XVI International Botanical Congess

This study aimed to assess the herbivory rates caused by chrysomelid beetles on Ipomoea imperati leaves in the Restinga de Iquipari (21?44 _ S, 41? 02 _ W), Northern Rio State, Brazil. Groups of seven quadrats (0,5 m2 each) were established in different distances (80m, 250m, 390m and 520m) from the upper limit of the supralitoral. In each quadrat, were measured the standing level of herbivory, as well as the herbivory rate, foliar cover index, foliar growth rate, number of floral buttons and the number of chrysomelid beetles and nymphs. Monthly (from August to November/99), young and adult leaves were sampled to determine sodium, potassium, water and total proteins. Herbivory rates were higher in adult leaves. Although leaf chemical analyses showed no differences between young and mature leaves and amongst group of individuals from different distances of the litoral vegetation line, there was a positive relationship between herbivory rates and the density of the I. Imperati. (Financial support by FENORTE).