Lilloa

Removal cadmium and copper by Desmodesmus communis (Chlorophyta, Sphaeropleales) isolated from the high Andean wetland of Lake Junín (Peru)

Enoc Jara-Peña — 2025-11-18

Lake Junín, considered the second largest lake in Peru, is a high Andean wetland. However, it is polluted by heavy metal residues and domestic waste entering through the Upamayo Reservoir. The objective of the study was to determine the effectiveness of Desmodesmus communis in extracting cadmium and copper from the water. Phytoplankton were obtained by horizontal trawling at for sampling stations. In the laboratory, the phytoplankton were seeded in Petri dishes containing agar and Bold Basal Medium (BBM). The microalgal colonies were then cultured in flasks containing liquid BBM. Metal removal was determined by measuring the difference in metal concentrations between the beginning and the end of the experiment. Microalgal biomass was calculated by measuring the difference in weight between the initial and final stages. To evaluate chlorophyll a content, unicellular cultures were sieved, and 90% acetone was added; the mixture was then centrifuged at 2500 rpm for five minutes. Absorbance readings were then taken in the chlorophyll supernatant at 630, 647, 664 and 750 nm using a spectrophotometer. Cell density was evaluated daily using a Neubauer chamber, and cell counting was performed under a microscope. The results show that D. communis evaluated with treatments of 40 mg L^-1 of cadmium and 6 mg L^-1 of copper achieved the highest removal rates of cadmium with 46.56% and copper with 24.79%, respectively. However, the exposure of D. communis to copper and cadmium treatments significantly decreased biomass, cell density and chlorophyll a content compared to the negative control, which obtained higher biomass (0.21 g L^-1), a high chlorophyll a content (22.14 mg L^-1), and the maximum cell density (192.05 × 10 5 cells ml ^-1). This shows that this microalga is tolerant to cadmium and copper, and its removal from water is possible due to bioaccumulation mechanisms.

Fatoua villosa (Moraceae): first report as subspontaneous in Argentina and South America

Eva Bulacio — 2025-10-13

The occurrence of Fatoua villosa (Moraceae), a species native to tropical Asia and Australia, is cited for the first time in the adventitious flora of South American, based on specimens collected in the provinces of Tucumán and Jujuy (Argentina). This work provides a detailed description and illustration of the species its collection sites in Argentina. The development of the fruit is well described, elucidating this little-known process about which there are diverse and often confusing interpretations. With this record the number of Moraceae genera reported for the Argentine flora increases to eight, and the number of species to 17.

Phytoplankton of the Tajamar Basin in Northwestern Argentina

Virginia Mirande — 2025-11-18

This paper aim to contribute to the phycofloristic knowledge of the Tajamar basin from its tributaries (Chorrillos and Nío rivers) to the main course (Tajamar River). This basin, an area under studied regarding microalgae, is located in the Sierras del Nordeste, also known as the Sierras de Burruyacu, in Tucumán Province. It constitutes an arheic hydrographic network that infiltrates into the Bañado de Figueroa wetland (locality of Pozo Hondo, Santiago del Estero Province). Two sampling campaigns were carried out between 2016 and 2018, coinciding with the high water (spring-summer) and low-water (autumn-winter) season. Data on some environmental variables and phytoplankton samples (qualitative and quantitative) werecollected according to conventional protocols. Based on the results, the waters were classified as alkaline, well oxygenated and with a low organic load. A total of 164 species were recorded in the basin, belonging to Cyanobacteria (20), Charophyta (17), Chlorophyta (36), Heterokontophyta (diatoms) (87) and Euglenophyta (4). Diatoms contributed more than 50% to both the richness and abundance of individuals. The remaining algal groupsmade a more noticeable contribution in the Nio and Chorrillos tribitarios, with an important decrease in cyanobacteria, charophytes and chlorophytes in the Tajamar River. There was a predominance of rare species (few individuals) and those specific to each sampling site (37 records for the Chorrillos, 76 for the Nío and 52 for the Tajamar Rives). Finally, the algal taxa identified in this work contribute to the phycofloristic knowledge of the rivers in the Sierras del Nordeste, located in the Burruyacu Department, in the northeast of Tucumán.

Floral morpho-anatomy, sporogenesis and gametogenesis in Ligaria cuneifolia (Loranthaceae)

Stella Maris Solís — 2025-12-03

Loranthaceae comprises hemiparasitic, cosmopolitan plants. To provide information that contributes to a better understanding of the diversity in the Psittacantheae tribe and its phylogenetic relationships, the floral morpho-anatomy, vascularization, and formation of the microgametophyte and megagametophyte in Ligaria cuneifolia (Ruiz & Pav.) Tiegh. (subtribe Ligarinae) were analyzed. It has bisexual, heteroclamydeous flowers with a red-orange perianth, arranged in solitary inflorescences; rudimentary calyx, and tubular hexamerous corolla. The vascularization pattern is simple; traces and complexes branch off from a central eustele to innervate the parts of the different floral whorls. The mesophyll of the perianth segments shows cells
containing phenolic compounds and abundant sclereids. The androecium is tridynamous. The young anther has a monocotyledonous-type of antheral wall, formed by an exothecium, an endothecium with fibrillar thickenings, parietal layers, and a secretory tapetum with the presence of orbicules. Microsporogenesis and microgametogenesis are normal, pollen grains are two-celled when shed. The dehiscence of the three superior anthers occurs before anthesis, while the style exceeds the length of the stamens, preventing self-pollination. The stylar nectary is structured, lacks innervation, and the nectar is secreted through nectarostomata. The gynoecium exhibits an inferior, syncarpous, unilocular ovary. Internally, the hypostase is centrally located and supports the mamelon. This structure is constituted by amyliferous and sporogenous tissue. Successive divisions of this tissue give rise to numerous Polygonum-type megagametophytes. These extend along the stylar canal, accompanied by amyliferous tissue, when the flower is in pre-anthesis. The style is straight, filiform, and the stigma is papillose. The presence of an ovary reduced to a single placenta with an independent mamelon appears to be associated with an evolutionary trait that does not compromise the fertility or viability of the embryo sacs. The results are discussed in relation to what is known about the family Loranthaceae.

Preliminary study of the floristic composition and structure of a montane forest in the Chayu Nain Communal Reserve, Amazonas, Peru

Robin Fernandez-Hilario — 2025-11-18

Montane forests exhibit a great floristic diversity and high levels of endemism, located at elevation ranging from 1500 to 3500 m asl. The objective of this research was to evaluate the tree diversity and the floristic composition of montane forest areas within the Natural Protected Area “Chayu Nain Communal Reserve”. For this purpose, four 50 × 20 m plots were established, each subdivided into four 25 × 10 m subplots. All trees and arborescent plants with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ? 10 cm were coded and evaluated. In the four plots, 206 arboreal and arborescent individuals were recorded, distributed in 58 species, 37 genera, and 26 families. The greatest abundance of individuals was presented by the species Alchornea grandiflora Müll. Arg. (28 individuals), Weinmannia pinnata L. (23 individuals) and Alzatea verticillata Ruiz & Pav. (12 individuals); the genera Weinmannia (31 individuals), Alchornea (28 individuals), Miconia (12 individuals), and Alzatea (12 individuals); and the families Cunoniaceae (31 individuals), Euphorbiaceae (28 individuals), Melastomataceae (26 individuals), Rubiaceae (21 individuals), and Lauraceae (16 individuals). The greatest species richness was recorded by the genera Miconia (4 species), Palicourea (4 species), and Weinmannia (4 species), and the families Rubiaceae (9 species), Lauraceae (8 species), Melastomataceae (6 species) and Cunoniaceae (4 species). The results indicate that high values of richness and abundance were recorded in these plots, with families, genera, and species characteristic of montane forests.

Diversity of the genera Monactinus, Pediastrum, Pseudopediastrum and Stauridium (Chlorophyta: Hydrodictyaceae), from two Andean-Ecuadorian eutrophic lakes

Andrés Arévalo Moreno — 2025-11-13

The diversity of the genera Monactinus, Pediastrum, Pseudopediastrum, and Stauridium was investigated in two high-altitude eutrophic lakes in the Ecuadorian Andes: San Pablo and Yahuarcocha. The objective was to contribute to the knowledge of the local phycoflora. These green algae, belonging to the family Hydrodictyaceae, exhibit variety in terms of shape and size and serve as bioindicators of water quality and to reveal temperature variations. Samples were collected from November 2023 to January 2024 using a 24 µm pore size plankton net in the limnetic zone and by scraping aquatic plant roots in littoral zones. Samples were preserved with Transeau's solution. Eleven species were identified, five were exclusive to Yahuarcocha Lake, four to San Pablo Lake, and two were found in both water bodies. This study expands the knowledge of the Ecuadorian Andean phycoflora, surpassing previous records in the country. Seven new records are reported: Monactinus simplex var. duodenarium, M. simplex var. echinulatum, M. simplex var. sturmii, Pseudopediastrum boryanum var. longicorne, Ps. brevicorne, Stauridium tetras var. apiculatum, and S. tetras var. excisum. This contribution highlights the importance of continuing and expanding taxonomic studies of Ecuador's phycoflora.

Modelling the potential distribution of Gentianella weberbaueri (Gentianaceae) in Peru

Victor Santos-Linares — 2025-11-10

This study models the potential distribution of Gentianella weberbaueri, an endemic species of the Peruvian Andes, using the Boosted Regression Trees (BRT) algorithms. Thirty-five georeferenced occurrence records and 19 bioclimatic variables extracted from WorldClim v2.1 were used. The model showed a high predictive capacity (AUC = 0.994 ± 0.001), with the maximum temperature of the warmest month, annual precipitation, and precipitation of the wettest quarter being identified as the most influential variables. The spatial projection revealed a concentrated distribution in Áncash, Huánuco, La Libertad, Lima, and Junín, covering approximately 15784 km². These areas correspond to high Andean ecosystems between 3000 and 4900 m asl, characterized by cold climates and well-drained soils. The analysis suggests that, despite its classification as a species of least concern, G. weberbaueri faces risks from habitat fragmentation and climate change. It is recommended that conservation strategies be strengthened in areas of high ecological suitability, such as Huascarán National Park, and that biological corridors be implemented to ensure connectivity between subpopulations.

Biological Interactions in a Changing World

Myriam Catania — 2025-07-03

Interactions between organisms are fundamental to understanding the functioning and stability of ecosystems. These relationships influence productivity, population dynamics, and resilience to disturbances. Biodiversity encompasses not only the variety of species but also their interactions, which remain underexplored yet are essential in times of environmental crisis. In response to this challenge, the journal Lilloa presents the special issue Biological Interactions in a Changing World, featuring studies on relationships among plants, fungi, and algae across diverse ecological and evolutionary contexts. The issue explores mycorrhizal symbiosis, plant-fungus interactions, epibiosis, mycophagy, and trophic networks in urban wetlands, as well as taxonomic and morphological contributions on lesser-known fungi. This volume highlights the need to integrate ecological, evolutionary, functional, and applied approaches to advance our understanding of the intrincate web of biological interactions. The collected research reflects the scientific community’s commitment to comprehending and preserving the planet’s biological complexity, while promoting new lines of study in the face of growing environmental threats.

Edible Mushrooms in Latin America: Traditional knowledge, Regulations, and Opportunities for Food Sovereignty and Inclusive Circular Economies

Gerardo Lucio Robledo — 2025-05-30

This special issue offers a comprehensive perspective on edible mushrooms in Latin America, encompassing biological and cultural diversity, public policy, and development opportunities. Through ten national contributions, it explores traditional use, current legislation, production trends, and sustainable development perspectives. A collective analysis of these contributions highlights the need to harmonize regulatory frameworks, strengthen scientific networks, document traditional knowledge, promote circular bioeconomy models, and move toward a regional catalog of edible fungi. This issue calls for the integration of edible mushrooms into the scientific, policy, and development agendas of the region.

Forensic Palynology as a Tool to Investigate Postmortem Practices During the Last Civil-Military Dictatorship in Tucumán, Argentina

Samuel Maximiliano Vazquez — 2025-11-10

During the last Argentine civil-military dictatorship (1976-1983), the former “Ex Arsenal Miguel de Azcuénaga” in the province of Tucumán operated as a Clandestine Detention Center for Torture and Extermination. Five clandestine burial pits were found there, three of which showed signs of removal by a backhoe, suggesting attempts to eliminate evidence of the prisoners buried there. In addition to that, a clandestine grave known as Pozo de Vargas was discovered, where human remains of 149 victims of forced disappearances were recovered, 22 of whom had last been seen at the Ex Arsenal site. The aim of this study is to determine if any of these victims were originally buried in the removed pits at the Former Arsenal and then transferred postmortem to Pozo de Vargas site. Through a forensic palynological analysis, the pollen fingerprint of each site was determined, and palynomorphs were recovered from clothing and textile remains associated with the victims. The results show patterns of similarity among pollen data sets based on the presence of pollen and spores from local plant species (Anadenanthera, Podocarpus, Salix, Celtis, Eupatorium-Baccharis, Boehmeria, Piperaceae, Serpocaulon and Pleopeltis-Campyloneurum) characteristic of the native Pedemontane Rainforest vegetation of Las Yungas, which covers the Ex Arsenal site. This evidence allows us to postulate that there was contact between the plant environment of the military site and the victims' textile remains due to their original burial in the pits at the Ex Arsenal site.

Edible Mushrooms in Argentina: traditional knowledge, regulations, current overview, opportunities, and perspectives

Ramiro González Matute — 2025-05-30

This work analyzes the current situation regarding the consumption, legislation, and species of edible mushrooms, both cultivated and native wild, in Argentina. Historically, mushrooms have been used as food by some Indigenous communities and by European immigrants who adapted their culinary traditions. In recent decades, edible mushrooms have gained prominence due to their nutritional value and medicinal properties, which has encouraged small- and medium-scale cultivation, promoted through public courses and outreach events. The COVID-19 pandemic increased interest in medicinal mushrooms, leading to the emergence of new ventures and the need to incorporate species not yet included in the Argentine Food Code (Código Alimentario Argentino, CAA). Although national consumption remains low, progressive growth is expected. The current legislation is presented, explaining the role of the Argentine Food Code (CAA) in regulating edible mushrooms and the process required to include new species, which involves submitting an application to the National Food Commission (CONAL) along with a technical dossier supporting their food safety. The necessary steps to formalize an edible mushroom production facility are also described, including registration in systems such as RENSPA, municipal permits, and, for federal distribution, registration in the National Registry of Establishments (RNE) and the National Registry of Food Products (RNPA). An updated overview is provided on the production of cultivated edible mushrooms (button mushrooms and specialty fungi), as well as several wild species collected in Argentina—some widely recognized and others less known, but with great potential. The importance of edible mushrooms is presented and discussed as an opportunity for the development of circular economy projects, social inclusion, cooperativism, and community development. Finally, the significance of lignocellulosic residues from agricultural activities is discussed as a primary raw material for mushroom cultivation.

Effect of temperature stress on the growth, physiological and biochemical parameters, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic activities of two Nostoc strains from different habitats

Prabha Tiwari — 2025-11-07

There is increasing evidence regarding the influence of elevated temperatures on the growth and productivity of photosynthetic organisms. In the current research, we compared physiological and biochemical responses of Nostoc spongiiforme Agardh ex Bornet et Flahault (1888) (freshwater) and Nostoc calcicola Brébisson ex Bornet & Flahault (1886) (marine water) by batch culture under various temperatures (25-45°C). A decrease in growth and photosynthetic pigment contents was observed with rising temperature in the N. spongiiforme, in contrast to N. calcicola. Furthermore, significantly higher levels of total peroxide and hydroxyl radicals were recorded at elevated temperatures, which in turn enhanced the accumulation of “malondialdehyde (MDA)” and carbonyl content, indicating greater oxidative damage in N. spongiiforme than N. calcicola. An increase in proline and “ascorbate (AsA)” content with rising temperature suggests that the cells of both Nostoc spp., in an attempt to mitigate the oxidative stress induced by temperature, showed higher proline and AsA content in N. calcicola than in N. spongiiforme. Likewise, an increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) andcatalase (CAT) was also observed in N. calcicola in contrast to N. spongiiforme. The nitrogenease activity was also affected under different growth temperatures in both Nostoc spp. Hence, this study reveals that from the two Nostoc species studied, N. calcicole has the potential to thrive under changing climatic conditions. Further research will help in screening N. calcicola and the indentification of the genes that enable this cyanobacterium to thrive at higher temperatures, so they can be cultured in bulk and used for diverse biotechnological applications, even under extreme temperature conditions.

Historical ethnobotany of Argentine groups of Criollos V: Analysis of medicinal data from Santiago del Estero province in the National Folklore Survey of 1921 (1st. part)

Gustavo Fabian Scarpa — 2025-11-07

This study presents an ethnobotanical analysis of the folkloric information recorded in the National Folklore Survey of 1921 from Santiago del Estero. We then describe and discuss in detail the therapeutic indications for the main subcategories of medicinal use of plants. A total of 13,241 digitized pages of the survey were consulted online through the virtual platform of the Instituto Nacional de Antropología y Pensamiento Latinoamericano. Information on botanical folklore was converted into ethnobotanical data by exhaustively analyzing the botanical-phytonymic correspondences of the vernacular names of the plants, as well as the correspondences between folkloric expressions of their medicinal indications and their corresponding biomedical categories. We identified a total of 2619 ethnobotanical data points from 335 plant taxa were identified, of which 1795 correspond to medicinal uses of 283 taxa. The main subcategories of medicinal use comprise 980 ethnobotanical data points from 229 taxa of Spermatophyta, 3 of Pteridophyta and 3 of the Fungi kingdom. Among them, 296 data points were referred to against digestive system disorders, 182 as vulneraries, 156 to antipyretics, 120 to nervous system disorders, 118 to respiratory system disorders, and 115 to dermatological disorders. Nearly 70% of them correspond to native or naturalized plants, although 50% of the ten plants with the highest number of therapeutic indications are exotic species. Substantial differences were found in the proportional participation in most of the subcategories of medicinal use compared to findings from current studies for the same biocultural complex. These results indicate that the data recorded for Santiago del Estero in the 1921 National Folklore Survey have a hight preponderance at a national level. It also represents the largest source of ethnobotanical data found to date for that province and for the Argentine Chaco in general.

Morphological evaluation of the interaction of Pinus and Quercus roots with fungi of the genus Tuber in the framework of the first project developed in the province of Tucumán (Argentina)

Patricia Liliana Albornoz — 2025-07-03

Truffles are hypogeous fungi that grow near the roots of certain tree species, forming a mutualistic symbiotic association. In the province of Tucumán, in 2012, the Obispo Colombres Agro-Industrial Experimental Station carried out the first provincial and regional project to evaluate truffle cultivation as a productive alternative in Northwestern Argentina. In this context, the present study aims to assess the interaction of ectomycorrhizal inocula in forest species, characterize the different morphological types of mycorrhizal structures, and describe the features of the Tuber uncinatum sporocarp, differentiated in the interaction. The plantations were established in five localities within the province, located in piedmont zones, intermontane and high-altitude valleys. Two species of Pinus and two of Quercus were inoculated with three species of Tuber. The samplings were carried out in the months of May and June from 2015 to 2018, as well as in December 2024. Root samples were taken with three subsamples, corresponding to each individual/combination/locality. Subsequently, cross-sections of the root were made, to which histological techniques and conventional staining methods were applied. An effective symbiosis between the roots and the inoculated fungi was evident at all analysed sites, as corroborated by the morphological and anatomical characteristics observed. These structures are described and illustrated in the six combinations evaluated. This forestry production with Tuber sporocarp differentiation shows a potential for future profitability, consolidating itself as a promising productive alternative for the economic and ecological development of the region.

Epizoic diatom communities on chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora) and southern king crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda) from central coastal waters of San Jorge Gulf (Patagonian Sea, South Atlantic Ocean)

Rubén Agustín Lameiro — 2025-07-03

Diatoms constitute one of the most diverse groups of marine microalgae worldwide, both free-living as well as associated associated with different types of substrata. In particular, marine benthic macroinvertebrates represent surfaces to which diatoms can attach. The present study aims to characterize the diversity of diatom communities associated with chitons and southern king crabs from coastal waters of San Jorge Gulf (South Atlantic Ocean), and to analyze possible differences in diatom diversity among those communities according to the animal substrata, the environment and season of the year. For this purpose, we conducted manual samplings to collect chitons from the intertidal, and sea diving samplings to collect southern king crabs from the subtidal at different sampling sites near Comodoro Rivadavia during winter 2018 and summer and winter 2024. Each specimen was carefully brushed and scraped to obtain microalgal material, which was subsequently processed using conventional methods and analyzed under both light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We estimated the relative abundance (%) of the identified diatom taxa as well as species richness (S), Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H´) and Pielou´s Evenness index (J) for each sample for comparison. Epizoic diatom communities included 43 taxa in Polyplacophorans and 62 in Decapods, mainly pennate diatoms with a scarce representation of centric diatoms. Solitary diatoms were the most frequent, with adnate, erect and motile forms recognized; various various morphological types of colonies were also recorded. We observed significant differences (?=0.05) in diatom diversity between the 2024 summer and winter for each invertebrate; however, no significant differences were found between the 2018 and 2024 winter samples. Polyplacophorans were studied for the first time as diatom hosts, and direct evidence of diatom attachment to the surface of both hosts is provided. This research study represents an important contribution to the knowledge of marine epizoic diatoms.