Brazilian Journal of Biology最新文献

{"title":"Expanding the menu: new host plants of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in southern Brazil.","authors":"G R Abib, C P Demari, L J Medeiros, A S Araújo, M Savaris, R A Zucchi, D E Nava","doi":"10.1590/1519-6984.304065","DOIUrl":"10.1590/1519-6984.304065","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sampling fruit, especially those of native species that act as natural reservoirs for fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae), is crucial for fruit production. Therefore, this study aimed to identify fruit fly species, their hosts, and natural enemies in the Pelotas region (Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) through fruit sampling. Samples were collected from 15 sites within the Pelotas microregion between October 2022 and March 2024. Following the identification of emerged fruit flies and parasitoids, infestation and parasitism rates were calculated. The following species were recovered from a total of 3,827 puparia: Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) (lato sensu) (91.33%), Anastrepha chiclayae Greene, 1934 (0.89%), and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) (7.7%). Infestation occurred in 19 of the 25 sampled fruit species, with the highest incidence in Myrtaceae species. The highest infestation rates were observed in Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret, Passiflora caerulea L., Psidium guajava L. and Psidium cattleyanum Sabine. Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti, 1911) was the most frequent parasitoid and exhibited the highest parasitism rates. Four new hosts were recorded: three for A. fraterculus [Campomanesia aurea O. Berg, Passiflora caerulea L., and Psidium salutare (Kunth) O. Berg] and one for C. capitata [Citrus unshiu (Swingle) Marcow]. These records expand the understanding of associations between Anastrepha species and host plants. Moreover, they reinforce the importance of host surveys, especially of native species in woodlands adjacent to orchards, for the monitoring and management of A. fraterculus.</p>","PeriodicalId":55326,"journal":{"name":"Brazilian Journal of Biology","volume":"86 ","pages":"e304065"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148406991","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Application of Sapindus saponaria L. extract as a natural biosurfactant in liquid soap formulation.","authors":"M J M Paiva, M S Araujo, N L Carvalho, R F D Paiva, S D S C Herrera, P O Vellano, W B D'Alessandro, T T Santos, G S Souza","doi":"10.1590/1519-6984.300385","DOIUrl":"10.1590/1519-6984.300385","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Growing environmental concerns associated with synthetic surfactants have intensified the search for sustainable natural alternatives in cleaning formulations. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating Sapindus saponaria L. extract as a natural biosurfactant into liquid soap formulations. A hydroalcoholic extract was obtained and characterized through determination of the aphrosymmetric index and Liebermann-Burchard reaction for saponin confirmation. Functional performance was assessed by foam formation and persistence tests, emulsification index evaluation, surface tension measurement using the Du Noüy ring method, rheological analysis by rotational viscometry, detergency and wetting assays, and preliminary stability testing including 30-day pH monitoring. The extract exhibited a high aphrosymmetric index (2,928.97) and reduced surface tension from 72.3 mN/m (distilled water) to 42.7 mN/m. The final extract-based liquid soap formulation reached 33.4 mN/m, values comparable to those observed for the SDS-based formulation (30.2 mN/m). Apparent viscosity values were 3,580 cP (10 rpm) and 2,910 cP (20 rpm), indicating pseudoplastic behavior similar to that of the synthetic system. Cleaning efficiency (81.6%) and wetting time (18.4 s) were also comparable to the SDS-based formulation. pH remained stable over 30 days (ΔpH = 0.14) with no significant physical instability. However, no emulsification capacity was observed with vegetable oils.These findings demonstrate that S. saponaria extract presents physicochemical and functional performance comparable to the evaluated synthetic surfactant for foaming and cleansing applications in liquid soap formulations, although limitations in emulsification restrict its applicability in biphasic systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":55326,"journal":{"name":"Brazilian Journal of Biology","volume":"86 ","pages":"e300385"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148407051","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The precautionary principle in biodiversity conservation: a systematic literature review.","authors":"I Vargas-Chaves, J López-Oliva, A Alarcón-Peña","doi":"10.1590/1519-6984.305867","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.305867","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The precautionary principle has emerged as a critical framework in biodiversity conservation, particularly in addressing uncertainties and potential irreversible harms to ecosystems. Despite its growing prominence, the application of this principle remains contested, with divergent interpretations and operational challenges across contexts. This systematic literature review synthesizes existing research to elucidate the role, implementation, and implications of the precautionary principle in biodiversity conservation. We examine how the principle is conceptualized and applied, identify key challenges and opportunities, and explore its effectiveness in guiding conservation decisions. The review employs a strict methodological approach to methodically examine peer-reviewed literature, with an emphasis on identifying thematic patterns and gaps in the discourse. Our results indicate that although the precautionary principle is broadly endorsed as a protective measure against ecological threats, its application is often hindered by unclear definitions, divergent stakeholder interests, and insufficient empirical evidence. Nevertheless, empirical research shows its capacity to promote forward-looking preservation methods by blending adaptive management with collaborative techniques. The review concludes by emphasizing the need for more precise directives and situation-specific structures to improve the principle's effectiveness in biodiversity conservation. This study synthesizes diverse perspectives, advancing a more refined understanding of the precautionary principle's role in addressing current conservation issues.</p>","PeriodicalId":55326,"journal":{"name":"Brazilian Journal of Biology","volume":"85 ","pages":"e305867"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148407018","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improving sperm quality of large South American catfish using trehalose-based activating solutions.","authors":"T S França, L N Spica, E A Sanches, R B Rodrigues, N S Teixeira, J L Benato, E T Nicoleti, R Y D Kasai, J A Povh, D P Streit-Junior","doi":"10.1590/1519-6984.300407","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.300407","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Leiarius marmoratus, Zungaru jahu, and Phractocephalus hemioliopterus are large South American catfish species of high commercial and environmental value. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of trehalose solutions at different concentrations (25, 50, 75, and 100 mM), used as activating media, on sperm kinetic parameters over time (10 to 60 seconds post-activation). Sperm from L. marmoratus (n = 4), Z. jahu (n = 2), and P. hemioliopterus (n = 4) were collected following hormonal induction. A pooled sperm sample per species was activated with trehalose solutions and distilled water (control). Sperm kinetics were assessed using a Computer Assisted Sperm Analyzer (CASA). Mean sperm volumes were 0.78 ± 0.17 mL for L. marmoratus, 0.5 ± 0.2 mL for Z. jahu, and 2.4 ± 0.9 mL for P. hemioliopterus. In L. marmoratus, 50 and 75 mM trehalose solutions significantly improved motility duration, percentage, velocity, and progression compared to water. Similarly, 50 and 75 mM trehalose prolonged Z. jahu sperm motility, particularly after 40 seconds, although no significant effect was observed in the first 30 seconds. For P. hemioliopterus, higher trehalose concentrations (75 and 100 mM) increased sperm velocities and progression while reducing motility; thus, distilled water and lower trehalose concentrations (25 and 50 mM) solutions proved more effective. Trehalose solutions containing 50 and 75 mM are recommended for L. marmoratus and Z. jahu sperm activation. For P. hemioliopterus activating sperm, distilled water is better indicated, and trehalose solutions containing more than 50 mM should be avoided.</p>","PeriodicalId":55326,"journal":{"name":"Brazilian Journal of Biology","volume":"86 ","pages":"e300407"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148407003","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Water-retaining polymer in Dipteryx alata seedlings: strategy to mitigate the effect of water deficit.","authors":"J K V Dos Santos, S P Q Scalon, C C Santos, H L Dos Santos, J M Silverio, M S da Silva","doi":"10.1590/1519-6984.298712","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.298712","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Water deficit is a stressful condition that negatively affects photosynthetic metabolism and plant growth. In an attempt to alleviate the effect of low water availability, the use of water-retaining polymer (hydrogel) has proven to be a viable strategy. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the hydrogel on photosynthetic metabolism and antioxidant protection in Dipteryx alata Vogel. seedlings under water deficit and on potential recovery in post-stress. The seedlings grown under the following water regimes: i) control - irrigated daily, ii) water deficit - suspension of irrigation, and iii) water deficit + hydrogel - addition of polymer in the time of transplanting. Assessments were carried out at photosynthesis close to zero and at recovery (resumption of irrigation after). We observed decreased in gas exchange and growth of seedlings subjected to water deficit in photosynthesis close to zero, but those with hydrogel maintained high values, in addition to a more efficient recovery. Although the hydrogel did not contribute to chlorophyll a fluorescence, it favored enzymatic regulation similar to control plants, especially peroxidase in leaves and roots, and superoxide dismutase in roots. D. alata responds to water deficit activating protective mechanisms through physiological and antioxidants adjustments that ensure its survival when exposed to water deficit and its recovery post-stress, indicating phenotypic plasticity. The hydrogel contributes positively to the photosynthetic, enzymatic, and quality maintenance of D. alata seedlings during and after stress.</p>","PeriodicalId":55326,"journal":{"name":"Brazilian Journal of Biology","volume":"86 ","pages":"e298712"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148407006","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficiency of stabilized nitrogen mineral fertilizers for spring wheat.","authors":"V M Lapushkin, A A Lapushkina, S P Torshin, Y E Guseva, I I Seregina, A N Naliukhin, S L Belopukhov","doi":"10.1590/1519-6984.301142","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.301142","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>It is commonly known that, the use of nitrogen fertilizers is associated with adverse impact on the environment due to greenhouse gases (N2O, NOx) and ammonia emission and groundwater pollution with nitrates. Stabilization of nitrogen-containing fertilizers with nitrification and urease inhibitors reduces inefficient losses of nitrogen from mineral fertilizers and increases their direct consumption in the agricultural crop yields development. The paper presents the results of field trials on the effectiveness of N, NPK and NPS fertilizers (urea, ammophoska and sulfoammophos) stabilized by 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate nitrification inhibitor and N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide urease inhibitor applied in spring wheat crops. Microplot field trials were carried out in 2022-23 on cultivated sod-podzolic soil of light loamy grain-size distribution within the Field Trial Station of the Russian State Agrarian University - K.A. Timiryazev Moscow Agricultural Academy. Studies proved the use of inhibitors combined with ammophoska and carbamide to obtain a 12-14% yield gain and an increase in protein picking by 10-15%. The use of nitrification and urease inhibitors reduced the adverse affect on the environment due to a higher content of mineral nitrogen in the soil during the growing season and improved consumption of fertilizer nitrogen by plants. The efficiency of NPS, NPK and carbamide nitrogen use under the influence of the nitrification inhibitor increased by 2, 10 and 18%, respectively. The use of a urease inhibitor combined with carbamide enhanced nitrogen use efficiency by 12%. The payback of fertilizers by grain yield under the influence of inhibitors increased by 2-7 kg kg-1. Laboratory tests output on the transformation intensity of mineral fertilizer nitrogen confirmed the results of field trials and showed that combined use of a nitrification inhibitor and carbamide proved to be the most effective in regard that the content of ammonium nitrogen in the soil 1, 2 and 4 is 51-125% higher compared to conventional urea. At the same time, a decrease in the accumulation of nitrate nitrogen in the soil by 53-64% is observed. Thus, the use of stabilized nitrogen-containing fertilizers contributes to a significant increase in crop yields, particularly spring soft wheat, as well as increased nitrogen fertilizer consumption and a reduction in the negative impact on the environment.</p>","PeriodicalId":55326,"journal":{"name":"Brazilian Journal of Biology","volume":"86 ","pages":"e301142"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148407063","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diurnal variation in the chemical composition of Psidium decussatum DC. (Myrtaceae) essential oil.","authors":"F F Santana, D R Brito, A M Santos, E C Santos, I D Basílio Junior","doi":"10.1590/1519-6984.303613","DOIUrl":"10.1590/1519-6984.303613","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this study, the influence of diurnal variation on the chemical composition of the essential oil from the leaves of Psidium decussatum DC., a species of the Myrtaceae family, was investigated. Samples were collected at 5 a.m., 12 p.m., and 6 p.m. The oil extraction method used was steam-assisted hydrodistillation with a Clevenger apparatus. The samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Compound identification was performed by comparing the compounds with the NIST database. Variations in essential oil yield were observed, with higher values in the morning and afternoon and lower values at night. In total, 25 compounds were identified in the 5 a.m. sample and 20 compounds in the 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. samples. The morning sample showed greater chemical diversity. The 6 p.m. sample exhibited higher concentrations of eucalyptol and γ-terpinene. These differences may be associated with variations in light and temperature throughout the day, factors that influence the synthesis of secondary metabolites. It is concluded that the essential oil of P. decussatum varies both qualitatively and quantitatively according to the collection time. It is also concluded that the main constituents were eucalyptol, γ-terpinene, caryophyllene, L-α-terpineol, and linalool, with monoterpenes predominant in all samples. The main contribution of this study is to expand the chemical knowledge of a little-studied species. By providing detailed data on the chemical profile of endemic plants from the semi-arid region of Alagoas, this work supports the sustainable use and technological development of these plants.</p>","PeriodicalId":55326,"journal":{"name":"Brazilian Journal of Biology","volume":"86 ","pages":"e303613"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148407045","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of humus and nitrate content in soils and dynamics of their changes in the conditions of agricultural work in Kostanay region.","authors":"A Yskak, A Nugmanov, V Chashkov, T Paramonova, A Shcheglov, M Nurushev, S Tulkubayeva, Y Tulayev, S Somova, Z Irzhanov, A Bashev","doi":"10.1590/1519-6984.305242","DOIUrl":"10.1590/1519-6984.305242","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The goal of the study was to assess the humus and nitrogen status of the main arable soils of Kostanay region and to identify signs of soil degradation associated with long-term agricultural use. The research was based on the generalization of long-term agrochemical monitoring data (2012-2023) and included the analysis of humus content and nitrate nitrogen in ordinary and southern black soils, as well as dark chestnut soils, using standard laboratory methods and statistical evaluation of spatial and vertical variability. The results showed that the humus content in arable soils is generally reduced compared to virgin analogues and corresponds mainly to medium- and low-humus levels, with clear differentiation across soil types and administrative districts. Nitrate nitrogen availability was found to be low or very low in a significant proportion of agricultural lands, indicating insufficient plant nutrition and ongoing depletion processes. The study also revealed spatial variability of agrochemical indicators and a predominantly accumulative profile distribution with maxima in the arable horizon. In conclusion, the obtained results confirm the development of degradation processes in the soils of Kostanay region and highlight the need for systematic soil monitoring and the implementation of sustainable land management practices aimed at restoring soil fertility and maintaining agricultural productivity.</p>","PeriodicalId":55326,"journal":{"name":"Brazilian Journal of Biology","volume":"86 ","pages":"e305242"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148407032","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dynamics of the cutting apparatus drive of a front-mounted header for grass harvesting.","authors":"A Adilsheyev, Zh Zhumagulov, O Zhortuylov, D Abilzhanov","doi":"10.1590/1519-6984.306098","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.306098","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In grass headers of self-propelled and trailed mower-conditioners, the drive of a double-knife cutting apparatus is implemented by two wobble-plate mechanisms mounted on the sidewalls of the header platform and interconnected by long intermediate shafts and couplings. This drive configuration is structurally complex and material-intensive, as it consists of two independent mechanisms. Based on an analysis of existing designs and studies of cutting apparatus drive mechanisms, a new crank-rocker mechanism with flexible elastic links is proposed for driving two knives. A distinctive feature of the proposed mechanism is that the movable flexible elastic links form a closed-loop contour. The use of flexible links makes it possible to reduce the weight and material consumption of the mechanism. Owing to the presence of flexible links, the mechanism does not require high manufacturing and assembly accuracy and is insensitive to frame deformations, which contributes to improved operational reliability. The principal advantage of the proposed crank-rocker mechanism with flexible elastic links is that a single mechanism provides the drive for both knives of the cutting apparatus. Differential equations of knife motion were derived, taking into account the elastic and damping properties of the flexible elastic links of the mechanism. Solving these equations made it possible to determine the kinematic parameters of the cutting apparatus, including knife displacement, speed, and acceleration, while accounting for technological and inertial loads. During the reciprocating motion of the two knives in antiphase, the inertial forces of the knives are not completely balanced. The unbalanced inertial forces caused by the elastic compliance of the flexible links are insignificant. The operating mode of the mechanism lies in the subresonant region of the amplitude-frequency response.</p>","PeriodicalId":55326,"journal":{"name":"Brazilian Journal of Biology","volume":"86 ","pages":"e306098"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148406983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"How did this plant arrive here? Range expansion of the potentially invasive aquatic macrophyte Sagittaria montevidensis (Alismataceae) to Northeastern Brazil.","authors":"M C A Pestana, E P Silva, L C Santos-Júnior, R V C Saraiva, R F Oliveira, C N Damasceno-Durval, A B B Silva, E A E Guarçoni, J A S Leroy","doi":"10.1590/1519-6984.303769","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.303769","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sagittaria montevidensis is an aquatic macrophyte distributed across South America, especially in southern Brazil. In this study, we report the first confirmed record of this species in northeastern Brazil, based on collections from irrigated rice fields in Arari (Maranhão State). The populations observed at the study sites exhibit vigorous active reproduction and show patterns warranting evaluation of possible herbicide resistance, indicating strong potential for establishment and spread in the region. Considering the species' large geographic disjunction, long-distance dispersal by waterbirds emerges as the most plausible introduction pathway for Maranhão. We provide a morphological description, photographs, and an updated distribution map for the species in Brazil. We also discuss the environmental conditions that favor its establishment and the potential ecological and agronomic implications of its introduction.</p>","PeriodicalId":55326,"journal":{"name":"Brazilian Journal of Biology","volume":"86 ","pages":"e303769"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148370721","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}