Resumen de Do the edge effects influence epicuticular wax production in Vismia guianensis (Aubl.) Choisy (Hypericaceae)?
Ramôn da Silva Santos, Cássia Alzira Mendes de Oliveira, Izabella Maria Cintra Ribeiro, Shalana Cássia do Nascimento Castro, Fabiana Cerqueira Nogueira de Sá, Robson Luis Silva de Medeiros
Forest fragmentationleads to various environmental problems. It causes edge effects that can decrease biodiversity, promote the growthof lianas, and affect the production of epicuticular wax. This study focuses on examining the secondary metabolites found in the epicuticular wax of Vismia guianensisleaves and investigating the impact of the edge effect on their production. We extractedand quantified the epicuticular wax and analyzed its constituents using gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer.The amount of cuticular wax extracted from V. guianensisleaves ranged from 33.69 to 631.57 μg/cm². Individuals at the forest edgehad the lowest wax content, averaging 250.96 μg/cm². On the other hand, individuals located in the interior of the forest had the highest values, with an average of 340.67 μg/cm² per surface unit. The analysis of the samples identified and quantified ninelong-chain alkanes (C27 to C35) in the composition of the cuticular wax. The predominant compound in the wax of all individuals was nonacosane alkane (C29). Interestingly, the individuals within the forest fragment exhibited less diversity of compounds compared to those at the forest edge.
