Submitted by Francine Silva (francine.silva@unipampa.edu.br) on 2016-06-23T14:11:43Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação Daiane Valente.pdf: 1062508 bytes, checksum: c859e0c99def78cdd42b20b323c13691 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Vanessa Dias (vanessa.dias@unipampa.edu.br) on 2016-06-25T21:25:13Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação Daiane Valente.pdf: 1062508 bytes, checksum: c859e0c99def78cdd42b20b323c13691 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-25T21:25:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação Daiane Valente.pdf: 1062508 bytes, checksum: c859e0c99def78cdd42b20b323c13691 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016 / Poa annua L. é a única espécie invasora de plantas com flores que obteve sucesso reprodutivo na Antártica, constituindo uma ameaça para as espécies nativas desse ecossistema. A hipótese da origem e colonização dessa gramínea nesse ambiente extremo é a de que as plantas pioneiras teriam vindo da Polônia, porém não é descartada a possibilidade de mútiplos eventos de introdução e diferentes fontes de distribuição. A disponibilidade de dados de sequências expressas (EST) tem facilitado o desenvolvimento de marcadores microssatélites (SSR) que podem ser utilizados como ferramentas para estudos populacionais em diferentes níveis, fluxo gênico, níveis de parentesco e informações sobre padrões filogeográficos. O objetivo desse trabalho foi desenvolver marcadores microssatélites a partir de sequências de regiões expressas da família Poaceae, testar o potencial de transferência em P. annua e utilizar esses marcadores para análise filogeográfica de P. annua, a fim de esclarecer a origem e colonização dessa espécie na Antártica. A prospecção de marcadores microssatélites foi desenvolvida com ferramentas de bioinformática, através de análises in sílico SSR em banco de dados EST para família Poaceae, disponíveis no Genbank (NCBI). Foram utilizados os programas CAP3 e SSRLocator para prospecção dos marcadores microssatélites. Uma pesquisa de Termos Gene Ontology (GO) foi realizada no banco de dados de sequências ESTs para avaliar associações entre locus SSR e processos biológicos, componentes celulares e função molecular de genes conhecidos, utilizando os programas Blast2GO e Revigo. O teste de transferência dos primers e análise molecular de P. annua foram conduzidos através da Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR). Foram prospectadas uma lista de 568 pares de primers, destes foram sintetizados 28 marcadores microssatélites para a transferência em P. annua. 68% dos marcadores EST-SSR tiveram potencial de transferência para esta espécie. A análise sugere que as amostras da Antártica são diferentes das amostras do Chile, Brasil, Irlanda e Argentina. Além disso, foram encontrados 613 transcritos divididos em 302 famílias gênicas. Com esta análise, foi possível desenvolver ferramentas moleculares para a análise genética com P. annua e outras espécies de gramíneas, mapear os motivos mais frequentes e funções dos genes em cada locus SSR, e sugerir que os diásporos de P. annua encontrados na Antártica podem ter vindos de fontes distintas das populações da America do Sul. / Poa annua L. is the only invasive species of flowering plants that reached reproductive success in Antarctica, posing a threat to native species of this ecosystem.The hypothesis of the origin and colonization of grass in this extreme environment is the pioneer plants would have come from Poland, but it is not ruled out event of multiple introduction and different sources of distribution. Recent increase in the availability of expressed sequence data (EST) has facilitated the development of microsatellite markers (SSR) can be used as tools for population studies at different levels, gene flow, relationship of levels and patterns phylogeographical information. The objective of this study was to develop microsatellite markers from expressed sequence regions of the Poaceae family, test the potential transfer in P. annua and use these markers for phylogeographic analysis of P. annua in order to clarify the origin and colonization of this species in Antarctica. The prospect of microsatellite markers was developed with bioinformatics tools, through an analysis in silico SSR in EST database to Poaceae family, available in Genbank (NCBI). Were used the CAP3 and SSRLocator programs for prospecting of microsatellite markers. A Search terms Gene Ontology (GO) were performed in ESTs sequences database to evaluate associations between SSR locus and biological processes, cellular components and molecular function of known genes, using the Blast2GO and Revigo programs. The transfer test of primers and molecular analysis of P. annua was conducted by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Were prospected a list of 568 primer pairs, these were synthesized 28 microsatellite markers for the transfer in P. annua. 68% of EST-SSR markers have potential transfer for this species. The analysis suggests that the samples from Antarctica are different from samples from Chile, Brazil, Argentina and Ireland. In addition, they found 613 transcripts divided into 302 genic families. With this analysis, it was possible to develop molecular tools for genetic analysis with P. annua and other grass species, mapping the most frequent motifs and functions of genes in each SSR locus, and suggest that the introduction of P. annua found in Antarctica may have come from sources other than South American populations.

Syngonanthus nitens (Bong.) Ruhland e Mauritia flexuosa Mart. são espécies utilizadas no artesanato do capim-dourado, típico da região do Jalapão (TO). Os escapos de S. nitens são costurados com fibras extraídas das folhas jovens de M. flexuosa, para a confecção de cestarias, mandalas e bijuterias. Nesse contexto, pretendeu-se estabelecer o diálogo entre saberes locais e científicos sobre tais espécies. Levantou-se os conhecimentos locais e as percepções dos artesãos em relação ao buriti e capim-dourado em duas comunidades quilombolas: Mumbuca e Prata, localizadas respectivamente nos municípios de Mateiros e São Félix do Tocantins (TO). Por meio de pesquisa qualitativa, foram realizadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas, observação participativa e grupos focais. Em relação ao capim-dourado, a análise de conteúdo, realizada por recorte temático, evidencia afirmações e indagações relacionadas ao fogo, à variação morfológica e à produção de sementes; já sobre o buriti, destaca-se a distinção realizada entre indivíduos \"buriti-macho\" e \"buriti-fêmea\", em palmeiras ainda em estado vegetativo. A partir desses resultados, houve a associação com a produção científica disponível sobre as espécies, tanto quanto com a elaboração de perguntas científicas ligadas aos temas que se destacam no levantamento do conhecimento local. Os resultados dessa associação dos saberes locais e a produção cientifica destacam a pluralidade de perspectivas sobre essas espécies da flora brasileira: capim-dourado e buriti, o que enriquece o diálogo entre conhecimento local e científico e debates sobre ações rumo à conservação da biodiversidade e sua relação com ações de educação ambiental / Syngonanthus nitens (Bong.) Ruhland and Mauritia flexuosa Mart. species are used in the golden grass crafts, typical of the Jalapão (TO) region. The stalks of S. nitens are sewn with fibers extracted from young leaves of M. flexuosa, for making baskets, mandalas and costume jewelry. In this context, the research sought to establish a dialogue between local and scientific knowledge about these species. Local knowledge and perceptions of artisans regarding the golden grass and the buriti palm were surveyed in two quilombola communities: Mumbuca and Prata, located respectively in the municipalities of Mateiros and São Félix do Tocantins (TO). Through qualitative research semi-structured interviews, participative observations and focus groups were conducted. Regarding the golden grass, content analysis shows assertions and questions related to golden grass fire management, morphological variations and seeds production; as for the buriti palm, the local distinction of male and female buriti, made in vegetative individuals was highlighted. Based on these results, not only it was possible to make associations with scientific bibliography available on both species, but also it inspired knew scientific questions about S.nitens and M. flexuosa. Moreover, these results highlight the plurality of perspectives on the two species from Brazil\'s flora: golden grass and buriti palm. Finally, it was possible to create a dialogue rout for local and scientific knowledge, which enhances the debates on biodiversity conservations and its relations with local Communities and environmental education

Com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos de combinações de doses de nitrogênio e potássio nos atributos bioquímicos, fisiológicos, produtivos e nutricionais do Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Mombaça cultivado em solução nutritiva e utilizando sílica moída como substrato, conduziu-se um experimento em casa-de-vegetação no período de novembro de 2000 a fevereiro de 2001. Foi empregado o desenho experimental composto central modificado de um esquema fatorial 52 incompleto, perfazendo um total de 13 combinações das doses de nitrogênio e potássio (28N-19,5K; 28N-234K; 28N-429K; 112N-117K; 112N-312K; 210N-19,5K; 210N-234K; 210N-429K; 336N-117K; 336N-312K; 462N-19,5K; 462N-234K e 462N-429K), as quais foram distribuídas segundo o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. Aos 36 dias após o transplante das plântulas procedeu-se o primeiro corte das plantas e o material da parte aérea foi separado em folhas emergentes, lâminas das duas folhas recém-expandidas, lâminas das folhas maduras e colmos mais bainhas. Aos 29 dias após o primeiro corte realizou-se a segunda colheita, procedendo-se a separação da parte aérea como no primeiro corte e sendo as raízes separadas da sílica e lavadas. Os resultados evidenciaram interação significativa (P<0,01) entre as doses de nitrogênio e potássio na produção de massa seca da parte aérea no primeiro e segundo cortes e das raízes do capim-Mombaça, na área foliar em ambos os cortes, no teor de clorofila nas lâminas de folhas recém-expandidas na ocasião do primeiro crescimento, no número de perfilhos e folhas verdes expandidas na ocasião do segundo corte, na atividade da enzima redutase do nitrato no primeiro crescimento e no comprimento total e superfície total de raízes. O teor de clorofila foi significativamente (P<0,01) influenciado pelas doses de nitrogênio na ocasião do segundo corte e as doses de nitrogênio (P<0,01) e potássio (P<0,05) promoveram efeitos significativos no perfilhamento do capim-Mombaça por ocasião do primeiro corte. No primeiro corte das plantas a produção de folhas verdes expandidas mostrou significância (P<0,01) para o componente quadrático da regressão em função do suprimento de nitrogênio na solução e significância (P<0,01) para o componente linear da regressão em função do suprimento de potássio na solução. A atividade enzimática da redutase do nitrato variou significativamente (P<0,01) somente para as doses de nitrogênio por ocasião do segundo corte das plantas. As concentrações de nitrogênio e potássio nos componentes da parte aérea nos dois períodos de crescimento das plantas e nas raízes foram influenciadas pelo fornecimento das doses de nitrogênio e de potássio na solução nutritiva. / With the objective of evaluating the effects of nitrogen and potassium on biochemical and physiological parameters on mineral nutrition and yield of Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Mombaça. An experiment was carried out in a greenhouse from November 2000 to February 2001. The forage was grown in nutrient solution using ground quartz as substrate. The experimental arrange used was an incomplete 52 factorial of nitrogen and potassium and the 13 combinations between nitrogen and potassium (28N-19.5K; 28N-234K; 28N-429K; 112N-117K; 112N-312K; 210N-19.5K; 210N-234K; 210N-429K; 336N-117K; 336N-312K; 462N-19.5K; 462N-234K and 462N-429K) were obtained according to design points of the modified central composite nonrotatable design that was set in a randomized block design, with four replications. Plants were first harvested 36 days after transplanting and the plant tops was separated in emergent leaves (EL), lamina of recently expanded leaves (RL), lamina of mature leaves (ML) and stems plus sheaths (SS). Twenty nine days after the first harvest the plants were harvested again and the plant tops were separated as in the first harvest and roots were also collected and washed. Results showed nitrogen X potassium interaction was significant (P<0.01) for the plant tops dry matter yield on the first and the second harvests and roots dry matter, leaf area, SPAD values on RL on the first harvest, plant tillering and number of green expanded leaves on the second harvest, nitrate reductase activity on the first harvest, total root length and total root surface. The SPAD values were significantly (P<0.01) changed at the second harvest by nitrogen rates and, tillering was significantly affected by nitrogen (P<0.01) and potassium rates (P<0.05) at the first harvest. The number of green expanded leaves at the first harvest was significantly (P<0.01) influenced by the supply of nitrogen and significantly (P<0.01) affected by potassium rates. At the second plant growth nitrogen rates significantly (P<0.01) influenced nitrate reductase activity. Nitrogen and potassium concentrations in plant tops and roots at both growth periods were affected by nitrogen and potassium rates in the nutrient solution.

The purpose of this thesis is to organize and examine Walt Whitman's poetic representations and discussions of laborers and labor issues in order to argue that form a distinct "poetics" of labor in Leaves of Grass. This poetics of labor reveals that Whitman was attempting to enlarge the audience for American poetry by representing American society at work in poetry. Whitman also used labor as a poetic subject in order to justify the work of the poet in that society. In this sense, Whitman's poetics of labor is comprised of numerous demonstrations of his argument for the labor of poetry because the representation of America at work is contained within the work of the poet. The organization of this thesis rests upon a distinction between the work of the hands and the work of the mind. This distinction resonates in nineteenth century American literature, and it is especially important to debates about the status of the writer in a working democratic society. This question figures prominently in the works of Emerson and Thoreau, and a central issue for both of them is whether or not the writer should participate in the work of the hands. Whitman engages in this debate as well, and argues that the poet can participate in all kinds of work through poetic representation. He participates by representing workers in poetry, and in Whitman's argument the poet then becomes a representative of those workers. A central premise of this thesis is that Whitman's poetry of labor demonstrates an attempt to ensure that America works according to Whitman's interpretation of democracy. This is most apparent in poems where he directly addresses his working audience, and those addresses reveal a specific ideology behind Whitman's poetics of labor. That is, Whitman attempts to level the implicit hierarchical organization of different kinds of work. For instance, in such poems as "Song for Occupations" and "Song of the Broad-Axe," Whitman engages in a conversation with manual laborers in an effort to acknowledge their value and significance to the democratic process. As he celebrates their contribution, he also associates his own work with them, and argues for the · usefulness of such poetry to that process as well. In such poems as "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer'' and "To A Historian," Whitman addresses those who labor with the mind in order to include them in the dialogue, and also to argue that the majority of that work needs to be revised because its claim for authority perpetuates hierarchical distinctions. Whitman offers poetry as a solution, and argues that it is central to democracy because it "completes" all labor by fusing the work of the community with the work of shaping individual identity that comes from reading and writing poetry. This thesis draws upon New Historicist methodologies and approaches to Whitman in order to reconstruct the significance of labor in Whitman's poetics. The poetry which directly addresses laborers and labor issues in Leaves of Grass forms the basis of the argument, but Whitman's relevant prose is considered in detail as well. In particular, Democratic Vistas is examined for its claims that the "work" of poetry is itself incomplete. "Work" is used here to refer both to the aesthetic object and the effort involved in reading it. In other words, Whitman argues that the work of poetry, like the work of democracy, is a continuous, recursive process.

Thesis (M.Sc. (Agriculture)) --University of Limpopo, 2006 / Two experiments were carried out to determine the effect of the level of Acacia nilotica leaf meal supplementation plus 23 g polyethylene glycol 4000 on diet intake, digestibility, and growth rate of indigenous Pedi goats fed ad libitum Buffalo grass, Buchloe dactyloides, hay. The first experiment lasted for 37 days, with the first 30 days being for adaptation and the last 7 days being for collection. Twenty yearling male Pedi goats weighing 22 ± 0.5 kg live weight were allocated to 4 treatments in a 2 x 2 Factorial arrangement in a Completely Randomised Design. Acacia nilotica leaf meal contained 120 g crude protein per kg DM, indicating its potential as a browse source for ruminants. It, also, contained high amounts of total phenolics (2.04 % DM) and low amounts of condensed tannins, both extracted (0.37 % DM) and unextracted (1.83 % DM). Increasing the level of Acacia nilotica leaf meal supplementation to 120 g increased (P<0.05) crude protein intake (38 g/kg DM) when compared to 80 g supplementation (34 g/kg DM). Supplementation with 23 g PEG 4000 increased (P<0.05) the crude protein intake where goats were supplemented with 120 g of A. nilotica leaf meal. However, PEG 4000 supplementation did not have an effect (P>0.05) on intake when goats were supplemented with 80 g of Acacia nilotica leaf meal. Supplementation with 120 g of Acacia nilotica leaf meal increased (P<0.05) diet digestibility of DM (0.57), OM (0.60) and CP (0.71) by the goats. Similarly, supplementation with 23 g PEG 4000 increased (P<0.05) DM (0.65), OM (0.66) and v CP digestibilities (0.76) where goats were supplemented with 120 g of A. nilotica leaf meal. Polyethylene glycol 4000 also increased (P<0.05) diet CP digestibility where goats were supplemented with 80 g of Acacia nilotica leaf meal. However, 23 g PEG 4000 did not have a significant (P>0.05) effect on diet digestibility of DM and OM where goats were supplemented with 80 g of Acacia nilotica leaf meal. In vivo NDF and ADF digestibility were not affected by the treatments. Level of Acacia nilotica leaf meal supplementation plus 23 g of PEG 4000 had a significant (P<0.05) effect on the daily live weight change of the goats. The effect was higher where goats were supplemented with 120 g of A. nilotica leaf meal when compared to 80 g supplementation. Blood urea concentrations were improved (P<0.05) by level of A. nilotica supplementation and PEG supplementation. It is concluded that PEG 4000 has the potential to improve the feeding value of Acacia nilotica leaf meal and can, therefore, be used in the feeding systems for ruminant animals. The second experiment determined the effect of A. nilotica leaf meal supplementation and PEG 4000 supplementation on in vitro diet digestibility. Level of Acacia nilotica leaf meal supplementation plus 23 g PEG supplementation improved (P<0.05) in vitro diet DM, OM and CP digestibilities where 120 g Acacia nilotica leaf meal was supplemented. Similarly, 23 g PEG 4000 supplementation also improved (P<0.05) in vitro diet CP digestibility where 80 g Acacia nilotica leaf meal was supplemented. However, level of A. nilotica supplementation plus PEG 4000 supplementation had no vi effect (P>0.05) on in vitro NDF and ADF digestibilities. In vivo diet DM, OM and CP digestibilities were positively and significantly (P<0.05) correlated with in vitro diet DM, OM and CP digestibilities. It is, therefore, concluded that in vitro diet DM, OM and CP digestibilities have good capacity to predict in vivo diet DM, OM and CP digestibilities. / National Research Foundation. Working Solutions International

Simulated oil spills were created in S. alterniflora sediment-water microcosms to determine the effects of applied crude oil on S.alterniflora during two 90-day studies. In the first experiment, oil dosage was varied at 0-250 mg crude oil/g wet soil to determine the lethal dosage level. In the second experiment, oil type, dosage, and soil type were varied to determine the effects of oil under multiple scales of resolution. A light, medium, and heavy crude oil at dosages ranging from 0-150 mg crude oil/g wet soil were used in addition to an oiled and non-oiled soil. Following the completion of the 90-day experiment, several key findings were observed: (1) The lethal dosage limit was reached at 250 mg crude oil/g wet soil during the first experiment but not the second, by design; (2) At initial dosages of 10 and 50 mg crude oil/g wet soil, the oiled soil (acclimated for 4 months) was more influential in decreasing cumulative biomass growth rates compared to oil applied at the oil-water interface; (3) At the heaviest dosages applied as a simulated oil slick, concentrations of 150 mg crude oil/g wet soil, evapotranspiration rates were negatively affected by the oil (significant at p=0.05 in a one-tailed t-test); (4) Light, heavy, and then medium crude oil showed the lowest biomass growths, in that order, indicating that light crude oil was the most toxic in these microcosm experiments with S. alterniflora; (5) The 10 mg oil/g wet soil out-performed the 0 mg oil/g wet soil in transpiration and biomass growth.

Non-native invasive plant species can often have negative effects on native ecosystems, such as altered nutrient cycling, decreased habitat for wildlife, and outcompeting native plants. Around the Great Salt Lake (GSL), Utah, the invasive wetland grass Phragmites australis has become abundant in wetlands around the lake. Phragmites is replacing many native wetland plants provide important waterfowl habitat around the GSL. For successful management of Phragmites in GSL wetlands, it is important to know the current distribution of Phragmites, as well as areas that might be vulnerable to future invasion by Phragmites. To do this, we used multispectral aerial imagery to map the current distribution of Phragmites. We then created a model that statistically related the Phragmites distribution data to a suite of environmental predictor variables such as salinity, proximity to nutrient sources, or proximity to roads. Results from our model suggest that Phragmites is more likely to be found in wetland areas close to point sources of pollution, with lower elevations with prolonged inundation, and with moderate salinities. We used these results to identify areas around GSL that might be vulnerable to future invasion. Results from our study will assist wetlands managers in prioritizing areas for Phragmites monitoring and control by closely monitoring areas of prime Phragmites habitat.

The use of pasture to provide low cost feed for dairy and other farm animals is an important factor in the success of livestock operations. Some of the factors which influence the income from pasture land are: management, pasture mix, and climate. The management of a pasture can determine to a great extent the value of pasture in a farming enterprise. Irrigating the pasture at the right time, using the right fertilizer, and proper methods of harvesting are examples of some of the management problems facing the grassland farmer.

Flavor lexicons are used in sensory evaluation to determine the flavor profile of a food product. The objective of this study was to develop a flavor lexicon for cooked beef, which can then be used in various projects relating to beef quality such as studies investigating animal diet, marinating, ageing, or other enhancements. A descriptive panel of 10 people was used to develop a flavor lexicon of 18 attributes, including astringent, barny, bloody, brothy, browned, gamey, grassy, juicy, fatty, livery, metallic, oxidized, roast beef, and the five basic tastes (bitter, salty, sour, sweet, and umami). In contrast to other studies on beef, this lexicon was developed to include both positive and negative attributes. The lexicon was able to show that rib eye steaks from the Longissimus dorsi muscle in grass-fed animals were significantly (p<0.05) higher in barny, bitter, gamey, and grassy flavors, and lower in juicy and umami flavors. The steaks were also rated by consumers, who showed a preference for grain-fed beef over grass-fed beef. The ratings of the descriptive panel were related to the consumer panel scores to equate the lexicon terms with a positive or negative consumer degree of liking score. Those terms that were considered positive in this study due to their positive correlation with consumer liking include brothy, umami, roast beef, juicy, browned, fatty, and salty. The terms that were inversely associated with consumer liking were barny, bitter, gamey and grassy, among others. A separate descriptive panel was conducted on the Spinalis dorsi (or “cap” muscle) of the rib eye steak, with similar results. Additionally, descriptive and consumer evaluations found no difference between two types of grass diets, namely alfalfa and sainfoin. Different mixtures of beef and chicken were also evaluated to determine flavor differences between the two meats. Chicken was found to be more closely correlated to brothy, juicy, sweet, and umami, among others, while beef was found to be more closely correlated to terms such as gamey, bloody, oxidized, metallic, roast beef, and astringent. Throughout these tests, the newly developed lexicon was shown to be an effective tool for profiling fresh meat samples.

The objectives of this research were to investigate the ecological importance of soil seed reserves and seed rain on regeneration of a good condition sagebrush- grass range vegetation after a wildfire and draw conclusions leading to better understanding and management of such ecosystems. Investigations were conducted for two successive years on a community where major plants were neither rhizomatous nor sprouting. In such cases soil seed reserves and seed rain have to be the main source of regeneration. In addition to monitoring soil seed reserves and seed rain, vegetation changes during the past two years and the historical conditions of the study area were examined. Study of germinable soil seed reserve dynamics showed that fire can have a destructive effect on this portion of the community. Cheatgrass soil seed reserves were high even in good condition sagebrush-grass vegetation. Although fire reduced the Bromus tectorum seed bank by half, the cover of this grass increased to almost twice the level observed on the control (unburned) plots a year later. This shows the enormous reproductive capacity of this highly competitive weed species following a wildfire. Even though the pre-burn vegetation contained a high proportion of native perennial plants, soil seed reserves and seed rain had very small proportions of their germinable seeds. Timing of the fire is likely important in controlling undesirable range plants and their seeds. Had the fire occurred earlier when more seeds were attached to the culms, greater reduction in cheatgrass probably would have been obtained. Timing of the fire was just right to control sagebrush, because it occurred before their seed set and complete destruction of this species was achieved. Mormon tea was the only shrub to reestablish its cover relatively rapidly. This was related to its strong ability to sprout from root crowns. Greater germinable soil seed reserves were found under shrub canopies than in the inter spaces. This is probably related to the semi-logarithmic dispersal of seed where seed fall is greatest closest to mother plants (Harper 1977). Since flammable fuel follows the same pattern, it was found that fire has a serious impact on soil seed reserves at "hot" points, but temperatures were apparently not hot enough to cause much damage on seed banks at "cold" points in the former interspaces. Since soil seed reserves accumulate in significantly higher proportions in the surface 0-2 cm, fire has a more serious impact on the seeds in surface soil than those lower lower down. Variance of the germinable seed rain was so high that none of the grand totals, life forms totals and species values were statistically significant at alpha