Browsing by Author "Rodrigues, Ana S. B."
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- Assessing genotype-phenotype associations in three dorsal colour morphs in the meadow spittlebug Philaenus spumarius (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae) using genomic and transcriptomic resourcesPublication . Rodrigues, Ana S. B.; Silva, Sara Ema; Pina-Martins; Loureiro, João; Castro, Mariana; Gharbi, Karim; Johnson, Kevin P.; Dietrich, Christopher H.; Borges, Paulo A. V.; Quartau, J. A.; Jiggins, Chris D.; Paulo, Octávio S.; Seabra, Sofia G.Colour polymorphisms are common among animal species. When combined with genetic and ecological data, these polymorphisms can be excellent systems in which to understand adaptation and the molecular changes underlying phenotypic evolution. The meadow spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius (L.) (Hemiptera, Aphrophoridae), a widespread insect species in the Holarctic region, exhibits a striking dorsal colour/pattern balanced polymorphism. Although experimental crosses have revealed the Mendelian inheritance of this trait, its genetic basis remains unknown. In this study we aimed to identify candidate genomic regions associated with the colour balanced polymorphism in this species.
- Assessing genotype-phenotype associations in three dorsal colour morphs in the meadow spittlebug Philaenus spumarius (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae) using genomic and transcriptomic resourcesPublication . Rodrigues, Ana S. B.; Silva, Sara E.; Pina-Martins, Francisco; Loureiro, João; Castro, Mariana; Gharbi, Karim; Johnson, Kevin P.; Dietrich, Christopher H.; Borges, P.A.V.; Quartau, J. A.; Jiggins, Chris D.; Paulo, Octávio S.; Seabra, Sofia G.Colour polymorphisms are common among animal species. When combined with genetic and ecological data, these polymorphisms can be excellent systems in which to understand adaptation and the molecular changes underlying phenotypic evolution. The meadow spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius (L.) (Hemiptera, Aphrophoridae), a widespread insect species in the Holarctic region, exhibits a striking dorsal colour/pattern balanced polymorphism. Although experimental crosses have revealed the Mendelian inheritance of this trait, its genetic basis remains unknown. In this study we aimed to identify candidate genomic regions associated with the colour balanced polymorphism in this species.
- Biochemical and Molecular Profiling of Wild Edible Mushrooms from Huila, AngolaPublication . Kissanga, Raquel; Liberal, Ângela; Diniz, Inês; Rodrigues, Ana S. B.; Baptista-Ferreira, João L.; Batista, Dora; Ivanov, Marija; Soković, Marina; Ferreira, Isabel C. F. R.; Fernandes, Ângela; Barros, Lillian; Catarino, LuísThe harvesting, processing, and sale of wild edible mushrooms (WEM) is a relevant economic activity in Angola and a good example of the use of non-wood forest products for food. Although there is deep traditional knowledge about the general properties of WEMs, a huge gap remains in detailed scientific knowledge. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the socio-economic importance of the species sold at local markets in Huila, Angola, from their molecular identification to the assessment of their nutritional, chemical, and bioactive profiles. From the eight WEM morphotypes studied, five were identified based on phenotypical and molecular approaches (four Russula spp., and Amanita loosei). The studied mushrooms proved to be a rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, and ashes, also presenting low amounts of fat. Chemical analyses further revealed mannitol as the main free sugar in all samples, and organic acids, namely, oxalic, quinic, malic, citric, and fumaric acids in low amounts. Additionally, the α-tocopherol isoform and monounsaturated fatty acids were predominant. Regarding phenolic acids, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, p-coumaric, and cinnamic acids were detected in all mushroom hydroethanolic extracts, being responsible for their antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. Our investigation contributes to the identification and knowledge of WEMs as important complementary food sources in Angola, some of which were reported for the first time, promoting their utilization as a basis of nutritional and functional ingredients, as being able to be part of a balanced diet and to be used in new bio-based formulations.
- Climate-driven vicariance and long-distance dispersal explain the Rand Flora pattern in the liverwort Exormotheca pustulosa (Marchantiophyta)Publication . Sim-Sim, Manuela; Patiño, Jairo; Stech, Michael; Long, David; Dirkse, Gerard; van Rooy, J.; Phephu, Nonkululo; Gabriel, Rosalina; González-Mancebo, Juana; Fontinha, Susana; Porley, Ron; Sergio, Cecilia; Garcia, César; Martins, Anabela; Rodrigues, Ana S. B.The Rand flora is a biogeographical disjunction which refers to plant lineages occurring at the margins of the African continent and neighbouring oceanic archipelagos. Here, we tested whether the phylogeographic pattern of Exormotheca pustulosa Mitt. was the result of vicariance induced by the past climatic changes or the outcome of a series of recent long-distance dispersal events. Two DNA chloroplast and one nuclear marker were analysed. Phylogenetic and phylogeographical relationships were inferred as well as divergence time estimates and ancestral areas. Exormotheca originated in Eastern Africa during the Late Oligocene/Early Miocene while Exormotheca putulosa diversified during the Late Miocene. Three main E. pustulosa groups were found: the northern Macaronesia/Western-Mediterranean; the South Africa/Saint Helena and the Cape Verde. The major split events among these groups occurred during the Late Miocene/Pliocene; diversification is recent, dating back to the Pleistocene. Climate-driven vicariance and subsequent long-distance dispersal events may have shaped the current disjunct distribution of E. pustulosa that corresponds to the Rand Flora pattern. Colonisation of Macaronesia seems to have occurred twice by two independent lineages. The evolutionary history of E. pustulosa populations of Cape Verde warrants further study.
- A contribution to the knowledge of the bryophytes of the Cape Verde Islands, with an emphasis on Santo Antão and São VicentePublication . Garcia, César; Sérgio, Cecília; Martins, Anabela; Rodrigues, Ana S. B.; Sim-Sim, ManuelaIntroduction. The Cape Verdean bryophyte flora comprises representatives of various floristic elements including Afrotropical, Neotropical, Mediterranean and Asiatic elements, together with some endemic taxa. However, the knowledge of Cape Verdean bryophytes lags far behind that of vascular plants. This study contributes to increase the knowledge of bryophytes in the Cape Verde archipelagos. Methods. A total of seven sites were sampled during 2016 in the Cape Verde archipelago, one on São Vicente and six on Santo Antão. Results and conclusions. Five species are reported new to Cape Verde, Cheilolejeunea rigidula (Nees ex Mont.) R.M.Schust., Riccia trabutiana Steph., Lewinskya acuminata (H.Philib.) F.Lara, Garilleti & Goffinet, Lindbergia patentifolia Dixon and Timmiella cameruniae Broth. The presence of Porella canariensis (F.Weber) Underw in the archipelago is also confirmed. Additionally, Frullania spongiosa Steph., Bryum dichotomum Hedw., Cryptoleptodon longisetus (Mont.) Enroth and Didymodon hastatus(Mitt.) R.H.Zander are reported for the first time from Santo Antão island. Cheilolejeunea rigidula, Lindbergia patentifolia and Timmiella cameruniae are new to Macaronesia and a description of the last taxon is presented.
- Correction to: Assessing genotype-phenotype associations in three dorsal colour morphs in the meadow spittlebug Philaenus spumarius (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae) using genomic and transcriptomic resourcesPublication . Rodrigues, Ana S. B.; Silva, Sara Ema; Pina Martins, Francisco; Loureiro, João; Castro, Mariana; Gharbi, Karim; Johnson, Kevin P.; Dietrich, Christopher H.; Borges, Paulo .A.V.; Quartau, José A.; Jiggins, Chris D.; Paulo, Octávio S.; Seabra, Sofia G.Following publication of the original article [1], it has been brought to the authors’ attention that in their paper (Rodrigues et al. 2016) they reported the genome size based on 2C values (diploid genome) when it is more common to present it as 1C value. This has led to a misinterpretation of the percentage of the genome that was sequenced. However, none of the remaining analyses were affected.
- Correction to: Assessing genotype-phenotype associations in three dorsal colour morphs in the meadow spittlebug Philaenus spumarius (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae) using genomic and transcriptomic resourcesPublication . Rodrigues, Ana S. B.; Silva, Sara Ema; Pina-Martins; Loureiro, João; Castro, Mariana; Gharbi, Karim; Johnson, Kevin P.; Dietrich, Christopher H.; Borges, Paulo A. V.; Quartau, José A.; Jiggins, Chris D.; Paulo, Octávio S.; Seabra, Sofia G.Following publication of the original article [1], it has been brought to the authors' attention that in their paper (Rodrigues et al. 2016) they reported the genome size based on 2C values (diploid genome) when it is more common to present it as 1C value.
- Evolutionary history of philaenus spumarius (hemiptera, aphrophoridae) and the adaptive significance and genetic basis of its dorsal colour polymorphismPublication . Rodrigues, Ana S. B.; Paulo, Octávio, 1963-; Jiggins, ChrisUnderstanding the genetic basis of adaptive traits and how natural populations adapt to their environment, are fundamental problems in evolutionary biology. Colour polymorphisms are good systems in which these issues can be addressed. This work exploits the adaptive significance of the dorsal colour polymorphism in Philaenus spumarius and describes the efforts to identify genomic region(s) linked to the dorsal colour variation in this species. It also involves the investigation of the evolutionary pattern of P. spumarius. The phylogeographic results showed that main demographic and evolutionary events for the European populations seem to have occurred during Pleistocene, probably as a consequence of the main climatic oscillations that characterised this period. Evidence of recent gene-flow among Mediterranean peninsulas, as well as a close relationship between Iberia and North Africa, a probable British origin for the populations of the Azores and New Zealand, and indication that both western and north-eastern Europe colonised North America, were also found. Captivity experiments, testing the adaptive function of P. spumarius' dorsal colour polymorphism, indicated a higher longevity, a higher number of oviposition events, and a higher number of eggs laid for trilineatus than for marginellus and typicus. A total of 1,837 genomic markers (SNPs) and 928 loci were obtained through RAD sequencing for 33 individuals of three colour phenotypes (trilineatus, marginellus and typicus), and a genome wide association study performed to identify regions related to dorsal colour variation. Single and multi-association analyses identified a total of 60 SNPs associated with dorsal colour phenotypes but none of these SNPs showed homology with colour genes described in other insect species. A stronger differentiation of the trilineatus colour phenotype was also found with these markers. New genomic and transcriptomic resources were developed, constituting important tools and a basis for future research in this species. The resources correspond to a genome draft (25% of the total estimated genome (5.3 Gb)) and to an 81.4 Mb transcriptome assembly. The analysis of the candidate gene yellow found no association with dorsal colour phenotypes. Although suggesting that yellow is not involved in colour variation in P. spumarius, a possible effect of this gene can not be totally excluded without, further analyses. Phylogenetic analyses found contrasting patterns between yellow and the neutral ITS2, indicating that, contrary to ITS2, yellow is conserved within the genus. A higher haplotype and nucleotide diversity was observed for P. spumarius. This could be related to a higher sample size or to the different ecology of the species. The present thesis showed that P. spumarius constitutes a potential good model system to study adaptation and the evolutionary mechanisms involved in the maintenance of polymorphisms.
- First Report of Dieback Caused by Neofusicoccum batangarum in Cashew in Guinea-BissauPublication . Diniz, Inês; Batista, Dora; Pena, Ana Rita; Rodrigues, Ana S. B.; Reis, Pedro; Baldé, Aladje; Bucar, Indjai; Catarino, Luís; Monteiro, Filipa
- Genomic signatures of introgression between commercial and native bumblebees, Bombus terrestris, in western Iberian Peninsula—Implications for conservation and trade regulationPublication . Seabra, Sofia G.; Silva, Sara E.; Nunes, Vera L.; Sousa, Vitor C; Martins, Joana; Marabuto, Eduardo; Rodrigues, Ana S. B.; Pina Martins, Francisco; Laurentino, Telma G.; Rebelo, Maria Teresa; Figueiredo, Elisabete; Paulo, Octávio S.Human‐mediated introductions of species may have profound impacts on native eco ‐systems. One potential impact with largely unforeseen consequences is the potential admixture of introduced with autochthonous species through hybridization. Throughout the world, bumblebees have been deliberately introduced for crop pol ‐lination with known negative impacts on native pollinators. Given the likely alloch ‐thonous origin of commercial bumblebees used in Portugal (subspecies Bombus terrestris terrestris and B. t. dalmatinus), our aim was to assess their putative introgres‐sion with the native Iberian subspecies B. terrestris lusitanicus. We analysed one mito ‐chondrial gene, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX1) and genomic data involving thousands of genome‐wide restriction‐site‐associated DNA markers (RAD‐seq). In the mitochondrial COX1 analyses, we detected one relatively common haplotype in commercial bumblebees, also present in wild samples collected nearby the green ‐houses where the commercial hives are used. In the RAD‐seq analysis, we found a clear genetic differentiation between native and commercial lineages. Furthermore,we detected candidate hybrids in the wild, as well as putatively escaped commercialbumblebees, some of which being potentially fertile males. Although we cannot as ‐sess directly the fitness effects of introgressed alleles, there is a risk of maladaptive allele introgression to the local bumblebee subspecies, which can negatively impact autochthon populations. One immediate recommendation to farmers is for the proper disposal of hive boxes, after their use in greenhouses, so as to minimize the risk of escapees contaminating native populations. On the other hand, the feasibilityof using local subspecies B. t. lusitanicus, preferably with local production, should be evaluated.