Influence of exogenous factors on the oleoresin secretory system of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. (Leguminosae-Ceaslpinioideae)from cerrado

Abstract

Secretory canals and cavities, generally named secretory spaces, are constituted by an uniseriate epithelium of secretory cells and a wide lumen where the secretion is accumulated. Secretory spaces occur in many members of Leguminosae and some of the produced substances, mainly the terpenes, are responsible by the plant resistance against microbial and predators attacks. Experimental researches have demonstrated that the density, distribution and structural characteristics of the secretory spaces in different plant groups are influenced by environmental biotic and abiotic factors. Copaifera langsdorffii, a legume tree of wide distribution, is recognized by the production of an oleoresin with high economic and ecological value in secretory cavities and canals along the vegetative axis. The first part of this Scientific Initiation study (FAPESP IC Proc 2010/15153-9) aimed to understand the structural answers of the Copaifera langsdorffii seedlings secretory system to different light and temperature conditions; based on the unpublished and relevant obtained results, this present proposal of scholarship renovation aims to study the influence of others external factors as the mechanical wound and the application of the plant hormones on the secretory system development of C. langsdorffii young plants. For this, plants maintained in greenhouse will be injured and submitted to application of methyl jasmonate and ethylene. The collected samples will be processed according to usual techniques of plant anatomy. Biometric analysis will be performed with a light microscope using specific software (Olympus Cell B). The obtained data will be submitted to statistic analysis. The results of this study, improving the knowledge on the influence of exogenous factors on the development and structure of the oleoresin secretory system in C. langsdorffii will subsidy management programs and the rational use of this species reinforcing the importance of the conservation of the Brazilian biodiversity.