Podocarpus lambertii (Podocarpaceae) is an endangered conifer, endemic to Brazil and occurring in continuous forest and forest-grassland landscapes from the Araucaria Forest. Aiming to support conservation efforts for P. lambertii populations and gain insights into the preservation of forest-grassland mosaics in southern Brazil, we assessed the spatial pattern, genetic diversity, and fine-scale genetic structure (FSGS) within a population situated in a forest-grassland mosaic. The study was conducted in a 9-ha plot in forest-grassland mosaic. All P. lambertii individuals with height >= 0.1 m were sampled and the population was stratified into four demographic categories (Seedling, Juvenile, Immature, and Reproductive). For each of these categories, we used 13 allozyme markers to evaluate the spatial pattern, genetic diversity and FSGS. All individuals occurred inside the forest-patches, presenting an aggregated pattern of distribution. Low genetic diversity was recorded for all categories and for the population ((H) over cap (E)= 0.046, as well as a high number of rare alleles (20). Positive and significant FSGS was estimated only for the Juveniles ((theta) over cap (xy)= 0.012) up to maximum distance of 7.1 m, and the minimum viable area for the long-term conservation of Reproductive genetic diversity was approximately 68 ha. The set of our findings suggests that conservation actions need to enhance connectivity among forest-patches to prevent the loss of rare alleles due to genetic drift. Additionally, we highlight the significance of preserving forest-patches as repositories of species diversity and as crucial connectors between populations.

A espécie herbácea rizomatosa Hedychium coronarium J.Koenig é de origem asiática e ocorre como invasora na maioria dos estados do Brasil. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a influência de H. coronarium sobre as comunidades de herbáceas terrícolas e de regeneração natural de lenhosas em um remanescente de Floresta Ombrófila Mista Aluvial em Curitiba - PR. As comunidades foram amostradas considerando-se dois tratamentos: (EC) elevada cobertura de H. coronarium (>60%); (BC) baixa cobertura de H. coronarium (<30%). Foram avaliadas duas comunidades: i) espécies herbáceas (incluindo subarbustivas) e ii) plântulas de espécies lenhosas entre 15 cm - 130 cm de altura. No EC, H. coronarium apresentou cobertura média de 78,06%, sendo registradas apenas cinco espécies herbáceas nativas e 24 lenhosas nativas. No BC, a cobertura média da invasora foi de 6,29%, com registro de 17 herbáceas nativas e 37 lenhosas nativas. A herbácea nativa mais representativa foi Christella dentata (Forssk.) Brownsey & Jermy, enquanto, dentre as lenhosas, destacou-se Myrcia selloi (Spreng.) N.Silveira por sua frequência e abundância. A abundância das lenhosas no EC foi aproximadamente quatro vezes menor que no BC, mostrando que a elevada densidade de H. coronarium exerce influência negativa nas comunidades vegetais nativas. A elevada cobertura da espécie invasora resulta na redução da riqueza de espécies e do número de indivíduos nas comunidades, tanto de herbáceas quanto da regeneração de lenhosas.

Hedychium coronarium J.Koenig is a rhizomatous herbaceous species native to Asia and invasive in most states of Brazil. We aimed to evaluate the influence of H. coronarium on terrestrial herbaceous communities and natural regeneration of woody plants in a remnant of Alluvial Araucaria Forest in Curitiba - PR. The communities were sampled considering two treatments: (EC) high coverage of H. coronarium (>60%); (BC) low coverage of H. coronarium (<30%). Two communities were recorded: i) herbaceous vascular species (including subshrubs) and ii) seedlings of woody species between 15130 cm height. In EC H. coronarium had an average cover of 78.06%, with only five native herbaceous species and 24 native woody species. The average cover of the invasive in BC was 6.29%, with 17 native herbaceous and 37 woody native species. The most representative native herbaceous was Christella dentata (Forssk.) Brownsey & Jermy, while among the woody species Myrcia selloi (Spreng.) N.Silveira stood out for its frequency and abundance. The abundance of woody plants in the EC was approximately four times less than in the BC, showing that the high density of H. coronarium negatively influences native plant communities. The high cover of the invasive species results in a decrease in species richness and the number of individuals in the communities, both herbaceous and woody regeneration

ABSTRACT Ecological restoration mitigates the negative effects of fragmentation and habitat loss. This practice allows the conservation of key species, such as Ocotea porosa, a tree native to the Araucaria Forest and extremely endangered. A key point in restoration projects is the source of seeds, as well as guidelines for collection. When carried out under technical criteria, the collection allows the maintenance of genetic diversity and adaptive potential in restoration plantations. Given the importance of seed source, genetic diversity, and adaptive potential, this study aimed to define areas and criteria for collecting seeds by characterizing the demography, genetics, and reproductive phenology of an O. porosa population. A plot of 16 hectares was installed in the municipality of Passos Maia, Santa Catarina, Brazil, and a demographic survey of trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) > 15 cm was carried out. Indices of diversity and internal genetic structure (IGS) were estimated using allozyme markers. The reproductive phenology of 67 individuals was evaluated during 8 months. The studied population showed a high density of individuals (10.7 ind. ha-1) with normal diametric distribution. The phenological pattern of the species is regular, seasonal, and annual. The evaluated population showed high genetic diversity, high fixation index, and significant IGS up to 80 meters away. Based on these results, the evaluated fragment can be used as a seed collection area. It has high genetic diversity, density, and area size sufficient to contain several demes. In addition, it is highly recommended that the matrices be at least 80 meters apart to avoid the effects of significant IGS.

Logging and agricultural exploitation have led to the degradation of Araucaria Forest remnants and the alteration of its last preserved patches. This forest typology contains many endangered plant species, as is the case of the tree Oreopanax fulvus Marchal. To support conservation of this species and understand how different landscape matrices can influence its populations, we evaluated the demographic structure and spatial distribution of O. fulvus in two Araucaria Forest remnants in Paraná state. We delimited two plots (urban and rural population), each with 1 ha, subdivided them into 100 subplots (10 x 10 m), and recorded diameter at ground level (DGL), height, and coordinates of two post-germinative developmental stage of individuals. In each subplot, we measured slope, luminosity, and canopy height. We used Ripley's K function analysis to describe distribution patterns of the species and the spatial relationship between mature and juvenile trees. We performed correlations between abundance and environmental and structural variables of the O. fulvus populations. Abundance varied between remnants, from 183 individuals/ha (12 mature and 171 juvenile) to 1306 individuals/ha (10 and 1296). The remnants varied in abundance and plant frequency. The species showed an investment in seedling banks. Most juvenile had DGL up to 3.0 cm and height up to 1.0 m and presented aggregated spatial distribution, while adults had random distribution. In the rural population juvenile abundance were correlated with canopy height (positively) and distance to mature trees (negatively). The slope was correlated for both sites, but oppositely, indicating that other factors might have interfered in the regeneration abundance. The urban remnant showed a high abundance of this endangered species, calling attention for potential studies in urban arborization, management and conservation of these remnants.

Population Biology of Palm Heart (Euterpe edulis Martius–Arecaceae) in Managed Landscape Units in Southern Brazil. The use of natural areas throughout history has created landscape mosaics. The landscape units assessed in this study on Euterpe edulis populations in southern Brazil consisted of secondary forests, rural homegardens, and sites inside a protected area (PA). Our goal was to compare the level of conservation of E. edulis populations in three landscape units in order to verify the influence of management practices. Twelve homegardens, four areas in secondary forests in rural properties, and several areas in a sustainable use PA were assessed. Population structure differed among the three groups of landscape units. The population density of E. edulis was higher in smaller size classes (seedling, young I) in the PA and in larger size classes (reproductive) in homegardens, whereas both situations occurred in secondary forests. Genetic divergence varied 0.001 and 0.0023 between landscape groups. The highest variation in genetic diversity indexes was recorded in homegardens, with the presence of alleles that were not found in the protected area. Genetic diversity indexes varied less in the protected area, while the average values were higher in secondary forests. We therefore concluded that the sites assessed outside protected areas also contribute to the conservation of this palm species.

Understanding spatiotemporal variations in genetic diversity and mating system can allow policymakers to better support actions towards conservation and management of plant populations. However, multiyear studies are still scarce for many long-lived tree species. Therefore, we herein analyze how genetic diversity, genetic structure and mating system of Araucaria angustifolia vary within and among populations, generations (adults and seed cohorts) and years. We evaluated two A. angustifolia populations occurring in forest-grassland landscapes, one of them for three years. Differences in Ho and He were observed among generations and populations, with significant fixation indexes for all adult and seed cohorts evaluated. Pairwise F-ST values showed that genetic divergences were greater between populations, followed by those among years, and, finally, less relevant values among generations. No significant spatial genetic structure was found in either population. Paternity correlation, number of pollen donors, coancestry and proportion of half and full-sibs may vary over the years in A. angustifolia. In practical terms, the present study demonstrates how recommendations for seed collection may change according to the evaluated year, such as the number of seed trees, which ranged from 42 to 48. Furthermore, multiyear analyses allow a more comprehensive understanding of the genetic aspects for a long-lived tree species. Finally, we present and discuss these aspects and their variations in space, time and between reproductive events, including recommendations for seed collection.

Population genetics studies are widely recognized for generating useful knowledge for biodiversity conservation. To date, however, little is known about the levels and distribution of genetic diversity of Drymis brasiliensis (Miers LC), a tree species from the Atlantic Rainforest. Therefore, in this study, we investigated how genetic diversity is distributed within and among populations of D. brasiliensis from southern Brazil using allozyme markers to genotype reproductive trees (8 populations) and seedlings (3 populations). Furthermore, in two populations, we established two permanent plots (5.1 and 1 ha) to analyze fine-scale genetic structure (FSGS). Studied populations presented low levels of genetic diversity (reproductive = 0.085; seedlings = 0.054) and high fixation indexes (reproductive = 0.396; seedlings = 0.231). Genetic divergence among populations was equal to 0.05, which is significant, signaling that few populations can conserve large portions of the species total genetic diversity. FSGS was only detected for one population, when reproductive individuals were separated by less than 40 m. Low genetic diversity combined with high fixation indexes clearly signal a risk of losing diversity. Therefore, conservation efforts should be aimed at enhancing gene flow within the studied populations.

The restinga is a threatened Brazilian ecosystem and a highly heterogeneous environment. This work aimed to evaluate demographic and genetic aspects of Varronia curassavica and whether environmental heterogeneity can influence the studied population parameters. Three annual evaluations were carried out in an area of restinga in Florianópolis-SC, Brazil. Demographic data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the spatial distribution pattern was calculated by Ripley's K-function and correlated with environmental characteristics. To characterize diversity and genetic structure, eight microsatellite markers were used. This work demonstrated that variations in the distribution of individuals and genotypes can be related to specific environments. Dry lowlands were environments favorable to population development, and flooded lowland and mobile dunes were unfavorable. The fixation indices were distinct between environments, evidencing a tendency toward preferential crosses in favor of heterozygotes. We found absence of spatial genetic structure, indicating that genotypes are randomly distributed and that gene flow may be related to such genetic factors as the presence of autoincompatibility mechanisms. This diversity of environments contributed to the aggregate distribution and is relevant for the maintenance of demographic and genetic processes of the species in restingas, and this aspect should be considered for in situ conservation.

The reproductive system determines evolutionary inheritance of populations by establishing patterns of gametes union to originate the next generation. The objective of this study was to investigate the mating system of Mimosa scabrella Benth. (bracatinga), a Brazilian tree species with socioeconomic and ecological importance, in a population of the mountainous region of Santa Catarina state, in two consecutive reproductive events. The analyzes in the 2015 and 2016 reproductive events were lead with isoenzymatic markers and the mating system characterization was performed based on mixed crosses and correlated crosses models, and the means of each parameter were statistically compared. Among the results, the multilocus outcrossing rates (tm(2015): 0.925 and tm(2016): 0.845) showed high magnitude and differed from the unit; the self-fertilization rates were significantly different from zero (s (2015): (0.075 and(2016): 0.155) indicating that the species does not show self-incompatibility. In addition, the positive outcrossing rates among relatives (tm-ts(2015): 0.142 and tm-ts(2016): 0.170) suggest inbreeding crosses in the population. The highest proportions in offspring were half-sibs (2015: 0.736 and 2016: 0.579), suggesting predominance of randomness at crossings. From this it is concluded that M. scabrella has a mixed mating system, with predominance of crossing at population level.

Population genetics studies can provide knowledge in support of conservation efforts for plant populations. We studied the genetic diversity and structure in nine populations of Calophyllum brasiliense from Santa Catarina state, Brazil, aiming to establish conservation strategies. Allozymic markers were used to genotype about 50 individuals from each population. Moderate genetic diversity (mean = 0.135) and high fixation indexes (mean = 0.259) were estimated. Genetic divergence was significant, equal to 0.140, and a Bayesian analysis found two different genetic groupings. The results show clear signs of risk of diversity loss, basically related to restrictions of effective size. As conservation efforts, we suggested the use of C. brasiliense in restoration programs and for wood production. We also suggested the protection of its associated fauna and the development of more protected areas. Finally, populations 430, 640, 642 and 913 were indicated as priorities for conservation, based on their genetic indexes.

Anthropic pressure has caused several changes in the environment, such as habitat loss and fragmentation. One effective way to evaluate its effects on population genetics is to monitor populations through time. We aimed to characterize the population genetics of six plant species at two different times (cohorts). We asked (1) if populations show genetic divergence between cohorts, (2) if any significant changes are present between the genetic index of cohorts and, if so, (3) whether such changes are related to the adult cohort fixation index. To address these questions, we studied 61 populations of 50 adult and 50 seedling individuals genotyped with allozyme markers. We calculated allelic richness (Ar), observed (Ho) and expected heterozygosity (He), and fixation index (f) for each population cohort; and pairwise F-ST between cohorts. Seedlings were genetically similar to the adults (mean pairwise F-ST = 0.014). No difference was found in the proportion of populations that showed increases and decreases of the genetic indexes over cohorts, except f, for which more populations showed a decrease. Adult fixation index had a correlation with Ho (r = 0.507, p = 3.10(-5)) and He (r = - 0.247, p = 0.055). A mean test between cohorts revealed the maintenance of high f values in Araucaria angustifolia and Ocotea catharinensis, as well as a significant decrease in He of Euterpe edulis, species widely explored in the past. Although we only studied two cohorts, general trends and significant changes were detected, which could be important in the conservation of those six species.

Podocarpus lambertii (Podocarpaceae) é conhecido popularmente como pinheiro-bravo. Ocorre em várias formações florestais da Mata Atlântica, principalmente na Floresta Ombrófila Mista. Devido à intensa exploração madeireira sofrida pela espécie, ela está presente na categoria “Quase ameaçada” da Lista Vermelha das Espécies Ameaçadas da IUCN. Diante disso, este estudo teve por objetivo caracterizar a diversidade e estrutura genética de 12 populações no Estado de Santa Catarina, a fim de gerar informações para fundamentar estratégias de conservação para a espécie. Foram coletadas folhas de 50 indivíduos adultos em cada população. Para acessar os níveis e a distribuição da diversidade genética, utilizaram-se 10 sistemas enzimáticos. As frequências alélicas, a porcentagem de locos polimórficos (P100%), as heterozigosidades observada (HO) e esperada (HE), o índice de fixação (f) e a divergência genética (FST) foram calculados com auxílio do programa FSTAT. Os 10 sistemas enzimáticos analisados revelaram 11 locos com um total de 32 alelos (A= 1,8). As populações de Podocarpus lambertii apresentaram baixa diversidade genética (P100% = 52,7; HO = 0,049; HE = 0,079). As frequências alélicas das populações apresentaram desvios significativos das esperadas em Equilíbrio de Hardy-Weinberg, evidenciando um deficit de heterozigotos (f = 0,374). A presença de alelos raros nas populações e uma divergência genética significativa (FST = 0,303) evidenciam um baixo fluxo gênico histórico e um grande risco de perda de diversidade. Os resultados obtidos indicam a necessidade de conservação in situ das várias populações de Podocarpus lambertii e de um aumento da conectividade entre as populações remanescentes.

O estudo objetivou caracterizar a diversidade genética em duas populações de Mimosa scabrella Benth.(bracatinga) em Lages-

Restoration of degraded ecosystems is essential for the conservation of global biodiversity. In southern Brazil, the Araucaria forest is a highly reduced and fragmented ecosystem of the Atlantic Forest Biome, and restoration is recommended for the conservation of both Araucaria forest and Araucaria angustifolia, an endangered conifer of this ecosystem. Thus, knowledge about seed collection sites, criteria for the maintenance of genetic diversity, and adaptive potential of seeds is crucial to restoration success. Therefore, this study aimed to identify priority areas for seed collection of A. angustifolia based on its previously known genetic, demographic and geographic characteristics. To accomplish this, the density of reproductive individuals of A. angustifolia associated with a probability of reproduction (50% or 90%) was extrapolated to all the Araucaria forest fragments from Santa Catarina state (SC), Brazil. Then, we estimated which forest fragments would be suitable for seed collection based on average values of fine scale genetic structure (FSGS) and the number of sampled seed trees for which different effective population sizes (100 or 1000) could be retained. Despite high fragmentation, some forest fragments remain suitable as seed source for restoration. However, using strict criteria, only 4.1% of the fragments could be deemed suitable. Collectively, our results represent a starting point for policymakers concerned with identifying restoration areas for endangered species, in particular, the criteria for seed collection of A. angustifolia.

Distinct environments drive particular responses in the reproduction pattern of plants and may have ecological and evolutionary consequences for local populations. Currently, populations of the palm Butia eriospatha are found in forests and open grasslands in southern Brazil, providing opportunities to investigate how this species responds to recent habitat transformations. We assessed phenology and fruit morphology in two geographically close populations of B. eriospatha under contrasting environmental conditions – forest and open grassland – to address the following questions: 1) Are there phenotypic differences between populations of B. eriospatha occurring in contrasting habitats? 2) What ecological and evolutionary consequences could those differences impose on local populations? Greater variation was observed within the forest population. The grassland population showed lighter endocarps on average, reflecting a greater proportion of pulp per fruit, but smaller seeds, which may suggest plasticity, local adaptation, or both after the habitat transformation. Reproductive status is dependent on individuals' sizes in the forest environment but not for the open grassland population. Additionally, the average production of infructescences per individual is lower in the forest environment. Our findings indicate that the transformation of B. eriospatha's habitat has promoted important phenotypic changes. We emphasize the importance of forest environments in promoting dispersal selectivity, which may increase population fitness through time.

The study aimed to characterize the genetic diversity in two Mimosa scabrella Benth. (bracatinga) populations in Lages, Santa Catarina State, southem Brazil, located at Mixed Ombrophylous Forest Montana with different landscapes. The population of UDESC Experimental Farm is in a region with a historic of usage for agriculture and livestock in the recente past. In the Natural Park of Lages the population is located in a Conservation Unit, presenting a large part of the individuals clustered and confined in the preserved Mixed Ombrophilous Forest, although with historic of selective logging in the past. By isoenzymatic analyzes, genotypes of 50 adult individuals from each population were interpreted for nine isoenzymatic loci (PGI, 6PGDH, PGM, SKDH, IDH, PRX, ME, beta-EST and DIA). By the GenAlEx 6.5 statistical program, mean values of the parameters of genetic diversity were estimated in both populations, being these compared by Confidence Intervals to 95%. Among the genetic diversity parameters, some estimates in the respective populations of Experimental Farm and Natural Park were: polymorphism in the locus (P%): 88,8 and 100; number of alleles per loco ((A) over cap): 3,555 and 3,444; observed heterozygosity (Ho): 0.427 and 0.309 and expected heterozygosity (He): 0,469 and 0,362. It is concluded that there is no evidence that the genetic diversity of M. scabrella has been influenced by different histories of the landscapes usage where both populations are located.

The grasslands conversion to forests is occurring globally and modifying the population dynamics of species. Here, we characterized the population dynamics of Podocarpus lambertii Klotzsch ex Endl. over four years in southern Brazilian forest–grassland mosaics. We asked (i) if the studied P. lambertii population would decrease or increase over time and (ii) what the role of forest patches is in the growth and recruitment of a P. lambertii population. Thus, we studied forest–grassland mosaics, stratified the population into four demographic classes, evaluated the population dynamics, and estimated the correlation between canopy cover and average number of individuals. All individuals of P. Lambertii occurred in forest patches. Density was high but decreased from seedlings to the reproductive stage. The population growth rate was λ = 1.025, and the recruitment of individuals was high and variable among years. The transition and mortality rates showed a pattern of reduction from seedlings to the reproductive stage. Mortality rate for seedlings and juveniles was low and concentrated at the smaller heights. The correlations between canopy cover and the average number of individuals were positive and significant. The ecological characteristics of this species and specific conditions provided by forest patches allow population growth and species conservation in the southern Brazilian forest–grassland mosaics.

In this study, we broadly characterized the genetic diversity of two endangered tree species, Euterpe edulis and Ocotea catharinensis. These species represent different ecological characteristics and different landscape situations, and they were selected within a wide sampling network in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, aiming to elucidate the conservation status of both species and suggest conservation strategies. To accomplish this, we used isoenzyme markers to genotype 20 and 19 reproductive populations and 9 and 12 seedling populations for E. edulis and O. catharinensis, respectively. We also estimated metrics of the sampled fragments and constrained the variation of genetic diversity indexes to these metrics through redundancy analysis. High levels of genetic diversity were found for both species/cohorts. These levels and their fluctuations within species’ cohorts were not significantly affected by the fragments metrics, suggesting that ecological characteristics may have greater importance in this context. This study shows that limitations to the gene flow and maintenance of allelic exchanges are crucial to define conservation efforts, even though fragmentation and exploitation can significantly impact the loss of diversity. As further conservation strategies, we suggest the use of E. edulis fruits and actions to increase population sizes for O. catharinensis.

Araucaria forest is a sub-tropical component of the Atlantic Forest Biome, occurring between 18 and 30 degrees S latitude, and 500-1,800 m altitude in Southern and Southwestern Brazil and Northwestern Argentina. In recent history (Twentieth century), this forest has undergone non-sustainable exploitation and reduction in area dedicated to agricultural and forestry use. However, smallholders continue using several resources from this forest, even adapting management systems. The main system is geared toward the production of yerba mate (Ilex para,guariensis) under araucaria trees (Araucania angustifolia), which holds economic, cultural, and social relevance for thousands of farmers. Seeking evidence of domestication and conservation of the resources managed in this system, we compared different landscapes on the Northern Plateau of Santa Catarina in Southern Brazil. Focusing on three species-yerba mate, araucaria and caraguata (Bromelia antiacantha)-we characterized management practices (interviews and guided tours), demographic structure (permanent plots in farming zones and in a protected area), and genetic diversity in populations from the same places. Demographic structure and genetic diversity from different landscapes were compared to evaluate the system potential for conservation. The results indicated that the three species are intentionally promoted with practices of protection, transplanting and/or selection, in different ways and with different functions (caraguata hedges, yerba mate harvesting, and collection of pinhoes-seed like nuts-of araucaria). Landscapes are managed for yerba mate harvesting and cattle raising, for both economic and cultural reasons, with a consequent reduction in the density of most other plant species. In all cases the genetic diversity of the species was high for most of the sampled properties, and the set of farmers' populations did not differ from the protected area. The set of populations of each species operates as a metapopulation and local management practices contribute to conservation. Thus, the farmers' management systems and practices maintain the landscape with productive forest fragments, favoring the conservation-by-use of these species. The system requires these management practices, which bring about changes in various species and are motivated by cultural and economic factors, in order to maintain the landscapes domesticated.