Diversity of green algae in biological crusts of Brazilian Savanna soil

• Grant number: 13/03354-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Effective date (Start): July 01, 2013
• Effective date (End): June 30, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Botany - Plant Taxonomy
• Principal Investigator: Luis Henrique Zanini Branco
• Grantee: Marcella Palhiari Tralli
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas (IBILCE). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São José do Rio Preto. São José do Rio Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Green algae constitute a very diverse and ubiquitous group. On soils, they can assemble with other organisms forming the so called biological crusts (BCs), very widespread and important in different ecosystems. Brazilian savanna ("cerrado") is quite favorable to the development of BCs, but almost unknown in taxonomic composition. The main objective of this project is the taxonomic survey of green algae found in BCs from savanna regions in São Paulo and Minas Gerais States, as well as the molecular characterization of the most frequent species/morphospecies. In addition, the project also aims the comparison of the taxonomic composition of communities from different localities and the description of selected environmental parameters of species occurrence. Samplings will be made in "Serra da Canastra" National Park (Minas Gerais State) and also in one additional area (a park in São Paulo State; to be defined). The specimens collected will be examined under light microscope for taxonomy and the most frequent morphotypes will also be cultivated, mainly for molecular studies (SSU and ITS markers). (AU)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

TRALLI, Marcella Palhiari. Diversidade de algas verdes em crostas biológicas de solo do cerrado. 2015. Master's Dissertation - Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Instituto de Biociências Letras e Ciências Exatas. São José do Rio Preto São José do Rio Preto.