Novel disturbances can increase the vulnerability of pine flatwoods to exotic species such as Caesar’s weed (Urena lobata), a plant that has invaded many ecosystems. To understand Caesar’s weed response to disturbance, a factorial field manipulation was used to quantify invasion success. Influence of feral swine (Sus scrofa) on the presence of seeds in the area was analyzed. The effect of heat on Caesar’s weed germination was also quantified. A winter fire and mechanical soil disturbance had no statistical effect on the spread of Caesar’s weed. However, in feral swine disturbed soils Caesar’s weed was more likely to be husked and experience less competition from seeds of other species. Low levels of seed heating increased germination. This data can provide information about the influences of fire and soil disturbances on the spread of Caesar’s weed, as well as how fire intensity levels can affect the spread of invasive Caesar’s weed. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2017. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

The isoflavones in kudzu roots, especially the C-glycosylated isoflavone puerarin, have been linked to many health benefits. Puerarin contains a carbon-carbon glycosidic bond that can withstand hydrolysis. The C-glycosylation reaction in the biosynthesis of puerarin has not been thoroughly investigated, with conflicting reports suggesting that it could take place on daidzein, isoliquiritigenin, or 2,7,4ʹ-trihydroxyisoflavanone. Kudzu species were identified for use in comparative transcriptomics. A non-puerarin producing kudzu was identified as Pueraria phaseoloides and a puerarin producing kudzu was identified as Pueraria montana lobata. Through the use of the plant secondary product glycosyltransferase (PSPG) motif, glycosyltransferases (UGTs) were identified from the transcriptomes. The UGTs that had higher digital expression in P. m. lobata were examined further using additional tools to home in on the UGT that could be responsible for puerarin biosynthesis. One of the UGTs identified, UGT71T5, had previously been characterized from kudzu as a C-glycosyltransferase involved in puerarin biosynthesis through in vitro enzyme activity (with daidzein) and a gain of function approach in soybean hairy roots. Previous studies have not supported the end-product of a pathway such as daidzein as the target for C-glycosylation, and no genetic analysis of UGT function had been conducted in kudzu. The activity of recombinant UGT71T5 with daidzein was confirmed in the present work. Following the development of a kudzu hairy root system, UGT71T5 expression was then knocked down by RNA interference (RNAi). When compared to control hairy roots there was a large reduction in puerarin content in the UGT71T5-RNAi roots, confirming the role of this enzyme in puerarin biosynthesis. Isotopic labeling of kudzu plants revealed that labeled daidzein could be directly incorporated into puerarin; however, the percent incorporation of daidzein was substantially lower than that of L-phenylalanine, a compound at the start of the pathway to isoflavone synthesis. The knockdown of 2-hydroxisoflavanone synthase (2-HIS) in kudzu hairy roots blocked formation of puerarin and daidzin (7-O-glycosyldaidzein), and was accompanied by accumulation of C-glycosylated isoliquiritigenin and C-glycosylated liquiritigenin. These compounds were found in low amounts in control hairy roots, but were virtually absent in UGT71T5 knockdown hairy roots. The knockdown of 2-hydroxyisoflavanone dehydratase (2-HID) in kudzu hairy roots resulted in a slight reduction in puerarin but no change to daidzin levels, suggesting that C-glycosylation might stabilize the substrate for 2-HID which can otherwise spontaneously dehydrate. Taken together these results reveal that UGT71T5 is likely the major C-glycosyltransferase involved in puerarin biosynthesis in kudzu. They also provide evidence for an alternative pathway to puerarin biosynthesis through the C-glycosylation of isoliquiritigenin or its immediate precursor. In one pathway, UGT71T5 acts as an operationally soluble enzyme that can directly C-glycosylate daidzein, and in the other pathway UGT71T5 acts as part of a metabolic channel for conversion of a C-glycosylated earlier precursor to puerarin. Other UGT enzymes identified in this work did not show C-glycosyltransferase activity; however, three enzymes showed activity in vitro that could be useful for introducing novel regiospecificity in biochemical synthesis of flavonoid glycosides.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 89-96). / ix, 96 leaves, bound ill. 29 cm

Submitted by Geyciane Santos (geyciane_thamires@hotmail.com) on 2015-10-26T15:43:00Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação - Jones Gomes Bentes.pdf: 3596865 bytes, checksum: 654b699ea9e7bd81b0c077dc28c81f2c (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Divisão de Documentação/BC Biblioteca Central (ddbc@ufam.edu.br) on 2015-10-26T18:38:07Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação - Jones Gomes Bentes.pdf: 3596865 bytes, checksum: 654b699ea9e7bd81b0c077dc28c81f2c (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Divisão de Documentação/BC Biblioteca Central (ddbc@ufam.edu.br) on 2015-10-26T18:41:54Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação - Jones Gomes Bentes.pdf: 3596865 bytes, checksum: 654b699ea9e7bd81b0c077dc28c81f2c (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-10-26T18:41:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação - Jones Gomes Bentes.pdf: 3596865 bytes, checksum: 654b699ea9e7bd81b0c077dc28c81f2c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-01-28 / CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / The Malva (Urena lobata L.) is currently the main species used for natural fiber production in the Amazonas State. However, seed supply remains a strategic and critical issue to the production chain of the fiber. Due to total lack of local production of seeds, Amazonas fiber producers depend on acquisition by the state govern of about 100 tons of seeds produced in other regions, each year. Thus become necessary studies to determine technical recommendations for the implementation of seed production systems adapted to local conditions, for the state to become self-sufficient in the supply of this raw material. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different spacing on productivity of Malva plants for seed production. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of Federal University of Amazonas – UFAM, in Manaus. The experimental design was completely randomized with three treatments corresponding to the spacing of (T1) 1.0 x 1.0m, (T2) 1.5 x 0.5m (T3) 1.0 x 0.5 m with 10 repetitions, each repetition corresponding to the average of four plants. The following characteristics were evaluated: plant height, stem diameter, number of branches, number of flowers, number of green fruits and number of ripe fruit, the seed production and dry weight of plants. The results were submitted to analysis of variance by F test at 5% probability. For the phenological parameters, 1,5 x 0,5 was higher in stem diameter, fresh fruits and ripe fruit. The treatments 1,5 x 0,5 was also statistically superior for the variable of production of seed. It was concluded that for the establishment of U. lobata L. seed production systems in Amazonas, it is recommended to use 1.5 x 0.5m spacing, in which can be obtained about 1,700 kg of seed per hectare. / A Malva (Urena lobata L.) é atualmente a principal espécie utilizada para a produção de fibra natural no Estado do Amazonas. No entanto, o fornecimento de sementes continua a ser uma questão estratégica e fundamental para a cadeia de produção da fibra. Devido à falta total de produção local de sementes, produtores de fibras Amazonas dependem aquisição pelo governo estadual de cerca de 100 toneladas de sementes produzidas em outras regiões, a cada ano. Assim, tornam-se necessários estudos para determinar as recomendações técnicas para a implantação de sistemas de produção de sementes adaptadas às condições locais, para que o Estado se torne autossuficiente no abastecimento desse insumo. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de diferentes espaçamentos na produtividade das plantas de Malva para produção de sementes. O experimento foi realizado na Fazenda Experimental da Universidade Federal do Amazonas - UFAM, em Manaus. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos que correspondem aos espaçamentos de (T1) 1,0 x 1,0 m, (T2) 1,5 x 0,5m (T3) 1,0 x 0,5 m, com 10 repetições, cada repetição correspondendo à média de quatro plantas. As características avaliadas foram: altura da planta, diâmetro do caule, número de ramos, número de flores, número de frutos verdes e número de frutos maduros, a produção de sementes e peso seco das plantas. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo teste F a 5% de probabilidade. Para os parâmetros fenológicos, o tratamento 1,5 x 0,5 se desenvolveu mais em diâmetro do caule, frutas frescas e frutas maduras. O espaçamento 1,5 x 0,5 também foi estatisticamente superior para a variável da produção de sementes. Concluiu-se que, para o estabelecimento de sistemas de produção de sementes de U. lobata L. no Amazonas, recomenda-se a utilização de 1,5 x 0,5 m de espaçamento, em que pode ser obtido cerca de 1.700 kg de sementes por hectare.

Over the last four decades, coral reefs have suffered a ~50% decline of across the tropics. Consequently, most research efforts have focused on the impacts of anthropogenic pressures on corals, including ocean warming, ocean acidification, and overfishing. However, recent discoveries indicate that coral reefs are becoming increasingly vulnerable to acute deoxygenation events, which can drive severe and widespread coral bleaching, and in some cases, mortality of corals and other reef organisms. On unimpacted coral reefs, dissolved oxygen (DO) availability can vary between 50% and 200% air saturation, depending on the location, proximity to the open-ocean, and time of the day. During the daytime, Symbiodiniaceae spp. produce more O$_2$ than the coral host can consume, releasing excess O$_2$ to the surrounding tissues. However, at nighttime Symbiodiniaceae spp. cease O$_2$ production. Hence, corals may suffer to O$_2$ deprivation at nighttime when the photosynthesis ceases, and holobiont respiration consumes oxygen. To assess the O$_2$ thresholds and aftereffects of two Red Sea coral species: ${{P. lobata}}$ and ${{G. fascicularis}}$ corals were exposed to reduced DO concentrations. Coral fragments from both species were exposed to one control treatment (6.8 mg O$_2$ l$^{−1}$) and three reduced DO concentrations treatments (5.25 mg O$_2$ l$^{−1}$, 3.5 mg O$_2$ l$^{−1}$, and 1.25 mg O$_2$ l$^{−1}$). Experiments were held at a stable temperature (32°C ± 0.25) and stable pH levels (pH 8.2 ± 0.08). Corals in these experiments displayed different thresholds to low O$_2$ concentrations. ${{P. lobata}}$ coral fragments didn’t exhibit any bleaching symptoms throughout complete experiment. However, ${{G. fascicularis}}$ fragments showed signs of bleaching after the third night of exposure to the low O$_2$ treatment (1.25 mg O$_2$ l$^{−1}$). Physiological variables such as maximum and effective photochemical efficiency, Chl ${{a}}$, cell density, and dark respiration experienced the lowest values under the low O$_2$ treatment for both species. These results highlight the need for further experimental assessments of deoxygenation thresholds for corals across the globe. These assessments are of great importance to create better conservation strategies for the preservation of coral reefs.

This thesis investigated the phytochemistry and pharmacology of immunomodulatory medicinal plant species used traditionally by the Q’eqchi’ Maya Healers Association (QMHA) of Belize, and the Cree of Eeyou Istchee (CEI) of northern Quebec. Using quantitative ethnobotanical methodology, we identified 107 plant species belonging to 49 families used by Q’eqchi’ healers in the treatment of symptoms from 14 usage categories related to inflammation. Regression analysis revealed that the Piperaceae, Araceae, and Begoniaceae are preferentially selected by the Maya. Healer consensus for plant species was high, with 56 species (52%) being used by all the healers, and consensus for usage categories was also high, as informant consensus factor (FIC) values for each category were greater than 0.4. Fifty-two Belizean species were evaluated for their TNF-α inhibitory activity in an LPS-stimulated THP-1 monocyte model. Twenty-one species (40%) demonstrated significant TNF-α inhibition when assayed at 100 µg/mL, 8 of which had greater than 50% of the activity of the parthenolide positive control (10 µg/mL). Significant regressions were found between the anti-inflammatory activity and total healer frequency of use (Fuse) and the use reports for 3 usage categories, which indicated that ethnobotanical parameters can in part predict the activity of traditionally used species. Five sesquiterpene lactones were isolated from the leaves of Neurolaena lobata, one of the most active species tested, all of which demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity greater than that of parthenolide (IC50 = 4.79 µM), with IC50s ranging from 0.17-2.32 µM. Lobatin B was the most active isolate tested. Ethanolic and water extracts of 17 species used by Cree healers were evaluated for their immunomodulatory activity. In general, the average anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extracts was 1.8 times greater than that of water extracts, and the pro-inflammatory activity of water extracts was 3.7 times greater than ethanolic extracts. Picea mariana and Pinus banksiana were the most anti-inflammatory ethanolic and water extracts, while the water extract of Sarracenia purpurea was the most pro-inflammatory. Picea marina cones, the most anti-inflammatory Cree medicine, were subjected to bioassay guided isolation. This led to the isolation of the anti-inflammatory lignan (+)-lariciresinol-9’-p-coumarate, which had an IC50 of 28.4 µM. Together, these results validate the traditional knowledge shared by our Q’eqchi’ and Cree collaborators, and draw attention to the therapeutic potential of subtropical and boreal plants as culturally appropriate complements to modern medicine. - Cette thèse porte sur la phytochimie et la pharmacologie des espèces de plantes médicinales immunomodulatrices utilisées traditionnellement par le Q’eqchi’ Maya Healers Association (QMHA) du Belize, et les Cris d'Eeyou Istchee (CEI) du nord du Québec. En utilisant une méthodologie ethnobotanique quantitative, nous avons identifié 107 espèces végétales appartenant à 49 familles utilisées par les guérisseurs Q'eqchi’ dans le traitement de symptômes appartenant à 14 catégories d'utilisation liées à l'inflammation. Une analyse de régression a révélé que les familles Piperaceae, Araceae, et Begoniaceae sont préférentiellement choisis par les Mayas. Le consensus entre guérisseurs pour les espèces végétales était élevé, avec 56 espèces (52%) étant utilisés par tous les guérisseurs, et le consensus pour les catégories d'utilisation était également élevé, car les valeurs de facteur de consensus des informants (FIC) pour chaque catégorie étaient supérieurs à 0,4. Cinquante-deux espèces du Belize ont été évaluées pour leur activité inhibitrice de TNF-α dans un modèle de THP-1 monocytes stimulés par le LPS. Vingt-et-une espèces (40%) ont montré une inhibition significative de TNF-α lorsque dosés à 100 µg/mL, dont 8 d’entre elles ont démontrées plus de 50% de l'activité du contrôle positif parthénolide (10 µg/mL). Des régressions significatives ont été observées entre l'activité anti-inflammatoire et la fréquence d'utilisation de guérisseurs totale (Fuse) et les rapports d'utilisation pour 3 catégories d'utilisation, ce qui indique que les paramètres ethnobotaniques peuvent en partie prédire l'activité des espèces traditionnellement utilisées. Cinq lactones sesquiterpéniques ont été isolés à partir des feuilles de Neurolaena lobata, l'une des espèces les plus actives testées, qui a démontré une activité anti-inflammatoire supérieure à celle du parthénolide (CI50 = 4,79 µM), avec des CI50 allant de 0,17 à 2,32 µM. Lobatin B était l’isolât le plus actif testé. Des extraits éthanoliques et aqueux de 17 espèces utilisées par les guérisseurs Cris ont été évalués pour leur activité immunomodulatrice. En général, l'activité anti-inflammatoire moyenne des extraits éthanoliques était 1,8 fois supérieure à celle des extraits d'eau, et l'activité pro-inflammatoire des extraits d'eau était de 3,7 fois supérieure à celle des extraits éthanoliques. Picea mariana et Pinus banksiana étaient les extraits éthanoliques et aqueux avec le plus d’activité anti-inflammatoire, tandis que l'extrait aqueux de Sarracenia purpurea était le plus pro-inflammatoire. Le cône de Picea marina, le médicament traditionnelle Cris le plus anti-inflammatoire, a été soumis à une isolation guidée par essais biologiques. Cela a mené à l'isolement du lignane anti-inflammatoire (+)-lariciresinol-9'-p-coumarate, qui avait une CI50 de 28,4 µM. Ensemble, ces résultats valident les connaissances traditionnelles partagées par nos collaborateurs Q'eqchi' et Cris, et mettent en évidence le potentiel thérapeutique des plantes subtropicales et boréales comme des compléments à la médecine moderne qui sont culturellement appropriées.

This thesis investigated the phytochemistry and pharmacology of immunomodulatory medicinal plant species used traditionally by the Q’eqchi’ Maya Healers Association (QMHA) of Belize, and the Cree of Eeyou Istchee (CEI) of northern Quebec. Using quantitative ethnobotanical methodology, we identified 107 plant species belonging to 49 families used by Q’eqchi’ healers in the treatment of symptoms from 14 usage categories related to inflammation. Regression analysis revealed that the Piperaceae, Araceae, and Begoniaceae are preferentially selected by the Maya. Healer consensus for plant species was high, with 56 species (52%) being used by all the healers, and consensus for usage categories was also high, as informant consensus factor (FIC) values for each category were greater than 0.4. Fifty-two Belizean species were evaluated for their TNF-α inhibitory activity in an LPS-stimulated THP-1 monocyte model. Twenty-one species (40%) demonstrated significant TNF-α inhibition when assayed at 100 µg/mL, 8 of which had greater than 50% of the activity of the parthenolide positive control (10 µg/mL). Significant regressions were found between the anti-inflammatory activity and total healer frequency of use (Fuse) and the use reports for 3 usage categories, which indicated that ethnobotanical parameters can in part predict the activity of traditionally used species. Five sesquiterpene lactones were isolated from the leaves of Neurolaena lobata, one of the most active species tested, all of which demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity greater than that of parthenolide (IC50 = 4.79 µM), with IC50s ranging from 0.17-2.32 µM. Lobatin B was the most active isolate tested. Ethanolic and water extracts of 17 species used by Cree healers were evaluated for their immunomodulatory activity. In general, the average anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extracts was 1.8 times greater than that of water extracts, and the pro-inflammatory activity of water extracts was 3.7 times greater than ethanolic extracts. Picea mariana and Pinus banksiana were the most anti-inflammatory ethanolic and water extracts, while the water extract of Sarracenia purpurea was the most pro-inflammatory. Picea marina cones, the most anti-inflammatory Cree medicine, were subjected to bioassay guided isolation. This led to the isolation of the anti-inflammatory lignan (+)-lariciresinol-9’-p-coumarate, which had an IC50 of 28.4 µM. Together, these results validate the traditional knowledge shared by our Q’eqchi’ and Cree collaborators, and draw attention to the therapeutic potential of subtropical and boreal plants as culturally appropriate complements to modern medicine. - Cette thèse porte sur la phytochimie et la pharmacologie des espèces de plantes médicinales immunomodulatrices utilisées traditionnellement par le Q’eqchi’ Maya Healers Association (QMHA) du Belize, et les Cris d'Eeyou Istchee (CEI) du nord du Québec. En utilisant une méthodologie ethnobotanique quantitative, nous avons identifié 107 espèces végétales appartenant à 49 familles utilisées par les guérisseurs Q'eqchi’ dans le traitement de symptômes appartenant à 14 catégories d'utilisation liées à l'inflammation. Une analyse de régression a révélé que les familles Piperaceae, Araceae, et Begoniaceae sont préférentiellement choisis par les Mayas. Le consensus entre guérisseurs pour les espèces végétales était élevé, avec 56 espèces (52%) étant utilisés par tous les guérisseurs, et le consensus pour les catégories d'utilisation était également élevé, car les valeurs de facteur de consensus des informants (FIC) pour chaque catégorie étaient supérieurs à 0,4. Cinquante-deux espèces du Belize ont été évaluées pour leur activité inhibitrice de TNF-α dans un modèle de THP-1 monocytes stimulés par le LPS. Vingt-et-une espèces (40%) ont montré une inhibition significative de TNF-α lorsque dosés à 100 µg/mL, dont 8 d’entre elles ont démontrées plus de 50% de l'activité du contrôle positif parthénolide (10 µg/mL). Des régressions significatives ont été observées entre l'activité anti-inflammatoire et la fréquence d'utilisation de guérisseurs totale (Fuse) et les rapports d'utilisation pour 3 catégories d'utilisation, ce qui indique que les paramètres ethnobotaniques peuvent en partie prédire l'activité des espèces traditionnellement utilisées. Cinq lactones sesquiterpéniques ont été isolés à partir des feuilles de Neurolaena lobata, l'une des espèces les plus actives testées, qui a démontré une activité anti-inflammatoire supérieure à celle du parthénolide (CI50 = 4,79 µM), avec des CI50 allant de 0,17 à 2,32 µM. Lobatin B était l’isolât le plus actif testé. Des extraits éthanoliques et aqueux de 17 espèces utilisées par les guérisseurs Cris ont été évalués pour leur activité immunomodulatrice. En général, l'activité anti-inflammatoire moyenne des extraits éthanoliques était 1,8 fois supérieure à celle des extraits d'eau, et l'activité pro-inflammatoire des extraits d'eau était de 3,7 fois supérieure à celle des extraits éthanoliques. Picea mariana et Pinus banksiana étaient les extraits éthanoliques et aqueux avec le plus d’activité anti-inflammatoire, tandis que l'extrait aqueux de Sarracenia purpurea était le plus pro-inflammatoire. Le cône de Picea marina, le médicament traditionnelle Cris le plus anti-inflammatoire, a été soumis à une isolation guidée par essais biologiques. Cela a mené à l'isolement du lignane anti-inflammatoire (+)-lariciresinol-9'-p-coumarate, qui avait une CI50 de 28,4 µM. Ensemble, ces résultats valident les connaissances traditionnelles partagées par nos collaborateurs Q'eqchi' et Cris, et mettent en évidence le potentiel thérapeutique des plantes subtropicales et boréales comme des compléments à la médecine moderne qui sont culturellement appropriées.

Submitted by Divisão de Documentação/BC Biblioteca Central (ddbc@ufam.edu.br) on 2016-02-03T19:35:48Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação - Hélcio Honorato de Souza.pdf: 4469828 bytes, checksum: 7c66287e3b2abc627a3c50ad22b1f5fe (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Divisão de Documentação/BC Biblioteca Central (ddbc@ufam.edu.br) on 2016-02-04T13:03:15Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação - Hélcio Honorato de Souza.pdf: 4469828 bytes, checksum: 7c66287e3b2abc627a3c50ad22b1f5fe (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Divisão de Documentação/BC Biblioteca Central (ddbc@ufam.edu.br) on 2016-02-04T13:03:25Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação - Hélcio Honorato de Souza.pdf: 4469828 bytes, checksum: 7c66287e3b2abc627a3c50ad22b1f5fe (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-02-04T13:03:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação - Hélcio Honorato de Souza.pdf: 4469828 bytes, checksum: 7c66287e3b2abc627a3c50ad22b1f5fe (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-08-17 / CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / This present research was conducted to evaluate the effects of the insertion of a new technology in the pursuit of social mitigation unhealthiness of the production process of the culture of mauve (Urena lobata L.), and the aggregation of values for the various socio-economic agents, in addition to characterize the production chain of this culture in these communities. The study aims to identify the type of farmer producer of mauve, residents in the gutters of rivers, lakes and paranãs the Middle Rio Solimões (AM), rising socioeconomic factors that influence in its production. The data used in this study come from field surveys with the participation of producers and the municipalities of Manacapuru and Caapiranga, between 2009 and 2012. In the Amazon occurs mainly in the planting meadow ecosystem, characterized by four well-defined periods: the flood, the flood, the ebb and drought. So this is a considerable importance factor for the better development of the cycles which depend of it. The study aims therefore to research and collaborate with the improvement of the productive chain of mauve (U. lobata L.), contributing to the realization of this structural and organizational growth. When considering that the mauve´s planting is done by the mauve farmers which adopt the system of household production. In this sense, this research aims to contribute to enhancing the social, environmental and economic development of the productive chain in its conventional mode of culture / A presente pesquisa foi desenvolvida com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos da inserção de uma nova tecnologia social na busca da mitigação da insalubridade do processo produtivo da cultura da malva (Urena lobata L.), além da agregação de valores socioeconômicos para os diversos agentes e de caracterizar a cadeia produtiva desta cultura nas comunidades pesquisadas. O trabalho se propõe a identificar a tipologia do agricultor produtor de malva, residentes nas calhas dos rios, lagos e paranãs do médio rio Solimões (AM), levantando fatores socioeconômicos que influenciem em sua cadeia produtiva. Os dados utilizados nesta pesquisa provêm de levantamentos de campo com a participação de produtores dos Municípios de Manacapuru e Caapiranga, entre os anos de 2009 a 2012. No Amazonas o plantio ocorre principalmente em ecossistema de várzea, caracterizado por quatro períodos bem definidos: a enchente, a cheia, a vazante e a seca. Sendo estes fatores de fundamental importância para o bom desenvolvimento do ciclo de cultivo da malva que dependem deles. O trabalho busca assim, pesquisar e colaborar com a melhoria da cadeia produtiva da malva (Urena lobata L.), contribuindo para a efetivação do incremento estrutural e organizacional desta. Sempre considerando que o plantio da malva é feito por malvicultores que adotam o sistema de produção familiar. Neste sentido esta pesquisa visa contribuir para o incremento do desenvolvimento social, ambiental e econômico desta cadeia produtiva em seu modo convencional de cultivo.

Porites lobata is an important reef building coral in the tropical eastern Pacific and the dominant Porites species in the Galápagos archipelago. Following the 1982-83 El Niño-Southern Oscillation the Galápagos Islands experienced 97-99% coral mortality, leaving many areas throughout the archipelago denuded of corals. Because very few long term assessments have been conducted on the growth and resilience of P. lobata to natural disturbances in the Galápagos Islands (Glynn et al., 2001; Glynn et al., 2009), benthic surveys were performed on a uniquely dense aggregation of P. lobata colonies at Devil’s Crown, Floreana Island between 1993 and 2011. Annual changes in live tissue area were calculated for the majority of the population (n=17) using Coral Point Count with Excel extensions (CPCe 3.6) software to determine growth and recovery trends for this aggregation. Total live tissue area (n=10) increased from 1993 to 2011, however due to high interannual variability this increase was not significant. Within this overall pattern, a general trend of decline was observed in live tissue cover from 1993 to 2000, with increases in tissue area observed from 2000 to 2011. Severe bleaching (85-100%) was observed during the 1998 survey, followed by 42% tissue loss (n=10), coinciding with sea water warming associated with the very strong 1997-1998 El Niño-Southern Oscillation event. Subsequent regrowth of coral tissue was observed during the 2001 survey with continued recovery through 2009. Multiple comparison testing revealed a significant difference between the impacted state (1999) and the recovered state (2009), (p = 0.002, Dunn’s method, n=17), suggesting this aggregation required a period of ten years to recover from this disturbance. During this recovery period the moderately strong 2007-2008 La Niña, with accompanying stressful low temperatures, occurred but did not interrupt tissue regrowth. Warmer than average sea surface temperatures occurred during the warm months from 2008 to 2011, during which time a cool period occurred from 2010 to 2011. While the magnitude and duration of temperature anomalies during warming were not as great as those observed during the 1997-98 ENSO, low temperatures observed during the cool period were similar to those experienced throughout the 2007-08 La Niña. During this time total live tissue cover was reduced by 19% (n=10); however it is unknown whether this was due to warming or the following cool period. Based on results from the 1997-98 El Niño and 2007-08 La Niña, this reduction in live tissue was most likely caused by elevated sea surface temperatures. Data on the growth and resilience of P. lobata populations at Devil’s Crown will be used for conservation and management of this important resource.