Dark septate endophytes (DSEs) constitute a polyphyletic group within the Ascomycota, with global distribution and a wide range of host plant species. The present study evaluated the diversity of DSE in sugarcane roots of the varieties RB867515, RB966928, and RB92579, and four varieties of not commercialized energy cane. A total of 16 DSE strains were isolated, mostly from the varieties RB966928 and RB867515, with six and five isolates, respectively. Just one of the four energy cane varieties had fungi with DSE appearance. The analyses of the DNA sequences from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the large subunit (LSU), in association with the micromorphology of the isolates, allowed the differentiation of the 16 isolates in at least five species, within the families Periconiaceae, Pleosporaceae, Lentitheciaceae, Vibrisseaceae, and Apiosporaceae and the orders Pleosporales, Helotiales, and Xylariales. The order Pleosporales represented 80% of the isolates, and the species Periconia macrospinosa, with six isolates, accounted for the highest isolation frequency. The results confirm the natural occurrence of the DSE symbiosis in sugarcane varieties and the generalist character of these fungi as some of the detected species have already been reported associated with other host plants, ecosystems, and regions of the world.

Este trabalho objetivou apresentar a construção de modelos didáticos para impressão tridimensional de microalgas para o ensino de ciências, desenvolvido no âmbito do programa de extensão universitária Jardim Didático e Evolutivo da UNIRIO. Para a confecção desses modelos, foi utilizado o método da prototipagem rápida, também conhecido como impressão 3D. Ressaltou-se a importância do ensino de ciências e a utilização dos modelos didáticos no auxílio da aprendizagem, além da apresentação de uma breve história da impressão 3D. A seleção dos organismos que foram representados; o material utilizado, as etapas de elaboração dos modelos e os resultados finais foram apresentados, dando ênfase às estruturas que podem ser evidenciadas em cada modelo. Espera-se com estes modelos contribuir com o aprimoramento do ensino de ciências, especificamente dos microrganismos (microalgas), complementar a outros recursos didáticos.

Background: Wild Euterpe edulis has been a source of heart of palm for many decades. Today, this species is threatened with overexploitation and cultivated E. oleracea and Bactris gasipaes are replacing it as a source of the vegetable. However, morphological identification of both fresh and canned heart of palm is not simple, favoring adulteration and illegal trade. Aims: We developed and tested a rapid and efficient DNA-based approach for authenticating heart of palm from E. edulis, E. oleracea and B. gasipaes. Methods: Eight cpDNA loci were sequenced and screened for polymorphisms. The psbK-I locus contained SNPs that were used to authenticate fresh and canned heart of palm samples according to species type through High Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis. Results: All fresh and canned commercial samples were successfully amplified in HRM analysis and SNP profiles distinguished the putative species indicated by producers on package labels, demonstrating the robustness of the assay. Conclusions: The results demonstrated that HRM is a fast and reliable screening technique that can ensure food safety and contribute to the conservation of endangered palm species.