Characterization of Poaceae (grass) species as indicators of the level of degradation in a stretch of riparian forest in Matutina, Brazil

Abstract

Despite their extreme importance for environmental balance, riparian forests have been severely disturbed over time. This study aimed to identify grass species and determine their distribution in a disturbed stretch of riparian forest along Pimentas creek, in the municipality of Matutina, which is in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Among four plots established within the study area, we recorded Pennisetum purpureum Schumach., Urochloa mutica (Forssk.) T.Q. Nguyen, Urochloa decumbens (Stapf) R.D. Webster, Paspalum notatum Flüggé and Andropogon bicornis L. The most common species was Pennisetum purpureum, which occurred in all of the plots, more frequently in those that had been disturbed. The proportions of exotic and native grasses, as well as their distribution, differed significantly among the plots. The distribution of the grass species varied according to the level of degradation of the creek bank, occurring more frequently where the bank had been disturbed. Therefore, we assume that grasses can be used as indicators of degradation in riparian zones. We also found that grasses are less efficient in preventing erosion than is the typical riparian vegetation.

Evaluation of Changes in Weed Flora in Response to Agricultural Practices in the Arable Lands of El-Menoufia Governorate, Nile Delta, Egypt

“…On the other side, the use of herbicides has developed herbicide-resistant weeds (Binimelis et al, 2009 andHeap 2010). Results showed significant increase in the number of hemicryptophytes and Poaceae members which may refer to the environmental deterioration in the Egyptian agroecosystems (Londe and Silva, 2014). Hemicryptophytes are considered the most resistant life form (Liddle and Greig-Smith, 1975;Hall andKuss, 1989 andCole, 1995) while Poaceae is a well-known family for its tolerance against drought, salinity, freeze and different abiotic stresses (Céccoli et.…”

Malezas y Plantas Exóticas en las Cercanías de una Ciclo-vía en un Área Protegida y Sitio Ramsar (Isla Santay) en la Costa de Ecuado

“…Pennisetum purpureum (pasto elefante), originaria de África, es la planta exótica más frecuente en los alrededores de Isla Santay, esta especie es considerada invasora en humedales tropicales (Quesada et al, 2004). En el sureste de Brasil (en la zona ribereña del Río São Francisco), P. purpureum ha sido reportada como la especie exótica más frecuente en bosques ribereños y se sugirió como un bio-indicador de degradación de estos bosques (Londe et al, 2014). Pennisetum purpureum es la especie de gramínea exótica más invasiva en algunas islas no habitadas de Galápagos (Santa Cruz, Isabela y San Cristóbal) (Laegaard & Pozo, 2004).…”

Floristic composition of Aksaz Wetland (Sinop)

“…Çalışılan sulak alanda Poaceae, Fabaceae ve Asteraceae baskın olan familyalar olup, tespit edilmiş olan türlerin %33,76'sı bu familyalara aittir (Tablo 3). Poaceae familyası üyeleri toprak toksisitesi, ağır metal kontaminasyonu ve tahribat gibi faktörler için indikatör olarak kabul edilmektedir [27][28]. Aksaz Sulak Alanı'nda en çok Poaceae taksonlarının temsil ediliyor olması, alanın bitişiğinde yapılan çeltik tarım faaliyetlerinde yoğun kimyasalların kullanılması ve alanın avcılık ve otlatma alanı olarak kullanılmasına bağlı olarak oluşan olumsuz çevresel etkilerin bir göstergesi olabilir.…”