A expansão desordenada do processo de urbanização e da malha rodoviária sem a construção de corredores ecológicos que permitam a transposição segura de várias espécies de animais silvestres contribui para os elevados índices de mortalidade observados na atualidade e constitui uma ameaça para o declínio populacional de espécies, como o cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous). Estima-se que o número de animais vitimados por atropelamentos chegue a aproximadamente 450 milhões de animais/ano nas diversas espécies, sendo: 400 milhões de pequenos vertebrados, 3 milhões de grandes vertebrados e aproximadamente 47 milhões de vertebrados de médio porte, a partir do estabelecimento de uma taxa média de 1,7 milhões de quilômetros à malha rodoviária do território brasileiro, levando-se em consideração a ampla diferença entre rodovias e estradas de asfalto e terra, pertencentes às esferas federal, estadual, e municipal. Uma estratégia para a conservação ex situ é o estudo da biologia da reprodução da espécie Cerdocyon thous é a criopreservação de seu patrimônio genético através da formação de um Banco de Germoplasma Animal, onde se contemplou o estudo do sistema reprodutor feminino de cinco espécimes por descrição morfológica e ultraestrutural, cultivo e criopreservação celular (fibroblastos). Foram utilizadas 7 (sete) fêmeas de Cerdocyon thous, (n=7), das quais 2 (duas) eram vítimas de atropelamento (Km 215 da Rodovia Anhanguera, Pirassununga - SP), tendo seus sistemas reprodutores dissecados e analisados macroscopicamente. Os respectivos animais foram encontrados em datas distintas em período que compreende os meses de janeiro a julho do ano de 2015 com sinais de evisceração e um destes apresentava avançado estágio de decomposição. Foi realizado o estudo biométrico dos animais, onde se constatou que as fêmeas encontradas eram adultas. Os achados foram compilados por meio de técnicas histológicas (Hematoxilina-Eosina, Tricrômico de Massom, Reativo de Schiff ou \"PAS\" e Alcian Blue) e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. A partir da observação macroscópica do sistema reprodutor feminino da espécie em questão, constatou-se que o formato dos ovários apresenta forma similar a um grão de feijão e tubas uterinas com comprimentos variáveis entre 5 a 8 cm para os espécimes analisados. Constatou-se também, a presença de um útero bicornuado com aproximadamente 3 cm de comprimento e cornos uterinos compridos e estreitos (9 a 11 cm de comprimento); Como já observado em estudos realizados em outras espécies (domésticas e silvestres), a cérvix dos espécimes de Cerdocyon thous analisados faz comunicação entre o útero e a vagina. A vagina apresenta musculatura alongada e circular e a vulva uma conformação anatômica densa com clitóris bastante pronunciado. Microscopicamente, foram observados que os ovários apresentavam folículos primordiais formados por um ovócito e por células foliculares achatadas, bem como a presença de folículos primários unilaminares, este último constituído por um ovócito envolvido por uma camada de células da granulosa. A análise por microscopia eletrônica de varredura evidenciou a superfície ovariana, com característica irregular. As tubas uterinas apresentaram-se com epitélio de revestimento constituído de células ciliadas e células secretoras não ciliadas. Através de análise por microscopia eletrônica de varredura, foi possível verificar que parte da parede da tuba uterina apresentou uma mucosa intensamente \"pregueada\". Microscopicamente, o útero apresentou uma parede relativamente espessa e, externamente uma camada serosa, constituída de mesotélio e tecido conjuntivo e, dependendo da porção do órgão (adventícia), constituída de tecido conjuntivo sem revestimento de mesotélio e microscopia eletrônica de varredura que evidenciou a superfície luminal, ilustrando a disposição dobrada do endométrio e a presença de fibras de músculo liso. A cérvix se apresentou com epitélio colunar simples, secretor de muco e por análise de microscopia eletrônica de varredura, foram observadas poucas fibras de músculo liso. Quanto à vagina, foi observado epitélio pavimentoso estratificado sobre um tecido conjuntivo denso, onde se constatou por microscopia eletrônica de varredura, a região de transição entre a cérvix e a vagina, onde se evidenciou a lâmina própria da mucosa vaginal, constituída por um tecido conjuntivo frouxo e, mais externamente, uma parede densa, constituída por uma camada muscular composta de fibras musculares lisas. A vulva e o clitóris foram observados recobertos por um epitélio pavimentoso estratificado com uma delgada camada de células queratinizadas na superfície. No que diz respeito à criação de uma linhagem celular (fibroblastos) para o enriquecimento de banco de germoplasma, os resultados demonstraram que as células de Cerdocyon thous apresentaram uma baixa capacidade clonogênica, especialmente quando comparadas ao cão doméstico. Por serem espécimes silvestres de histórico desconhecido (idade, hábitos alimentares), tais fatores poderiam implicar no tamanho dos telômeros das células (fibroblastos) e, consequentemente, ser um impedimento para uma satisfatória proliferação celular. Assim, o presente estudo teve caráter preservacionista, visando à conservação em longo prazo dos recursos genéticos desta espécie pertencente aos biomas brasileiros, sendo de grande relevância e os achados aqui contidos, um ponto de partida para a realização e continuidade de novas pesquisas com abordagem sobre a espécie em questão. / The disorderly expansion of the urbanization process and the road network without building ecological corridors that allow for the safe implementation of various species of wild animals contributes to the high mortality rates observed today and is a threat to the population decline of species such as the Creb-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous). It is estimated that the number of animals victims of road kill reach approximately 450 million animals / year in different species, of which: 400 million small vertebrates, 3 million of large vertebrates and approximately 47 million medium-sized vertebrates, from establishment of an average rate of 1.7 million kilometers of road network of Brazil, taking into account the wide difference between highways and asphalt roads and land belonging to the federal, state, and municipal. A strategy for ex situ conservation is the study of Cerdocyon thous species reproductive biology is cryopreservation of their genetic heritage through the formation of an Animal Germplasm Bank, where he contemplated the study of the female reproductive system of five specimens for morphological description and ultrastructural, cell culture and cryopreservation (fibroblasts). They used seven (7) female Cerdocyon thous (n = 7), of which two (2) were victims of running over (Km 215 of Anhanguera Highway, Pirassununga - SP) and their reproductive systems dissected and analyzed macroscopically. Their animals were found on different dates in a period comprising the months of January to July 2015 with evisceration signals and one of these had advanced stage of decomposition. biometric study of animals, which demonstrated that adult females were found, was performed. The findings were compiled by histological techniques (hematoxylin-eosin, Masson\'s Trichrome, Schiff Reactive or \"PAS\" and Alcian Blue) and scanning electron microscopy. From macroscopic observation of the female reproductive system of the species concerned, it was found that the shape of the ovaries features similar to a grain of beans and uterine tubes with lengths ranging from 5-8 cm for the analyzed specimens. It was also found the presence of a bicorn uterus approximately 3 cm and narrow uterine horns (9-11 cm); as noted in studies in other species (domestic and wild), the cervix of Cerdocyon thous specimens analyzed is communication between the uterus and vagina. The vagina has lengthened and circular muscle and the vulva a dense anatomical conformation quite pronounced clitoris. Microscopically, it was observed that the ovaries had primordial follicles formed by a flattened oocyte and follicular cells, as well as the presence of unilaminares primary follicles, the latter consisting of an oocyte surrounded by a layer of granulosa cells. Analysis by scanning electron microscopy revealed the ovarian surface with irregular feature. The oviducts presented with epithelium composed of ciliated and non-ciliated secretory cells. Through analysis by scanning electron microscopy, we found that part of the oviduct wall showed a mucosa intensely \"pleated\". Microscopically, the uterus showed a relatively thick wall and externally a serous layer consisting of mesothelium and connective tissue and, depending on the body portion (adventitious), composed of connective tissue without mesothelium coating and scanning electron microscopy which showed the surface luminal illustrating the folded disposition of the endometrium and the presence of smooth muscle fibers. The cervix is presented with simple columnar epithelium, mucus secreting and analytical scanning electron microscopy; a few smooth muscle fibers were observed. As the vagina was observed stratified squamous epithelium on a dense connective tissue, where it was found by scanning electron microscopy, the transition region between the cervix and the vagina, where it showed the lamina propria of the vaginal mucosa, consisting of a connective tissue loose and more externally a thick wall consisting of a muscular layer composed of smooth muscle fibers. The vulva and clitoris were observed covered by a stratified epithelium with a thin layer of keratinized cells on the surface. As regards the establishment of a cell line (fibroblasts) to the genebank enrichment, the results showed that cells had a lower Cerdocyon thous clonogenic capacity, especially when compared to the domestic dog. Being wild specimens of unknown history (age, diet), such factors could lead to the size of the telomeres of cells (fibroblasts) and thus be a hindrance to a satisfactory cell proliferation. Thus, the present study was preservationist character, aiming at long-term conservation of genetic resources of the species belonging to the Brazilian biomes, being of great importance and the findings contained herein, the starting point for the implementation and continuity of new research approach the species in question.

Salinity is a major concern in agriculture since it adversely affects plant growth, development, and yield. Domestication of crops exerted strong selective pressure and reduced their genetic diversity. Meanwhile, wild species continued to adapt to their environment becoming valuable sources of genetic variation, with the potential for enhancing modern crops performance in today’s changing climate. Some wild species are found in highly saline environments; remarkable examples are the endemic wild tomatoes from the Galapagos Islands, forming the Solanum cheesmaniae and Solanum galapagense species (hereafter termed Galapagos tomatoes). These wild tomatoes adapted to thrive in the coastal regions of the Galapagos Islands. The present work includes a thorough characterization of a collection of 67 accessions of Galapagos tomatoes obtained from the Tomato Genetics Resource Center (TGRC). Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) was performed to establish the population structure and genetic distance within the germplasm collection. Both species were genetically differentiated, and a substructure was found in S. cheesmaniae dividing the accessions in two groups based on their origin: eastern and western islands. Phenotypic studies were performed at the seedling stage, subjecting seedlings to 200 mM NaCl for 10 days. Various traits were recorded and analysed for their contribution to salinity tolerance, compared to control conditions. Large natural variation was found across the collection in terms of salt stress responses and different possible salt tolerant mechanisms were identified. Six accessions were selected for further work, based on their good performance under salinity. This experiment included scoring several plant growth and yield-related traits, as well as RNA sequencing (RNAseq) at the fruit-ripening stage, under three different NaCl concentrations. Accession LA0421 showed an increased yield of almost 50% in mild salinity (150 mM NaCl) compared to control conditions. The transcriptome data obtained could reveal the genes involved in the salt stress-related yield increase. The knowledge obtained so far will be useful for scientists and breeders to select accessions of interest based on recorded traits. It will allow the use of Galapagos tomatoes as genetic sources for salinity tolerance traits in commercial tomatoes, thereby contributing to feed and nourish the growing human population in the years to come.

The Corral de Piedra community is located in Chiquimula, Guatemala. The main agricultural activities are corn and bean production, small-scale gardens, and small animal production, such as poultry and pigs. The crop areas are predominantly located on lands with slopes between 12 and 55%, presenting low fertility conditions and poor moisture retention capabilities. In addition, local crop varieties have low productivity potentials and the winter season is characterized by poorly distributed and erratic periods of rain. The Benson Institute introduced a technology transfer model to increase and diversify agricultural production, while preserving current natural resources. An integral part of this model included educating the community on nutrition and health topics. The school was considered to be the most appropriate place to introduce training and education in agriculture among students and community leaders, thus contributing to community development.

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The restoration of large-scale heterogeneous landscapes is typically approached using seed-based restoration as a cost-effective means to achieve project goals and objectives. However, seeding is often met with low survival rates primarily driven by low seedling emergence and establishment. This dissertation investigates opportunities to enhance restoration focusing on 1) seed treatments, 2) plant materials, and 3) a synthesis of seeding strategies. • Fungal pathogenesis can cause high seedling mortality. Fungicide seed coatings used in the agriculture industry are novel to wildland restoration. We assess the effect a fungicide seed coating has on the recruitment of Pseudoroegneria spicata seedlings across a broad range of sagebrush-steppe sites. • Sourcing appropriate plant material for restoration seeding is fundamental to long-term restoration success. The Association of Seed Certification Agencies offers a series of certification schemes to facilitate the rapid production, procurement, and distribution of native seeds for restoration. Results from a multi-year study evaluate the recruitment success of three P. spicata germplasms. • The complexities of seed-based restoration are reviewed, exploring the interplay between native plant materials, seed enhancement technologies, and restoration outcomes. This synthesis provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge, research gaps, and avenues for future restoration research.

Traditional peoples are often described as "stewards of agricultural diversity", yet little research has been conducted on the determinants of agrodiversity. This thesis focuses on agrodiversity and how peasant farmers build and maintain cultivated plant diversity in home gardens found in three distinct traditional communities along the Maranon river in the Peruvian Amazon---an upland mixed agricultural village, a lowland agricultural village, and a lowland fishing village. Data were gathered through household surveys (n = 192) and in-depth interviews (n = 112). Substantial variation in cultivated plant diversity was found among and within villages. Residents with the highest home garden agrodiversity tend to be among the wealthier households, and are more likely to have both established their own garden, and tended it for longer periods. Complex planting material exchange networks underlie the establishment and maintenance of home garden agrodiversity. The results underscore the importance of studying local variations in agricultural diversity, and exchange networks that bring agricultural planting stock to peasant farmers.

Agrobiodiversity constitutes an essential resource for traditional rural populations. Home gardens are "hotspots" of agrobiodiversity and important loci of in situ conservation efforts. This study seeks to understand the factors affecting gardeners' choices and to assess the accessibility of planting material in rural communities of the Peruvian Amazon. Household surveys and garden inventories conducted in 15 villages of the Corrientes river (n = 300), and case studies in three of these villages (n = 89), allowed to describe the local and regional patterns of garden agrobiodiversity and the structure of planting material exchange networks. Analyses reveal a strong link between species diversity and both household cultural and socioeconomic characteristics, and village ethnicity and size. Planting material flows primarily through matrilineal bonds, from advice-givers to advice-seekers, from old to young and from rich to poor. Farmers with exceptional species diversity, propensity to give and/or expertise are identified and their role in the conservation of cultivated plants is assessed. Expertise is not found to be as closely related to high species diversity as expected, but knowledge and planting stock dissemination go hand-in-hand.

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