Anatomy, analysis of the essential oil and seed germination of three species of Virguiera Kunth (Asteraceae - Heliantheae)

Author(s)

Aline Bertolosi Bombo

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Campinas, SP.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Instituto de Biologia
• Defense date: 2012-02-16

Examining board members

Beatriz Appezzato da Glória; Juliana Marzinek; Juliana Lischka Sampaio Mayer

• Advisor: Beatriz Appezzato da Glória; Vera Lucia Garcia

Abstract

Asteraceae is one of the largest families of angiosperms with wide distribution and habits varied. Viguiera genus is included in the Heliantheae subtribe and has approximately 180 species. In Brazil, there are 35 species and 27 are endemic. Given that this genus has many representatives, phylogenetic relationships are not well established and morphological and molecular studies have been conducted to help limit the genus. Viguiera species have resin potential and the species used in this study are aromatic in their natural environment. Several phytochemical studies have shown the pharmacological potential to Viguiera species, attributed mainly to the activity of sesquiterpene lactones and diterpenes. However, studies on the chemical composition of essential oils are rare. In Brazil, the Viguiera species occurs mainly in regions of dry winter, due the presence of a thickened underground system. The underground system of the species used in this study, Viguiera filifolia, V. linearifolia and V. trichophylla is represented by a xylopodium, incapable of vegetative propagation despite forming buds. The three species are morphologically very similar in vegetative state and could be differentiated only by reproductive features. In the literature, there is confusion in individuating them. In addition, V. filifolia and V. trichophylla are classified in the Brazilian Species lias critically endangered. Thus, anatomical studies aimed at contributing to obtain diagnostic features among the three species. The essential oil composition data could help in chemosystematics and in the identification of possible chemotherapeutic compounds. Finally, the study of seed germination aimed to provide information for future studies for the cultivation of these species (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/01931-0 - Anatomy and the essential oil of three species of Viguiera (Asteraceae - Heliantheae)
• Grantee: Aline Bertolosi Bombo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master