Submitted by EDISON ANTONIO DE SOUZA null (esmidia@gmail.com) on 2016-01-06T16:51:45Z No. of bitstreams: 1 TESE_DOUTORADO_Edison_Souza.pdf: 947001 bytes, checksum: a8a8d690c84bc72a0b5e27d8ebeee92f (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Juliano Benedito Ferreira (julianoferreira@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-01-06T19:50:21Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 souza_ea_dr_bot_par.pdf: 573913 bytes, checksum: 30e1665c27c8c583a0b5ab8dc8bd89e0 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-01-06T19:50:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 souza_ea_dr_bot_par.pdf: 573913 bytes, checksum: 30e1665c27c8c583a0b5ab8dc8bd89e0 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-12-16 / INFLUÊNCIA DO CONSUMO DA PRÓPOLIS NA EXPRESSÃO DE GENES RELACIONADOS AO SISTEMA IMUNOLOGICO DE ABELHAS Apis mellifera L. SUMETIDAS AO DESAFIO BACTERIANO. As abelhas Apis mellifera podem estar sujeitas a uma série de ameaças como parasitas e patógenos que acometem seu sistema imunológico. Tal fato torna necessária a busca por produtos naturais que possam contribuir com a melhora do sistema imune destes insetos, como a própolis. Diante do exposto, o objetivo foi analisar a influência do fornecimento da própolis em expressões de genes relacionados à imunidade de abelhas Apis mellifera L. submetidas ao desafio bacteriano. Ao longo de 30 dias, quatro colmeias receberam semanalmente os tratamentos com diferentes porcentagens de extrato alcoólico de própolis 30% (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%). O experimento foi casualizado em esquema fatorial 4 x 2 x 2x 3 (tratamentos x com ou sem bactéria x tempos x períodos), totalizando 48 amostras. Foram observadas as expressões dos genes abaecin, hymenoptaecin, apidaecin e defensin1. Como controle interno foi utilizado o gene actina. Os resultados foram comparados por ANOVA seguidos do teste de Tukey (P<0,05). Foram observadas alterações na expressão gênica das abelhas estudadas para todos os períodos e tratamentos, antes e após desafio bacteriano, para todos os genes propostos, sendo ainda verificada induções da expressão relativa nos três períodos. Conclui-se que nas condições do presente trabalho, a própolis pode induzir a expressão relativa dos genes abaecin, hymenoptaecin, apidaecin e defensin1, quando submetidas a desafio bacteriano. Entretanto, não se pôde caracterizar um tratamento com própolis que apresente uma maior expressão relativa para todos os genes simultaneamente. EFEITO DO CONSUMO DE PRÓPOLIS NAS ALTERAÇÕES COMPORTAMENTAIS E MORTALIDADE DE ABELHAS Apis mellifera L. SUBMETIDAS AO INSETICIDA FIPRONIL. Os inseticidas representam o maior risco direto para os polinizadores, como as abelhas Apis mellifera, sendo responsável pela redução das populações de abelhas e da produção apícola, tornando necessária a busca por substâncias que possam contribuir na melhora da saúde dessas abelhas, como a própolis. Este estudo verificou o efeito do consumo do extrato alcoólico de própolis no comportamento, quando submetidas a DL50 (0,2 µg/abelha) e subletal (1/500 DL50), e mortalidade das abelhas Apis mellifera L. quando submetidas a diferentes doses do inseticida fipronil (0,05; 0,1; 0,2; 0,3 e 0,4 µg/abelha). Ao todo foram utilizadas quatro colmeias, uma para cada tratamento (0, 5, 10 e 15% de inclusão de própolis), e em três períodos (0,15 e 30 dias) para verificar o efeito dos tratamentos ao longo do experimento. Para a realização dos testes de mortalidade e de alterações comportamentais foram selecionadas as abelhas campeiras das colmeias tratadas. Para o teste de mortalidade, os dados foram analisados em modelo linear misto generalizado, adicionado do Teste de Tukey (P<0,05) e a análise da avaliação das atividades comportamentais foi feita por (ANOVA) seguida do Teste de Tukey (P<0,05). As colmeias que consumiram própolis apresentaram menor taxa de mortalidade quando comparados com a colmeia controle (0%), com exceção no dia 0 em que a colmeia controle não diferiu do tratamento 10%. Verificou-se ainda que as abelhas que receberam o tratamento 10% apresentaram as menores taxas de mortalidade nos dias 15 e 30 de coleta. Além disso, foi observada mortalidade de 23% nas abelhas quando submetidas a DL50 do fipronil. Nos testes de alterações comportamentais e locomotoras não foram observadas influências dos tratamentos com própolis. Conclui-se que, para o presente estudo, a própolis influenciou na taxa de mortalidade e pode ter promovido um efeito protetor nas abelhas Apis mellifera L. quando submetidas a diferentes concentrações do inseticida fipronil, sendo ainda verificado que o tratamento 10% foi o mais eficaz, devido a ter apresentado as menores taxas de mortalidade nos dias 15 e 30. / INFLUENCE OF PROPOLIS CONSUMPTION IN GENES EXPRESSION RELATED TO IMMUNE SYSTEM OF Apis mellifera L. BEES SUBJECTED TO CHALLENGE BACTERIA. The Apis mellifera bees may be subject to a number of threats as parasites and pathogens that affect your immune system. This fact makes it necessary to look for natural products that can contribute to improving the immune system of these insects such as propolis. Given the above, the objective was to analyze the influence of the supply of propolis in gene expressions related to immunity of Apis mellifera L. bees subjected to bacterial challenge Over 30 days, four hives receive weekly treatments with different percentages of alcoholic extract of propolis 30% (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%). The experiment was randomized in a factorial 4 x 2 x 2x 3 (treatments x with or without bacteria x times x periods), totaling 48 samples. It was observed the expressions of abaecin, hymenoptaecin, apidaecin and defensing1 genes. As internal control was used actin gene. The results were compared by ANOVA followed by Tukey test (P <0.05). Alterations were observed in gene expression of bees studied for all periods and treatments before and after bacterial challenge for all proposed genes, were yet verified inductions of relative expression in the three periods. It is concluded that under the conditions of this study, propolis can induce the relative expression of genes abaecin, hymenoptaecin, apidaecin and defensin1, when subjected to bacterial challenge. However, it is not able to characterize a treatment with propolis presenting greater relative expression for all genes simultaneously. EFFECT OF PROPOLIS CONSUMPTION IN THE BEHAVIORAL CHANGES AND MORTALITY OF Apis mellifera L. BEES SUBMITTED TO PESTICIDE FIPRONIL. Pesticides pose the greatest direct risk for pollinators such as Apis mellifera bees, responsible for reducing bee populations and beekeeping, making it necessary to search for substances that can contribute to improving the health of these bees, such as propolis. Given this, the study found the effect of propolis alcoholic extract consumption behavior when subjected to DL50(0.2 µg/bee) and sublethal (1/500 DL50), and mortality of Apis mellifera L. bees submitted to different doses of the insecticide fipronil (0,05; 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 µg/bee). Four colonies were used, one for each treatment (0, 5, 10 and 15% inclusion of propolis), and in three periods (0,15 and 30 days) to determine the effect of the treatments throughout the experiment. To the achievement of mortality and behavioral changes tests the foraging bees from treated hives were selected. For the mortality test, the data were analyzed in generalized linear mixed model, added the Tukey test (P <0.05) and the analysis of the assessment of behavioral activities was made by (ANOVA) followed by Tukey test (P <0.05). Beehives who consumed propolis have a lower mortality rate compared to the hive control (0%), except on day 0 that the hive control did not differ from treatment 10%. It was also found that the hive that received treatment 10% was among the lowest mortality rates in the fifteenth and thirtieth collection day. Furthermore, the observed mortality was 23% in bees when subjected to LD50. In tests of locomotor and behavioral changes were observed influences of treatments with propolis. It concludes that, for this study, propolis influenced the mortality rate and may have promoted a protective effect on bees Apis mellifera L. when subjected to different concentrations of the insecticide fipronil, and also, that the treatment 10% was effective due to having presented the lowest mortality rates in the 15 and 30. However, treatments with propolis did not influence the behavioral and motor changes.

Orientador: Ricardo De Oliveira Orsi / Abstract: INFLUENCE OF PROPOLIS CONSUMPTION IN GENES EXPRESSION RELATED TO IMMUNE SYSTEM OF Apis mellifera L. BEES SUBJECTED TO CHALLENGE BACTERIA. The Apis mellifera bees may be subject to a number of threats as parasites and pathogens that affect your immune system. This fact makes it necessary to look for natural products that can contribute to improving the immune system of these insects such as propolis. Given the above, the objective was to analyze the influence of the supply of propolis in gene expressions related to immunity of Apis mellifera L. bees subjected to bacterial challenge Over 30 days, four hives receive weekly treatments with different percentages of alcoholic extract of propolis 30% (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%). The experiment was randomized in a factorial 4 x 2 x 2x 3 (treatments x with or without bacteria x times x periods), totaling 48 samples. It was observed the expressions of abaecin, hymenoptaecin, apidaecin and defensing1 genes. As internal control was used actin gene. The results were compared by ANOVA followed by Tukey test (P <0.05). Alterations were observed in gene expression of bees studied for all periods and treatments before and after bacterial challenge for all proposed genes, were yet verified inductions of relative expression in the three periods. It is concluded that under the conditions of this study, propolis can induce the relative expression of genes abaecin, hymenoptaecin, apidaecin and defensin1, when subjected to bacterial challenge. However, it i... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Resumo: INFLUÊNCIA DO CONSUMO DA PRÓPOLIS NA EXPRESSÃO DE GENES RELACIONADOS AO SISTEMA IMUNOLOGICO DE ABELHAS Apis mellifera L. SUMETIDAS AO DESAFIO BACTERIANO. As abelhas Apis mellifera podem estar sujeitas a uma série de ameaças como parasitas e patógenos que acometem seu sistema imunológico. Tal fato torna necessária a busca por produtos naturais que possam contribuir com a melhora do sistema imune destes insetos, como a própolis. Diante do exposto, o objetivo foi analisar a influência do fornecimento da própolis em expressões de genes relacionados à imunidade de abelhas Apis mellifera L. submetidas ao desafio bacteriano. Ao longo de 30 dias, quatro colmeias receberam semanalmente os tratamentos com diferentes porcentagens de extrato alcoólico de própolis 30% (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%). O experimento foi casualizado em esquema fatorial 4 x 2 x 2x 3 (tratamentos x com ou sem bactéria x tempos x períodos), totalizando 48 amostras. Foram observadas as expressões dos genes abaecin, hymenoptaecin, apidaecin e defensin1. Como controle interno foi utilizado o gene actina. Os resultados foram comparados por ANOVA seguidos do teste de Tukey (P<0,05). Foram observadas alterações na expressão gênica das abelhas estudadas para todos os períodos e tratamentos, antes e após desafio bacteriano, para todos os genes propostos, sendo ainda verificada induções da expressão relativa nos três períodos. Conclui-se que nas condições do presente trabalho, a própolis pode induzir a expressão relativa dos genes a... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Doutor

Cette thèse aborde l’écologie et l’évolution des relations qu’entretiennent les orchidées du genre Ophrys avec leurs pollinisateurs. L’approche comparative et la combinaison (i)<p>d’analyses chimiques de phéromones sexuelles et de parfums floraux, (ii) d’analyses génétiques avec des outils moléculaires, et (ii) de tests de comportement réalisés sur les insectes in situ nous ont permis d’éclairer certains aspects méconnus de ces interactions inter-spécifiques. La pollinisation des orchidées du genre Ophrys est assurée par des mâles d'abeilles ou de guêpes solitaires qui opèrent une tentative d’accouplement (pseudocopulation) sur le labelle des fleurs. L'attraction des pollinisateurs est généralement hautement spécifique, régie par un mimétisme des signaux (chimiques, visuels, tactiles) des femelles des espèces d'insectes concernés. Malgré cette spécificité, des hybrides se forment occasionnellement en conditions naturelles, témoignant de la perméabilité partielle des barrières d'isolement reproductif entre espèces. Au cours de<p>ce programme de recherche, nous avons entrepris l’étude des interactions Ophryspollinisateurs en mettant l’accent sur trois aspects spécifiques, à savoir (i) la sélection des caractères floraux par les pollinisateurs, (ii) l'isolement reproductif entre espèces d'Ophrys sympatriques, et enfin (iii) l'évolution des caractères floraux au sein d'un complexe d'espèces-soeurs d'Ophrys associées à différents pollinisateurs. Les principaux<p>résultats de ce travail sont repris ci-dessous, ponctués de références aux articles qui rassemblent l’intégralité des études réalisées. / Doctorat en Sciences / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Les changements globaux récents affectent la physiologie, la distribution et la phénologie des espèces, ainsi que la dynamique des populations et les interactions entre espèces. Les interactions plantes-pollinisateurs sont particulièrement menacées par les changements globaux et la perturbation de ces interactions peut avoir des conséquences importantes sur le système de reproduction des espèces végétales. Dans ce contexte des changements globaux, nous avons déterminé les cortèges de visiteurs de Rhododendron ferrugineum le long de gradients environnementaux et étudié comment la variabilité de leur efficacité affectait le système de reproduction de cette espèce. Nous nous sommes également intéressés à l’histoire biogéographique de cette espèce et comment elle a répondu à des changements passés tels que les dernières glaciations. Nous avons mis en évidence que R. ferrugineum est visité par une large diversité d’espèces d’insectes. L’efficacité des cortèges de visiteurs varie le long de gradients environnementaux mais ne semble pas avoir un impact sur le système de R. ferrugineum. Cette espèce présente un système mixte de reproduction, avec une capacité à l’autofécondation mais les taux élevés de dépression de consanguinité limitent le développement des individus issus d’autofécondation. Cette forte dépression de consanguinité a permis un maintien relativement élevé de la diversité génétique dans les Pyrénées. Un tel niveau de dépression de consanguinité ne permet pas l’évolution de l’autofécondation et maintient ainsi le système mixte de reproduction chez R. ferrugineum. La capacité d’autofécondation de R. ferrugineum pourrait lui permettre de coloniser de nouveaux milieux ou de survivre aux changements globaux. Durant les dernières glaciations, R. ferrugineum a survécu dans de grands refuges de basse altitude ainsi que dans des nunataks (refuges de haute altitude). Quelques populations marginales présentent un taux significatifs de consanguinité (FIS> 0) et des niveaux de diversité génétique particulièrement faibles. Ce patron génétique est consistant avec des évènements de fondation accompagnés de perte de diversité génétique et d’hétérozygotie durant les périodes d’expansion de l’aire de répartition de l’espèce. Ces données suggèrent que la dépression de consanguinité dans ces populations devait être faible et que l’assurance reproductive a joué un rôle fondamental dans l’établissement de ces populations. / Recent global changes affect the physiology, distribution and phenology of species, also they impact population dynamic and interactions among species. Plantpollinators interactions are particularly threated by global changes and perturbations of these interactions may lead to important changes in plant mating system. In this context of globalchanges, we determined the pollinator assemblages of Rhododendron ferrugineum and howthe variability of their efficiencies affects the mating system. We also studied thebiogeographic history of R. ferrugineum and how it responds to past climatic changes.We have shown that R. ferrugineum is visited by a large variety of insects. Visitorassemblages efficiency varied along environmental gradients but did not seem to impact themating system of R. ferrugineum. This species presents a mixed mating system, indeed it isable to self-fecundate but high levels of inbreeding depression are limiting the development of self-fecundate descendants. High levels of inbreeding depression maintain high genetic diversity in the Pyrenees. Also, it did not allow the evolution of selfing and maintain a mixed mating system. The ability to self-fecundate may favor the colonization of new habitats.During the last glaciation, R. ferrugineum survived in large lowland refugia and in nunataks at high altitude. Some marginal populations present a high level of selfing (FIS> 0) and low genetic diversity. This genetic pattern is consistent with foundation events and loss of genetic diversity and heterozygosity along colonization rods. Our data suggest that inbreeding depression in these populations should have been low and the reproductive assurance played akey role in the establishment of these populations.

Sammanfattning Nattfjärilar är en utsatt grupp när det kommer till nattbelysning, eftersom nattbelysning påverkar processer som födosök och reproduktion samt ökar deras mortalitet genom stress och ökad risk för predation. Mörka och belysta lokaler i Halmstads urbana grönområden undersöktes för att studera nattbelysningens påverkan på nattfjärilars individantal och artdiversitet. I studien visade vi på signifikanta skillnader hos både nattfjärilars individantal samt artdiversitet mellan de mörka och belysta lokalerna, där tillhörande analyser visade signifikant färre antal individer och likaså negativ trend för artdiversiteten. Analyserna visade att minskad artdiversitet och individantal i belysta lokaler inte var signifikant korrelerat med belysningsstyrkan i lokalerna. Dock finns det indikationer på att belysningsstyrkan eventuellt haft en negativ påverkan på individantalet och artdiversiteten av nattfjärilar i denna studie. Det fanns en belyst lokal som utmärkte sig med ovanligt hög diversitet där artdiversiteten var det tredje högsta uppmätta värdet i hela studien. Detta kan eventuellt bero på förekomsten av blommande buskage vilket återfanns i direkt anslutning till inventeringsområdet. Vi föreslår därför att blommande växter och buskage kan implementeras som åtgärd för att förebygga nattbelysningens påverkan på nattfjärilspopulationer. Kompletterande samt uppföljande studier av ämnet kring vilka växter som passar specifikt för nattfjärilar behövs, då det i dagsläget är ett ämne som i Sverige behöver utvecklas innan implementering av passande växter kan bli en lämplig åtgärd. / Abstract Moths are a vulnerable group when exposed to night lighting, it affects their basic drives such as foraging and reproduction and increases their mortality through stress and increased risk of predation. Dark and illuminated localities in Halmstads’ urban green areas were inventoried to study the impact of night illumination on the number of individuals and species diversity of moths. In the study, significant differences were found in the individual number of moths and species diversity between the dark and illuminated localities, which could not be significantly correlated to illuminance present in the localities. However, there were indications that illuminance may still have negatively affected the number of individuals and species diversity of moths in this study. There was one illuminated locality that stood out from the rest where species diversity was the third highest measurement from the entire study, which can possibly be attributed to the presence of flowering shrubs. Therefore we suggest that flowering shrubbery can be implemented as a measure to prevent the impact of night illumination on moth populations and becomes the basis for supplementary and follow-up studies of the subject.

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Submitted by Johnny Rodrigues (johnnyrodrigues@ufcg.edu.br) on 2018-05-17T18:15:59Z No. of bitstreams: 1 WHALAMYS LOURENÇO DE ARAÚJO - DISSERTAÇÃO PPGHT 2015..pdf: 998803 bytes, checksum: 00aca588e4e5182e7ebe10263ae94f8c (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-05-17T18:15:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 WHALAMYS LOURENÇO DE ARAÚJO - DISSERTAÇÃO PPGHT 2015..pdf: 998803 bytes, checksum: 00aca588e4e5182e7ebe10263ae94f8c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / Capes / O cultivo do meloeiro (Cucumis melo L.) é de grande importância para a economia brasileira. Seu cultivo tem demonstrado significativa expansão nas duas últimas décadas, especialmente nas regiões Semiáridas do Nordeste. Apesar dos fatores favoráveis à produtividade do meloeiro, vale salientar fatores limitantes, destacando-se os danos ocasionados por pragas que destroem o cultivo e, consequentemente, diminuindo a colheita, obrigando que medidas de controle sejam adotadas. Entres estas, estão aplicações de inseticidas químicos, entre eles os neonicotinoides. Estudos têm demonstrado os danos colaterais destes inseticidas a insetos benéficos como abelhas, que por sua vez são de fundamental importância para a polinização de 90% das angiospermas, principalmente para o melão. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a toxicidade de neonicotinoides empregados para o controle de pragas na cultura do meloeiro à abelhas A. mellifera Linnaeus. Os bioensaios foram realizados em laboratório, sendo tomadas medidas repetidas no tempo de mortalidade para os produtos comerciais Actara 250 WG (tiametoxam), Evidence 700 WG (imidacloprid), Mospilan (acetamipride) e Orfeu (acetamipride). A exposição das abelhas aos compostos foi realizada por meio de pulverização e ingestão de alimento contaminado com as maiores e menores doses recomendadas pelos fabricantes. Independente do modo de exposição, tiametoxam, imidaclopride e acetamipride (duas formulações) foram tóxicos, diminuindo o tempo de vida útil das abelhas em até 1, 2, 11 e 11 dias, respectivamente, quando comparados com a testemunha, que por sua vez sobreviveram 18 dias, em média. O inseticida tiametoxam foi extremamente tóxico quando pulverizado sobre as abelhas, bem como quando contaminante da dieta ingerida. O imidaclopride também apresentou toxicidade em ambos os experimentos, sendo depois do tiametoxam o mais tóxicos. O inseticida acetamipride apresentou toxicidade, porém não tão alta, quanto às observadas com o tiametoxam e o imidaclopride. / The cultivation of melon (Cucumis melo L.) is of great importance for the Brazilian economy, especially in semiarid regions of the Northeast. Despite the favorable factors to the yield of melon other limiting factors have been highlighted as the damage caused by pests, which undertake to harvest, requiring that control measures are adopted. Among these are applications of chemical insecticides, including the neonicotinoids. Studies have shown the collateral damage of these insecticides to beneficial insects like bees, important pollinators of 90% of angiosperms, mainly to melon. The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of neonicotinoids used for pest control in the melon crop to Linnaeus honeybees. Bioassays were performed in the laboratory, being taken repeated measures in time to mortality commercial products Actara 250 WG (thiamethoxam), Evidence 700 WG (imidacloprid), Mospilan (acetamiprid) and Orpheus (acetamiprid) (two formulations). The exposure of bees to the compounds was performed by spraying and ingestion of food contaminated with higher and lower doses recommended by the manufacturers. Regardless of the exposure mode, all insecticides were toxic, reducing the useful life of bees within 1, 2 and 11 days, respectively, compared with the control (distilled water + pure candy), which survived 18 days, average . The insecticide thiamethoxam in both experiments and doses, was extremely toxic; as well as Imidacloprid, the second most toxic. The Acetamiprid insecticide, in both formulations showed toxicity, but not so high as those observed with other insecticides in the study.

Pentadesma butyracea Sabine est l’une des quatre espèces du genre Pentadesma endémique de l’Afrique. Elle est distribuée de la Sierra Léone au Gabon dans deux grands types d’habitats :les forêts denses humides discontinues du domaine guinéo-congolais (Haute- et Basse-Guinée) et le domaine soudanien du couloir sec du Dahomey (assimilé à une barrière à l’échange de gènes et d’espèces entre les deux blocs guinéo-congolais). Dans ce dernier, l’espèce se retrouve dans des galeries forestières et occupe une place capitale dans le développement socio-économique des communautés locales en raison des multiples biens et services que procurent ses produits (alimentation, médecine et pharmacopée traditionnelle, etc.). Cependant, des pressions d’origines multiples, telles que le ramassage des graines pour fabriquer du beurre, la fragmentation de l’habitat et sa destruction en faveur du maraîchage, les pratiques culturales inadaptées, les incendies, font peser de lourdes menaces sur l’espèce.<p>Le but de ce travail est d’acquérir les connaissances requises pour la conservation et la gestion durable des ressources génétiques de l’espèce. Trois objectifs ont été définis :(i) étudier la phylogéographie de l’espèce, (ii) étudier sa variabilité morphologique et génétique au Bénin et (iii) caractériser sa biologie de reproduction. En amont de ces travaux, nous avons développé onze marqueurs microsatellites nucléaires chez P. butyracea (chapitre 2). Ils ont été utilisés pour l’étude de la phylogéographie et la diversité génétique de P. butyracea (chapitres 3 et 5), ainsi que pour étudier la dépression de consanguinité et les paramètres de son système de reproduction (chapitre 7).<p>La caractérisation de la répartition spatiale des lignées génétiques de régions intergéniques de l’ADN chloroplastique et de l’ADN ribosomal (ITS) a détecté deux lignées génétiques allopatriques entre le Haut et le Bas-Guinéen, indiquant une forte différenciation génétique et un signal phylogéographique. L’analyse des microsatellites détecte trois pools géniques correspondant aux trois régions étudiées (Haute Guinée, Dahomey Gap et Basse Guinée). La diversité génétique est faible dans le Dahomey Gap, modérée dans le Haut-Guinéen et élevée dans le Bas-Guinéen. Ces résultats indiquent une séparation très ancienne des populations d’Afrique centrale et d’Afrique de l’ouest, alors que celles du Dahomey Gap pourraient résulter des forêts denses humides de l’Afrique de l’ouest lors de la période Holocène humide africaine. Dans ce couloir sec, les populations ont subi une forte dérive génétique, potentiellement due à des évènements de fondation. Au Bénin, deux groupes éco-morphologiques ont été détectés suivant un gradient nord-sud, contrastant avec deux pools géniques présentant une distribution est-ouest. <p>P. butyracea est une espèce auto-compatible majoritairement allogame. La corrélation de paternité est plus élevée aux niveaux intra-fruit vs. inter-fruits, et au sein d’une population de petite taille vs. de grande taille. Les principaux pollinisateurs au Bénin sont deux oiseaux (Cyanomitra verticalis, Cinnyris coccinigastrus) et trois abeilles (Apis mellifera, Meliponula togoensis, Hypotrigona sp.). La productivité totale en fruits augmente en fonction de l’âge de l’arbre et varie en fonction de l’année, atteignant un pic pour les arbres ayant un diamètre de 60-80 cm. Les graines sont récalcitrantes et ont une teneur en eau de 42.5 ± 2.9 %. <p>L’analyse des paramètres de reproduction et de diversité génétique, associés aux facteurs écogéographiques, nous a permis de proposer un échantillon de neuf populations représentatives de la diversité à l’échelle du Bénin, dans la perspective d’une conservation in situ. Le succès de celle-ci dépendra des efforts conjugués des communautés locales, de la recherche forestière et de la définition d’un cadre législatif par le politique pour la protection des habitats. La conservation ex situ est envisagée sous forme d’un verger rassemblant diverses origines, présentant l’intérêt supplémentaire de permettre d’étudier les contributions de la diversité génétique et de la plasticité phénotypique à la variation phénotypique. / Pentadesma butyracea Sabine is one of the four species of the endemic genus Pentadesma in Africa. The species is distributed from Sierra Leone to Gabon in two major types of habitats: the discontinuous and dense Guineo-Congolian rainforests (Upper and Lower Guinea) and the Sudanian domain of the dry corridor of Dahomey (considered as a barrier to the exchange of genes and species between Upper and Lower Guinea). In the latter, the species is found in gallery forests and plays a vital role in the socio-economic livelihood of local communities due to the various resources and services that provide its products (food, medicine and traditional, etc.). However, pressure from many sources including the collection of seeds to make butter, habitat fragmentation and its destruction for market gardening, inadequate agricultural practices, fires, are serious threats to the species.<p>The aim of this work was to acquire appropriate knowledge for the conservation and sustainable management of genetic resources of the species. Three objectives were defined (i) study the phylogeography of the species; (ii) evaluate its morphological and genetic variability in Benin; and (iii) characterize its reproductive biology. In a preliminary work, eleven nuclear microsatellite markers of P. butyracea were developed (Chapter 2). They were used for the study of phylogeography and genetic diversity of P. butyracea (chapters 3 and 5), and to study the inbreeding depression and parameters of its breeding system (Chapter 7).<p>The characterization of the genetic lineages and their spatial distribution using intergenic regions from chloroplast DNA and ribosomal DNA (ITS) region detected two allopatric genetic lineages between Upper and Lower Guinea, indicating a high genetic differentiation and a phylogeographic signal. Microsatellite markers allowed us to detect three genepools matching with the three studied regions (Upper Guinea, Dahomey-Gap and Lower Guinea). Genetic diversity was low in the Dahomey Gap, moderate in Upper Guinea and high in Lower Guinea. These results indicate an ancient separation of populations from Central and West Africa, while those from Dahomey Gap could originate West African rainforests (Upper Guinea) during the African humid Holocene period. In this dry corridor, populations experienced high genetic drift, possibly due to founding events. In Benin, two eco-morphological groups were detected following a north-south gradient, contrasting with two gene pools presenting an east-west distribution.<p>Pentadesma butyracea is a self-compatible, mainly allogamous species. The correlation of paternity was higher within-fruit vs. among-fruits, and in population of small size vs. large size. The main pollinators in Benin are two birds (Cyanomitra verticalis, Cinnyris coccinigastrus) and three bees (Apis mellifera, Meliponula togoensis, Hypotrigona sp.). Total productivity in fruit increases with tree age and varies yearly, reaching a peak for trees of 60-80 cm of diameter class. Seeds are recalcitrant (i.e. they cannot be conserved at low temperature), having a water content of 42.5 ± 2.9% at maturity.<p>The analysis of reproduction and genetics parameters, associated with eco-geographic factors, enabled us to select nine populations representative of the diversity in Benin, from the perspective of in situ conservation. The success of the latter will depend on combined efforts of local communities, forest research and an adequate legislative framework for the protection of habitats. Ex situ conservation is envisaged as an orchard assembling various origins, and would have the additional advantage of allowing to study the contribution of genetic diversity and phenotypic plasticity to phenotypic variation. / Doctorat en Sciences / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

MENVSC / Department of Ecology and Resource Management / The study investigated the impact of cover crops (Medicago sativa, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium pratense, Melilotus alba and Phacelia tanacetifolia), bare soil and natural ground cover on pest and beneficial arthropods, soil health, crop yield, pest damage and weed suppression in avocado orchards. The trial plots were sited within established commercial avocado orchards with trees of similar cultivar (‘Hass’), soil-type and age, located in Levubu, Limpopo, South Africa. Mixtures of cover crops were planted in the alleys of avocado orchards and the effects were compared to that of a control (other half of the orchard). Mechanical clearing of vegetation in half of the alleys of different avocado orchards were compared to the other half that was left undisturbed. Data were collected during the flowering and fruit set stages of the avocado trees in the months of September - November 2019. Results revealed that there was higher abundance and diversity of flowering plants in the orchard alleys of the cover crop treatment compared to the control comprising of natural vegetation. Cover crops had a significantly positive effect on the soil health of the orchard but little or no effect on beneficial arthropods within the orchard nor any positive effect on the pests of avocados. However, the number of thrips scouted on the fruit were significantly less where cover crops were established. Avocado scale infection rates were also significantly lower where cover crops were established. There were significantly less arthropods, and specifically pests, pollinators and herbivores where the topsoil was removed mechanically. The yield resulting from the orchard half where cover crops were established were significantly higher. More research still needs to be done about the use, management and impact of cover cropping on not only commercial avocado orchards but on other fruit crops. This study shows good evidence for the benefits for using cover crops and the negative effects in having no vegetation cover in the orchards. / NRF