Non-Specific Interaction between Ants (Hymenoptera; Formicidae) and Fruits of Syagrus romanzoffiana (Arecaceae) in an Area of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

On the forest floor of a fragment of the Atlantic Forest which is considered to be in a stage of recuperation, located in southeastern Brazil, we recorded 54 species of ants interacting with the fruits of Syagrus romanzoffiana (Arecaceae). Myrmicinae was the subfamily which was the richest in species, followed by Ponerinae, Formicinae, Ecitoninae, Dolichoderinae, Pseudomyrmecinae and Cerapachyinae. The fruits of S. romanzoffiana can be classified according to whether or not they are preyed by the squirrel Sciurus ingrami, and the ant fauna that visits the fruits has an average similarity. Regarding diversity, the data suggest that there is no significant difference between ant assemblages at preyed and non-preyed-upon fruit falls. The results also indicate that there is no specific interaction between the ant fauna that visits the fruits of S. romanzoffiana, as it consists largely of species with omnivorous feeding habits.

A simplified procedure for determination of clofentezine residues in fruits by liquid chromatography with UV detection

A rapid and sensitive method is described for the determination of clofentezine residues in apple, papaya, mango and orange. The procedure is based on the extraction of the sample with a hexane:ethyl acetate mixture (1:1, v/v) and liquid chromatographic analysis using UV detection. Mean recoveries from 4 replicates of fortified fruit samples ranged from 81% to 96%, with coefficients of variation from 8.9% to 12.5%. The detection and quantification limits of the method were of 0.05 and 0.1 mg kg-1, respectively.

The influence of fruit morphology and habitat structure on ant-seed interactions: A study with artificial fruits

Artificial fruits designed to simulate lipid-rich non-myrecochorous diaspores were used to test for the effect of fruit morphology and habitat structure on ant-seed interactions in an Atlantic Forest site in SE Brazil. The outcome of the interaction (i.e., if the fruit was removed, cleaned by ants on the spot or had no interaction with ants) and the time of ant response were the investigated variables. Models simulating drupes and arilate diaspores were used to test for morphological effects and four habitat attributes (litter depth, number of logs, number of trees, and percentage of bromeliad coverage on the forest floor), likely to be correlated with the ant diversity and abundance in the study site, were measured to test for the effect of habitat structure. The proportion of fruits removed or cleaned did not differ between the two morphological models. Sites in which fruits were cleaned had more trees than those in which no interaction occurred. This may be a result of the foraging behavior of arboreal ants that frequently descend to the forest floor to exploit fleshy diaspores. Sites in which model removal occurred had lower litter depth than both those in which models were cleaned and those in which no interaction occurred. A negative correlation was observed between litter depth and ant response time. Accumulation of leaf litter at a given point may have constrained the movements of large ants in general, and ponerine ants (that are important seed removers) in particular. We conclude that that local pattern in litter depth and tree density influence the frequency and outcome of interactions between ants and non-myrmecochorous, fleshy diaspores.

An alternative LC-UV procedure for the determination of prochloraz residues in fruits

An alternative method using liquid chromatography with UV detection for the determination of prochloraz as 2,4,6-trichlorophenol in mango, papaya and orange is described. Ethyl acetate, acetone and dichloromethane were tested for extraction of prochloraz from the fruits. After extraction the residue of prochloraz was derivatized with pyridine hydrochloride. The analysis was carried out using liquid chromatography with UV detection and gas chromatography with electron-capture detection. Average recoveries of prochloraz from spiked fruits (0.1 and 0.2 mg kg-1) ranged from 80% to 94% with relative standard deviations between 5.6% and 12.6% (n=8). Detection and quantification limits were 0.05 and 0.1 mg kg-1, respectively. The LC-UV method was applied to mango and papaya samples submitted to dip treatment with a prochloraz formulation under laboratory conditions. In addition, fruit samples obtained from local markets were analysed. ©2005 Sociedade Brasileira de Química.

Minimally processed guava Fruits (Psidium guaiava L.)

'Paluma' guavas, after internal quality evaluation using magnetic resonance tomography, were used to produce fresh-cut product. Fruits were peeled or not, cut in halves and seed removed, and they were packaged in polystyrene trays covered with PVC film or in a PET container with a lid. These packages were stored for 12 days at 5°C, 10°C and ambient temperature (22.6°C). Tomography evaluation verified that impacts produced internal bruising with loss of cellular integrity and liquefication of the placenta tissues. Compression was more evident on the pericarp and cutting promoted superficial deformation. Storage temperature affected the weight loss, with fruit packaged in the polystyrene tray having a greater weight loss. The peeling did not influence weight loss. Product stored at 5°C and 10°C for 8 days had low microbial growth (<103 UFC.g-1) and no coliforms. Rapid spoilage and a short shelf life (3-4 days) occurred when the product was stored at ambient temperature. Peeling reduced ascorbic acid concentration and total soluble solids. Use of calcium to protect fresh-cut products was not efficient. Calcium absorption capacity of 'Pedro Sato' guava was tested using 45Ca. Fruits treated with 2% CaCl2, with or without the radioisotope, were divided in four layers (epicarp, mesocarp, endocarp and seed) and analyzed for the total and 45Ca calcium. It was observed that the applied calcium remained in superficial layers of45fruits, which was confirmed by autoradiography. Internal layers did not contain 45Ca, indicating that calcium was not distributed into different parts of the fruit.

Attractiveness of citrus pulp and orange albedo extracts to Atta sexdens rubropilosa (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

The present study aimed to compare the attractiveness of industrial citrus pulp with the handmade orange albedo to the workers of Atta sexdens rubropilosa. For this, filter paper fragments were impregnated with organic extracts obtained through chemical extraction and sequential fractioning with hexane and dichloromethane and offered to different field nests. It was verified that the industrial citrus pulp extract is as good as the handmade orange albedo extract. This preference is discussed keeping in mind the chemical, behavioral and nutritional factors.

Physical and chemical characterization of dovyalis fruits

The objective of this work was to establish physical and chemical characterizations of dovyalis hybrid fruits (Dovyalis abyssinica and D. hebecarpa). Samples of 25 fruits were characterized by evaluation of length and width, weight, percentage and number of seeds per fruit, peel percentage, pulp percentage, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), vitamin C and TSS/TA ratio. Dovyalis fruit has good physical quality for market with an average of 75% pulp. Vitamin C content averaged 120.3 mg/100 g of fresh fruit, characterizing dovyalis as a good source of vitamin C. © 2005 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

Carotenoid composition of Brazilian fruits and vegetables

Brazil has a wide diversity of food sources of carotenoids. The updated Brazilian database consists of more than 270 items of fruits, vegetables and their prepared and processed products. The database demonstrates variations due to variety, maturity, production technique, climate and processing. Many of these foods are not found in the US and European databases. Good to rich sources (>20 μg/g) of β-carotene are: acerola, bocaiúva, mango 'Extreme' and tucumã. Sources of both α-carotene and β-carotene are buriti, carrot, Cucurbita moschata 'Menina Brasileira', 'Baianinha' and 'Goianinha', and red palm oil. Commercially produced and uncultivated or semi-cultivated leafy vegetables, C. maxima 'Jerimum Caboclo' and the hybrid Tetsukabuto, cooked broccoli are sources of lutein and β-carotene. The edible Tropaeolum majus flower is especially rich in lutein. Although many fruits have β-cryptoxanthin as principal carotenoid (e.g. caja, nectarine, peach, orange-fleshed papaya, tree tomato), the levels are below 20 μg/g. Good to rich sources of lycopene are guava and guava products, papaya, pitanga and pitanga juice, tomato and tomato products, and watermelon. Sources of zeaxanthin are rare; although the principal carotenoid of piqui, the amount is low, lower than that found in buriti.

Oxidative stability and α-tocopherol retention in soybean oil with lemon seed extract (Citrus limon) under thermoxidation

The synergistic effect of lemon seed extract with tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) in soybean oil subjected to thermoxidation by Rancimat was investigated, and the influence of these antioxidants on α-tocopherol degradation in thermoxidized soybean oil. Control, LSE (2,400 mg/kg Lemon Seed Extract), TBHQ (50 mg/kg), Mixture 1 (LSE + 50 mg/kg TBHQ) and Mixture 2 (LSE + 25 mg/kg TBHQ) were subjected to 180°C for 20 h. Samples were taken at time 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 h intervals and analysed for oxidative stability and α-tocopherol content. LSE and Mixtures 1 and 2 showed the capacity of retarding lipid oxidation when added to soya oil and also contributed to α-tocopherol retention in oil heated at high temperatures. However, Mixtures 1 and 2 added to the oil presented a greater antioxidant power, consequently proving the antioxidants synergistic effect.

Pharmacognostical evaluation of fruits of Solanum lycocarpum A. St.-Hill. (Solanaceae)

This study describes the chemical and physical-chemical profile of plant drug and ethanolic extract obtained from fruits of Solanum lycocarpum A. St.-Hill. (Solanaceae). The physical and chemical analysis involved the granulometry determination, non-compacted apparent density, loss on drying in oven and in infrared scale, pH, ash values and extractive values. The results determined the physical-chemical characteristics of the drug plant. It was also carried out the microbiological control of the plant drug. The preliminary phytochemical screening featured the presence of tannins, flavonoids and saponins in the plant drug and alkaloids and steroids in the ethanolic exctract. The solamargine and solasonine glycoalkaloids were identified through TLC and GC/ MS. The levels of total phenols and tannins were quantified in the extract (8.90% and 6,85% respectively). Such studies contribute to the chemical identification and quality control of S. lycocarpum fruits. © 2010 Phcog.net.

Proximate composition of guariroba (Syagrus oleracea), jerivá (Syagrus romanzoffiana) and macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata) palm fruits

This study aimed to characterize the pulp and kernel of guariroba (Syagrus oleracea), jerivá (Syagrus romanzoffiana) and macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata) palm fruits, through their proximate composition, carotenoids contents and tocopherol composition. The three kernels showed to be composed mainly of lipids and proteins, as the three pulps, of carbohydrate and fiber. In the kernels the levels of lipids ranged from 45.17 to 56.37% and proteins from 15.46 to 28.61%. In the pulps the total fiber content ranged from 20.26 to 26.98%. The pulps also presented a significant amount of ash, which represents a significant mineral content, especially in the guariroba (5.16%). Moreover, the pulp oils showed higher carotenoids and tocopherol contents. The jerivá pulp oil contained carotenoid and tocopherol on average 1219 μg/g and 323.50. mg/kg, respectively. The consumption of the whole fruit, pulp, and kernel supplies important quantities of many necessary nutrients for human diet, including vitamins A and E. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.

Study of antioxidant activity of non-conventional Brazilian fruits

This study aimed to analyze the proximate composition of seeds from some non-conventional Brazilian fruits, as well as to evaluate the antioxidant activity through DPPH • free radical and to quantify the total phenolic compounds. To obtain the extracts, dried and crushed seeds were extracted with ethanol for 30 min, in a ratio of 1:3 (seeds:ethyl alcohol), under continuous agitation, at room temperature. Then, the mixtures were filtered and the supernatants were subjected to rotary evaporator under pressure reduced to 40 °C. The results report that the seeds of non-conventional fruits are remarkable sources of lipids, and the extraction of oil from these seeds could be an alternative for the commercial utilization of waste. They also presented significant percentages of protein and carbohydrates. Ethanol extracts of seeds from non-conventional Brazilian fruits showed relevant antioxidant activity and high amount of phenolic compounds. Therefore Brazilian non-conventional fruits can be used as functional food products or feed. © 2011 Association of Food Scientists & Technologists (India).

Daños causados por cancro cítrico en la producción de naranja dulce 'Valencia'

The citrus canker, caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri, is one of the main citrus diseases and has threatened the world's citriculture. In this study, the damage caused by citrus canker was quantified in a sweet orange culture, cv. Valencia [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb.], grafted over 15 year-old Rangpur lime (C. limonia Osb.), in the municipality of Guatambu, SC, Brazil, in the crop of 2004/05. Evaluations of the number of fruits per plant (NF), fruit yield per plant (P), citrus canker incidence on the fruit (IFR), and incidence (IL) and severity (SV) of citrus canker on 80 leaves per orange tree were performed in the harvest period, applying diagrammatical scales. Plants had large variation in SV (0.16%-1.09%), IL (12.50%-56.25%) and IFR (12.30%-56.09%). Linear regressions were significant between IL x SV, NF x SV, P x IFR, and NF x IFR. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the mean estimated values of IL in different quadrants of the crowns of the orange trees (N, S, L and O). Each 1% increase in IFR reduced 2.16 kg and 21.3 fruits per tree.

Chemical and biochemical characterization of guava and araçá fruits from different regions of Brazil

Guava and araçá, species of the Psidium genus, are important options for Brazilian agribusiness, especially the former species, due to their fruit characteristics, such as appearance, taste and richness in minerals and phenolic compounds. These fruits can be consumed in natura or in several processed forms. The active germplasm bank is an important tool for genetic resource characterization and plant breeding studies. Sixty guava and ten araçá accessions of the Psidium active germplasm, sampled in 44 different Brazilian regions and grown at Embrapa Semiarid, were chemically and biochemically characterized in order to support breeding programs. The accessions were grown in a randomized block design, with two replications and three plants/plot. The sugar, proteins, soluble solids, titratable acidity, calcium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus contents were determined. Large variations were observed in the analyzed compounds, which could be attributed to the diversity of genotypes and also to the environmental conditions, which affect the plant metabolism. The high variability observed in most parameters of the accessions is an important factor for the improvement of these species. Most guava accessions showed higher titratable acidity and soluble solids than those found in commercial cultivars and, in araçá, these levels were even higher, which makes them promising for commercial exploitation. Moreover, fruits of the guava and araçá accessions present good sources of sugars and minerals. Special attention should be given to some guava and araçá accessions from Maranhão and Pernambuco States, respectively, which showed high levels for titratable acidity, soluble solids, SS/TA ratio, total soluble sugars, calcium, magnesium and iron, should be targets of breeding programs for new Psidium cultivars. © ISHS.