A thesis submitted in the Faculty of Science, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Johannesburg, 1996. / Litter accumulates on the forest floor in Pinus patula plantations in Mpumalanga, South Africa and as a result nutrients become immobilized and site productivity is reduced. Studies have correlated litteraccumulation with abiotic factors, such as high altitude sites, high rainfall soils derived from the timeball series (shale) have thick litter layers. This study focuses on the biotic factors involved in litter accumulation. [Abbreviated Abstract. Open document to view full version] / GR 2017

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-26T13:51:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 4350402 bytes, checksum: bd6bf9393be337ef287514591c95188f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-07-18 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / The ectomycorrhizal association is a mutualistic interaction between plant roots and soil fungi that causes morphophysiological changes in the plant root system. The nutritional benefits result from the capacity of the fungus to increase the uptake of mineral nutrients by the host plant in exchange for photoassimilates. For the ectomycorrhizal association between Scleroderma laeve and Eucalyptus grandis, there is no information on which genes are decisive for the symbiosis and how they relate to the formation of ectomycorrhizas. Transcripts of the genes ras and ef1α were dentified as differentially expressed in many symbiotic associations and are related to signal transduction pathways and protein synthesis, respectively. Thus, the objectives of this work were to establish the ectomycorrhizal association between S. laeve and E. grandis in vitro, to isolate partial sequences of the genes ras and ef1α of S. laeve, and to evaluate the functional expression of these genes during ectomycorrhizal formation. Our works demonstrates the ectomycorrhizal association between S. laeve and E. grandis in vitro for the first time. The typical structures of ectomycorrhizas, such as the mantle and the Hartig net, were observed. At three days of contact between S. laeve and E. grandis roots the beginning of mantle formation could be observed. At 15 days, the mantle was completely formed, the epidermal cells were elongated, and the Hartig net formation was in progress. At 30 days, the ectomycorrhizas presented all the typical morphological structures fully developed. To evaluate gene expression during the association, partial sequences of ras and ef1α were isolated and the transcripts evaluated at the pre-symbiotic phase and at 3, 15 and 30 days after physical contact of the fungus with the plant roots. The transcripts of the gene ef1α were expressed at all evaluated times. Transcripts of ras were only detected in the ectomycorrhizas after three, 15, and 30 days of contact. These results are fundamental for a better understanding of the ectomycorrhizal association between S. laeve and E. grandis and suggest that ras-mediated signal transduction pathways may be functional during the establishment of the symbiosis between the fungus and the host roots. / A associação ectomicorrízica é uma interação mutualista entre raízes de plantas e fungos do solo, resultando em mudanças morfofisiológicas do sistema radicular das plantas. Os benefícios nutricionais advêm da capacidade do fungo em aumentar a absorção de nutrientes minerais pelas plantas, recebendo em troca os fotoassimilados. Na associação entre Scleroderma laeve e Eucalyptus grandis ainda não se tem informações de quais genes são decisivos e estão relacionados a este processo. Transcritos dos genes ras e ef1α foram identificados durante a formação da simbiose e sendo diferencialmente expressos na associação ectomicorrízica, e estão relacionados a vias de transdução de sinal e atuando na síntese protéica, respectivamente. Assim, os objetivos deste trabalho foram estabelecer a associação ectomicorrízica in vitro entre S. laeve e E. grandis, isolar sequências parciais dos genes ras e ef1α do fungo ectomicorrízico S. laeve, e avaliar a expressão funcional destes genes durante as fases de formação das ectomicorrizas. Este trabalho comprova a associação in vitro entre S. laeve e E. grandis, sendo registrada pela primeira vez. As estruturas típicas das ectomicorrizas, como a formação do manto fúngico e da rede de Hartig foram observadas. Nos tempos avaliados, em três dias de contato já havia a formação do manto fúngico. Aos 15 dias, o manto fúngico estava completamente formado, as células da epiderme alongadas e a rede de Hartig, em formação. Aos 30 dias, as ectomicorrizas apresentavam todas as estruturas típicas desenvolvidas. Para avaliar a expressão dos genes durante a associação, sequências parciais dos genes ras e ef1α foram isolados, e os transcritos destes genes foram avaliados na fase pré-simbiótica e aos três, 15 e 30 dias após o contato físico. Os transcritos do gene ef1α foram expressos durante todos os tempos avaliados. Os transcritos do gene ras foram detectados nas ectomicorrizas após três, 15 e 30 dias. Estes resultados são fundamentais para uma melhor compreensão da associação ectomicorrízica entre S. laeve e E. grandis e sugerem que as vias de transdução de sinais mediada por ras podem ser funcionais durante o estabelecimento da simbiose entre os fungos e as raízes de plantas.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-26T13:52:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 01 - capa_abstract.pdf: 368389 bytes, checksum: 8d0c846bf65c6ee5345758d74d1a07f8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-04-04 / This work aimed at evaluating the role of the ectomycorrhizal fungi in the uptake and storage of calcium in Eucalyptus sp., grown for 2.5 years, in a mountainous area in the region of Viçosa, MG. Abundant accumulation of oxalate crystals as grains or druses was observed in 73.7 % of the ectomycorrhizas and fine lateral roots studied. The conspicuous presence of CaOx was observed in 56.2% of the ectomycorrhizae and in 17.5% of the nonmycorrhizal lateral fine roots, evidencing the role of the ectomycorrhizal association in the storage of calcium in the roots of Eucalyptus sp. The highest mycorrhizal colonization was observed in the Slope area that presented limited availability of nutrients and high Al saturation. Oxalic acid concentrations decreased in the following order, in mg Kg -1: leaves, 162.3 > ectomycorrhizas, 118.2 > non-mycorrhizal fine lateral roots, 116.0. Oxalic acid concentrations in the soil were higher in ectomycorhizospheric soil with 91.8 mg Kg-1, followed by the rhizospheric soil, with 67.2 mg Kg-1, and, finally, by the non-rhizospheric soil with 38 mg Kg-1. In the ectomycorrhizas collected in the Top area, the higher concentrations of oxalic acid and P, 173.3 mg Kg-1 and 6.35 mg Kg-1, respectively, probably resulted from nutrient solubilization by the ectomycorrhizal fungi associated with the host plants. The larger fraction of the litter layer corresponded to that showing the most advanced level of decomposition, being composed of dark fragments of leaves and branches in direct contact with the soil. Generally, nutrient content in the forest litter, in ka ha-1, decreased as follows: Ca (32.4) > Mg (5.4) > K (4.2) > P (1.7). Ca content in the litter and its low concentration in the soil shows the importance of the litter layer as a Ca reservoir for eucalypts. The highest concentrations and contents of P in the litter were verified in the Top position, however, the activity of acid phosphatases of ectomycorrhizas did not differ among the topographical positions evaluated. Fruit bodies of Laccaria, Pisolithus, Scleroderma, and of an unidentified fungus were observed in the area under study. The examination of the most decomposed litter layer and of the interface soil-litter showed an intense colonization by eucalypt roots, with eight distinct ectomycorrhizal morphotypes, hyphae, rhizomorphs, and basidiomes This work demonstrate that ectomycorrhizal fungi participate in the cycling of the eucalypt forest litter and in the storage of Ca when associated to eucalypt roots. / Este trabalho teve como objetivo determinar o papel dos fungos ectomicorrízicos na absorção e armazenamento de Ca por plantas de Eucalyptus sp., cultivado por 2,5 anos em área com topografia típica em meia laranja de vertente côncavo-convexa da região de Viçosa, MG. Em 73,7 % das ectomicorrizas e raízes observadas, observou-se abundante acúmulo de cristais de oxalato de cálcio (CaOx) nas células do córtex radicular, na forma de drusas e grânulos. A presença conspícua de CaOx foi observada em 56,2% das ectomicorrizas e em 17,5% das raízes laterais finas não-colonizadas, evidenciando o papel das micorrízas no acúmulo de cálcio em Eucalyptus sp. As maiores percentagens de colonização micorrízica foram observadas na área de Encosta, que apresenta limitada disponibilidade de nutrientes e alta saturação por Al. As concentrações de ácidos orgânicos foram quantificadas em diversas frações, a saber, em mg kg-1: folhas (162,3) > ectomicorrizas (118,2) > raízes laterais finas não-colonizadas (116). Os teores de ácido oxálico foram maiores no solo ectomicorrizosférico (91,8 mg kg-1), seguido pelo solo rizosférico (67,2 mg kg-1) e, finalmente, pelo não-rizosférico (38 mg kg-1). Nas ectomicorrizas da área Topo, os teores mais elevados (p<0,05) de ácido oxálico e P, 173,3 e 6,35 mg kg-1, respectivamente, possivelmente resultaram da solubilização de nutrientes pelos fungos ectomicorrízicos associados. A fração que mais contribuiu para a massa de serapilheira foi a em avançado grau de decomposição, sendo constituída de fragmentos de folhas e galhos escuros em contato com o solo. Em geral, a ordem de acúmulo de nutrientes na serapilheira correspondeu a, em kg ha-1: Ca (32,4) > Mg (5,4) > K (4,2) > P (1,7). O conteúdo de Ca na serapilheira e a baixa concentração do elemento no solo revelam a importância da manta orgânica como reservatório de Ca para o eucalipto. A maior concentração e conteúdo de P na serapilheira foram verificados na posição Topo, no entanto, a atividade das fosfatases ácidas nas ectomicorrizas não diferiu entre as amostras das posições topográficas avaliadas. Observaram-se basidiocarpos de Laccaria, Pisolithus, Scleroderma e de fungo ectomicorrízico não-identificado. A existência de densa camada de raízes de eucalipto na fração mais decomposta da serapilheira e na interface desta com o solo revelou intensa colonização da manta orgânica por raízes de eucalipto, com a presença de oito morfotipos distintos de ectomicorrizas, além de hifas, rizomorfos e basidiocarpos. O trabalho demonstra que os fungos ectomicorrízicos participam na ciclagem da serapilheira e no armazenamento de cálcio quando associados a raízes de eucalipto.

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Les forêts tropicales renferment des peuplements arborescents dont la gestion et l’aménagement nécessitent des connaissances sur leur organisation spatiale et leur dynamique. Les analyses de la structure spatiale des espèces arborescentes peuvent être utilisées en forêts naturelles pour identifier les mécanismes sous-jacents qui structurent les peuplements forestiers afin d’améliorer la compréhension des relations entre les espèces. Cette étude a été menée dans la Réserve Forestière de Yoko (RFY) aux environs de Kisangani à l’est de la RD Congo (R.D.C). Elle consiste à analyser la structure spatiale horizontale des espèces les plus abondantes et à tenter d’identifier, à l’échelle locale, les facteurs et/ou processus écologiques potentiellement explicatifs pour en retirer des enseignements utiles à la gestion des massifs forestiers situés à proximité de Kisangani. <p>Pour ce faire, une parcelle d’échantillonnage de 25 ha (500m 500m) a été délimitée dans le bloc sud de la RFY constitué d’une végétation ligneuse mixte et semi-décidue. Un inventaire forestier a permis d’analyser la composition floristique et structurale de la zone. Trois techniques (ou modèles statistiques) relevant de l’écologie spatiale pour l’analyse de la structure horizontale des espèces ont été utilisées :la méthode du voisin le plus proche de Clark & Evans (1954), la méthode d’échantillonnage aléatoire de Hines & Hines (1979), ces deux méthodes reposant sur une analyse à échelle unique de la parcelle d’étude, et la méthode de Ripley (1977) permettant non seulement une analyse multi-échelle mais aussi l’étude des relations intra et interspécifiques. Concernant ce point précis, les arbres ont été catégorisés en trois stades de développement sur la base de leurs diamètres (les jeunes, les immatures et les adultes). Une analyse comparative et théorique des trois méthodes a été effectuée. <p>Un total de 169 espèces appartenant à 36 familles dont 114 genres ont été identifiées, et la famille des Fabaceae dont la majorité des espèces appartiennent à la sous famille des Caesalpinioideae est apparue prépondérante. Trois espèces se sont révélées les plus abondantes et les plus représentatives du peuplement, et ont pour cette raison fait l’objet de toutes les analyses :Gilbertiodendron dewevrei J. Léonard (De Wild), Scorodophloeus zenkeri Harms et Uapaca guineensis Mull. Arg. Elles ont toutes les trois montré une structure agrégée, et cela à toutes les échelles d’analyse. Les agrégats observés présentent un rayon d’environ 25 m de distance. L’analyse en fonction du diamètre a indiqué une structure agrégée pour les plus petits diamètres et régulière pour les plus grands, et que l’agrégation diminue avec le diamètre. Les résultats montrent également que les structures spatiales observées dépendent de l’échelle d’analyse considérée et de la méthode utilisée. La méthode de Clark & Evans est sensible à la variation de l’étendue. À cet égard, l’échantillonnage aléatoire de Hines & Hines est apparu plus adaptée que celui de Clark & Evans. Les fonctions de Ripley et dérivées sont des outils efficaces et apportent plus d’information. Les analyses ont montré des associations positives entre G. dewevrei et S. zenkeri, ainsi qu’entre G. dewevrei et U. guineensis. Par contre, une indépendance a été constatée entre S. zenkeri et U. guineensis. Il apparaît également que les jeunes sont associés positivement aux adultes supposés reproducteurs, et que les immatures sont indépendants par rapport aux adultes. La dispersion faible ou limitée des graines à proximité des arbres parents en est le principal facteur endogène responsable. Ce facteur explique également les associations positives entre les jeunes et les adultes de la même espèce. La compétition entre des individus pour les besoins en espace, en lumière ou en nutriments dans le sol, explique la structure régulière observée ainsi que l’indépendance des immatures envers les adultes. La dispersion limitée n’est cependant pas le seul facteur explicatif de l’agrégation spatiale des arbres, d’autres facteurs tels que l’hétérogénéité environnementale (sol, topographie,…) ou la perturbation sont vraisemblablement aussi impliqués. La perturbation anthropique ou naturelle est un processus écologique qui devrait avoir joué un rôle déterminant dans l’organisation spatiale des communautés de la forêt. Combinée au phénomène de masting, aux effets de Janzen-Connell et aux ectomycorhizes, elle est très probablement à la base des structures spatiales et des relations spatiales observées entre les espèces de la RFY. / Tropical forests contain tree-stands with management and planning requires knowledge of their spatial organization and dynamics. Analyses of the spatial structure of tree species can be used in natural forests to identify the underlying mechanisms that structure of forest stands to improve the understanding of the relationships between species. This study was conducted in the Yoko Forest Reserve (YFR) around Kisangani in eastern DR Congo (DRC). It is to analyze the horizontal spatial structure of the most abundant species and to try to identify, on a local scale, factors and / or potentially explicative ecological processes to draw valuable lessons for the management of forest areas nearby Kisangani. <p>To do this, a sample plot of 25 ha (500m x 500m) was delineated in the southern block of the YFR consists of a mixed woody vegetation and semi-deciduous. A forest inventory was used to analyze the floristic and structural composition of the area. Three techniques (or statistical models) under spatial ecology for the analysis of the horizontal structure of the species were used: the nearest neighbor method of Clark & Evans (1954), the random sampling method Hines & Hines (1979), these two methods based on a single scale analysis of the study plot, and the method of Ripley (1977) allows not only a multi-scale analysis, but also the study of intra- and inter-relationships. Regarding this point, the trees were categorized into three stages of development on the basis of their diameters (young, immature and adult). A comparative and theoretical analysis of the three methods was performed. <p>A total of 169 species belonging to 36 families with 114 genera have been identified and the family Fabaceae which the majority of species belong to the subfamily Caesalpinioideae appeared decisive. Three species have proved the most abundant and the most representative of the stand, and for this reason the subject of all analyzes Gilbertiodendron dewevrei J. Léonard (De Wild) Scorodophloeus zenkeri Harms and Uapaca guineensis Mull. Arg. They all three showed an aggregated structure, and that all scales of analysis. Observed aggregates have a radius of about 25 m distance. The analysis based on the diameter indicated an aggregated structure for smaller diameters and regular for larger and that aggregation decreases with diameter. The results also show that the observed spatial structures depend on the considered analysis of scale and the method used. The method of Clark & Evans is sensitive to the variation in the extent. In this regard, the random sampling of Hines & Hines appeared more suitable than that of Clark & Evans. Ripley's functions and derivatives are effective tools and provide more information. Analyses showed positive associations between G. dewevrei and S. zenkeri, and between G. dewevrei and U. guineensis. By against, independence was found between S. zenkeri and U. guineensis. It also appears that young people are positively associated with the supposed breeding adults and immatures are independent compared to adults. The low or limited seed dispersal near parent trees is the main endogenous factor responsible. This factor also explains the positive associations between youth and adults of the same species. The competition between individuals to space requirements, light or nutrients in the soil, explains the observed regular structure and the independence of immature towards adults. Limited dispersal, however, is not the only factor explaining the spatial aggregation trees, other factors such as environmental heterogeneity (soil, topography, ) or disturbance are probably also involved. Anthropogenic or natural disturbance is an environmentally friendly process that should have played a decisive role in the spatial organization of forest communities. Combined with masting phenomenon, the effects of Janzen-Connell and Ectomycorrhizae, it is very probably the basis of spatial structures and spatial relationships observed between species of the YFR.<p><p> / Doctorat en Sciences agronomiques et ingénierie biologique / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished