Atividade antibacteriana de sementes de açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.)

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade antibacteriana de um extrato aquoso de sementes de açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), proveniente do Brasil, em isolados clínicos. O extrato revelou atividade antibacteriana em todos os isolados clínicos testados com a exceção de Escherichia coli e de Klebsiella pneumoniae. Os melhores valores de CMIs (concentrações mínimas inibitórias) foram observados para Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina (MRSA) (0,25 mg/mL), Staphylococcus aureus sensível à meticilina (MSSA), Enterococcus faecalis e Streptococcus agalactiae com um valor de 0,5 mg/mL. O extrato testado parece ser uma opção a explorar no combate de bactérias resistentes.

Illustrazione della Portulacca Gilliesii : corredata dell'analisi chimica comparativa colla Portulacca oleracea /

From: Memorie della Accademia delle scienze di Torino. 2, Classe di scienze morali, storiche e filologiche. 1843. 5: 367-386.

Characterisation of three ACC synthase gene family members during post-harvest-induced senescence in broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica)

We investigated the gene expression profiles of different members of the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxilic acid (ACC) synthase (EC 4.4.1.14) gene family in broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) during the post-harvest-induced senescence process. Using RT-PCR, three different cDNAs coding for ACC synthase (BROCACS1, BROCACS2 and BROCACS3) were amplified from floret tissue at the start of the senescence process. The three genes share relatively little homology, but have highly homologous sequences in Arabidopsis thaliana, and could be functionally related to these counterparts. Southern analyses suggest that BROCACS1 and BROCACS3 are present as single copy genes, while there are probably two copies of BROCACS2. All three genes showed different expression patterns: BROCACS1 is likely to be either wound - or mechanical stress-induced showing high transcript levels after harvesting, but no detectable expression afterwards. BROCACS2 shows steady expression throughout senescence, increasing at the latest stages, and BROCACS3 is almost undetectable until the final stages. Our results suggest that BROCACS1 could be required to initiate the senescence process, while BROCACS2 would be the main ACC synthase gene involved throughout the post-harvest-induced senescence. BROCACS3's expression pattern indicates that it is not directly involved in the initial stages of senescence, but in the final remobilization of cellular resources.

Functional studies of lignin biosynthesis genes and putative flowering gene in Miscanthus x giganteus and studies on indolyl glucosinolate biosynthesis and translocation in Brassica oleracea

The first topic area of this thesis involved studies on the accumulation and translocation of glucosinolates (GSs), bioactive secondary plant compounds, in broccoli plants. Changes in GS accumulation and gene expression levels in response to exogeneous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment were analyzed in different tissue types at different developmental stages of broccoli. Greater accumulation of GSs with MeJA treatment was observed in apical leaves of broccoli seedlings and florets of plants at harvest maturity. Increases in indolyl GS in apical leaves of seedlings and florets were coupled with the up-regulation of indolyl GS biosynthesis genes. The accumulation of indolyl GSs appears to be modulated by MeJA treatment in an organ-specific manner for optimal distribution of defense substances in the plant. Metabolic profiling of hydrophilic metabolites using GC-MS demonstrated increased accumulation of various phenolics, ascorbates and amino acids in broccoli tissues after MeJA treatment. Distinct changes in carbohydrate levels observed between different tissues (vegetative leaves and floret tissues) of broccoli plants after treatment suggest that carbon metabolism is differentially modulated by MeJA treatment in different tissue types depending on sink-source relationships. Reduced levels of hexose sugars and tricarboxylic acid intermediates after MeJA treatment may reflect the increased requirement for carbon and energy needed to drive secondary product biosynthesis to accumulate metabolites for defense against insects and other herbivores. Substantial increases of indolyl and aromatic GSs after exogenous treatment with MeJA in stem and petioles of seedlings and the existence of intact indolyl-GS forms in phloem exudates suggest enhanced de novo synthesis in combination with active transport. Indoly GSs share structural similarities with the auxin, IAA, and may interact with components of the auxin transport system for intra- and extra-cellular transport or translocation. Application of the auxin efflux inhibitor, 1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) reduced MeJA-mediated accumulation of indolyl GSs in broccoli florets and seedling tissues. NPA did not inhibit expression of indolyl GS biosynthesis genes shown to be upregulated by MeJA treatment or the accumulation of tryptophan, the amino acid precursor of indolyl GSs. Exogenous application of benzyl GS to Arabidopsis roots induced ectopic expression of the PIN1 protein associated with the auxin transport system similar to treatment with NPA, again suggesting GS interaction with the auxin efflux carrier system. The inhibitory effect of NPA on MeJA-mediated accumulation of GS may be due to competitive binding of NPA to auxin efflux carrier components and that GS transport is mediated by the auxin transport system. The inhibitory effect of NPA on indolyl and aromatic GS accumulation and the bioactivity of exogenous treatment of these GS compounds in PIN1 localization, Arabidopsis root growth, and gravitrophic response suggest that indolyl and aromatic GSs may be antagonistic to IAA transport and biosynthesis. Indolyl and aromatic GSs can also be potentially converted into IAA by hydrolysis. This intrinsic feature of GSs may be the part of a sophisticated regulatory process where the metabolic pathways in the plant shift from active growth to a reversible defense posture in response to biotic or abiotic stress. It seems likely that indolyl and aromatic GSs are important compounds that provide connections between jasmonate and auxin signaling. Further studies are required to reveal the regulatory mechanism for crosstalk between the two hormones. The third part of this research was to investigate effect of selenium fertilization and MeJA treatment on accumulation of GSs in broccoli florets. Increasing dietary intake of the element selenium (Se) has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer. Simultaneous enhancement of both Se and GS concentrations in broccoli floret tissue were conducted through the combined treatment of MeJA with Se fertilization. A low level of Se fertilization (concentration) with MeJA treatment displayed no significant changes in total aliphatic GS concentrations with 90% and 50% increases in indolyl and total GSs concentrations, respectively. This result suggests that Se- and GS-enriched broccoli with improved health-promoting properties can be generated by this combined treatment. The second topic of this thesis was conducted to provide basic information required to improve biomass quality and productivity and develop tools for gene transformation in Miscanthus x giganteus. The perennial rhizomatous grass, Miscanthus x giganteus is an ideal biomass crop due to its rapid vegetative growth and high biomass yield potential. As a naturally occurring sterile hybrid, M. x giganteus must be propagated vegetatively by mechanicalling divided rhizomes or from micropropagated plantlets. The effect of callus type, age and culture methods on regeneration competence was studied to improve regeneration efficiency and shorten the period of tissue culture in M. x giganteus propagation. Seven lignin biosynthesis genes and one putative flowering gene were isolated from M. x giganteus by PCR reactions using maize othologous sequences. Southern hybridization and nuclear DNA content analysis indicated that the genes isolated from M. x giganteus exist in the genome of other Miscanthus species as multiple copies. Analysis of lignin content and histological staining of lignin deposition indicated that higher lignin content is found in mature stem node tissues compared to young leaves and apical stem nodal tissues. Cell wall lignification is associated with increasing tissue maturity in Miscanthus species. RNAi and antisense constructs harboring sequences of these genes were developed to generate Miscanthus transgenic plants with suppressed of lignin biosynthesis and delayed flowering.

The influence of nitrogen fertilization on growth, yield, nitrate and oxalic acid concentration in purslane ( Portulaca oleracea )

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is widely used for culinary purposes throughout Mediterranean region, and the interest in this plant increased due to it being a source of bio-protective compounds, such as fatty acids and antioxidants. However, the use of purslane could be limited by accumulation of high levels of compounds harmful to human health, such as nitrate and oxalic acid. The main objective of present study was to evaluate the influence of nitrogen fertilization on growth and yield parameters and on nitrate and oxalic acid concentrations in leaves and stems. Plants of golden-leafed purslane of sativa subspecies were grown in styro-foam boxes with substrate and fertilized two times per week during four weeks with ammonium-nitrate solution (16.9% NO3--N and 17.6% NH4+-N), for testing of four nitrogen levels (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg N ha-1). Plant growth, yield, nitrate and oxalic acid concentrations were significantly affected by nitrogen application. The best quantity/quality ratio was achieved at fertilization level of 60 kg N ha-1, which gave a yield of 5.1 kg m-2 FW, while nitrate concentration was 48.98 and 43.90 mg g-1 DW in leaf and stem, respectively, and oxalic acid concentration was 1.27 and 0.55 mg g-1 DW, in leaf and stem, respectively: values which are not harmful for consumer health.

Composição proximal e características físico-químicas de novos genótipos de açaí (Euterpe oleracea).

2016

Biochemical assessment of oxidative stress by the use of açai (Euterpe oleracea Martius) gel in physically active individuals.

2016

Avaliação da oxidação de segmentos de ráquilas de açaizeiro (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) sob diferentes condições de cultura in vitro.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência da adição de antioxidantes no meio de cultura e o efeito nos estádios de desenvolvimento de inflorescências de açaizeiro (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), sobre a intensidade de oxidação de explantes cultivados in vitro. As atividades foram realizadas no Laboratório de Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia da Embrapa Amazônia Oriental. Belém (PA). Os segmentos de ráquilas, obtidos de inflorescências de açaizeiro previamente desinfestadas, foram inoculados em tubos de ensaio contendo meio de cultura de MS (Murashige & Skoog. 1962), sólido e líquido, com 3 % de sacarose, suplementado com diferentes antioxidantes. As culturas foram mantidas em sala de crescimento sob ausência total de luz. Aos 15 dias após a inoculação, foram avaliados a intensidade de oxidação e o número de explantes contaminados. Os segmentos de ráquilas obtidos de inflorescências jovens, em meio MS sólido suplementado com os diversos antioxidantes testados, apresentaram menor intensidade de oxidação. Entretanto, os segmentos de ráquilas de inflorescências maduras somente alcançaram menor oxidação quando inoculados cm meio MS solid° suplementado com 0,3 % de carv5o ativado, tanto na presença quanto na ausência de ácido ascórbico. Os demais antioxidantes quando associados ao meio MS líquido não apresentaram um efeito satisfatório no controle da oxidação de segmentos de ráquilas jovens e maduras

Avaliação da oxidação de segmentos de ráquilas de açaizeiro (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) sob diferentes condições de cultura in vitro.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência da adição de antioxidantes no meio de cultura e o efeito nos estádios de desenvolvimento de inflorescências de açaizeiro (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), sobre a intensidade de oxidação de explantes cultivados in vitro. As atividades foram realizadas no Laboratório de Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia da Embrapa Amazônia Oriental. Belém (PA). Os segmentos de ráquilas, obtidos de inflorescências de açaizeiro previamente desinfestadas, foram inoculados em tubos de ensaio contendo meio de cultura de MS (Murashige & Skoog. 1962), sólido e líquido, com 3 % de sacarose, suplementado com diferentes antioxidantes. As culturas foram mantidas em sala de crescimento sob ausência total de luz. Aos 15 dias após a inoculação, foram avaliados a intensidade de oxidação e o número de explantes contaminados. Os segmentos de ráquilas obtidos de inflorescências jovens, em meio MS sólido suplementado com os diversos antioxidantes testados, apresentaram menor intensidade de oxidação. Entretanto, os segmentos de ráquilas de inflorescências maduras somente alcançaram menor oxidação quando inoculados cm meio MS solid° suplementado com 0,3 % de carv5o ativado, tanto na presença quanto na ausência de ácido ascórbico. Os demais antioxidantes quando associados ao meio MS líquido não apresentaram um efeito satisfatório no controle da oxidação de segmentos de ráquilas jovens e maduras

Avaliação fenológica em germoplasma de açaizeiro do tipo branco (euterpe oleracea mart.) em Belém, PA.

O açaí branco é uma variante que ocorre em populações da espécie Euterpe oleracea Mart., sendo fonte de alimentação na Amazônia. Estudos sobre a fenologia desse tipo de açaí são fundamentais para auxiliar seu manejo e trabalhos de melhoramento genético. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a dinâmica dos eventos fenológicos de floração e frutificação em germoplasma de açaizeiro do tipo branco em Belém-PA. Avaliações de três eventos de floração e quatro de frutificação foram feitas mensalmente, em 222 indivíduos, representantes do germoplasma de açaí branco, no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2015. Os dados obtidos de cada evento foram expressos em porcentagens. Os eventos de floração ocorreram o ano todo, com maior intensidade nos meses de novembro e abril. Já os de frutificação foram mais intensos de abril a dezembro. Os eventos de floração e de frutificação ocorrem ao logo do ano no germoplasma de açaizeiro tipo branco, com picos em épocas distintas

Crescimento de açaizeiro (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) com irrigação, no município de Rio Branco-AC.

O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o crescimento de plantas de açaizeiro (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) da Área de Produção de Sementes (APS) de açaí da Embrapa Acre, cultivadas em terra firme, com prática de irrigação.

Comportamento produtivo de açaizeiro (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) cultivado em terra firme com irrigação no município de Rio Branco, Acre.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o comportamento produtivo de açaizeiro (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) da Área de Produção de Sementes (APS) da Embrapa Acre, cultivado em terra firme, com prática de irrigação.

Metabolic fingerprint of açaí (Euterpe oleracea) berry pulp using 1H NMR spectroscopy and chemometric analysis.

Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência de diferentes cultivares e sazonalidade do açaí utilizando a técnica de 1H NMR para criação de perfis de impressão digital associada a métodos quimiométricos, obtidos a partir de frutos geneticamente modificados (cultivada no controle agronômico) e o comércio na cidade de Belém

Somatic embryogenesis from immature and mature zygotic embryosof the ac¸ aí palm (Euterpe oleracea): Induction of embryogenic cultures,morphoanatomy and its morphological characteristics.

2016