Fatty acids and bioactive compounds of the pulps and kernels of Brazilian palm species, guariroba (Syagrus oleraces), jeriva (Syagrus romanzoffiana) and macauba (Acrocomia aculeata)

BACKGROUND: Bioactive compounds are capable of providing health benefits, reducing disease incidence or favoring body functioning. There is a growing search for vegetable oils containing such compounds. This study aimed to characterize the pulp and kernel oils of the Brazilian palm species guariroba (Syagrus oleracea), jeriva (Syagrus romanzoffiana) and macauba (Acrocomia aculeata), aiming at possible uses in several industries.RESULTS: Fatty acid composition, phenolic and carotenoid contents, tocopherol composition were evaluated. The majority of the fatty acids in pulps were oleic and linoleic; macauba pulp contained 526 g kg(-1) of oleic acid. Lauric acid was detected in the kernels of all three species as the major saturated fatty acid, in amounts ranging from 325.8 to 424.3 g kg(-1). The jeriva pulp contained carotenoids and tocopherols on average of 1219 mu g g(-1) and 323.50 mg kg(-1), respectively.CONCLUSION: The pulps contained more unsaturated fatty acids than the kernels, mainly oleic and linoleic. Moreover, the pulps showed higher carotenoid and tocopherol contents. The kernels showed a predominance of saturated fatty acids, especially lauric acid. The fatty acid profiles of the kernels suggest that these oils may be better suited for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries than for use in foods. (C) 2011 Society of Chemical Industry

Palm harvesting affects seed predation of Euterpe edulis, a threatened palm of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Temporary storage of jussara palm seeds: effects of time, temperature and pulp on germination and vigor

As sementes da palmeira juçara (Euterpe edulis Mart.) são recalcitrantes, apresentando baixa longevidade e sensibilidade à desidratação e ao armazenamento em temperaturas baixas. Neste trabalho foram estudadas condições de temperatura mais adequadas ao armazenamento temporário destas sementes com e sem a polpa. Frutos maduros foram colhidos em 24 plantas provenientes da coleção de palmeiras do Instituto Agronômico (IAC) localizada em Ubatuba, estado de São Paulo, e encaminhadas, em embalagem impermeável, à Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas da UNESP, Campus de Botucatu (SP). Metade dos frutos foi despolpada e outra metade foi mantida com polpa, sendo ambas armazenadas em sacos fechados de polietileno (20 µm de espessura) mantidos em temperaturas de 5; 10; 15 e 20-30ºC. Amostras para os testes de qualidade foram retiradas aos 0; 3; 6; 9 e 12 dias após a colheita dos frutos. As sementes armazenadas com polpa foram despolpadas imediatamente antes da instalação dos testes. Foram avaliados o grau de umidade das sementes, porcentagem de germinação, comprimento e matéria seca das plântulas. Os resultados mostraram que há efeito positivo de pós-amadurecimento em sementes de Euterpe edulis. Um período de armazenamento de 9 a 12 dias, após a colheita e antes da semeadura, favoreceu a germinação e o vigor das sementes de juçara. Os efeitos foram maiores para sementes armazenadas sem polpa do que com polpa. Temperaturas na faixa de 5 a 20-30ºC são igualmente adequadas para o armazenamento temporário de sementes sem polpa. No entanto, para sementes com polpa, a temperatura de armazenamento não deve exceder a 20ºC, visto que um decréscimo na germinação e no vigor e um acréscimo no número de botões germinativos apodrecidos e sementes mortas foram observados na temperatura de 20-30ºC.

Effects of microhabitat on palm seed predation in two forest fragments in southeast Brazil

The establishment of plants depends crucially on where seeds are deposited in the environment. Some authors suggest that in forest understory seed predation is lower than in gaps, and higher than at the forest edge. However, most studies have been carried out in large forest patches and very little is known about the effects of microhabitat conditions on seed predation in forest fragments. We evaluated the effects of three microhabitats (gaps, forest edge, and understory) on seed predation of two palm species (Euterpe edulis and Syagrus romanzoffiana) in two semi-deciduous forest fragments (230 and 2100 hat in southeast Brazil. Our objective was to test two hypotheses: (1) Low rodent abundance in small fragments as a result of meso-predator action levels leads to lower seed predation in small fragments. (2) Most mammal species in small fragments are generalists with respect to diet and habitat, so that seed predation is similar in different microhabitats (gaps, forest edge and understory) in the small fragment, but not in the larger one. The study community of small fragments is usually composed of generalist species (in diet and habitat aspects), so we expected the same rate of seed predation among microhabitats (gaps, forest edge and understory) in the tested smaller fragment. The experiment was carried out in the dry season (for E. edulis) and in the wet season (for S. romanzoffiana) in 1999. We conclude that post-dispersal seed predation in forest fragments can be directly connected with mammal communities, reflecting their historical and ecological aspects. (C) 2004 Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

Palm heart harvesting in the Brazilian Atlantic forest: changes in industry structure and the illegal trade

1. Until the late 1960s, Euterpe edulis was the most important edible palm species in the Brazilian markets. Since then, overharvesting of natural stands and the limited scope of plantations have caused the industry to shift to the multistemmed E, oleracea from the Amazon river estuary.2, As a result of the relocation of the industry, the structure of the palm harvesting industry has changed and illegal trade has continued to exploit the remaining natural stands of E, edulis.3, it is suggested that, to avoid the total harvesting of E. edulis and to achieve sustainable management of the palm heart, it will be necessary to diversify the local economy, create incentives for small land owners to improve their management practices, while keeping their competitiveness against the illegal trade, create the incentive of new sources of palm hearts and create a 'green stamping' For management palms.4, Transformation of the illegal structure of the palm heart industry is probably the only solution to avoid the total depletion of the wild stands of E. edulis.

Effect of temperature on seed germination of queen palm Syagrus romanzoffiana (Cham.) glassman (Arecaceae)

The Syagrus romanzoffiana is a specie of the Arecaccae family, native of Brazil, frequently used in landscape architecture. Its propagation is by seeds, however, there is little information in the literature about seed germination of this ornamental palm. The objective of this work was to study the effects of temperatures on seed germination of Syagrus romanzoffliana. The experimental design used was entirely randomized, with six temperatures (20 degrees C, 25 degrees C, 30 degrees C and 35 degrees C, constant and 20-30 degrees C and 25-35 degrees C alternated), photoperiod of 12 hours, and five replications of 20 seeds each. The seeds were placed in plastic boxes with sand, counting daily germination until 43(th) day. The percentage of seed germination (43(th) day) and the speed germination index (SGI) were evaluated. The conclusion was that there was no germination at a constant temperature of 20 degrees C and in the alternated temperature of 20-30 degrees C; the higher germination percentages were verified in the constant temperatures of 30 degrees C and 35 degrees C that didn't differ statistically from the temperature of 25-35 degrees C. The germination was faster at a constant temperature of 30 degrees C.

Effect of foliar and substrate fertilization on lady palm seedling growth and development

Lady palm, [Rhapis excelsa (Thunberg) Henry ex. Rehder] is one of the most cultivated ornamental palms in the world, for use as a vase plant or in shaded landscapes. Because limited information exists on lady palm response to fertilizers, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different types of fertilization and substrates on lady palm seedling growth and development. Three year old lady palms were planted in 8-L pots, filled with a mix of soil, manure, and sand 1:1:1 (v:v:v), placed under a 50% shade, and irrigated with microspray. Treatments were substrate fertilization with 500 g P(2)O(5) and 100 g K(2)O per m(3); fertilization with 1.8 kg of P(2)O(5) (simple superphosphate) per m3; 50 g of nitrogen (N), P(2)O(5), and K(2)O of a granulated fertilizer (10:10:10) per m(3), control (without fertilization), and a foliar fertilization in addition to these treatments using the commercial product Biofert (8:9:9). Treatments were replicated four times in a randomized block design. Each treatment plot consisted of four plants. Data were collected at 140, 170, 200, 230, 260, and 290 days after transplanting (DAT) for plant heights, stem diameter at substrate level, number of leaves, shoots, and canopy, roots fresh and dry matter samples were harvest at 290 days. Foliar fertilization resulted in significantly greater plant height in a 140, 120, 200, and 230 DAT and plant diameter on the 140, 260, and 290 DAT. There was interaction among factors for number of leaves with fertilization based on P(2)O(5) and K(2)O when leaf fertilizer was added that resulted in a greater number of leaves.

Do Terrestrial Tank Bromeliads in Brazil Create Safe Sites for Palm Establishment or Act as Natural Traps for Its Dispersed Seeds ?

This study shows for the first time that terrestrial tank bromeliads from Brazilian restinga can act as natural traps for dispersed palm Euterpe edulis seeds. Such bromeliads, which are shade intolerant, gain benefits by limiting palm recruitment since they hinder canopy formation and, consequently, increase luminosity over its aggregates.

Alternatives Panels from Waste Plastics Reinforced With Fibers of Pupunha Palm for Use in Civil Construction and Furniture Industry

In order to cooperate in minimizing the problems of the current and growing volume of waste, this work aims at the production of panels made from industrial waste -thermoplastic (Polypropylene - PP; Polyethylene - PE and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene - ABS) reinforced with agro-industrial waste - pupunha palm waste (shells and sheaths). The properties of the panels were evaluated: density, thickness swelling, water absorption and moisture content. It was used the ASTM D1037; EN 317; and ANSI A208.1 standards regarding particle boards. The best results in physical tests were treatments 1 (100% waste plastic), 6 (60% plastic waste and 40% waste of pupunha) and 7 (70% waste plastic and 30% waste of pupunha). The best results in the mechanical tests were treatments 3 (30% de residuos plasticos e 70% de residuos da pupunha), 4 (40% de residuos plasticos c 60% de residuos da pupunha) and 5 (50% de residuos plasticos e 50% de residuos da pupunha). For mechanical tests it was concluded that the results of modulus of rupture and of modulus of elasticity the best treatments were those with more fibers. In the tensile tests perpendicular to the surface, it is clear that using more waste plastics leads to the best results. It was concluded that the waste can be used as raw material for the production of alternative materials mainly in civil construction and furniture industries, and it can be employed in urban or rural environment, given the concept of eco-efficient products.

Pejibaye palm (Bactris gasipaes) propagative structures and seedlings morphological study

Palm of Arecoideae subfamily, the pejibaye palm occurs mostly at Tropical America areas, and has achieved outstanding economic importance for heart-of-palm production with traditional farming. This work aimed to describe and record propagation structures and seedlings, throughout the different stages of their germination process, since this species is mainly propagated by seeds. The seeds were set for germination on trays with cotton and sterilized water. Representative samples were taken out from each of the different germination stages. They were photographed and drafted using a clear chamber. The propagation structures and seeds external surface were outlined and photographed. The seeds were longitudinally cut for observation and documentation of the inner morphology. The first germinative event was the growth of an undifferentiated, approximately globular cells mass, which emerged from the micropilar depression. Then, the cells mass acquired a cylinder aspect, with the early shoot and root differentiation taking place. Later, there was evidence of primary root and aerial portion. This shoot was coated by a closed and chlorophylled sheath. A lateral root outgrown at the primary root's base and an adventitious root became visible at the embryonic axis. Three other sheaths evolved at the shoot, unrolling one at a time, allowing, finally, the emergence of the primary leaf which is bifid and has parallel veins, typical of its family. Internally, an haustorial structure was developed and seemed to be related with the digestion of the endosperm, occupying, gradually, all the seed's internal space.

Seed production of species belonging to the palm collection of the FCAV-UNESP, Jaboticabal, state of Sao Paulo, Brazil

The seed production of fully developed specimens belonging to the palm collection of the Experimental Nursery of the FCAV-UNESP was observed. This paper gives information useful for nursery growers: average fruit weight, seed germination, procedures for sowing, time of fruit harvest and possibility of seed storage. At the nursery, the time until the first seedling emerged has varied, according to the species, from one to more than ten months. For better germination, fruits must be collected when completely mature; the fleshy mesocarp must be removed before sowing. Seed storage for a few months has been possible for some species, by removing the fleshy mesocarp, drying the seeds in shade, treating them with a fungicide, packing them in plastic bags and maintaining the seed lots at 20°C. These results agree with reports about some other species and general recommendations of the related literature.