Water relations of cut inflorescences of Alpinia purpurata treated with seven pulsing solutions

Alpinia purpurata (Vieill) K. Schum, common name red ginger belongs to Zingiberaceae family, and is a perennial, with nice inflorescences composed of layers of bracts arranged in spirals. The utilization of keeping-quality solutions seeks to prolong vase-life and to maintain the quality of cut flowers. This research was performed to evaluate the effect of seven pulsing solutions (during 24 hours) on water relations, quality (turgor, browning and curvature) and the longevity of cut red ginger. The experiment followed complete randomized design, in factorial arrangement. The following treatments were studied: 1) distilled water (control), 2) sucrose 2% + 8-hidroxyquinoline citrate 200 ppm, 3) sucrose 2%, 4) sucrose 2% + citric acid, 5) benzyladenine 10 μM, 6) benzyladenine 10 μmol + sucrose 2%, 7) quaternary ammonia 0,5 mL/L. There was no significant (P>0.05) reduction of the relative water content (RWC) of the inflorescence bracts, among solutions, in the first period (7 days) and in the second period (14 days) and, between the two periods for all treatments. Significant differences among RWC of some treatments were recorded after 16 days of vase life. The utilization of benzyladenine, benzyladenine plus sucrose and sucrose plus citric acid, in the pulsing solution, allowed to keep the flowers quality for longer periods than the other treatments.

Indicadores econômicos da produção de flores tropicais no estado do Rio de Janeiro

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo determinar, mediante o cálculo do valor presente líquido (VPL), da taxa interna de retorno (TIR) e do Payback Econômico (PBE), a viabilidade econômica da produção de Alpinia purpurata, Etlingera elatior e Anthurium andraeanum, no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, bem como identificar e verificar, por meio da análise de sensibilidade, a influência de alguns fatores do sistema produtivo sobre a rentabilidade da atividade nas principais regiões produtoras. Os resultados mostram que a produção das espécies tropicais consideradas é uma atividade lucrativa e promissora para os agricultores no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Porém, trata-se de um mercado em construção, cujos itens de maior impacto sobre a rentabilidade e o tempo de retorno do investimento (PBE) são o preço de venda do produto e o percentual de perdas da produção. Assim, a agregação de valor e o planejamento estratégico da produção são importantes medidas mercadológicas para a consolidação deste setor.

Ocorrência de doenças em plantas ornamentais tropicais no Estado de Pernambuco

As condições de cultivo das plantas ornamentais tropicais, relacionadas aos fatores precipitação, umidade, temperatura e densidade de plantio, favorecem a ocorrência de doenças que limitam a produção e reduzem a qualidade das flores. Destacaram-se as doenças causadas por fungos e nematóides, sendo assinaladas a antracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) em Heliconia spp., Etlingera elatior, Tapeinochilos ananassae, causando lesões em folhas e inflorescências; manchas foliares (Bipolaris spp., Cercospora sp., Curvularia lunata, Glomerella cingulata, Guignardia sp. e Deigthoniella torulosa) em Heliconia spp., Calathea burle marx e Musa coccinea; podridão de rizomas e raízes (Rhizoctonia solani e Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense) em E. elatior e Heliconia chartacea cv. Sex Pink. As fitonematoses, causadas por espécies dos gêneros Meloidogyne, Radopholus e Helicotylenchus, constituem um dos principais problemas sanitários em ornamentais tropicais em Pernambuco, ocorrendo comumente em Alpinia purpurata, E. elatior, Zingiber espectabiles, Heliconia spp. e Musa spp. A espécie A. purpurata foi a mais suscetível a M. incognita. Em função dos trabalhos de erradicação pelos produtores, a murcha bacteriana (Ralstonia solanacearum raça 2) foi assinalada com baixa incidência nas áreas de cultivo de flores tropicais.

Fungos e nematóides fitopatogênicos associados ao cultivo de flores tropicais em São Luís - MA

Considerando a importância do cultivo de flores tropicais no contexto nacional e internacional, buscou-se realizar um levantamento da ocorrência de fungos e nematóides associados às mesmas, em áreas de cultivos de flores tropicais em São Luís - MA. Foram realizadas visitas periódicas, em intervalos bimestrais, nos locais onde a principal atividade era o cultivo de flores tropicais, para o monitoramento e coleta de plantas ou partes de plantas das espécies: Heliconia spp., Alpinia purpurata e Etlingera elatior com sintomatologia típica de doenças. Realizou-se, ainda, o teste de patogenicidade dos principais fungos detectados como agentes causais das manchas foliares. Os resultados obtidos confirmaram a existência de fungos associados aos cultivos de flores tropicais em São Luís, com destaque para Curvularia eragrostides (78 %), Pestalotiopsis sp. (68 %) e Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (47 %) como agentes causais de manchas foliares em espécies da família Heliconiaceae, e Curvularia eragrostides (75 %), Pestalotiopsis sp. (37 %) em espécies da família Zingiberaceae. Foram registrados oito gêneros de nematóides, tanto na família Heliconiaceae, quanto na Zingiberaceae, destacando-se o gênero Meloidogyne.

Tropical influence in oriental gardens in Brazil

In the contemporary landscaping, among the gardening styles, the Japanese Garden plays very important rule and influence. The Japanese Garden has originated in China-the cradle of gardening culture; and Korea. Their vegetable elements, architectural features and fauna are characteristic, due to use of stones, water, bridges, stoned lamp, bonsai, carps and bamboo (Prunus serrulata, Camellia japonica, Ophiopogon japonicas) and many others. In Brazil, the Japanese Garden has massive influence, the presence of native elements typically tropical is very noticeable. This influence can be observed both in architecture, vegetation and fauna. Thus, this study aimed to identify and analyze the tropical elements in Japanese Gardens in cities such as São Paulo. Japanese Gardens in Brazil were chosen from the following cities: Sao Paulo State, Garça, Jaboticabal and Ribeirão Preto. It was observed, mostly in the presence of different palms species, plants of the Zingiberales order, Alpinia purpurata and styled architectural elements such as lakes. Some elements were able to apply the philosophy of the Japanese Garden, other not.

Life cycle of Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) on ornamental plants, mostly Arecaceae

The red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst, has been primarily found associated with coconut and musaceous plants in the New World. However, it has also been recorded on several other palms, heliconiaceous and zingiberaceous species. This study was conducted to evaluate the suitability of different botanical families on which R. indica has been collected in the field and of arecaceous plants of the natural vegetation of the neotropics. In total, ten species of Arecaceae as well as Heliconia psittacorum [Heliconiaceae] and Alpinia purpurata [Zingiberacae] were evaluated, using coconut as a control. The study was carried out under controlled conditions (29 +/- A 0.5 A degrees C, 60 +/- A 10 % RH and photoperiod 12 h of light). Raoiella indica was able to complete immature development only on coconut, Adonidia merrillii, Ptychosperma macarthurii, H. psittacorum and A. purpurata. Duration of the immature phase (egg-adult) ranged between 21.5 days on coconut to 34.1 days on A. purpurata. Longevity was at least 50 % greater and oviposition at least 38 % higher on coconut than on other plants. Intrinsic rate of increase (r(m)) was higher on coconut (0.166) and A. merrillii (0.042), but negative on the other two plant species. Raoiella indica could not reach adulthood on any of the other ten arecaceous species considered in the study. The results suggested R. indica to be a threat to A. merrillii in addition to coconut, but not to other evaluated plants. However, complementary studies should be conducted to investigate whether the experimental procedures adopted in this study could not have prevented the mite from a better performance than it could have been under field conditions, especially in relation to Mauritia flexuosa, one of the dominant arecaceous plants in South America.

Larva and pupa of Metaxycera purpurata (Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae, Chalepini)

Larva and pupa of Metaxycera purpurata (Guérin-Méneville, 1844), collected on Cecropia (Cecropiaceae), are described and illustrated. They are the first immature forms described to this genus.

Pharmacological and toxicological evaluation of Alpinia speciosa

Alpinia speciosa Schum or A. nutans is a plant of the Zingiberanceae family, Known popularly as "colony" (colônia) and used as a diuretic and to control hypertensión. We have determinated the concentration of Na+ and K+ found in the alcoholic extract and in the tea concoction. They contained 51.0mEq Na+, and 132 mEq K+ in the extract, and 0,0 mEq of Na+ and 26 mEq K+ in the tea. Phytochemical analysis of the leaves demonstrated the presence of catecquic tanins, phenols and alkaloids, and also some essential oils. When injected intra-peritoneally the hydroalcoholic extract, in range of 100 a 1400 mg/Kg, (or 2500-18000 mg/Kg orally) produced in mice: writhing, psychomorot excitation, hypokinesis and pruritus. The LD50 by ip was 0.760 + or - 0.126 g/Kg and 10.0 + or - 2.5 g/Kg by oral administration for the hydroalcoholic extract. Subacute toxicity made injecting daily for 30 days the LD10 in rats caused an increase in transaminases and lactate dehydrogenase, whereas other parameters such as nlood glucose, urea and creatinine were normal. A histopathological analysis of liver, spleen, gut, lung and heart showed no alterations. The drug also produced a prolongation of the sleeping time. The hydroalcoholic extract induced int he rat and in the dog a dose-dependent fall in blood pressure in doses of 10 to 30 mg/Kg. In isolated atria the extract induced a reduction of the frequnecy and in the inotropic responses. Neither the extract nor the tea had an effect on the diuresis of the rat.

Leaf and root volatiles produced by tissue cultures of Alpinia zerumbet (pers.) Burtt & Smith under the influence of different plant growth regulators

Volatiles produced by plantlets of Alpinia zerumbet were obtained by means of simultaneous distillation-extraction (SDE). The effects of indole-3-acetic acid, kinetin, thidiazuron and 6-benzylaminopurine on leaf and root volatile composition obtained by tissue cultures were investigated. A higher content of b-pinene and a lower content of sabinene were observed in leaf volatile of plantlets cultured in control, IAA and IAA+ TDZ media, as compared with those of donor plants. In vitro conditions were favorable to increase caryophyllene content. Volatile compounds from the root were characterized mainly by camphene, fenchyl-acetate and bornyl acetate; which constitute about 60% of total volatile.

Flavonoid extraction from Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) Burtt et Smith leaves using different techniques and solvents

The current study aims to verify the best method for a rapid and efficient extraction of flavonoids from Alpinia zerumbet. Dried leaves were extracted using distillated water and ethanol 70% by extraction methods of shaking maceration, ultrasonic, microwave and stirring. By the application of TLC and reversed-phase HPLC techniques the rutin and kaempferol-3-O-glucuronide were detected. Ethanol 70% was more efficient for flavonoids extraction than water. No significant yielding variation was verified for ultrasonic, microwave and stirring methods using ethanol 70% (11 to 14%). The relative concentration of rutin and kaempferol-3-O-glucuronide, respectively, was higher by ultrasonic (1.5 and 5.62 mg g-1 dried leaves, respectively) and by microwave (1.0 and 6.64 mg g-1 dried leaves) methods using ethanol. Rapid and simplified extraction proceeding optimize phytochemical work and acquisition of secondary metabolites.

Flavonoids extraction from Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) Burtt et Smith leaves using different procedures

The current study aims to verify the best method for a rapid and efficient extraction of flavonoids from Alpinia zerumbet. Dried leaves were extracted using distillated water and ethanol 70% by extraction methods of shaking maceration, ultrasonic, microwave and stirring. By the application of TLC and reversed-phase HPLC techniques the rutin and kaempferol-3-O-glucuronide were detected. Ethanol 70% was more efficient for flavonoids extraction than water. No significant yielding variation was verified for ultrasonic, microwave and stirring methods using ethanol 70% (11 to 14%). Relative concentration of rutin and kaempferol-3-O-glucuronide, respectively, was higher by ultrasonic (1.5 and 5.62 mg g-1 dried leaves) and by microwave (1.0 and 6.64 mg g-1 dried leaves) methods using 70% ethanol. Rapid and simplified extraction proceeding optimize phytochemical work and acquisition of secondary metabolites.

20 movies of x-ray tomograms of different Alpinia fossils

The fossil floras described by Dieter MAI and Harald WALTHER are invaluable for understanding the past plant diversity in Europe, and provide important information on the occurrence of taxa in the fossil record that is critical for evolutionary studies. Among the taxa they recognized were seeds assigned to the extant genus Alpinia ROXB. (Zingiberaceae, Zingiberales). We reinvestigated 28 specimens that were assigned to Alpinia arnensis (CHANDLER) MAI, Alpinia cf. arnensis, and Alpinia bivascularis MAI from the Ypresian (lower Eocene) of the UK, upper Eocene of Germany, and lower Miocene of Germany using non-destructive synchrotron-based X-ray tomography to reveal internal anatomy. None of the samples studied show an anatomy consistent with extant Alpinia or even Zingiberales. The fossils lack the globose shape, often striate external surface, seed coat structure, operculum, and micropylar collar seen in all Alpinia, and lack the chalazal chamber seen in many Alpinia species. Two specimens from the lower Miocene of Germany showed the structure of fruits of Caricoidea CHANDLER (Cyperaceae) with a single-layered exocarp, thick mesocarp, and sclerified endocarp. The other specimens are recognized as Carpolithes albolutum nom. nov. (incertae sedis) from the Ypresian of the UK, C. phoenixnordensis sp. nov. (incertae sedis) from the upper Eocene of Germany, C. bivascularis comb. nov. (incertae sedis) from the lower Miocene of Germany as well as indeterminate tegmens from the lower Miocene of Germany. This reinvestigation demonstrates that there is, as yet, no confirmed fossil record for the extant genus Alpinia. Furthermore, at least four different taxa are recognized from what had been two extinct species, enhancing our understanding of these important European Cenozoic carpofloras.

Ioannis Morelli ... De febre purpurata, epidemia & pestilenti : quae ab aliquot annis in Burgundiam & omnes ferè Galliae Prouincias misere debacchatur : medica dissertatio ...

Mode of access: Internet.

Comparative study of the antihypertensive effects of hexane, chloroform and methanol fractions of essential oil of Alpinia zerumbet in rats Wistar.

2015

Teor e composição química do óleo essencial de alpínia em razão da adubação e da disponibilidade de água no solo

A influência de diferentes adubos e disponibilidade de água no solo foi avaliada em relação ao teor e à composição química de óleos essenciais em folhas de alpínia. O experimento foi realizado em blocos casualizados, com três repetições, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas. As parcelas corresponderam a dois limites de disponibilidade de água no solo [LDA1 - redução de 75% da capacidade total de retenção de água (CTA) - e LDA2 - redução de 50% da CTA], e as subparcelas, aos adubos: esterco bovino, cama-de-galinha, torta-de-filtro, químico e o controle não-adubado. A disponibilidade de água no solo, assim como a adubação, não influenciou no teor e na composição química de óleos essenciais aos 12 meses após o plantio. Os principais constituintes químicos (teores) dos óleos essenciais em folhas de alpínia foram: α-thujeno (6,11%), α-pineno (2,69%), sabineno (16,69%), β-pineno (4,64%), β-mirceno (1,76%), 1,8-cineol (19,41%) e 1-terpinen-4-ol (14,32%).