What is the current status of phenological studies of herbaceous species from tropical dry forests and savannas in the Neotropical region?

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24221/jeap.10.4.2025.6585.213-223

Keywords:

Climate change, Caatinga, Cerrado, Chaco, phenophases

Abstract

Phenology studies the life cycle of living beings, relating them to emerging environmental changes. Although dry tropical forests and savanna formations in the Neotropics harbor rich diversity and endemism of herbaceous plants, this component has received less attention in phenological studies. Therefore, understanding its dynamics is crucial to comprehend the functioning of these ecosystems and to promote conservation strategies. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive scientific mapping of phenological studies of herbaceous species carried out in the dry forests and savannas of the Neotropical region over 11 years (2009-2020). Our results highlight a concentration of studies in 2011 (24%) and in the Cerrado Biome (48%), mainly through direct observations in natural environments (96%) in short-term studies (76%). Many studies did not detail the plant's life form (64%), with a predominance of community studies (80%) focusing on reproductive phenophases. Correlations between phenophases and abiotic factors were common (76%), while biotic factors were less explored (28%). We recommend comprehensive studies that consider the diversity of herbaceous species in the Neotropics, incorporating longer-term experiments to observe subsequent generations of annual species and the different growth stages of perennial herbs. The intricate interactions within herbaceous populations deserve attention and offer valuable insights into understanding Neotropical transformations. Prioritizing the relationship between herbaceous phenology and biotic and environmental factors is essential for understanding the dynamics of different vegetation formations and their future in the face of predicted climate changes.

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Author Biographies

Bruno Ayron de Souza Aguiar, Universidade Federal do Piauí

Graduated in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of Piauí. Holds a Master's and Ph.D. in Botany from the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco. Currently a Junior Postdoctoral fellow supported by CNPq and an adjunct professor at the Federal University of Piauí. His research focuses on Population Ecology and Plant Eco-physiology, specifically exploring the impact of multiple environmental stresses on the growth and reproduction of herbaceous plants in dry tropical forests.

Maria Gisely Barbosa de Oliveira, Universidade Estadual de Alagoas

Graduated in Biological Sciences from the State University of Alagoas, UNEAL (2021). Has a keen interest in Agroecology, Ecology, Nature Conservation, Sustainable Agriculture, and Rural Innovation.

Josiene Maria Falcão Fraga dos Santos, Universidade Estadual de Alagoas

Currently an adjunct professor and mentoring instructor in the Pedagogical Residency Program for the Biological Sciences course at the State University of Alagoas. Holds a Ph.D. in Botany (2014) from the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco. Possesses expertise in Plant Physiology, Ecology of plant populations and communities, and Ethnobotany, with a focus on Ecosystem Ecology, primarily working on spatial and temporal variation in herbaceous plant composition and richness, plant population dynamics, seed bank, and ethnobotany in dry forests.

Clarissa Gomes Reis Lopes, Universidade Federal do Piauí

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of Piauí (2003), a Master's (2007), and a Ph.D. (2011) in Botany from the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco. Currently, she is a faculty member in the Natural Sciences program at the Federal University of Piauí (UFPI) and teaches in the Master's program in Development and Environment (PRODEMA-UFPI). Her research primarily focuses on plant ecology, nature conservation, and the regeneration of human-altered areas in Northeastern ecosystems.

Maria Jaislanny Lacerda e Medeiros, Universidade Federal do Piauí

She holds a Ph.D. in Plant Biology from the Federal University of Pernambuco (2014), a Master's in Agronomy (Plant Breeding) from the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (2010), and a Bachelor's in Biology from the State University of Paraíba (2008). Currently, she is an adjunct professor in the Rural Education/Natural Sciences program at the Federal University of Piauí. She teaches classes, supervises undergraduate and graduate students, and serves as a teacher trainer at the Center for Open and Distance Education (CEAD/UFPI). Her expertise lies in Botany, specifically in Eco-physiology of abiotic stresses, In vitro cultivation, Germination, and Botanical Education. She is an associate editor for the Ciência Rural Journal and a reviewer for various scientific journals.

Juliana Ramos de Andrade, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences (Bachelor's and Teaching Degree) from the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, as well as a Master's and Ph.D. in Biodiversity from the same institution. Currently, she is a researcher (postdoctoral fellow) at the Federal University of Pernambuco in biology applied to health. She is a member of the experimental and clinical research committee of the Brazilian Headache Society, executive editor of Headache Medicine, associated with the Brazilian Association of Scientific Editors, a member of the International Headache Society, and collaborates with the State University of Alagoas. Her expertise lies in methodology, scientific communication, publishing, and the coordination and execution of experimental and clinical projects.

Kleber Andrade da Silva, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco

He holds a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences (2002), a Master's, and a Ph.D. in Botany (2005) from the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco. He is currently an Adjunct Professor at the Federal University of Pernambuco. His expertise lies in Ecology, with a focus on Ecosystem Ecology, primarily working on topics such as the Caatinga biome, herbaceous plants, eco-physiology, Plant Physiology, population dynamics, plant morphology, and Seed Bank.

Elcida de Lima Araújo, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (1985), completed a Master's in Botany at the same university (1990), a Ph.D. in Plant Biology from the State University of Campinas (1998), and a postdoctoral fellowship in Plant Ecology and Ethnobotany from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (2011). Currently retired as a Full Professor from the Biology Department at the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, she holds a Full Professorship position in the Botany Department at the Federal University of Pernambuco. Also, she holds a CNPq productivity fellowship, level 1B. She has extensive experience in Botany and Ecosystem Ecology, working within three research lines: Plant community and population ecology (plant population dynamics), plant eco-physiology, and Ethnobiology, vegetation management, and conservation. Within these research lines, her topics of interest include the Caatinga biome, biodiversity, population dynamics, phytosociology, germination, ethnobotany, plant conservation, and utilization. She mentors undergraduate, specialization, Master's, Ph.D., and postdoctoral students. She publishes in national and international journals and serves as a reviewer for various scientific publications. Previously, she served as Coordinator and Vice-Coordinator of the Postgraduate Program in Ethnobiology and Nature Conservation. Actively involved in the editorial committees of Gaia Scientia, Ethnobiology and Conservation, and the Journal of Environmental Analysis and Progress. She has held positions as both President and Vice-President of the Northeastern Plant Association. She contributes to the Graduate Programs in Plant Biology (UFPE), Ethnobiology and Nature Conservation (UFRPE-UFPE-UEPB-UPE), and Biodiversity (UFRPE).

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2025-10-12

How to Cite

Aguiar, B. A. de S., Oliveira, M. G. B. de, Santos, J. M. F. F. dos, Lopes, C. G. R., Medeiros, M. J. L. e, Andrade, J. R. de, … Araújo, E. de L. (2025). What is the current status of phenological studies of herbaceous species from tropical dry forests and savannas in the Neotropical region?. Journal of Environmental Analysis and Progress, 10(4), 213–223. https://doi.org/10.24221/jeap.10.4.2025.6585.213-223

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Vol. 10 No. 4 (2025): Journal of Environmental Analysis and Progress (IN PROGRESS)

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Copyright (c) 2025 Bruno Ayron de Souza Aguiar, Maria Gisely Barbosa de Oliveira, Josiene Maria Falcão Fraga dos Santos, Clarissa Gomes Reis Lopes, Maria Jaislanny Lacerda e Medeiros, Juliana Ramos de Andrade, Kleber Andrade da Silva, Elcida de Lima Araújo

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