants), was identified as the most significant driver of TEK loss in these three communities.     

First Record of Elixothrips brevisetis (Bagnall) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Brazil

Elixothrips brevisetis (Bagnall), a species exotic to Brazil, is first recorded in the country. Individuals were collected on banana fruits (Musa sp.) (Musaceae) in July 2010 in the municipality of Luís Alves, state of Santa Catarina, causing rusting on the fruit peel in several bunches of bananas.     

基因组原位杂交的新进展及其在植物中的应用

基因组原位杂交 ( Genomic in situ hybridization GISH)是 2 0世纪 80年代末发展起来的一种原位杂交技术。它最初应用于动物方面的研究[1 ] ,但很快被植物方面所借用 ,并且使用频率高于动物方面的研究。它采用来自一个物种的总基因组 DNA作为标记探针 ,用另一物种的总基因组 DNA以适当的浓度进行封阻 ,在靶染色体上进行原位杂交。在封阻DNA和标记 DNA探针之间 ,封阻 DNA优先与一般序列杂交 ,剩下的特异性序列主要被标记探针所杂交。在此基础上 ,人们先后发展了荧光基因组原位杂交、多色基因组原位杂交和比较基因组原位杂交等技术 ,…     

Ethnobotany of Atlantic Forest Coastal Communities: II. Diversity of Plant Uses at Sepetiba Bay (SE Brazil)

This is an ethnobotanical study of Atlantic Forest coastal communities located at Sepetiba Bay, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Atlantic Forest remnants are top priority conservation areas, and include native communities that depend on fish and small-scale agriculture. We conducted fieldwork in the community of Calhaus (Jaguanum Island) from 1989 to 1991, and interviewed adults on their use of plants. We examined the diversity of medicinal plants used among communities of different islands and found results similar to previous research at Gamboa (Itacuruçá Island); communities living in smaller islands and on islands further from the coast use a lower diversity of plants. Also, older islanders show a deeper knowledge of medicinal plants than younger islanders.     

Diversity of Cetoniidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) in the Cerrado of Central Brazil

Cetoniidae is a diverse family containing approximately 4,000 species, most of which feed on flowers and fruits. In Brazil, 72 species and 24 genera are recorded. Little is known about this family in the Central region of Brazil, and no research has previously been conducted in the ecologically important Cerrado biome. In this study, we evaluated the diversity and temporal variation of the Cetoniidae in an area of the Cerrado in the Federal District (Brazil) and verified whether the abundance and species richness were influenced by climatic variables. The study was carried out in an area of Cerrado sensu stricto at Água Limpa Farm in Brasília/DF. Beetles were collected weekly from October 2013 to September 2014 using 40 traps baited with banana and pineapple fermented with sugarcane juice. A total of 398 specimens comprising 8 genera and 15 species were collected. We observed temporal variation in abundance and richness of the Cetoniidae in direct relation to the climatic characteristics of the Cerrado, with a greater number of individuals and species appearing in the rainy season. Climatic variables such as temperature and humidity appear to have a significant effect on the diversity of Cetoniidae. This is the first study conducted on this family in Central Brazil.     

Spider prey (Araneae) of Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) rogenhoferi (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae) in southeastern Brazil

Fifty five nests and 216 cells of Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) rogenhoferi were obtained from trap-nests (cut bamboo canes) in Santa Carlota Farm (Itaoca Section = IS and Santana Section = SS), Cajuru and on the S?o Paulo University Campus, Ribeir?o Preto (= RP), both in the State of S?o Paulo, Brazil (Sept. 1993-Oct. 1995). The prey (spiders) of 40 cells from IS, 58 from SS and 39 from RP were identified. The greatest nesting frequency occurred during the hot and wet season (September to April). T. rogenhoferi preyed upon individuals of five spider families, with Araneidae (orb-weaver spiders) being the most frequent (99.6%). Alpaida aff. negro (58%) was the most frequently collected species in IS, followed by A. alto (24.8%); in SS (59.6%) and RP (64.7%) the most frequent species was A. veniliae, followed in SS by A. aff. negro (14.9%) and in RP by A. leucogramma (13.5%). The size of reproductive niches, H' = 1.25 (IS), H' = 1.30 (SS) and H' = 1.29 (RP) were not significantly different. There was a positive correlation between the reproductive niche width (H') and evenness.     

Melanoides tuberculata (Mollusca: Thiaridae) harboring renicolid cercariae (Trematoda: Renicolidae) in Brazil

Melanoides tuberculata , naturally infected by gymnocephalous cercariae, were found in aquatic collections from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. After morphological characterization, larvae were used for experimental infection of Poecilia reticulata. Metacercariae were obtained from the liver of these fish, which were also found to be naturally infected in the same locality. The morphology and biology of the developmental stages of trematodes we obtained were characteristic of Renicola sp. This is the first record of renicolid cercariae and metacercariae in Brazil.